Best Of The Best Chocolates In 2023: Top 4 High-Quality Brands Most Loved By Experts

While chocolate may not scientifically have mystical powers, many would argue that the decadent treat is enough to transport them into a happier place within mere seconds. Sweet, rich, and even with a touch of caffeine – it’s hard to disagree that it’s one of the best foods in the world. And of course, chocolates make a great gift for any loved one, particularly on romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day. But with a multi-billion-dollar global market and thousands of brands to choose from, which names are the best in the chocolate game?

As a food primarily viewed as a treat, we are often made to categorize chocolate as a “bad” food, but it turns out chocolate actually carries exciting health benefits when eaten in moderation. Recent research indicates that eating chocolate at least once a week can improve blood vessel health, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Another study found that consuming cocoa on a daily basis boosted attention, memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. 

Among the less expected findings even include chocolate as an unlikely ally in the fight against diabetes, with researchers finding that some compounds in chocolate may actually help the body release more insulin and respond to blood sugar better. Other observational studies conclude that chocolate could potentially qualify as a “superfood,” suggesting that it can reduce stress and inflammation while boosting mood, memory and immunity.

“A review published in Frontiers in Nutrition analyzed the evidence to date that flavanols (found in dark chocolate and cocoa, among other foods) may benefit human brain function. Flavanols are a form of flavonoids, plant-based substances that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,” Harvard Health Publishing writes.

Brain power, heart health, and a mood booster, what are you waiting for? To seek out the best chocolates currently on the market, we visited 10 of the leading expert websites to see which chocolate makers were rated the highest. Our list is ranked based on the most-recommended chocolates across these sites. If you have your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

The List: Best Chocolate, According To The Experts

1. Hu Kitchen

You don’t have to be a vegan to go absolutely crazy for this health-conscious line of chocolate bars. 

“Hu has a large variety of vegan chocolate bar options, so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but we can’t get enough of this almond butter & puffed quinoa variety, one of their most popular flavors. In addition to being vegan, organic, and gluten-free, the bar contains no emulsifiers, refined sugar, or sugar alcohols,” The Spruce Eats writes.

Fans of Hu Kitchen love the brand for its unique variety, use of high-quality chocolate and interesting textures, as well as its use of fair-trade ingredients.

“If you’re newly committed to a healthy diet but secretly worried about missing out on treats like chocolate, don’t fret. This 70% cacao vegan chocolate bar with French sea salt is a savory twist on the classic, minus unhealthy additives. Let the ingredients list speak for itself: organic cacao, unrefined organic coconut sugar, organic fair-trade cocoa butter, and sea salt,” Prevention writes. 

2. Godiva

Godiva is a global chocolate empire for a reason, and that’s because it’s delicious and reliable.

“A box of Godiva truffles is hard to beat, but for the milk chocolate fanatics out there, you can’t go wrong with a solid bar of smooth, rich Godiva milk chocolate. In addition to just eating it straight from the bar, it’s delicious for making sauces, fillings, and icings,” The Spruce Eats writes.

The iconic brand is well-loved for its decadent flavors, cooking compatibility, and endless variations.

“Unlike other chocolate brands that taste unauthentic, we think Godiva’s chocolate is the perfect amount of sweet and creamy. The brand uses premium ingredients, so you will never worry about its chocolates tasting fake, only rich and satisfying chocolates and truffles without the added preservatives,” Tasting Table writes.

3. Theo

Theo’s fair-trade certified chocolate is a chocolate-lover’s dream due to its many unique flavors and high cacao percentages.

“Theo is a company that strives to ‘contribute toward a more compassionate and enduring world,’ and they do this by maintaining ‘full transparency, stable pricing, and third-party verification.’ Not only is this company honest in its processes, but it’s honest in its ingredients as well,” Eat This Not That writes. 

The chocolate is made from sustainable and organic chocolate, contains no filler ingredients, and is made from non-GMO ingredients, what’s not to love?

“Bitter dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweetness of fruit, especially with orange’s bright citrus flavor. Theo sources its fair-trade beans from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru. Plus, this bar is entirely vegan,” Prevention writes. 

4. Lindt 

Lindt is pretty much a household name for anyone who loves chocolate. From their truffles to their high-quality excellence bars, it’s hard to go wrong.

“Taking the gold in our ranking of 20 chocolate brands is Lindt Chocolate. The brand has been perfecting chocolate for over 170 years. According to Lindt, behind every Lindt chocolate creation is a passionate and skilled master chocolatier. These chocolatiers come from around the world and help to keep Lindt’s products innovative and exciting,” Tasting Table writes.

Chocolate aficionados love Lindt for their affordable price-point, full-bodied chocolate bars and balanced taste.

“Lindt is known for their craveable classic truffles, but with this Lindt Creation Dessert Collection, they’ve given us seven new reasons to love them. Their 40-piece set features Lindt’s classic chocolate reimagined as all your favorite traditional desserts, including creme brulee, chocolate fondant, meringue, caramel eclair, tiramisu, millefeuille, and brownie. Ideal for a lover of any and all chocolate desserts,” Food and Wine writes.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.