Chocolate, a timeless indulgent, has evolved significantly in both flavor and production. As we step into 2024, the industry's innovations promise exciting experiences for both avid enthusiasts and casual fans. The challenge, however, lies in selecting the vast choices to find truly standouts.
Our mission is to distinguish the year's best chocolate bars, focusing on the quality and creativity that set them apart. Whether you're seeking indulgence, a thoughtful gift, or just eager to discover new chocolates, our guide aims to highlight the top chocolate bars in 2024.
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 2024:
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 Brazil Forastero 75%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
Akesson's Brazil Forastero 75% stands out as a top chocolate bar due to its unique origin and flavor profile. The exceptional Forastero cacao, from the historic Fazenda Sempre Firme plantation, offers a warm aroma perfectly balanced with the tartness of the native pitanga fruit. This blend of flavors, rooted in one of the world's most biodiverse forests, captures the essence of Brazilian terroir, making it a distinct and memorable chocolate experience.
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.
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.
Dick Taylor Vanilla Milk Chocolate 55%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
Dick Taylor Vanilla Milk Chocolate 55% earns its place among the top chocolate bars of 2024 through its exceptional ingredients. Starting with high-quality Brazilian cacao and combining it with old-fashioned organic A2/A2 whole milk, this bar offers a creamy, rich texture that's further supported by the addition of Madagascan vanilla beans. The result is a milk chocolate that balances creaminess with the deep, aromatic flavors of vanilla, showcasing the process and passion behind its creation.
Shop Chocolate Bar
Raaka Maple & Nibs 75%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
Raaka Maple & Nibs 75% is distinguished as a top chocolate bar by its innovative use of maple sugar, offering a sweet, brownie-like taste that's both rich and smooth. The contrast between the creamy interior and the crispy, crunchy toasted nibs on the outside adds a delightful texture. This bar not only caters to those seeking alternatives to traditional sweeteners but also stands out for its unique flavor profile and commitment to quality, making it a standout choice for chocolate aficionados.
Manoa Goat Milk 69%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
Manoa Goat Milk 69% is a top chocolate bar through its distinctive flavor profile that expertly combines the intensity of dark chocolate with the creamy richness of goat milk chocolate, reminiscent flavor of cheesecake. Its unique composition, blending just 20% sugar with 11% goat milk powder, strikes a balance between boldness and creaminess. This innovative approach to combining the depth of dark chocolate with the subtle richness of goat milk sets it apart, offering a gourmet experience that's both bold and indulgently smooth.
Amano Dos Rios 70%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
Amano Dos Rios 70% claims its spot as a top chocolate bar through its captivating blend of flavors that transport the senses to a realm far beyond the ordinary. Originating from the Dominican Republic's fertile cocoa groves, this chocolate is a celebration of unique fermentation techniques and artisanal mastery. The enchanting dance of bergamot, orange, and lavender flavors in each bite showcases Amano's dedication to crafting an unparalleled chocolate experience. This bar is not just chocolate. it's a journey into a magical world of taste, making it an exceptional discovery for chocolate enthusiasts.
OmNom Dark Nibs + Raspberries 58%
What makes it a top chocolate bar?
In 2024, our top chocolate bars are rich with diverse flavors, each bar offering a distinct taste. Our selection, including the earthy Akesson's Brazil Forastero 75%, the creamy Manoa Goat Milk 69%, and the captivating Amano Dos Rios 70%, represents the different ranges in chocolate artistry. These chocolates are more than treats, they are stories of tradition, innovation, and dedication from the finest makers in the world. Whether for personal indulgence or a thoughtful gift, these bars invite you to explore the best in chocolate. Embrace a year of unparalleled chocolate experiences!
