Top 15 Must-Try American Chocolate Bars
In the world of gourmet chocolate, American craft chocolatiers are carving out an impressive niche with their unique take on bean-to-bar creations. These American chocolate bars, far from your average confectionery, are a testament to the art of chocolate making. From the sourcing of ethically grown cacao beans to the careful crafting of each bar, these gourmet chocolates embody a dedication to quality and flavor that sets them apart. In this blog, we dive into the rich tapestry of American chocolate, showcasing the chocolate artisans who are redefining what it means to indulge in a piece of chocolate.
Amano Dos Rios 70%
Step into a unique chocolate experience with Amano Dos Rios 70%. Crafted from the finest cocoa in the Dominican Republic, this bar features distinctive notes of bergamot, orange, and lavender. Each bite showcases Amano's expert fermentation methods and artisanal touch. Embrace the unexpected and let the flavors of Amano's Dominican Discovery elevate your chocolate journey.
Dick Taylor Belize Toledo 72%
Discover the exotic flavors of Dick Taylor Belize Toledo 72%. This single-origin bar, made with beans from Belize, offers a unique taste experience with its sweet, fruity notes reminiscent of dried apricots and figs, complemented by a hint of hibiscus. Belizean cacao is a rare find in the world of fine chocolate, making this bar a truly special treat. Indulge in Dick Taylor's exceptional craftsmanship, which beautifully highlights these unique beans. Pair it with a late harvest Zinfandel for an exquisite tasting experience. Experience the taste of Belize with Dick Taylor's chocolate bar.
French Broad Costa Rica 80%
Savor the deep connection to cacao's origins with French Broad Costa Rica 80%. This robust bar, rich with 80% cacao, captures the essence of its roots in the jungles of Costa Rica. Its creators, Dan and Jael, have a personal history with these lands, adding a unique depth to its story. With an earthy aroma and a flavor that evolves from chocolate wafer to tart raspberry, this chocolate is more than just a treat; it's a journey. Dive into its rich backstory and experience the fruits of Daniel South's dedication to cultivating quality cacao. Taste the distinct flavors of Costa Rica with French Broad.
Fruition Tumaco Colombia Dark 85%
Fruition Tumaco Colombia Dark 85%, a chocolate bar with rich notes of brownie, butterscotch, and blackberry. Sourced from the Tumaco region in Colombia, an area overcoming political and social challenges, this chocolate is part of a transformative journey. Cacao de Colombia's initiatives have empowered local farmers, boosting their income and offering sustainable alternatives to coca production. By choosing this bar, you enjoy not only its deep flavor but also contribute to meaningful change in Tumaco.
Goodnow Farms Yasica Especial
The Goodnow Farms Yasica Especial is a rare gem, crafted from a single sack of ancient Nicaragua Criollo beans grown by farmer Giff Laube. This bar, a labor of love taking nearly a decade, showcases the revival of ancient Criollo through dedicated grafting in a remote Nicaraguan jungle. The resulting chocolate, with its unique light brown color from white beans, offers a symphony of flavors including strawberry, cream, honey, and cashew. It's a glimpse into the tastes savored by ancient Latin American civilizations. This extremely limited release, priced at $35, is a testament to the passion and effort invested in its creation.
Jcoco Crisp Quinoa Sesame Milk Chocolate 47%
Jcoco's Crisp Quinoa Sesame Milk Chocolate 47% is a delightful twist on classic chocolate crisp. Blending rich 47% Peruvian milk chocolate with puffed quinoa and toasted sesame, this bar offers a unique savory edge. The quinoa, puffed under low heat and glazed in blue agave, pairs seamlessly with the nutty sesame seeds, creating an innovative milk chocolate experience. Sourced from the Rupa-Rupa region in the Upper Amazon of Peru, where beans are meticulously fermented and dried, this bar is a must-try for those seeking an unconventional chocolate adventure.
K+M Yuzu 70%
K+M Yuzu 70% offers a fusion of Japanese and Ecuadorian flavors. The bar combines the tart, citrusy notes of Japanese yuzu peel, ground into cocoa butter, with rich, dark chocolate. This creation, featuring Arriba Nacional cacao from Ecuador’s Hacienda Victoria Estate, is meticulously roasted, ground, and molded by hand in Napa Valley, California. It delivers a refreshingly citrusy and slightly floral taste, perfect for those seeking a unique and sophisticated chocolate experience.
LetterPress Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador 70%
LetterPress Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador 70% is a distinctive chocolate originating from the less-known cacao-producing region of Esmeraldas in Ecuador. Managed by the Salazar family, this single estate farm, cultivating Nacional hybrid cacao, is a testament to sustainable growth and innovation. The farm's expansion includes rare Esmeraldas cacao varieties, contributing to the preservation of unique cacao genetics. With its state-of-the-art fermentation and drying facility, this chocolate boasts consistency and purity. Despite its dark appearance for a 70% bar, it offers a surprisingly mild flavor profile with nutty and floral notes, inviting you to savor a piece of Ecuador's hidden cacao treasures.
Manoa Mai'a Banana & Nibs 70%
The Manoa Mai'a Banana & Nibs 70% bar is more than just chocolate; it's a celebration of Hawaiian heritage. This new creation features vibrant artwork by Shar Tuiasoa and Polynesian-inspired mold designs, making it a feast for the eyes. It honors the banana or 'Mai'a', a vital crop brought by Polynesian settlers, integral to Hawaiian culture and history. This bar isn't just a treat for the taste buds; it's an immersive experience into the flavors, art, and traditions of Hawaii, making each bite a journey through time and taste.
Markham & Fitz Ooh La Lavender 64%
Markham & Fitz's Ooh La Lavender 64% is an enchanting blend of floral and sweet flavors. This dark chocolate bar, infused with Patagonia honey and soothing lavender, is designed to bring a sense of peace and indulgence. As a Good Food Award Winner, it exemplifies quality and innovation in chocolate-making. Sourced from OKO Caribe in the Dominican Republic, this 64% dark chocolate bar, with its hints of lavender and honey, is perfect for mindful enjoyment. Delight in each bite and let the serene flavors transport you to a state of chocolate bliss.
Potomac Upala 85%
Potomac Upala 85% is a pure, extra dark chocolate that embodies the rich flavors of Costa Rica. Crafted from cacao meticulously grown by smallholder farmers and processed by Nahua Cocoa in Upala, this chocolate is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. With its deep, earthy profile accentuated by notes of coffee and nuts, it offers an indulgent experience for dark chocolate enthusiasts. Each bite of this 85% dark chocolate delivers a robust, satisfying taste, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a strong, nuanced chocolate experience.
Raaka Pink Sea Salt 71%
Raaka's Pink Sea Salt 71% is a sophisticated twist on salted dark chocolate. Sourced from Zorzal Cacao, a farm within a Dominican Republic bird sanctuary, this bar combines single-origin cacao with a sprinkle of Peruvian pink salt from Salt of The Earth Co. Described as having a "deep, dark, mysterious flavor with hints of cherry" by New York Magazine, it's an experience in every bite. The bar's earthy and cherry tasting notes create a complex and memorable flavor profile, perfect for those who seek a unique and luxurious chocolate experience.
Ranger Espresso 74% Large
Ranger's Espresso 74% chocolate bar brings together the rich worlds of chocolate and espresso, offering a warm and inviting taste experience. In collaboration with Portland's finest coffee roasters, and specifically working with the Classic Espresso Blend of Trailhead Coffee Roasters, the bar showcases a delightful harmony between robust coffee and chocolate. It features a unique 50/50 blend of Tumaco beans from Colombia and new selections from near the Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone. With cream and caramel tasting notes, this bar is perfect for those who appreciate the elegant blend of fine coffee and rich chocolate.
Ritual Honeycomb Toffee 75%
Ritual's Honeycomb Toffee 75% chocolate bar is a tribute to Utah, the Beehive State. This bar features a delicate, airy toffee, made with locally sourced raw wildflower honey from Hollow Tree Honey, scattered atop fine Belize dark chocolate. The bar captures the essence of Utah with its use of honey from hives along the Wasatch range. The combination of honeycomb, dried fruit, and roasty dark chocolate flavors makes this bar a delightful homage to its home state, perfect for those who appreciate the intricate blend of local ingredients and rich chocolate.
Taza Organic Wicked Dark 95%
Taza Organic Wicked Dark 95% is a chocolate experience for those who love intensity. This 95% dark chocolate bar is stone ground, offering a perfectly unrefined texture. With only 2 grams of sugar per serving, it's a barely-sweet treat that lets the natural, bright fruity flavors of the cacao shine through. Ideal for those following a paleo, vegan, or organic lifestyle, it's free from dairy, soy, and gluten. If you're looking for a bold chocolate statement, Taza Organic Wicked Dark 95% is your bar.
Our tour of America's finest chocolate bars showcases the remarkable talent of U.S. chocolatiers. These bars represent a blend of quality and creativity.
Visit our US Chocolate Makers page for a curated selection of exceptional American chocolate bars. This collection is a testament to the diverse craftsmanship found across the country, offering a unique taste of American chocolate-making expertise.
