Discover the top 4 premium and ethical chocolate bars in the US, identified through a blind taste test, perfect for Valentine's Day gifting beyond the usual brands.
Finding the perfect chocolate is akin to dating, and with Valentine's Day approaching, this article sought to identify the best unique, premium, and ethically sourced chocolate bars in the US. Ten Guardian colleagues participated in a blind taste test of 10 independent chocolate brands, focusing on those with fair trade or direct trade claims and certifications. Participants wore blindfolds to avoid packaging bias and rated each bar on overall impression, flavor, and aftertaste. Only four chocolate bars achieved high scores and were deemed worthy of gifting. The top recommendations include: - “Best Milk Chocolate”: Endangered Species 48% Cocoa, praised for its creamy, balanced, and comforting taste, and its commitment to wildlife conservation. - “Best Dark Chocolate”: Theo 70% Cacao, noted for its smooth texture, balanced flavor, and approachability, being North America's first organic and fair trade-certified chocolate factory. - “Best Vegan Chocolate”: Hu Kitchen Cashew Butter + Raspberry, loved for its complexity and fruity flavor, made with organic, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients. - “Best Flavored Chocolate”: Beyond Good 72% Cocoa (specifically the hazelnut bar), highly praised for its bold flavors and crunchy texture, sourced directly from farmers in Uganda and Madagascar. The article also mentions six other bars that were divisive or largely disliked, with one being so unappealing it was spit out by a tester. The tasting process emphasized honest, unbiased reviews to guide consumers toward truly exceptional chocolate choices for gifting or personal enjoyment.
