Ranking the Absolute Top Chocolate Bars in 2023
Chocolate remains an enduring symbol of luxury, comfort, and indulgence. Over the years, the chocolate industry has witnessed a change not just in terms of flavors, but also in the artistry and craftsmanship behind every bar. As 2023 unfolds, chocolate enthusiasts and casual consumers alike are in for a treat, with chocolatiers around the world pushing boundaries and redefining the very essence of this beloved treat.
But with so many options available, how does one sift through the crowd to identify the truly exceptional from the good? As we embark on a journey to rank the absolute top chocolate bars of the year, it's essential to appreciate the metrics of our judgment and the nuances that make each bar noteworthy. Whether you're looking for your next guilty pleasure, a gift for someone special, or simply curious about the best in the chocolate world, this guide promises to be a delectable exploration of cacao at its finest.
Top Chocolate Bars
Criteria for Ranking
Determining the top tier requires more than just a taste test. It demands a deep dive into various facets of production, sourcing, presentation, and consumer reception. The following are the criteria we've considered in ranking the absolute top chocolate bars of 2023:
Cacao Quality: The soul of any chocolate bar is its cacao. We assess the source and quality of cacao beans used. Bars made from fine or flavor-grade cacao beans, which are sustainably sourced and meticulously fermented and dried, stand out in the crowd. The terroir of the beans—much like wine grapes—also plays a crucial role, as beans from different regions imbue distinct flavor profiles.
Production Methods: Tradition meets technology. Whether it's the age-old techniques of stone grinding or the modern methods ensuring uniform tempering, the way a chocolate bar is produced can significantly affect its texture, flavor, and overall quality. We give preference to those brands which harness the best of both worlds, respecting tradition while embracing innovation.
Additional Ingredients: It's more than just cacao and sugar. A top chocolate bar often incorporates other ingredients, whether they're nuts, fruits, spices, or flavorings. The purity, quality, and harmony of these additives with the cacao are vital. Bars that utilize natural and organic ingredients, without excessive sweeteners or artificial preservatives, truly shine.
Packaging and Presentation: First impressions matter. Before one even tastes the chocolate, the packaging sets the stage. A top chocolate bar often comes in environmentally-friendly packaging that preserves its quality while reflecting its premium nature. The design, information provided (like cacao origin and percentage), and overall presentation are all indicative of the care put into the product.
The Absolute Top Chocolate Bars
Akesson's Madagascar Criollo 75%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
It's not just the 75% rich cacao content but the rare Criollo beans sourced from the esteemed Ambolikapiky Plantation. Combined with Madagascar's signature tart-fruitiness and the meticulous crafting from limited batch harvesting, Akesson's stands as a testament to unparalleled chocolatier craftsmanship.
Ritual Honeycomb Toffee 75%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
It's the union of Belize dark chocolate and the airy toffee made from locally-sourced wildflower honey, representing the heart of Utah. Partnering with Hollow Tree Honey, Ritual ensures meticulous sourcing from the Wasatch range, making this bar a true homage to home.
OmNom Cookies + Cream
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
Beyond the creamy white chocolate that dances with notes of vanilla and grass, it's the unique juxtaposition of two mildly bitter chocolate cookies infused with their 70% Tanzania dark chocolate. But the experience doesn't stop at taste - the packaging, adorned with a playful panda design, invites intrigue, while the cookie texture within promises a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the white chocolate.
Amano Madagascar 70%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
It's the intricate dance of history and geography. Amano's offering is crafted from beans that trace their lineage to criollo cacao trees from Venezuela, transported to Madagascar at the century's dawn. While its mild chocolate character is a nod to its Venezuelan ancestors, the unmistakable hints of citrus are a testament to Madagascar's unique soil and climate. This marriage of origin and environment culminates in a bar that's not just chocolate but a historical and sensory journey.
Cacao Sampaka Roses and Strawberries White Chocolate
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
It's the captivating blend of creamy white chocolate, punctuated by the crunch of dried strawberries and the delicate touch of rose petals. Every bite evokes memories of childhood, akin to fruity cereals swimming in milk. The rose, subtle yet distinct, wafts through as an aromatic embrace, seamlessly complementing the bright berry notes and the backdrop of velvety white chocolate.
Mirzam Dark Chocolate with Orange & Cinnamon 62%
What makes it a top chocolate bar? It's the vibrant journey of flavors, where the zesty intensity of orange meets the warmth of cinnamon. Crafted with organic orange extract and freshly ground Spice Route cinnamon, every bite transports you to sun-kissed orchards. Beyond its rich taste, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly bar is a testament to Mirzam's commitment to pure, natural ingredients and authentic spice-infused experiences.
Blanxart Nicaragua Eco-Organic 85%
What makes it a top chocolate bar? Blanxart's creation effortlessly melds the robust richness of 85% cocoa with an unexpected smoothness. Crafted with a blend of Criollo and Trinitario cocoa from Nicaragua, this organic dark chocolate bar serves as the perfect initiation for those venturing into the world of high-percentage chocolates for the first time.
Pump Street Grenada Crayfish Bay Estate 70%
What makes it a top chocolate bar? The distinctiveness of Pump Street's meticulous crafting, spotlighting the unparalleled Crayfish Bay single-estate beans. This unique bar, unparalleled in its exclusivity, brings forth a vivid tapestry of flavors, marrying the richness of blackberries with ethereal floral undertones. Truly, a chocolate bar that stands alone in its category.
Cacaosuyo Piura Select 70%
What makes it a top chocolate bar? It's the unyielding commitment to preserving the vivacity of the Porcelana cacao's natural flavors. Originating from the illustrious Piura region, this chocolate beckons with its zesty, tart undertones reminiscent of sweet tarts, only to evolve into a rich, nutty finale with woodsy nuances. This bar is a masterful celebration of one of the world's rarest cacaos.
OmNom Tanzania 70%
What makes it a top chocolate bar? It's the harmonious journey through the lush landscapes of Tanzania, captured in a single-origin masterpiece. Dominated by the luscious tones of stone fruits and roasted hazelnuts, the bar subtly weaves in the sweet allure of raisins and the gentle warmth of ripe apricots, ensuring a multi-layered taste experience with every bite.
Marou Ba Ria 76%
What makes it a top chocolate bar? It's the unmistakable aroma and flavor profile, birthed from the beans of the Ba Ria province hills. Marou presents a chocolate that is not only intense in its cacao strength but also unparalleled in its high fruity notes, making it a standout even among their remarkable range of chocolates.
The world of chocolate, as highlighted in 2023, is a vast tapestry of flavors, origins, and artistry. Each chocolate bar we showcased has a unique narrative, drawing from rich histories, exquisite terrains, and the passion of their creators. From the deep fruity notes of Marou Ba Ria 76% to the playful juxtapositions in OmNom's Cookies + Cream, it's evident that the journey of discovering top-tier chocolates is as much about taste as it is about story and craftsmanship.
For those embarking on their own chocolate adventures, whether seeking a personal indulgence or the perfect gift, the bars showcased here offer a gateway to the very best the world has to offer. Here's to a year filled with sweet discoveries and delectable explorations!
