Hobbits, Elves and Hershey Bars

[Ithaeliel]

I am not sure if this topic is relevant enough for the books, but it requires a bit of research, so I am posting it here for now. Earlier this evening, I was talking with a friend and fellow fantasy addict. We were discussing what all Middle-earthians had that we did not and vice versa. At some point my friend said to me, "They may have elves and hobbits, but they don't have chocolate." We debated this for some time, myself supporting the view that there was chocolate in Middle-earth, though I had serious unspoken doubts. I foolishly told my friend that I would get valid proof that Iluvatar made chocolate (the life support of most people on this planet!) or she would be able to mock me until I proved her wrong on something else.

Thus I ask you for aid: was there ever a hint that chocolate existed in Ea, or did those poor, unfortunate souls believe ale was the sweetest thing there was?