Celebrate National Milk Chocolate Day

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - Chocoholics everywhere can come together and share their love of chocolate for a day without feeling the guilt of indulging their sweet tooth. Today is National Milk Chocolate Day.

Call it an excuse, but people around the country can raid their chocolate stash for that Hershey Kiss or chocolate bar and celebrate without worry; however, just make sure that it’s milk chocolate and not dark.

If you are still looking to count those calories, the website candyusa.com says that 1.4 ounces of milk chocolate contains 210 calories—a low enough amount to have for a snack perhaps.

According to the website candyfavorites.com , milk chocolate was introduced in 1875 by Daniel Peter of Switzerland who created the confectionary delight that is celebrated on July 28.

It’s no wonder that milk chocolate gets a day to honor its existence because 92 percent of Americans prefer milk chocolate over dark ; although, dark chocolate is gaining in popularity due to its health benefits.

Americans produce the most chocolate in the world, however, the Swiss consume the most.

And if you’re looking for some free giveaways in honor of this national celebration, try visiting some of your neighborhood candy stores.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Winter Park, Fla., will give away 100 free milk chocolate bars to the first 100 guests in the store.

Milk chocolate lovers, and just plain chocolate lovers, can also visit websites such as chocoholic.com to buy a fellow aficionado a special chocolate gift. And don't delay, because  chocolate prices may be going up in the near future the New York Times reported.