Who makes the best chocolates in the world?

In any search for the best chocolate in the world, we must start in France. What makes France so important? As in so many matters relating to gastronomy, the French government strictly legislates the production of chocolate. Regulations prohibit the use of any vegetable or animal fat in French chocolate: Only pure cocoa butter is authorized. In addition, French chocolates must contain at least 43 percent cocoa liquor, and a minimum of 26 percent pure cocoa butter. Most French chocolates now contain well above the government’s minimum of cocoa liquor. The best bonbons in French chocolate boast up to 80 percent of dark rich cocoa liquor. And, since it is the cocoa liquor that gives chocolate it’s rich taste, it is not surprising that French chocolates remain the best in the world. 

The flavor and nuances of chocolate will also depend on the quality and origin of the cocoa beans used to make it. The best chocolates beans come from: Venezuela, Brazil, the Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Central America and the Caribbean. Robert Linxe, owner of Paris’ Maison du Chocolat, considers the “Ariba” bean from Central America as the finest of all cocoa beans due to its pronounced character and intense flavor. Other widely used beans are: “Guanaja”, “Manjari”, “Pur Caraibe” or “Guayaquil” on their chocolate bars. 

Editorial Note: While these great delectable taste great they are also very expensive running 2-3 dollars for each ‘single bonbon’ shown below. On the other hand Chocolate Bars using the same high quality cocoa liquor run a fraction of the cost. Chocolate bars from such makers as Valhrona and Michel Cluizel are ideal ways to get acquainted with some of the best tasting chocolates in the world. See also What are the Best Chocolate Bars in the World.

HERE IS OUR SELECTION OF THE BEST CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD