What's so special about American chocolatiers?

Oh, you're in for a treat! American chocolatiers bring creativity to the table, and they love experimenting with flavors. Plus, many of them source high-quality ingredients locally. It's this mix of tradition and innovation that makes them stand out.

How do I find the best American-made chocolates?

It's like a delicious treasure hunt! Start by visiting local chocolate shops in cities known for food innovation, like San Francisco or New York. Don't forget to check out online chocolate reviews and foodie forums. Sometimes the best chocolates are from small, lesser-known brands!

Are there any must-try American chocolatiers?

Absolutely! You definitely can't miss chocolatiers like Jacques Torres in New York or Vosges Chocolate in Chicago. They're renowned for their innovative flavors and beautiful chocolate creations. They might even make you redefine what you thought chocolate could be!

Is there a difference between European and American chocolates?

Totally! European chocolates often focus on traditional methods and high cocoa content, while American chocolatiers are super innovative and willing to mix unusual flavors. Both are delicious, but it really depends on what you're in the mood for!

Why should I try small American chocolate brands?

Small chocolate brands often have that personal touch! They're passionate, quality-focused, and sometimes the owners are involved from bean to bar. Trying their chocolates is not just about tasting a treat; it's like enjoying someone's personal masterpiece!

7 Best American Chocolatiers ...

Sure, Hershey’s Kisses are known across the country and around the world, but you’re more of a choco-connoisseur, always searching out the best American chocolatiers to tempt your taste-buds and please your palate. You’re in luck, too, because every time I travel somewhere new, while everyone else is looking for a souvenir tee shirt, I’m scouting for another hidden gem, another addition to my own ongoing list of the absolutely best American chocolatiers. How many of my favorites are on your list? Let’s find out!

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1. Beijo De Chocolat in Chicago, IL

Beijo De Chocolat in Chicago, IL As if Chicago wasn’t cool enough already, this, inarguably one of the best American chocolatiers, resides there on Foster between Kimball and Kedzie. They’re best known for their award-winning Brigadeiros, a sort of Brazilian bonbon. Beijo’s Bridal chocolates are also amazing, winning a dozen medals in last summer’s International Chocolate Salon, including the gold for Best Dark Chocolate, Top Artisan Chocolatier, and Best in Salon.

2. Ghirardelli in San Francisco, CA

Ghirardelli in San Francisco, CA Though it’s no longer technically an American chocolatier – they’ve been owned by Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli since 1998 – they originated in California in 1852, so as far as I’m concerned, they’re American. And they needed to be on this list anyway, for the sheer deliciousness of their chocolates, and how easy they are to find. Most grocery stores carry them, the little individually-wrapped squares with a variety of fillings.

Frequently asked questions

: Oh, you're in for a treat! American chocolatiers bring creativity to the table, and they love experimenting with flavors. Plus, many of them source high-quality ingredients locally. It's this mix of tradition and innovation that makes them stand out.
: It's like a delicious treasure hunt! Start by visiting local chocolate shops in cities known for food innovation, like San Francisco or New York. Don't forget to check out online chocolate reviews and foodie forums. Sometimes the best chocolates are from small, lesser-known brands!
: Absolutely! You definitely can't miss chocolatiers like Jacques Torres in New York or Vosges Chocolate in Chicago. They're renowned for their innovative flavors and beautiful chocolate creations. They might even make you redefine what you thought chocolate could be!
: Totally! European chocolates often focus on traditional methods and high cocoa content, while American chocolatiers are super innovative and willing to mix unusual flavors. Both are delicious, but it really depends on what you're in the mood for!
: Small chocolate brands often have that personal touch! They're passionate, quality-focused, and sometimes the owners are involved from bean to bar. Trying their chocolates is not just about tasting a treat; it's like enjoying someone's personal masterpiece!

3. Delysia Chocolatier in Austin, TX

Delysia Chocolatier in Austin, TX Texas is more known for cowboy boots and country music, but Austin is home to another delightful chocolatier, woman-owned and operated Delysia. Like Beijo, they’re most known for their bridal and special-occasion chocolates. They’re also famous for their Jalapeno Tequila truffle (sounds like pure Texas to me!). My favorite is their salted caramel truffle. Yum!

4. The Sweet Tooth in Marine City, MI

The Sweet Tooth in Marine City, MI This place is tiny, tucked away in a quaint downtown along the shore of Lake Huron. The Sweet Tooth doesn’t distribute outside the area (yet), but if you’re ever in Michigan, they’re well worth a visit. They specialize in a variety of handmade truffles, chocolate clusters, and barks – my favorite is the Peanut Butter Cayenne truffle, and any of the berry truffles – they’re all so luxe!

5. Chuao Chocolatier in San Diego, CA

Chuao Chocolatier in San Diego, CA Founded in 2002 by Venezuelan born brothers Michael and Richard Antonorsi, Chuao Chocolatier (pronounced “chew-WOW”) is best known for their incredibly unique fusion chocolates – like their potato chip bar, their spicy maya bar, and their maple bacon bar – but they have so many peculiar and delicious goodies, like their velvety rich drinking chocolate and their chunky honeycomb bark.

6. Fera Wyn's Artisan Chocolates in Vallejo, CA

Fera Wyn's Artisan Chocolates in Vallejo, CA I love their iced coffee nibs! They also offer seasonal truffles and chocolates, available based on what’s in season in California. They’ve won awards for their Limoncello, too, so if you’re fond of something with a little bite, this might be for you!

7. Moonstruck Chocolate Company in Portland, or

Moonstruck Chocolate Company in Portland, or If you’re looking for Easter basket goodies that are almost too cute to eat (almost), you’ve got to check out Moonstruck’s bunnies! Like all of their chocolates and other treats, each one is hand-crafted and carefully decorated – and incredibly rich and delicious! Last summer, they celebrated their 20 year anniversary by winning a gold medal at the International Chocolate Salon for “Outstanding Salon Selection.”

Chip-chip-hooray for chocolate! With so many fabulously fantastic chocolatiers scattered across the country, it’ll be a challenge to map a road-trip to hit them all, but we can do it! Which of these places will be your first stop? Or is there another chocolatier I need to add to my itinerary? Do tell!

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Christopher Elbow! The best chocolates I've ever tasted :)

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