The 8 best places to buy chocolates, according to a professional chocolatier

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There’s no doubt that good chocolate brings joy, conveys love, heals heartache, and forges connections. I’m lucky enough to say that my career revolves around chocolate. I trained at the Culinary Institute of America, pursued further training at the Chocolate Academy, Chicago, and currently work at EHChocolatier, a small-batch artisanal chocolate producer in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

To find the best chocolates, I researched countless high-quality brands with stellar reputations in the chocolate industry. Based on consumer reviews and professional writings, I narrowed the list of brands to test to 13 different producers. I sampled more than 30 chocolate products from the 13 top contenders, testing for appearance, flavor, and texture of the chocolate. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches products.

These are the best chocolates money can buy, delivered right to your door (or the lucky recipient’s). It doesn’t get better than these. Trust me, I’m a chocolatier.

Here are the best chocolates in 2023

Best for gifting: Vosges Haut-Chocolat
From the stunning packaging to glamorous garnishes to the lingering flavor of luscious chocolate, Vosges Haut-Chocolat makes the perfect gift for anyone and any occasion.

Best truffles and ganaches: Bon Bon Bon
Bon Bon Bon’s truffles are a treasure trove of fun, inventive flavors; each two-bite bonbon is meticulously and playfully decorated, and wrapped in its own individual box.

Best for caramel lovers: Fran’s Chocolates
The caramels from Fran’s Chocolates possess everything a caramel lover seeks in the perfect bite: pull, chew, and just a touch of salt.

Best for nut lovers: See’s Candies
From classics to creative morsels, See’s Candies knows how to honor the perfect pairing of nuts and chocolate.

Best bean-to-bar: Dandelion Chocolate Factory
Dandelion Chocolate Factory is the premium vintner of the chocolate world, offering the dynamic chocolate bars with helpful notes to guide you through your tasting experience.

Best vegan: EHChocolatier
EHChocolatier is not afraid to use flavor, so you won’t miss the dairy in its selection of vegan chocolates. 

Best hot chocolate: Christopher Elbow Chocolates
Christopher Elbow’s Drinking Chocolate is grown-up, yet still approachable; the cool older sister to your childhood hot cocoa.

Best subscription: Chocolate of the Month Club
The Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club from monthlyclubs.com offers delicious, diverse chocolates with a conscience.