These are some of the best chocolate brands to try, in my humble opinion.
As a sweets lover, chocolate is high on the list of my favorite snacks. I like it in pretty much any shape, form, or flavor they come in. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or my favorite, milk chocolate. If it has nuts or coffee flavors, even better.
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I’ve had chocolate from pretty much everywhere in the world, so I consider myself to be a true chocolate aficionado.
Which are my favorite brands? It’s really hard to pinpoint just one particular one because they all have some great variations.
I love a simple, inexpensive Coffee Crisp bar, as well as fancy gourmet chocolates. They are all great and can be enjoyed at any time, anywhere in the world.
Let’s take a look at some of the best chocolate brands to try if you haven’t done so already.
Russell Stover
Known for making sugar-free chocolates, Russell Stover was founded in 1923. Although their recipe has remained the same since the beginning, in the last few years they introduced a few new variations. Now you can try their orange, coconut, maple nut, or raspberry flavors. A great brand to consider if you have dietary restrictions such as diabetes.
Whittaker’s
Founded in 1896 in New Zealand, Whittaker’s is a family-run business. Its main focus is and has been for four generations, on palm oil-free chocolate. They produce their chocolates with premium roasted cocoa beans, and the results speak for themselves.
Dove
American brand Dove is owned by Mars. They bring you a variety of chocolates, milk, ice cream, and candies. Their chocolate is rich and creamy, tasting like chocolate milk. One of the best affordable brands in the world.
Ritter Sport
Ritter Sport was founded in Waldenbuch, Germany, in 1912. Family run by Clara and Alfred Ritter, they offer great chocolate bars that contain 16 small squares. Each flavor of the square bars has its own color wrapper, and the bars can easily fit into your pocket. Amazing chocolate for a very affordable price.
Guylian
Belgian chocolate brand Guylian was created in the 1960s by Guy Foubert. Better known for their hazelnut seashell praline, their chocolate is delicious and melts in your mouth. All their other offerings are just as creamy and delectable. If you get a box it will be hard to have only a few pieces at once.
Mars/M&M
One of the best chocolate brands in the world, Mars is also one of the most affordable. Kids also love the colorful M’&Ms, that are filled with chocolate, peanuts, or peanut butter. The brand also produces candy, mints, and chewing gum. But the chocolates are their most popular offerings. And there are many flavors available.
Kinder
Founded in Frankfurt, Germany, the brand was actually built in Alba, Italy in 1968 by Michele Ferrero. It is a great kids’ chocolate that is shaped in the form of a hollow egg with a surprise tucked inside. The chocolate is of high-quality ingredients, and the toy can be enjoyed long after they finish eating the chocolate. They also offer a few other variations, such as those mini bars that are filled with hazelnut cream.
Toblerone
Swiss brand Toblerone has been around for more than a century. Although their chocolate has remained similar through the years, it is still very popular today. Designed in the shape of their famous mountain range Matthehorn, their almond nougat, and honey confectionery is known throughout the world. It used to be a popular treat around the holidays while I was growing up.
Nestle
This Swiss conglomerate was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestle. While they first concentrated on chocolate, today this large food corporation expanded to bottled water, confectionery snacks, cereals, and other products. Great quality yet affordable makes them still one of the best chocolate brands in the world today. Their chocolate chips for cookies are also amongst the best-selling options available.
Milka
Founded in Switzerland in 1901, this German brand is based in Lorrach. They produce an astounding amount of chocolate each year. The quality is great yet their products are affordable. It is probably the most popular brand in Europe. Besides chocolate, they also manufacture cookies and chocolate-covered biscuits.
Ghirardelli
Specializing in gourmet chocolates, Ghirardelli is a US-based brand that is a division of Lindt. They’ve been around since 1852 and they’re one of the longest leading chocolate manufacturers in the US. Besides chocolates, they also produce baking mixes and hot chocolate that are super popular around the holidays.
Cadbury
If you’ve never tried the Cadbury chocolate eggs around Easter, you really don’t know what you’re missing. They’re filled with a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth. Now they’re available pretty much all year long, but until a few years ago you had to stock up on them at Easter time. All their other chocolates are just as delicious as their eggs, but they are by far my favorite.
Godiva
If you’re a fan of high-end chocolates, the “G” collection is something out of this world. This Belgian brand started in 1926, and they have made a name for themselves by selling high-end chocolates at a fairly affordable price. Their premium ingredients and the gold-wrapped packaging say luxury in a box. Try them, you won’t be disappointed.
Ferrero Rocher
One of the best-selling chocolates in the world, they are a popular gift around the holidays. There’s no right time for a Ferrero rocher, they are always welcome. The thin wafer shell is made from milk chocolate with chopped hazelnuts, and the center is made out of a whole hazelnut. Yummy any time of the year, this Italian brand is simply scrumptious.
Hershey’s
The Hershey bar is one of the best, most affordable chocolate bars in the US. Made from simple ingredients, their chocolate is unassuming, but it tastes really great. They offer a variety of flavors and their experimental products took off. Another great-selling product made by Hershey is Reese’s cups, made from chocolate milk and peanut butter. I love all their flavors and variations, and I’m pretty sure I’ve tried them all.
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
One of the most expensive chocolates in the world, this Chicago chocolate shop is owned by chef Katrina Markoff. She loves to experiment with different flavors and comes up with some unusual combinations at times. When in the Windy City, it is worth a detour to see what novelty chocolates she concocted as of late. If you’re not going to visit and experience it firsthand, just order them on Amazon!
Amedei
Italian brand Amedei is well known for its amazing dark chocolate. Arguably, it is the most expensive dark chocolate bar in the world, but I can’t verify that information. They source their cocoa straight from Venezuelan cocoa plantations, so it is possible. Extra smooth textures and indulgent flavors are what you should expect from the brand. They also offer a few flavors to experiment with.
Richart
A French chocolate-making brand, Richart is a family-run company. They started off by making gourmet chocolates and macarons back in 1925. If you want to try some great quality artisanal chocolates, they have won France’s Ruban Bleu seven times. I would say they know a thing or two about chocolate. Although it may be a bit hard to get them in North America, a definite must-try when in Europe.
Teuscher
Based in Zurich, Swiss brand Teuscher delivers a chocolate experience that you will savor and appreciate. Named the best chocolate in the world by National Geographic, they make the best marzipan and champagne truffles in the world. Their other specialties involve various nuts and fruit combinations. This brand is also a bit hard to find in North America, but still worth a mention.
Lindt & Sprungli
Probably the most popular chocolate brand in the world, it isn’t the most expensive though.
Swiss brand Lindt & Sprungli originated in Zurich in 1845, which makes them one of the longest chocolatiers in the world. They never strayed from using the best ingredients, that is why they are still so popular today. Known for their famous truffles, they are now available in over 20 delicious flavors.
Concluding Words
These are among some of the best chocolate brands to try. They are among my favorite chocolate brands in the world.
There are a lot more than I haven’t mentioned, and it is not because they are not great. I just find these to be better known and a bit easier to find.
After all, I haven’t tried a bar of chocolate I haven’t liked yet.
If you’re a chocolate lover like myself, have you tried them all? If so, which ones are your favorites?
Let me know in the comments, I’m always open to your opinions.
J’ajouterais les chocolats Garoto. Brésiliens, bon marché et délicieux.
Il y en a sous forme de barre (noir, blanc, au lait, amer, etc.) ou de bombons au chocolat, vendus en boîtes assortiment: croquants, moelleux, fourrés aux fruits, au nougat, etc. Certains sont aussi offerts séparément, parmi lesquels mes préférés Sonho de valsa, Ouro branco et Serenata de amor. On peut les trouver chez Amazon et à la Librairie Espagnole, boulevard Saint-Laurent.