THE 10 BEST DARK CHOCOLATE BARS
With its rich, complex flavors and surprising health benefits, dark chocolate has become a favorite of millions of people around the world. And while this unique treat isn’t for everyone, its alluring bitterness combined with a hint of sweetness has also made it incredibly popular.
But which bars are really the best? For this article, I conducted an extensive taste test, cracking into over 50 different brands. Bear in mind, this is my own personal opinion as a dark chocolate fan, and your tastes may be slightly different. That being said, chances are there’s something on this list you’ll love. So prepare for a blast of bitter sweet goodness as we bite into… the top 10 dark chocolate bars of 2023.
10. Theo Mint Organic DARK CHOCOLATE 70%
Theo Chocolate has long been considered a pioneer in the world of organic and fair-trade chocolate, while also maintaining incredibly high quality and taste. Their Mint Organic Dark Chocolate Bar with 70% Cacao is a great example of their dedication to both flavor and ethical sourcing. It’s also a fantastic introduction if you’re new to high cacao count dark chocolate bars.
9. Venchi 85% Extra Dark Chocolate Bar
Founded in Italy in the late 1800s, Venchi knows a thing or two about dark chocolate. Their Extra Fondente bar shows exactly what they’re capable of as master chocolatiers. With an impressive 85% cacao count, the bar offers deep, bittersweet flavors that transition beautifully into a touch of sweetness. In other words, it’s a must try if you’re a dark chocolate fan.
8. Green & Black’s Organic 70% Dark Chocolate
Green & Black has garnered a devoted following from dark chocolate fans over the years, thanks to both their incredibly flavors and their ethically sourced ingredients. Their Organic 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate bar is a great example of this, offering a distinctive blend of deep cocoa flavors with a hint of sweetness. It’s the perfect dark chocolate bar if you’re looking for something that’s both delicious and sustainable.
7. GODIVA SIGNATURE 72% DARK CHOCOLATE
Godiva is a Belgian chocolatier that’s become almost synonymous with luxury. In keeping with that tradition, they offer a range of dark chocolate. My personal favorite, however, is their Signature 72% Cacao bar. It’s the perfect blend of bitter and sweet, without being too overpowering. If you’ve never tried authentic dark chocolate before, this is the bar for you.
6. Chocolove Extreme Dark Chocolate 88%
Founded in Boulder, Colorado in the late 90s, Chocolove might not have the legacy of older European chocolatiers. But what they lack in experience they more than make up for in taste. Case in point: their Extreme Dark Chocolate Bar, which features 88% cacao content. The texture is smooth and velvety and it delivers a powerful, bittersweet punch that true dark chocolate enthusiasts will relish.
5. Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao DARK CHOCOLATE
Founded by legendary Italian chocolatier, Domenico Ghirardelli, the now San Francisco-based Ghirardelli Chocolates has become an institution. And while they have a ton of different dark chocolates to choose from, for my money nothing beats their Intense Dark bar, which features a 72% cacao count. It offers offers a robust, bittersweet foundation, balanced by a delicate sweetness and notes of dried fruit and roasted nuts. It’s an incredible flavor combination that you’ll love whether you’re a longtime dark chocolate fan or taking your very first bite.
4. Domori FONDENTE 70%
Founded by Italian chocalatier Gianluca Franzoni in Venezuela the late 1990s, Domori is one of the rare brands on this list that actualyl grows its own cocao, including a rare species known as the criollo, which was almost extinct before they began to culvitate it. The result is one of the greatest dark chocolate bars of all time in the form of the Domori Fondente 70%. The bar features a unique fruity and nutty aroma, with a smooth texture and complex flavor that lingers long after the last bite.
3. Amedei Toscano Black 90%
Italian chocolate house Amedei is celebrated for their commitment to quality and innovation and the Toscano Black 90% exemplifies their artistry. With a unique blend of cocoa beans and sugars, it presents a refined yet robust flavor profile that dark chocolate fans have come to love. In short, it’s an absolute masterpiece.
2. LINDT EXCELLENCE 90% Dark Chocolate
A Swiss chocolatier with a legacy of craftsmanship that goes back almost 200 years, Lindt is a renowned for their wide range of chocolates. Their Excellence 90% bar, however, is on a whole other level. This dark chocolate bar boasts an impressive cocoa content, offering an intense and deeply satisfying experience, making it a standout choice if you’re looking for an extra-dark delight.
1. Valrhona GUANAJA 70% Dark Chocolate
Hailing from France, Valrhona is renowned for producing some of the finest chocolates for almost 100 years. In my opinion, however, the Guanaja 70% is their greatest masterpiece, featuring a high cocoa content that delivers a bold, bittersweet taste. If you’re a dark chocolate connoisseur, it doesn’t get any better than this.
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Anika Brady is a writer and dedicated candy aficionado who lives in Portland, Oregon. By day, she works as a marketing manager, by night she’s out hunting for the latest gourmet chocolates. When she isn’t reading, writing or running, Anika enjoys time spending cooking and spending time with her dog Milo.
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