Is Dove Chocolate and Dove Soap the Same Company

If there are two things I enjoy, it’s good chocolate and a nice-smelling bar of soap. And while I consider myself an Irish Spring kind of gal, I will admit that Dove soap has an impressive softness and a lovely scent that I can appreciate. And when it comes to Dove chocolate? It’s hard to beat.

But as I strolled through the aisles of Target the other day, I started thinking – “Is Dove chocolate and Dove soap the same company?” They share the same name, so it wouldn’t be uncommon to believe that they’re one and the same.

The truth is, the same company does not own Dove soap and Dove chocolate. Dove chocolate is owned by Mars, while Unilever owns Dove soap. 

If you’re a curious cat like me, keep reading as we discover Dove chocolate and Dove soap.

Is Dove Chocolate and Dove Soap the Same Company?

Although Dove chocolate and Dove soap have the same name, they are not owned by the same company. This can be confusing, considering the fact that there is no differentiation between the two words. What’s the deal?

Mars owns Dove chocolate. This company is responsible for creating chocolates (and ice cream), which isn’t surprising, as Dove chocolate is one of the most notoriously-loved chocolate treats.

Dove soap, on the other hand, is owned by Unilever. Unilever designs and produces beauty products, including soap. 

How Can Dove Chocolate and Dove Soap Have the Same Name?

You’re probably screaming “trademark” in your head if you’re anything like me. After all, I thought it was a significant no-no to steal another product’s name. And that’s essentially true, but these two Dove products found a caveat.

The rule isn’t that two products can’t have the same name. Rather, two products are allowed to have the same name as long as they are assigned to separate categories. That way, the two products can be distinguished and easily identified.

So, since Dove chocolate is a food item and Dove soap is a beauty product, it is 100% legal for both products to hold the name.

Did Dove Soap or Dove Chocolate Come First?

Honestly, I don’t think it really matters which one came first. The two companies were likely to name their products Dove regardless of whether or not there was another product with the same name.

Even so, plenty of people ask this common question. So, I decided to do some snooping to find out which company actually came first. Here’s what I found.

• Dove soap was established in 1957
• Dove chocolate was established in 1939

Looking at these dates, it’s clear that Dove chocolate came before Dove soap. 

Story About Dove Soap

The first Dove beauty bar (soap bar) came to the United States in 1957, created by chemist Vincent Lamberti. Today, the Dove soap bar (and other products from Unilever) are manufactured in 25+ companies and sold in 150+ countries.

Like other Unilever beauty products (lotion, hair care, deodorants), the Dove soap is known for its great scents and gentleness on the body. They’re mainly produced using a blend of synthetic surfactants, oils, and animal fat salts. 

Story About Dove Chocolate

Dove has a lengthy history that roots back to 1939 when Leo Stefanos initially created it as Dove Candies & Ice Cream. It started as an ice cream business that became rapidly popular in the United States. In 1960, it traveled to the United Kingdom under the name Galaxy. Mars acquired the company in 1986.

Dove has been sensationally popular since its humble beginnings. Whether you munch on a creamy, silky milk chocolate bar or try out the candies, cakes, or ice creams, you know you’re in for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

There you have it: although they share the same product name, Dove soap and Dove chocolate are not owned by the same company. Pretty fascinating, wouldn’t you say? Here are a few more questions you might be asking yourself.

Is Dove chocolate Galaxy?

You won’t find Galaxy in the United States, but other countries like the United Kingdom and the Middle East will. Yes, Dove chocolate is the same as Galaxy. The only distinction is the name, as they are manufactured in a different locations. You still get the same great flavor.

Who owns Dove Ice Cream?

Mars owns Dove ice cream. Remember – Dove originated as Dove Candies & Ice Cream. Mars acquired the business in 1986, but they still produce the same great, delicious, and high-quality products – including ice cream.

Is Dove chocolate a good brand?

Ask almost anyone, and they will agree that Dove is a no-nonsense chocolate bar that offers silky smooth and delightfully chocolatey candy bars. They’re also designed to be ideally shared, with easy-release squares to share with a friend. Yum!

Final Words

Dove chocolate and Dove soap are not the same company. The chocolate is owned by Mars, which produces chocolates and ice cream. The soap is owned by Unilever, a major beauty product distributor. 

Do you love Dove products?

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.