The 15 best belgian chocolate brands
GODIVA, Callebaut and KitKat lead our ranking of 15 belgian chocolate brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Belgian Chocolate brands, ranked
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1
GODIVA
Gold-wrapped truffles and ballotin boxes from a Brussels house, with fillings like ganache and caramel in dark or milk.
Top products: Goldmark· Signature Belgian Chocolate Truffles· Stars
Website: godiva.com |Brands like GODIVA
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Callebaut
Bulk couverture blocks and callets for bakers, sold in dark, milk and white by weight.
Top products: Fine Belgian Bakers Dark Chocolate Blocks· 823 Finest Belgian Callets
Website: callebaut.com |Brands like Callebaut
Popularity 8.3/10
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3
KitKat
Wafer-layered milk chocolate bars with a crisp texture, a snack-style option rather than a filled praline.
Top products: Milk Chocolate Wafer Candy Bars
Website: kitkat.co.uk |Brands like KitKat
Popularity 3.5/10
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4
Gudrun
Filled pralines and truffles in small Belgian-style boxes, a more artisanal pick than mass-market gift assortments.
Top products: Fine Belgian Chocolate Collection
Website: gudrungroup.be |Brands like Gudrun
Popularity 1.9/10
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5
FERRERO
Hazelnut-filled chocolates like Ferrero Rocher, with an Italian rather than Belgian character and gift-style packaging.
Top products: Rocher· Mon Chéri· Hanuta
Website: ferrerorocher.com |Brands like FERRERO
Popularity 0.9/10
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6
Premier
Premier Housewares has been one of the world's most trustworthy homewares suppliers since 1988. While it is a family-run company, it can go toe-to-toe with the rest and perseveres to provide customers with premium products. Its origins lie in Glasgow, where it was a down-to-earth supplier of kitchen goods and has grown to be the big shot it is today. It has expanded its line to include furniture, textiles, and bathing products.
Website: premierhousewares.com |Brands like Premier
Popularity 0.9/10
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7
GuyLian
Belgian seashell-shaped pralines and chocolates, sold in gift boxes and at cafés, a light premium choice.
Website: guylian.com |Brands like GuyLian
Popularity 0.1/10
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8
Cadbury
Britain's mass-market milk chocolate bar, made with a slab-style recipe and sold widely in supermarkets as a bar or a tin of assorted bites.
Website: cadburyusa.com |Brands like Cadbury
Popularity 0.1/10
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9
Kinder
Milk chocolate bars and egg-shaped treats with a light, milky finish, usually bought as everyday snacks.
Popularity 0.1/10
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10
Terry's
Foil-wrapped milk and dark chocolate shaped like an orange and broken into segments defines the Terry's range. The Chocolate Orange comes in milk, dark and flavoured versions, and the Easter eggs follow the same chocolate-and-foil style. Terry's is a British...
Website: terryschocolate.com |Brands like Terry's
Popularity 0.1/10
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11
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12
Shiseido
Shiseido builds its skin care and makeup around Japanese beauty traditions and Western formulations. The company traces its roots to a Ginza pharmacy founded by Arinobu Fukuhara. Its face makeup, facial skin care, and travel-size sets are sold worldwide.
Website: shiseido.com |Brands like Shiseido
Popularity 0.1/10
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13
Hershey's
Hershey's builds milk chocolate bars, candy and lip balm, with the Hershey's chocolate bar and Kisses among its lines. The chocolate bar and Kisses are among its most recognised lines, and the company's other candy sits beside them.
Website: shop.hersheys.com |Brands like Hershey's
Popularity 0.1/10
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14
Lotus Biscoff
A brand that a Belgian Baker created named Jan Boone Sr. in 1932, Lotus Biscoffs, gained popularity over time when the biscuits made were packaged and sold. They pride themselves on telling that their caramelized biscuits and coffee are of...
Website: lotusbiscoff.com |Brands like Lotus Biscoff
Popularity 0.1/10
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15
Anthon Berg
Danish marzipan and liqueur-filled chocolates in gold-foil boxes, a Scandinavian alternative to Belgian pralines.
Website: anthonberg.com |Brands like Anthon Berg
Popularity 0.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GODIVA | godiva.com | /Godiva | godiva | @godiva | – |
| Callebaut | callebaut.com | – | – | – | – |
| KitKat | kitkat.co.uk | /kitkat | – | @KITKAT | kitkat |
| Gudrun | gudrungroup.be | – | – | – | – |
| FERRERO | ferrerorocher.com | /ferrerorocherindia | ferrerorocherin | – | UCAHAwdrpgycczOUPoFeHEhQ |
| Premier | premierhousewares.com | – | – | – | – |
| GuyLian | guylian.com | /GuylianChocolates | about | @guylian_chocs | Guylian Chocolates |
| Cadbury | cadburyusa.com | /HersheyCompany | hersheycompany | @hersheycompany | – |
| Terry's | terryschocolate.com | – | – | – | – |
Belgian Chocolate Buying Guide
Belgium is known for its delicious chocolate, which has been celebrated for centuries. Belgian chocolate is a national treasure and a popular export. If you are looking to purchase Belgian chocolate for yourself or as a gift, there are a few things you should consider. In this guide, we will go over the history of Belgian chocolate, the different types of Belgian chocolate, how to find high-quality chocolate, and where to buy it.
The History of Belgian Chocolate
Belgium has a long history with chocolate, dating back to the 1600s. In 1635, the country was invaded by the Spanish, who brought cocoa beans with them from their colonies in South America. At the time, cocoa was not widely consumed in Europe, but the Belgians soon saw its potential. They started experimenting with different ways to flavour the beans, eventually discovering a process that created a smooth and creamy chocolate.
Belgium's love affair with chocolate only grew from there. By the 1800s, chocolate had become a luxury item, reserved for the wealthy. Belgian chocolatiers began experimenting with new techniques, such as adding layers of chocolate to create pralines and truffles. They also developed all sorts of chocolate varieties – dark, milk, and white chocolate – to suit different tastes.
Today, Belgian chocolate is renowned for its quality and taste. Belgian chocolate is made with a high percentage of cocoa and uses only the finest ingredients. The attention to detail and the passion of Belgian chocolatiers are what make Belgian chocolate truly exceptional.
The Different Types of Belgian Chocolate
Belgian chocolate comes in a variety of forms, each with its unique taste and texture. Here are some of the most popular types of Belgian chocolate:
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is the sweetest and most popular chocolate in Belgium. It has a creamy and smooth texture and is made with milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa solids, sugar, and vanilla. Milk chocolate is perfect for those who prefer a less intense taste and a sweeter flavour profile.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is made with a high percentage of cocoa solids and has a more intense and bitter flavour compared to milk chocolate. Belgian dark chocolate typically contains at least 70% cocoa solids, giving it a rich and complex taste. Dark chocolate is perfect for those who prefer a more intense chocolate flavour.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. It has a smooth and creamy texture and a sweet taste. While technically not a chocolate, white chocolate is still popular in Belgian shops and is often used in desserts and pastries.
Pralines
Pralines are a type of chocolate with a soft, creamy interior. They are made by mixing chocolate with cream, butter, and other ingredients to create a filling. Pralines can be milk, dark, or white chocolate and can contain nuts, fruit, or other flavourings.
Truffles
Truffles are small balls of chocolate with a soft, ganache-like centre. They are often dusted with cocoa powder or icing sugar and can contain various flavourings such as liqueurs or nuts. Truffles are a popular gift item and are often sold in gift boxes or tins.
How to Find High-Quality Belgian Chocolate
When purchasing Belgian chocolate, it is essential to consider the quality. High-quality chocolate will have a superior taste, texture, and overall experience. Here are some tips on finding high-quality Belgian chocolate:
Look for High Cocoa Content
The higher the cocoa content, the better the quality of the chocolate. Look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for the best taste and texture.
Check the Ingredients
Quality Belgian chocolate will contain only a few ingredients – cocoa butter, cocoa solids, sugar, and vanilla. Avoid chocolate with additional ingredients such as vegetable oil or artificial flavours.
Consider the Brand
Belgium has many reputable chocolate brands known for their quality and taste. Do some research and look for brands with a long history of making chocolate.
Where to Buy Belgian Chocolate
Belgian chocolate is available all over the world, and you can find it in many stores and online retailers. However, it is essential to purchase from reputable sellers to ensure the quality and authenticity of the chocolate. Here are some places to buy Belgian chocolate:
Chocolatiers
The best place to buy Belgian chocolate is from a chocolatier. Belgian chocolatiers are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship and take great pride in their chocolate. Visit a chocolate shop to see the chocolate being made and to try different varieties.
Supermarkets
Many supermarkets carry Belgian chocolate, but it is important to check the quality and ingredients before making a purchase. Look for brands with a high cocoa content and few ingredients for the best experience.
Online Retailers
There are many online retailers that offer Belgian chocolate. Be sure to read reviews and check the quality and ingredients before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Belgian chocolate is a treat loved all over the world. With its rich history and reputation for quality, Belgian chocolate is a must-try for any chocolate lover. When purchasing Belgian chocolate, consider the type of chocolate, the quality and the ingredients. Look for high cocoa content and few additional ingredients for the best taste and texture. And, purchase from a reputable seller to ensure the quality and authenticity of the chocolate. Enjoy the delicious taste of Belgian chocolate and savour every bite!
