To Find the Best Chocolate Bars, I Tried 26 Milk, Dark, and Flavored Options

Who among us hasn’t broken into the emergency stash of baking chips once a chocolate craving hits? I certainly have. But I, and you, can do better than that. For that reason, I ate 26 chocolate bars on the hunt for the very best. (You’re welcome.) What makes for the best high-quality chocolate bar, however, depends on your preferences. There are milk chocolate lovers, extra dark chocolate purists, and fans of flavored chocolate. 

With a wide array of preferences in mind, I found six standout chocolate bars that will appeal to almost every palate. None of my picks are over $10 a bar, so you can stock up—no more raiding the pantry for baking ingredients.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Dark Chocolate Bar

Beyond Good Organic Madagascar Dark Chocolate Bar, 70%

View on Amazon View on Beyondgood.com View on Newleaf.com

The Beyond Good Pure Dark bar has a ton of personality. I kept going back for one more taste of this ridiculously complex (in a good way!) 70% bar. It melted slowly in my mouth, giving way to tons of different flavors. With a dull appearance, it didn’t win beauty awards. But who cares about that? This is the bar to scratch a dark chocolate itch.

The Best Extra Dark Chocolate Bar

Theo Dark Chocolate Bar, 85%

$64 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Theochocolate.com

Not for the faint of heart, this deep, dark bar has very little sugar and a high percentage of cacao. It soared above its 85% competition, thanks to a slow-to-melt texture and nicely balanced flavors of cacao and vanilla bean.

The Best Dark Chocolate With Sea Salt Bar

Raaka Pink Sea Salt Organic Dark Chocolate

$23

$19 at Amazon View on Raakachocolate.com View on Fkliving.com

This bar from Raaka led with a burst of salinity that immediately grabbed my attention. Raaka doesn’t roast its chocolate, which allows the cacao (in this case, sourced entirely from the Dominican Republic) to really showcase its flavors.

The Best Milk Chocolate Bar

Ritter Sport Alpine Milk Chocolate Bar

$47

$39 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Britishfoodsupplies.com

This creamy milk chocolate bar is the perfect choice for chocolate lovers with a sweet tooth. Sugar is the first ingredient, which gives it a distinct “candy bar” appeal. But worry not; its flavors were still well balanced. A small amount of hazelnut paste added a subtle richness and complexity. 

The Best Dairy-Free Chocolate Bar

Hu Simple Dark Chocolate

$10

$5 at Amazon View on Target View on Walmart

Many of the chocolate bars I tasted were made without common allergens, such as dairy and wheat. But none were quite as successful as Hu. It’s thick and satisfying. A short ingredient list and the absence of cane sugar or sugar alcohols keep it allergen-free and paleo-friendly. 

The Best Flavored Chocolate Bar

Compartés Salted Pistachio Chocolate Bar

View on Compartes.com View on Bespokebarla.com View on Bostongeneralstore.com

Fancy, fancy, fancy. Everything about this bar—including its gorgeous packaging—whispers quiet luxury. Los Angeles-based Compartés hand-crafts all of its bars, which gives them a perfectly imperfect visual appeal. The salted pistachio flavor is an enticing combination of 73% dark chocolate, big flakes of sea salt, and whole nuts.

The Tests

• Unwrapping Test: We eat with our eyes first, so I assessed each bar from a visual standpoint. Was it nicely packaged? Was it easy to open? Did the actual chocolate look appealing?
• Aroma Test and First Taste Test: I smelled each chocolate bar, noting its predominant aromas, and whether they were pleasant and/or strong. Then I took a first bite and recorded my initial impressions.
• Lingering Taste and Melting Test: I let a piece of each chocolate bar melt in my mouth, recording flavor changes over time. I evaluated it based on how well it melted and whether the flavors that developed were enjoyable and interesting. I cleared my palate with a few sips of water and a saltine cracker between each bar.
• Aftertaste Test: After each taste of chocolate, I recorded my observations and let the flavor linger for two minutes. I noted any pleasant or unpleasant finishing notes.

What We Learned

What Is Single Origin Chocolate?

Chocolate is made from cacao beans. When a chocolate bar is billed as single origin (such as the Beyond Good 70% Pure Dark from Madagascar), that means all of the cacao used in the bar comes from just one region. That makes for good marketing copy on the wrapper, but also encourages the consumer to take their time, because single-origin chocolate is known for having more subtle and nuanced flavors than blended chocolate. But more than just cacao goes into a chocolate bar. Vanilla, cocoa butter, salt, sugar (or another sweetener), and sometimes emulsifiers, such as lecithin, are also used. It’s rare if not impossible for chocolate makers to source all of their ingredients from one place, but Beyond Good does get its vanilla from Madagascar as well.

What Is Fairtrade Chocolate?

Some, though not all, high-quality chocolate bars are Fairtrade-certified. Fairtrade is an independent organization that works to promote equitable prices and decent working conditions for cacao farmers. The Fairtrade organization promises a minimum price for cacao that is safeguarded, even when market prices drop. Farmers can also receive additional funds for engaging in sustainability projects, like choosing to farm organically. The Fairtrade organization works with over 500,000 farmers, primarily in West African and Latin American cacao-growing regions. There are critics of the Fairtrade organization though: Although Fairtrade says the prices paid to farmers are higher than industry averages, they’re still regularly reported to be lower than a living wage.

But Fairtrade isn’t the only certification to look for when seeking ethical sourcing. There are other certifying organizations, such as Fair for Life. But it’s important to note that a lack of certification doesn’t necessarily mean that the producer isn’t following sustainable practices. (For example, many small vegetable farmers choose not to become certified Organic.) And commitments to fight inequitable pricing and child labor aren’t always upheld, either.

Many Popular Chocolate Bars Are Closer to Candy—Gourmet Chocolate Is Different

What differentiates a gourmet chocolate bar from candy? There’s no standard, but sugar content and cacao quality are two indicators. Most of the chocolate bars I reviewed have less than 10 grams of sugar per serving, with a standout exception being the Ritter Sport Alpine Milk Chocolate, with 17 grams. Although it’s not a requirement that chocolatiers name their cacao’s country of origin and sourcing details, many choose to. The Raaka Pink Sea Salt, for example, is entirely sourced from a cacao farm in a bird sanctuary in the Dominican Republic. You’d be hard-pressed to find that information on a conventional chocolate bar. 

What Are Gourmet Chocolate Bars?

“Gourmet” is a subjective term. It’s defined by branding and, to a lesser extent, price. Gourmet chocolate also tends to be ethically sourced and is usually single-origin. The processing matters, too: High-end chocolate is often tempered to a smooth, glossy finish. But none of those are requirements! Some of the chocolate bars that made my winners list aren’t tempered (like the Beyond Good), and they’re not all single origin (like the Compartés Salted Pistachio). If it’s bonbons or other gourmet chocolate confections you want, check out our review of the best chocolate boxes.

The Best Chocolate Bars Had Balanced Flavors

I evaluated the chocolate bars on their aromas and flavor, and while I noticed variations including fruity, earthy, nutty, and bitter, there wasn’t one predominant taste or scent that marked a “good” chocolate bar. Instead, my favorites were well balanced, with the cacao’s bitterness being complemented by other notes. A too-strong flavor can be distracting, as in the case of the Divine Dark Chocolate 85%. It tasted so much like cocoa butter that I had a hard time picking out the cacao’s flavors. The Chocolove 65% Dark Chocolate, on the other hand, tasted mostly of the emulsifiers used to make it creamy. Ideally, a dark chocolate bar should finish with a restrained bitterness, and a milk chocolate bar shouldn’t have any lingering, cloying sweetness.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Chocolate Bar

The best chocolate bars are balanced—a little bitter, a little sweet, and very chocolatey. Dark chocolate bars should taste predominantly of cacao, and it’s all the better if that cacao is single origin, which allows you to search for subtle undertones, like berries, citrus, and flowers. Milk chocolate should be creamy and sweet, with a supremely good melt-in-your-mouth quality. Good chocolate doesn’t need to look pretty, but a glossy finish or exquisite packaging makes the eating experience feel special.

Our Favorite Chocolate Bars

The Best Dark Chocolate Bar

Beyond Good Organic Madagascar Dark Chocolate Bar, 70%

View on Amazon View on Beyondgood.com View on Newleaf.com

What we liked: This bar is really complex! My first taste was strongly savory, with medicinal, leafy notes leading the way. As it melted, though, it gave way to bitter-bright citrus peel and tart berries. Every taste I had unfolded a little differently, which made eating it a fun, engaging experience. Beyond Good is very transparent about its sourcing, with 100% of the cacao coming from Madagascar; the beans are processed there, too. Amid a world of specialty, pricey chocolate, this bar is very reasonably priced.

What we didn’t like: Unwrapped, this wasn’t a very pretty bar. It has a dusty, dull exterior. But that didn’t affect its texture or flavor.

Key Specs

• Cacao percentage: 70%
• Ounces: 2.64 ounces
• Country of origin: Madagascar
• Fairtrade-certified: No. This bar is labeled as “Direct Trade,” meaning Beyond Good works directly with farmers.

The Best Extra Dark Chocolate Bar

Theo Dark Chocolate Bar, 85%

$64 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Theochocolate.com

What we liked: Very dark chocolate is an acquired taste. Anything 85% or above is considered “extra dark,” and this bar from Theo is a great example of that. Like all extra dark chocolate, this one leads with a bitter, roasted flavor. It was slow to melt but did eventually dissolve nicely on my tongue. As it did, it released a whole host of other flavors: a reward for the patient. The vanilla bean flavor was complementary to the cacao, more so than with any extra dark chocolate I tasted. It’s a very grown-up bar that I found myself lingering over long after my official tests were over. It’s excellent with milky black tea.

What we didn’t like: If you’re in an exclusive relationship with milk chocolate, this bar is not for you.

Key Specs

• Cacao percentage: 85%
• Ounces: 3
• Country of origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
• Fairtrade-certified: No. This bar is certified by the organization Fair for Life.

The Best Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Bar

Raaka Pink Sea Salt Organic Dark Chocolate

$23

$19 at Amazon View on Raakachocolate.com View on Fkliving.com

What we liked: As a flaky salt mega fan (I carry Maldon with me at all times), I expected to prefer a salted chocolate bar with big hunks of salt. I was surprised when I fell hard for Raaka’s unroasted chocolate bar with tiny flecks of delicate pink salt. The key was in its distribution: The smaller bits of salt were more evenly dispersed across the bar, which gave every bite a pop of salinity. The initial burst of salt faded quickly, giving way to the flavors of the unroasted cacao. The bar itself is thin, with a great snap. It’s easy to bite into and break apart, and it melts beautifully. The packaging is stunning, which would make it a fantastic gift.

What we didn’t like: It’s the smallest bar on my winner’s list.

Key Specs

• Cacao percentage: 71%
• Ounces: 1.8 ounces
• Country of origin: Dominican Republic
• Fairtrade-certified: No. Raaka calls its sourcing policy “Transparent Trade,” and works with farmers to “pay on merit.”

The Best Milk Chocolate Bar

Ritter Sport Alpine Milk Chocolate Bar

$47

$39 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Britishfoodsupplies.com

What we liked: This bar tastes like childhood. (Or it would if I grew up as the offspring of a chocolatier in the German Alps, I imagine.) My taste buds began screaming for more the second I put a piece on my tongue, thanks to the high percentage of sugar, cocoa butter, and milk. Chocolate liquor is fourth on the ingredients list, and I say that lovingly, without judgment. It melts so well, and I am confident it would be divine on a s’more.

What we didn’t like: Hazelnut paste gives this chocolate a truly subtle complexity, but makes it unsafe for people with tree nut allergies.

Key Specs

• Cacao percentage: 30%
• Ounces: 3.5 ounces
• Country of origin: None given.
• Fairtrade-certified: No. This bar is certified with the Rainforest Alliance Cocoa seal.

The Best Dairy-Free Chocolate Bar

Hu Simple Dark Chocolate

$10

$5 at Amazon View on Target View on Walmart

What we liked: Labels and certifications aside, this was one of the best-tasting dark chocolate bars I tried. The fact that it’s free from about a zillion allergens (including tree nuts, gluten, and dairy) is a bonus. This is the only bar I reviewed that was certified by the Paleo Foundation (and in fact, I did not know that was even a thing). It’s chunky but not too thick, and its flavor has just the right ratio of bitter to sweet. I thought that the coconut sugar would overwhelm the flavor, but I was wrong. This is a small joy, but I liked that the exterior packaging is styled like an envelope. That makes it easier to save some for later.

What we didn’t like: I have no complaints.

Key Specs

• Cacao percentage: 70%
• Ounces: 2.1
• Country of origin: None given
• Fairtrade-certified: Yes

The Best Flavored Chocolate Bar

Compartés Salted Pistachio Chocolate Bar

View on Compartes.com View on Bespokebarla.com View on Bostongeneralstore.com

What we liked: Eating this bar feels like a special experience. The packaging is lovely, with a graphic green pattern that hints at the bright green pistachios inside. It’s studded with lots and lots of pistachios—roasted for more flavor—and a bold amount of flaky salt. The chocolate isn’t the star of the show here, and that’s the point! It’s a luxe eating experience and would be great chopped up and sprinkled over vanilla ice cream.

What we didn’t like: Because the pistachios are whole and scattered on top of the thin bar, they fall off easily. Don’t eat this on the go.

Key Specs

• Cacao percentage: 73%
• Ounces: 2.8 ounces
• Country of origin: None given
• Fairtrade-certified: No

The Competition

• Lovo Almond Milk Chocolate Bars: These high-sugar chocolate bars are made with almond milk, which completely dominates the flavor. 
• Chocolove Milk Chocolate 33%: I didn’t like the slippery and oily texture of this bar. 
• Compartés Sugar Cookie Chocolate: I wanted to love this bar with an adorable fox on the package. But the crumbled sugar cookies were—dare I say it—too sweet, and overpowered the (otherwise very good) milk chocolate.
• Hu Milk Chocolate 48%: If the winning milk chocolate bar from Ritter Sport doesn’t appeal to you, check out this one. It has a simpler ingredient list and less sugar, which gives it a more grown-up (though slightly less fun) flavor.
• Raaka Maple & Nibs Unroasted Dark Chocolate: I love maple (I am from Vermont, after all), but I found it to be too strong in this bar.
• Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt: This brightly packaged bar caught my eye, but the flavor couldn’t deliver. It only contains 51% cacao, despite being labeled as dark chocolate. Technically true, but not quite rich enough to earn the title. 
• Taza Chocolate Bar Deliciously Dark 70%: This bar has an interesting texture; it’s stone-ground, and thus much grittier than every other bar I reviewed. However, the cacao had strong rubbery notes that were hard to forgive.
• Tony’s Chocolonely 70% Dark Chocolate: It was difficult to get past the size of this bar. It’s so thick and hard that I hurt my teeth when biting into it.
• Pascha 70% Classic Dark Chocolate: This bar had a touch more sugar than the winning 70% bar, which tipped the scales too far in the “sweet” category. 
• Raaka Philippines Classic Dark, 71%: There wasn’t enough sweetness to balance the bitter flavors of this bar, and it’s been discontinued since my first tasting.
• Equal Exchange Dark Chocolate 71%: I wouldn’t turn this bar down if it were offered to me, but the blend of cacao (from Peru and the Dominican Republic) had a chalky texture and a barely-there aroma.
• Chocolove 65% Dark Chocolate: This bar’s texture was too strongly influenced by the presence of emulsifiers (sunflower or soy lecithin, per the ingredients list). 
• Amano Artisan Chocolate Dos Rios Dark Chocolate Bar, 70%: This chocolate was previously on the winner’s list, but it’s prohibitively pricey.
• Endangered Species Smooth Dark 72%: This bar earned points for being cheap and widely available, but it had a horribly bitter aftertaste.
• TCHO 75% Dark Duo: The fat content of this bar is too high to let the cacao flavor shine through. It’s made with coconut oil and has a fudgy, truffle-like center. It’s rich and indulgent, but too flashy to be seriously considered in this category. 
• K'UL Chocolate Bar Pure Dark Chocolate, 80%: This bar had an interesting malty, yeasty flavor, but it’s been discontinued.
• Lake Champlain 80% Super Dark Chocolate: Another bar I wouldn’t turn away from my doorstep, but the chocolate tasted one-note and had a burnt aftertaste. 
• K+M Hacienda Victoria Ecuador Chocolate, 85%: This bar had a pleasantly tannic flavor—it reminded me of black tea and walnuts, but it has also been discontinued.
• Pascha 85% Cacao Dark Chocolate: Pascha bills itself as being keto-friendly and is made in an allergen-free facility, which may appeal to some chocolate lovers. But I couldn’t get past its undertones of burnt rubber.
• Divine Dark Chocolate 85%: This bar tasted way too much like cocoa butter for a super dark bar.

FAQs

Does dark chocolate have dairy?

Most dark chocolate bars do not contain dairy. But check your labels for sneaky add-ins, like milk powder. And if allergens like dairy or gluten are a concern, make sure the bar is made in an allergen-free facility. Many manufacturers share equipment with products made with wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and dairy.

How do you make hot cocoa with a chocolate bar?

Want to skip the hot chocolate mix and use a bar instead? It’s pretty easy. Just chop the bar up into small pieces and place them in a small saucepan with milk. Warm over medium heat, whisking until the chocolate melts. Milk chocolate works best here; if you use a dark chocolate bar, you may choose to add a sweetener, like maple syrup or honey. 

Why are gourmet chocolate bars so expensive?

Many high-quality chocolate bars are made with Fairtrade chocolate. Ensuring that cacao farmers receive a fair wage for their work means paying a little extra for the finished product. And of course, manufacturing, packaging, branding, and marketing all add to the cost of your favorite chocolate bar, too! But expensive chocolate isn’t always the best chocolate, and cheap chocolate can be delicious, too. Some of the bars on my winner’s list cost around $4 or $5.

Why We’re the Experts

• Rochelle Bilow is an editor at Serious Eats. Previously, she worked at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines.
• Rochelle used to work as a baker at a café in Central New York.
• For this review, Rochelle tasted 26 chocolate bars, evaluating them on aroma, flavor, and aftertaste.
  

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