7 Countries That Make the Best Chocolate
Shops are full of boxes of chocolates and treats in honour of Valentine's Day, but we don't need an excuse to treat ourselves to a piece of candy. Tasting local chocolate is part of…
Stores are full of boxes of chocolates and treats in honour of Valentine's Day, but we don't need an excuse to treat ourselves to a piece of candy. Tasting local chocolate is part of the travel experience! Here are seven countries that make the best chocolate.
Belgium
You can't go to Belgium and not visit a chocolate shop – there are more than 2,000 across the country! Belgian chocolate is unique in that it is only cooled at the end of the manufacturing process, which lets it keep more of its aroma. Belgian chocolate is also almost entirely handmade. These two factors make Belgian chocolate a little more expensive, but as they say – treat yourself!
Switzerland
Even if you've never been to Switzerland, you've probably eaten Swiss chocolate. Lindt is the most popular Swiss chocolate brand and can be bought all over the world. What is especially interesting about Swiss chocolate production is that, even though Switzerland's climate is not suited to growing cocoa plants, the Swiss still found a way to make chocolate. The Swiss also claim the highest chocolate consumption per capita – the average Swiss eats more than 10 kilos of chocolate a year!
Ecuador
Ecuador is home to some of the best cocoa beans in the world. Only about 5% of the world's cocoa is labelled "Fine Aroma", and Ecuador produces nearly 63% of it. Until recently, Ecuador focused its efforts on exporting its cocoa, but in recent years it has turned to producing its own chocolate. One brand, Paraci, has won dozens of international awards in recent years, beating traditional European chocolate makers.
United Kingdom
Cadbury, anyone? It is hard to pass up a Cadbury egg when they appear in the grocery store, but the brand originated in the United Kingdom and originally sold tea, coffee and chocolate in the 1820s. In the 1850s, the Cadbury brothers supplied chocolate to Queen Victoria, and in 1905 they developed the famous Dairy Milk chocolate, known for its higher milk content. Walk down a cobbled street in the UK!
Côte d'Ivoire
Africans consume less than 4% of the chocolate sold worldwide, but Côte d'Ivoire is looking to change that with its handmade, artisan chocolates. Recognised as the leader in cocoa bean production and export, the country has started producing its own chocolate as the region continues to stabilise and see economic growth. One company, Instant Chocolat, was founded in 2015 and grew phenomenally in its early years. Its chocolate, from pralines to bars, is popular both locally and internationally, especially with companies such as Air France and Citibank.
Italy
The scene: a picturesque Italian café, an espresso and a piece of Italian chocolate. What's not to love? The most popular chocolate producer in Italy is Amadei. They buy their cocoa directly from growers, which means they know exactly where the beans come from and how they were grown. They use this knowledge to produce some of the best chocolates in the world. Italians also like to use chocolate in their pastries, a win for those with a sweet tooth.
United States
Our own country is the world's largest chocolate producer. One thing that sets American chocolate apart? The frequent use of peanuts and almonds. There are a number of artisan chocolate shops across the country, but Hershey is the country's largest candy producer. And of course, there is Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a popular family destination for thrill rides and all the chocolate and confectionery you can handle!
Have another favourite chocolate shop? Tell us in the comments!
