In this article, we will discuss the 16 highest quality chocolate brands in the US. You can skip our detailed discussion of the chocolate industry and see the 5 Highest Quality Chocolate Brands in the US.
The Evolving Chocolate Market: Growth, Trends, and Challenges
Chocolate, a beloved treat enjoyed by people worldwide, has a rich history and a universal appeal that transcends cultures and generations. From indulgent desserts to simple sweet snacks, it continues to be a staple of happiness and celebration. The global chocolate market is experiencing steady growth, with a market size estimated at $119.39 billion in 2023. This market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030.
An estimated 7.5 million metric tons of chocolate is used annually worldwide, or around 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of chocolate per person, according to a report by Dame Cacao. According to IndexBox, the United States is the biggest importer of chocolate, with $955 million in 2023 imports, followed by France with $772.5 million.
The chocolate market is changing due to consumer awareness, fueling an increase in demand for gourmet chocolates. Chocolate that is organic, vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free is becoming more and more popular, according to the National Confectioners Association’s State of Treating Report 2021. Because of their unique flavors, single-origin and bean-to-bar chocolates are becoming increasingly popular. Dark chocolate’s popularity is further fueled by research showing its health benefits, such as increased blood circulation and a high flavonoid content.
In contrast to the overall market’s 18.13% increase, the confectionary industry saw a small 3.74% year-to-date (YTD) increase. Price increases have been caused by rising input costs, especially for cocoa, which has risen in the last 12 months due to crop diseases in West Africa, which accounts for about 80% of global cocoa production, according to Food & Drink Digital. A JP Morgan research claims that chocolate companies are raising prices for consumers to offset the rising cost of cocoa, which hit $10,000 per metric ton in March 2024. Regarding this, Ken Goldman, lead equities research analyst at JP Morgan for U.S. Food Producers and Retailers, said the following:
“In the U.S., Hershey has been very clear that list pricing is still one of the most important arrows in their quiver to offset inflation. Over the next year or two, they will probably pass on more cocoa inflation, and consumers will see higher prices for their chocolate as a result.”
Market Leaders and Economic Challenges in the Confectionery Industry
The confectionery industry is further impacted by the general economic climate, which includes factors like inflation and interest rates. Sectors like confectionery may be impacted by decreased discretionary expenditure brought on by rising costs for necessities like food.
On the other hand, medium-term cocoa prices are anticipated to moderate somewhat and maybe level off at $6,000 per metric ton. This might be the consequence of better weather and more cocoa trees being planted, which could offer some respite.
Players like Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) and The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) have been largely contributing to the Chocolate market. For example, Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) holds the no. 2 global position in chocolate with almost 13% market share. Its chocolate brands include iconic names such as Cadbury, Milka, Toblerone, Hu, Green & Black’s, Daim, Lacta, Marabou, 5 Star, Alpen Gold, Freia, and Côte d’Or. The company’s Q3 2024 results showed strong performance, with net revenues rising by 1.9% to $9.2 billion. Organic net revenue grew by 5.4%, driven by higher net pricing and favorable volume/mix. Adjusted EPS increased by 28.6% to $0.99 (constant currency). Free cash flow for the first nine months reached $2.5 billion. Key drivers of growth included strong performance in Europe (8.1% growth), Asia, Middle East & Africa (5.8%), and North America (3.7%).
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Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay
Our Methodology
Our methodology carefully ranks chocolate brands based on a consensus-driven evaluation, taking into account key factors such as the quality of cocoa beans, ingredient composition, flavor profile, and consumer recommendations. By assessing these metrics, we have established a definitive ranking of the highest-quality chocolate brands in the U.S. For instance, the top-ranked brand earned a perfect score of 1 (16/16 = 1), while the second-place brand received a score of 0.93 (15/16 = 0.93).
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Here is our list of the 16 highest-quality chocolate brands in the US.
16. Kit Kat
Insider Monkey Score: 0.062
Kit Kat, produced by Nestlé, is recognized as one of the highest-quality chocolate brands in the United States. In recent years, Kit Kat has contributed to Nestlé’s overall growth. While the company faced challenges such as inflation and cost pressures, it reported organic growth of 7.2% with pricing contributing to this growth.
Kit Kat has introduced and then discontinued several excellent chocolate products; nevertheless, its Dark Chocolate Block, which has an astounding cocoa content of 76, is still sold in the US market.
15. Scharffen Berger
Insider Monkey Score: 0.12
Scharffen Berger has established itself as one of the highest-quality chocolate brands in the United States, pioneering the American craft chocolate movement since its founding in 1996. Scharffen Berger’s dedication to quality begins with its bean selection process. The company sources the finest cacao beans from small growers worldwide, carefully blending beans from various origins to create complex and exquisite flavor profiles.
Scharffen Berger offers a diverse range of premium chocolate products for consumers and culinary professionals, including chocolate bars with cacao percentages from 41% to 82%, convenient baking chocolate portions, and dark chocolate flats for charcuterie boards. Their flavored varieties feature innovative combinations such as milk chocolate with coconut and coffee, and 70% dark chocolate with cherries, almonds, and salt.
The brand’s quality has been recognized by chefs and bakers, who prefer Scharffen Berger for its consistent performance in culinary applications.
14. Andres’ Confiserie Suisse
Insider Monkey Score: 0.18
Founded in 1955 by André and Elsbeth Bollier, who immigrated from Switzerland, André’s Confiserie Suisse has been a staple in Kansas City for nearly 70 years. The company is now managed by their grandson, René Bollier, who has continued the family tradition of producing high-quality Swiss-style chocolates. The business has evolved over the years, transitioning from a focus on European-style lunches and pastries to prioritizing chocolate production, which now constitutes 65% of its revenue.
André’s chocolates, crafted using three generations of Swiss-trained expertise, embody rich, authentic Swiss flavors. Their standout offerings, like Nussbergerli Sticks and chocolate-covered almonds, reflect a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavors.
13. Raaka Chocolate
Insider Monkey Score: 0.25
Raaka Chocolate is renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality, bean-to-bar chocolate. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the company emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and innovative flavors, making it a standout in the U.S. chocolate industry.
All of Raaka’s products are gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free, and certified organic and kosher. The factory is allergen-free, ensuring no nuts, dairy, or gluten are present in almost all bars. Raaka practices transparent trade by paying significantly above the Fair Trade price for cacao. For instance, in 2022, they paid $5.20 per kg for cacao from the Dominican Republic and $5.00 per kg from Tanzania, compared to the Fair Trade price of $2.71 per kg.
Raaka offers unique, high-quality chocolate bars, including the sugar-free 100% Cacao Dark Chocolate, the naturally sweet Strawberry & Coconut 80% Dark Chocolate, and the Bourbon Cask Aged bar with maple sugar for a distinct flavor.
12. Chocolove
Insider Monkey Score: 0.31
Chocolove is renowned for producing premium European-style chocolate in the United States, with its headquarters located in Boulder, Colorado. The company produces 26 different chocolate bars, each with distinct flavors and cocoa content clearly stated on the packaging, which was a pioneering move in the U.S. market. Chocolove products are widely available through major retail chains and online platforms, making them easily accessible to consumers across the United States. Recent expansions have included availability at Target stores, further increasing their market reach.
11. Vosges Haut-Chocolate
Insider Monkey Score: 0.37
Founded in 1998 by Katrina Markoff in Chicago, Illinois, Vosges Haut-Chocolat pioneered the concept of exotic chocolate by fusing spices, herbs, nuts, and flavors from around the world with premium chocolate. Vosges prioritizes non-GMO, traceable cacao for ethical sourcing and quality. As a certified WBE and DBE, the company delivers sustainable luxury in its signature purple boxes. Limited edition offerings, such as the Nordic Forest Chalet Chocolate Calendar of Advent, showcase the brand’s creativity and attention to detail.
10. Cadbury
Insider Monkey Score: 0.43
Cadbury, a brand under Mondelez International, is recognized as one of the highest-quality chocolate brands in the United States. Founded in 1824 in Birmingham, England, Cadbury has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality chocolate products. The brand is particularly known for its Dairy Milk chocolate bar, which has become iconic globally. As of 2023, Cadbury’s brand value is estimated at $3.83 billion, reflecting a remarkable growth of 47.6% from the previous year.
Cadbury emphasizes the use of quality ingredients in its products. The brand’s commitment to high standards is evident in its sourcing practices, where it aims to use sustainably sourced cocoa. The company’s famous slogan, “There’s a Glass and a Half in Everyone,” highlights its dedication to rich and creamy chocolate experiences.
9. John Kelly
Insider Monkey Score: 0.5
John Kelly Chocolates, founded in 2004 by John Kelson and Kelly Green, has established itself as one of the premier chocolate brands in the United States. The founders emphasize using all-natural ingredients, including fair trade chocolate, which is non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free, catering to a health-conscious consumer base.
The brand’s flagship product, truffle fudge, is described as having a silky ganache-like center coated in chocolate. This innovative twist on traditional fudge has garnered attention for its unique texture and flavor profile. In addition to truffle fudge, John Kelly offers a diverse range of products including walnut caramel clusters, molded chocolates, salted caramels, and chocolate-dipped fruits.
8. Theo
Insider Monkey Score: 0.56
Theo Chocolate’s dedication to ethical sourcing is a cornerstone of its brand identity. The company ensures that all ingredients are sourced from farmers who receive fair wages and work under sustainable conditions. Theo Chocolate employs a bean-to-bar production method, which means they control the entire process from sourcing cocoa beans to creating the final product.
While Theo Chocolate enjoys moderate brand awareness—26% among U.S. chocolate eaters—its loyal customer base remains strong; about 75% of those who use Theo products express intent to repurchase. The company has raised approximately $14.94 million over eight funding rounds, with its latest round occurring in April 2024 where it secured $8.63 million.
7. Russell Stover
Insider Monkey Score: 0.62
Russell Stover Chocolates, founded in 1923, is a prominent American manufacturer of chocolates and confections. The company sources high-quality ingredients to create its chocolates. This includes premium cocoa, fresh cream, and natural flavorings. Notably, Russell Stover has adapted to consumer preferences by offering sugar-free options made with stevia, reflecting a commitment to health-conscious choices without compromising taste.
Russell Stover provides a diverse range of products, including assorted chocolate boxes, seasonal holiday treats, and sugar-free options like chocolate-covered peanuts and mint patties, catering to various preferences.
6. Dove
Insider Monkey Score: 0.68
Dove was founded in 1939 by Leo Stefanos in Chicago, initially as a candy and ice cream shop. The brand gained national recognition after being acquired by Mars, incorporated in 1986, which allowed for wider distribution and marketing efforts.
Dove chocolates are crafted with high-quality cacao sourced from sustainable farms, emphasizing premium ingredients to achieve their signature silky smooth texture, reflected in their tagline: “Silky Smooth.” The brand is committed to ethical sourcing, partnering with organizations like CARE to empower women in cocoa-growing communities, and supporting sustainable development and fair labor practices.
