When it comes to good chocolate, high-quality ingredients matter and true chocolate lovers know the difference in taste. From ethically sourced cocoa to real ingredients and minimal additives, excellent chocolate stands out in both flavor and texture. “Pastry chefs like myself will often opt for couverture chocolate when given the choice,” says Trina DeKett, Pastry Chef for 12+ years and Operations and Creative Specialist @ BaKIT Box “Couverture chocolate contains a high percentage of cocoa butter – at least 31%,” she explains. “The more cocoa butter, the easier the melting process, the smoother the texture, and you can use couverture for anything from chocolate showpieces to ganache’s, to extremely good brownies!” Whether you’re indulging in your favorite bar or gifting a luxurious box of truffles, choosing brands that prioritize premium ingredients makes every bite better. Here are the top seven chocolate brands known for using the highest quality ingredients, according to Chef Trina.
Callebeaut
Callebaut
Belgian chocolate has become recognized as a global leader for the best. Callebaut is a Belgian chocolate brand, and one you will see in many high-quality patisseries and bakeries in the states. “Their brand is considered to be very affordable while maintaining a high-quality product,” says Chef Trina. “You will also find that their chocolate quality is extremely consistent – something that is very necessary in pastry to produce the best and most consistent end product.” She adds, “This brand is also carried in most pastry schools across the U.S. as well.”
Valrhona
Valrhona
Valrhona is a sustainable chocolate company that uses 100% traced-fair trade cocoa and is a brand extremely popular brand among pastry chefs. “Not only is the quality extremely high, but they offer chocolate flavors that people don’t often have access to,” says Chef Trina. “They source their cocoa beans ethically, and have an excellent reputation from chefs all over the world.” She explains, “Their chocolate is amazing because of their dedicated attention to detail during the chocolate making process. Every step is carefully done to ensure the highest quality product.”
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Pacari
Pacari-Experience
Made from cacao from Ecuador, Pacari is a highly awarded chocolate brand, and known for its unique flavors. Additionally, “They also offer vegan chocolate that still maintains a high-quality finish and flavor, making it a coveted product,” says Chef Trina. “Available on Amazon, this makes Pacari an easy choice for someone wanting high quality chocolate within hours to days.”
Guittard
Walmart
Guittard started in San Francisco and has been around for over 150 years. “They are Fair Trade USA certified, and Rainforest Alliance certified, making them a fan favorite for ethical sourcing,” says Chef Trina. “One thing that makes Guittard extra special is that their bittersweet baking bars are produced in a tree nut, gluten, and peanut free facility – making it a safe chocolate for people with allergies to consume.”
Cacao Barry
Walmart
Known for its variety of flavors, single-origin chocolates, carefully selected beans and sustainable practices, Cacao Barry chocolate is a French brand that “focuses heavily within the confectionary industry,” says Chef Trina. “This chocolate is amazing for chocolate bars, candies, and truffles,” she explains. “Their products are ideal for French pastry and more complex flavor profiles.”
Kakao Berlin
ProGourmet Foods/Instagram
Kakao Berlin is a GMO-free chocolate crafted from the finest ingredients in Germany and is now available in the U.S. According to Chef Trina, “They offer a Rainforest Alliance Certified chocolate, which has boosted credibility and safe consumption.” She explains, “You’ll find that people often infuse drinks, and alcohol with their chocolate as they offer excellent flavor profiles that pairs well with almost anything.”
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Svenska Kakao
World Wide Chocolate
Svenska Kakao has only been around since 2013, but has become an innovator for artisanal chocolate (bean to bar chocolate) in Sweden. “This brand is loved for their ethically sourced cocoa beans, and sustainability practices,” says Chef Trina. “Their bean-to-bar production stands out because they control the entire chocolate making process – which improves the quality of each product they produce.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
