The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Scientists create ‘chameleon rainbow’ chocolate

Coloured chocolate
The rainbow chocolate employs the same surface imprint structure as chameleons. Giulia Marthaler Zuerich

Swiss scientists have discovered how to make chocolate bars shimmer like rainbows when reflected in light, by imprinting a special structure on the surface of the confectionery. 

The shimmering effect has been perfected without the use of artificial additives by researchers at Zurich’s Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland.

Changing the surface structure of the chocolate with a “surface imprint” makes it shimmer with what scientists call “structural colour”.

“The process is similar to a chameleon, whose skin surface modulates and disperses light to display specific colours,” according to a ETHZ press releaseExternal link.

The project was initially driven by “sheer curiosity” as two scientists converted coffee room chat into a practical experiment. They started out with the edible coatings of gold and titanium oxide but switched to changing the surface structure of the chocolate after deciding that their original idea would not make commercial sense.

Having hit upon the perfect solution, the scientists are in discussions with major chocolate producers to scale up their invention on an industrial scale and plan to establish a spin-​off company soon.

More

More

The shape of chocolate to come

This content was published on New consumers have different tastes while established markets are riddled with health concerns and a fad for individualised products, according to a report from management consultants KPMG. “Many companies are battling to stay on top of a rapidly shifting marketplace,” the report reads. “The requirement to offer local, highly tailored and increasingly diverse products represents…

Read more: The shape of chocolate to come



Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

New 3D simulations for better avalanche forecasting

More

New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting

This content was published on A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.

Read more: New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting
Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist organisation indicted

More

Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland

This content was published on The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has brought charges against a Kosovar on suspicion of being the leader of the Swiss branch of a Kosovar terrorist organisation. He is also suspected of having been active in the management of the organisation in Kosovo.

Read more: Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland
Lenk Glacier Lake drained without complications

More

Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage

This content was published on The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.

Read more: Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
Swiss managers distance themselves from the USA

More

Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States

This content was published on According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.

Read more: Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
A live scarecrow competition to thrill Denens (VD)

More

Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss

This content was published on The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.

Read more: Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR