Scientists at the University of Birmingham have invented a ‘healthy’ chocolate bar by replacing the fat content with water.

The chocolate bar is made by using almost two thirds of water. It is said to taste identical to regular bars and could pave the way for a new generation of ‘healthy’ foods as well as helping to tackle rising obesity level.

During the trial, students created the ‘water chocolate’ by connecting water particles with cocoa butter crystals. The results showed that the bar had the same taste, smell and feel in a person’s mouth.

Dr Philip Cox, who led the research, said the new findings would benefit healthy eating.

“It is possible that small, stable, air bubbles designed to resemble oil droplets in terms of their size and physical properties could be used to produce a new generation of low fat foods,” he said.

Researchers are also developing a low-fat mayonnaise and porridge which prevents people from feeling hungry by staying in their stomach longer.

They say that their new “super porridge” can last in a person’s stomach for up to six hours because liquid changes into a gel after coming into contact with stomach acid.

The scientists are currently in negotiations with manufacturers to develop their research.