Bad News for British Chocolate Lovers

A legal battle between US chocolate manufacturer Hershey's and Let's Buy British Imports (LBB), a New Jersey company that sells specialty products from Britain, South Africa and Australia, has halted imports of all Cadbury's chocolate made overseas, as well as other U.K. brands that Hershey objected to, because they are too similar to their American counterparts.

In addition to Cadbury, popular chocolates from the United Kingdom like Toffee Crisp, Yorkie and Maltesers will be affected, reports CNN. Hershey's claims Toffee Crisp's orange packaging with yellow script is too similar to Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, and Yorkie chocolate bars infringe on the York peppermint patties.

The decision to stop importing some of Britain's most popular chocolates has angered businesses and fans, many of whom prefer the British chocolates for their fudgier, creamier texture. According to The New York Times, British chocolates have a higher fat content. For example, British Dairy Milk Cadbury bars have milk listed as the first ingredient, while American Cadbury's bars have sugar as the first ingredient.

The Daily Mail reports that the difference in taste between American and British chocolates is due in part to food industry rules. In America, only 10 percent of the product needs to be pure cocoa solids to be considered chocolate, while British standards require 20 percent. In addition, American companies source their cocoa beans from South America, while the British favor beans from West Africa.

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