Updated Aug. 27, 2024
The Taste of Home team worked hard to enjoy over 15 pounds of chocolate and 26 different chocolate brands to find the best box of chocolates for gifting (or treating yourself).
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Nothing beats popping open a box of chocolates during a birthday, anniversary or graduation celebration. While chocolate gift baskets and boxes are perfect for happy occasions, they also offer a sweet and soothing surprise for sympathy occasions like losing a loved one. After all, nothing beats the breakup blues or makes an accomplishment feel triumphant quite like a box of chocolates. However, you won’t find the most wow-worthy truffles at your local supermarket.
“The search for a high-quality box of chocolates should start outside the drug or grocery store. Flipping over any box of chocolates found there will likely include ingredients such as artificial flavors and preservatives,” says Alysha Kropf, EC Program and Marketing Director for Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts. “Chocolate is like wine. Its flavor is impacted by many factors, including cacao genetics, the terroir where it is grown, how it is processed post-harvest and how it is made into chocolate in the factory.”
According to Alysha, every occasion calls for a box of chocolates! “Chocolate is beloved by so many people, and the care and attention that goes into making a box of chocolates truly makes it a gift,” she says. “So many people don’t want more ‘things.’ A beautiful box of delicious chocolate is the perfect way to celebrate an occasion, let someone know you care about them, cheer someone up, and the list goes on.”
For those who want to prioritize quality over quantity or cost, seeking out the right box of chocolates is challenging. With so many hidden factors to consider, a simple box of chocolates quickly becomes a rather complicated gift for foodies. There’s no reason to forgo all hope of finding the best box of chocolates, though. Our Shopping Team tested 26 different brands to find the tastiest chocolate on the market. Over 15 pounds of bonbons, truffles and creams later, these are our thoughts.
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Established in Los Angeles in 1950, Compartés is the quintessential modern artisan chocolate company. Each chocolate boasts a beautifully painted piece of art on the top, which indicates each truffle’s distinctive flavor. While they don’t come with a guide, the flavor key is easily available to read online. Notoriously picky about her chocolates, Senior Editor Daria Smith tried the 20-piece signature truffles collection and absolutely melted at the first bite.
“Every single chocolate is different,” she notes of this expansive 20-piece collection. “Not all of the chocolates listed on the sheet are included. It makes me want to order another box to try them all.” She notes that all flavors are very unique and innovative. There were several she didn’t think she would enjoy, but she found herself pleasantly surprised by them. We attribute this to the silky smooth ganache nestled inside each bite, which on its own makes these treats well worth the price.
Compartés chocolates come in an unassuming black box with the brand’s logo printed across the top in white, making for a sleek gift. The brand’s immense selection of styles and flavors spans 67 different options, including limited-edition holiday offerings, making them also one of the most impressive selections we tested. Daria’s box arrived fresh and well-packed with insulation materials and cold packs—not a single truffle melted in transit.
Each colorful bite yields a smooth texture that melts in the mouth. Unique flavors like bananas foster, tiramisu, key lime pie and vanilla latte arrive with a few more familiar options, like original dark, peanut butter, salted caramel and toasted coconut. You can also order a la carte if you find a flavor you love. Additionally, their chocolate-of-the-month club makes a sweet birthday gift for friends. After all, who doesn’t love a chocolate gift that keeps on giving?
According to Daria, even picky eaters will enjoy at least a number of the truffles included in each box. “I was very impressed with the bananas foster flavor. I didn’t think I would like it, but I was pleasantly surprised,” she says. “After testing multiple boxes of chocolate, this was by far my favorite. Each gourmet chocolate truffle has a unique chocolate ganache filling. Each truffle tastes exotic and delicious.”
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When I think of a classic box of luxury chocolates, Ethel M. is one of the first brands that springs to mind. Ethel M.’s selections are incredibly customizable to appeal to a range of styles and tastes and are available in sizes as tiny as two-piece samplers or as complex as custom tins. While they offer many familiar flavors and a classic look, assortments like the 16-piece chocolatier’s collection also include a few surprises.
The collection comes in a pretty brown hat box with a classy gold “E” charm, all tied up with a bow. It has a “wow!” factor that impresses as an anniversary gift or for birthdays. Priced at around $2.50 per chocolate, these are definitely a bit of a splurge. However, the creams are made in small batches, and each inclusion is incredibly fresh and arrives with generous packaging that protects it from the elements.
The chocolate is creamy and offers a deep, rich flavor. I particularly enjoyed the fruit creams, which were velvety and rich without being runny. The small-batch lemon and raspberry satin creams were some of my favorites, offering the perfect blend of sweet, tart fruit and buttery melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating. Each exterior offers a nice snap—something to look for in high-quality chocolate.
Even more traditional “boring” flavors like the caramels and creams bring something new to the table. The “Ethel M” stamp on the dark and milk caramels is unique and cute, as are the leaf forms containing the lemon cream. The chocolate drizzles on a few of the flavors are also very pretty, and some even come dotted with sizable chunks of sea salt. Yum!
The 16-piece collection contains a generous variety of flavors and fillings, which makes it a great pick for those who prefer a solid assortment. Overall, these make a truly gorgeous gift for anyone who enjoys high-quality chocolate.
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When seeking a hostess gift, you really can’t beat the 50-piece signature chocolate box by Norman Love Confections. The portions are sizable, and the packaging is stylish with its eye-catching bright green. Each chocolate is crafted by the company founded by the famous former Ritz-Carlton pastry chef. Two of each flavor from the signature collection are included, meaning each guest can try their favorite fillings.
Beyond the beautiful exterior, each chocolate arrives nestled in its own paper cup. The designs on these truffles are downright lovely, with the assortment boasting beautiful, vibrant squares and colorful shells. The exteriors are shiny and offer a nice snap with each bite. Inside is where the magic is, though. Flavors include exotic options like yuzu mango and Sicilian pistachio. There are also a variety of crowd-pleasing favorites like New York cheesecake and cookies ‘n cream.
The flavors are mostly approachable but not at all boring, which is nice after trying a few exotic and classic assortments. This would be appealing to a variety of folks. I also found the textures of the truffles perfectly smooth, with a generous amount of filling in each. My favorites are the peanut butter and jelly, tiramisu and cafe latte. However, rest assured that you’ll have difficulty trying just a few!
Between the awe-inducing packaging and stunning details on the truffles themselves, these are definitely a showstopper for any party or gathering. As a bonus, guests will love comparing their notes on each flavor. I brought this collection along to a birthday party, and each and every guest was wowed by the sheer beauty of the set. Sure, they’re a bit pricey at around $2.50 per truffle, but these artisan confections are absolutely worth the splurge. That is, if you can actually eat them—they’re so pretty that you may prefer to frame them!
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Kohler Chocolate makes a variety of bars, snacks and ganaches. However, they specialize in terrapins. Terrapins exist between chocolate turtles and peanut butter cups. They boast layers of buttery caramel and rich chocolate and come in various special flavors and fillings. While Kohler offers nut-free versions of its chocolates, we tried their box of assorted terrapins, which easily appeal to any nut lover.
Move over, turtles—after tasting these chocolates, it’s clear that the terrapin is truly superior. Overall, these are massive compared to your average chocolate. Senior Editor Katie Bandurski found them big enough to cut in half to share or enjoy as a dessert on its own. Due to the rather large size, a single chocolate is very satisfying, which helps the box last longer. Each assortment arrives well-secured with cold packs. The box itself, with its royal red hue and lovely gold lettering, is also beautiful and giftable.
“If you like turtles, you’ll love these Kohler terrapins,” says Katie. “Each chocolate is massive and packed with texture. I love how the buttery caramel, smooth chocolate and crunchy nuts complement each other.” The assortment contains several flavors, including buttery, blackstrap, java and cranberry. Each is topped with a nut or other accouterment to signify the flavor. They’re functional and add to the flavor of the treat rather than just being a decoration.
“As a Wisconsinite, I’ve actually had these before,” Katie says. “I go up to Kohler several times a year and recently stayed at one of their properties; they put these in our room as a welcome treat. Of the four chocolate boxes I tested, this was the best value—by far. Priced at around $5.50 an ounce, these chocolates are extremely satisfying and don’t skimp.” Katie notes that the original is like turtle chocolate but taken to the next level.
“The caramel is beautifully caramelized with a rich, buttery flavor. The chocolate melts in your mouth. The pecan adds crunch, and I’m getting a hint of sea salt to cut through the sweetness. These are addicting. It’s so delicious and has a ‘little bit of everything’ texture. Blackstrap follows a similar pattern to the original, except with a darker, bolder flavor. I could immediately identify the walnuts and darker caramel, but I had to look up the description to realize I was tasting raisins and molasses, too. Such an intriguing yet delicious flavor profile.”
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The 15-piece artist collection comes in a dark purple box that looks like it should hold jewelry rather than chocolate. There’s no added ribbon or gift packaging, but the real visual appeal is actually on the inside. Open the top of the box to reveal a bevy of dome-shaped chocolates adorned with colorful paint. Katie appreciated that they’re spaced out well in the box, too, so you can see everything clearly.
Apart from the gorgeous presentation, each hand-painted option boasts a burst of flavor. Most of the chocolates have a hard outer shell and a soft or gooey center. Some standout flavors include chocolate ganache with black truffle and honey and mango pate de fruit with habanero ganache. Katie liked the Snick Snack best. This sweet option boasts salted caramel, candied peanuts and milk chocolate peanut butter ganache. However, she found the Truffle Honey—infused with black truffle—a bit overwhelming. But if black truffle is your thing, you might like it.
The 15 different filling options are so colorful and unique that they’re hard to mix up when looking through the comprehensive guide. Flavors range from savory basil and spicy habanero ganache to upscale options like red wine and lavender. While these flavors are all delicious, they may not appeal to all giftees. Consider the recipient before sending this one as a care package!
“These hand-painted chocolates look like miniature pieces of art,” says Katie, who likens these to artisanal chocolates rather than traditional bonbons. Those who enjoy trying new flavors in their confections will love the unique fillings nestled inside each truffle.
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Know someone who can’t decide between fresh butter creams, ganaches, praline, caramel and truffle fillings? Leonidas Belgian Chocolates offers over 80 varieties that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Their most popular chocolate boxes are their signature assortments. Senior Editor Caitlyn Fitzpatrick tried the one-pound gift box, which follows in these footsteps and offers tons of variety in each bite.
While it doesn’t arrive with any cold packs, we found the generous amount of paper insulation was enough to beat the summer heat. Inside the package is a gold, gift-worthy packaging that immediately makes a wonderful impression. Caitlyn hoped the inside would be just as lovely—but it wasn’t; it was even better! Inside were 32 delectable truffles, each coated in a gorgeous, smooth envelopment of chocolate. This surprise within a surprise makes them a worthy gift for friends going through a hard time who need a little pick-me-up.
“I’m a dark chocolate girl, so I steered toward those. My favorite piece in the box was the Noir de Noir, which had a ganache center with an intense dark chocolate coating. I also loved the Casaleo Dark, which had praline with puffed rice in the middle and covered in a dark chocolate coating, and the Lingot Dark, which has a coffee cream center and a dark chocolate coating,” she notes.
We love that the Leonidas Chocolates box has so many options. If you don’t prefer a flavor, there won’t be more than one or two pieces of that specific chocolate in the box. It sits solidly between “exotic” and “traditional,” making it a slightly adventurous option for those who enjoy trying new flavor blends but prefer familiar inclusions.
“I’m big on giving a gift when I go to someone’s house for dinner, but a bottle of wine can get old,” says Caitlyn. “This Leonidas Chocolates box is beautifully packaged and filled with wow-worthy chocolates. All you have to do is hand it over and wait for the ‘these chocolates are amazing!’ texts to arrive.”
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Sheila Kearns, a fourth-generation chocolatier, makes artistic confections using organic Fair-Trade Agostoni chocolate from Italy. Katie tried the brand’s assorted luxury chocolate box, which prioritizes presentation above all else. It’s one of the nicer gifting experiences since you just open the box, take out the plastic and cold packs, and see the pretty box of chocolates.
But that’s not where the “oohs” and “ahhs” end. “These made me audibly gasp. They are stunning. Every chocolate was just texturally and visually so beautiful to look at. I couldn’t wait to dive in,” says Katie. From shiny chocolate lips to dazzling traditional French chocolates, truffles, hand-painted bonbons and dipped ganache, there’s truly something for everyone.
Flavors like chocolate-covered cherry and olallieberry lips impressed Katie’s practiced tastebuds. She likens the chocolate cherry to an elevated take on a classic candy, noting that it’s so much fresher than the sickeningly sweet ones she remembers. For the lips, she says that shiny shellacked chocolate parted way to a tangy-sweet fruity interior.
Other flavors she enjoyed include cinnamon roll, which contains a chunk of cinnamon roll at the base and strawberry balsamic, which she calls the ideal balance of sweet and savory. Even those that she didn’t much care for (like the chocolate-dipped hibiscus) offered a visually stunning appearance that lends itself well to the collection.
“These chocolates are so stunning and creative. I truly felt like I was indulging in art. I just returned home from a trip to California, and I loved the beachy vibe of this collection, too. Some of these chocolates, like the cinnamon roll, were massive! Talk about getting a good bang for your buck,” she says. Overall, this box of chocolates is a beautiful birthday or “just because” gift that’s sure to make any chocolate lover squeal with delight.
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According to Editor Mary Henn, Andre’s Confiserie Suisse is a Kansas City staple. For over 68 years, the company has produced traditional chocolates using Swiss techniques and classic recipes. Mary tried the assorted chocolate candies box in the half-pound size, which includes 21 different flavors.
“As a Kansas Citian, Andre’s is a staple when it comes to chocolate and dessert,” says Mary. “I’ve been enjoying it since I was a kid, but I’ve never had it shipped to me (I’ve always purchased directly from the store where it’s made). I was skeptical, but the quality was just as good delivered to my door as it is in the store!”
The box comes wrapped in a printed red bow, which contrasts beautifully with the pretty white packaging. Inside the gorgeous gift-ready box is a huge variety of chocolates, from nutty chocolates (like marzipan, nougat, praline and gianduja) to caramel and ganache options. Most of the flavors are nut-based mixtures, which Andre’s is known for.
These are definitely more traditional, with the most adventurous flavor being the cinnamon chili pepper Aztec truffle. However, those who enjoy a classic box of chocolates with elevated flavors and superior chocolate will enjoy receiving these as a birthday gift.
“As someone who loves pralines, marzipan and nougat, Andre’s is my go-to when it comes to chocolates,” says Mary.
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There’s just something about Belgian chocolate that makes it so much more indulgent than its American counterparts. Sure, there’s a place for both—I certainly never turn down a delicious truffle, regardless of its origin. But it’s hard to compete with sustainably sourced cocoa and natural ingredients, which is what Neuhaus chocolate offers. I tried the half-pound classic ballotin box 18-piece chocolate set, which looks just as lovely as the included pralines taste.
Bundled up in a classic Belgian ballotin box complete with a cute bow and metallic gold wrapping, this praline assortment is anything but ordinary. It boasts six different chocolates containing an assortment of fillings, from tender creams to rich, chewy nougat. I absolutely loved the chocolate truffles, which are rich and creamy. They’re also an amazing value at around $45 for a half pound of chocolates.
The triangle-shaped white chocolate with coffee cream and nougat is by far one of the best things I’ve ever had, chocolate or otherwise. The flavors are perfect, as is the balance between bitterness and sweetness. The textures are also luscious and meld well together, making each bite a divine chocolate experience. The pralines also don’t skimp on presentation. One of them looks like a little ice cream cone, which I find adorable.
The chocolates themselves are very pretty and clearly high-end, making them a great gift choice. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday or a sympathy gift, the pretty yet neutral packaging ensures it rises to any occasion.
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Established in 1998, Vosges is a relative newcomer to the world of artisan chocolate. The company is headed by chocolatier Katrina Markoff, who apprenticed in Spain under the direction of Ferran and Albert Adria of the famed El Bulli. This experience led her to open her own chocolate shop, focusing on “visceral experiences.” Senior Editor Caroline Lubinsky says that’s exactly what the 16-piece milk chocolate truffle collection offers.
The chocolate box itself is a royal purple and looks luxurious. Each milk truffle in the box begins with 45% cacao deep milk chocolate with caramelized dairy and almond notes. But that’s where the similarities end. On the top of each truffle are accouterments of flakey sea salt, curry, nuts and flowers, giving them a particular fancy appearance. However, the real showstopper is the fillings.
These truffles are complex. Instead of offering one note of chocolate, the exterior merges with other flavors and spices, leaving you with a pleasant aftertaste you can’t quite pin down. From curry-based picks to the Gianduia (a hazelnut and dark milk chocolate truffle), each inclusion feels purposeful and exotic without going too adventurous. Other fillings include Bulgarian rose water and pistachio paste, sweet churned cultured butter ganache and an Australian macadamia nut and Sri Lankan coconut blend, among several other fun flavors.
“Don’t default to the traditional mall chocolate stores when you’re searching for a gift,” warns Caroline. “The Vosges truffles offer unique flavors in a beautiful box that is sure to stun even the pickiest loved one. (Bonus points for them remaining fully intact, even in the 90-degree Southern heat).”
The chocolate is available on the Vosges site and Goldbelly, making it easy to enjoy these exotic truffles wherever you are. No cold packs are included with this one, but the truffles are shipped frozen per the website, so they don’t melt. We’re pleased to note none of them were melted upon arrival.
According to Alysha Kropf, EC Program and Marketing Director for Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts, there’s a lot that goes into choosing a box of chocolates. “The chocolate shell should not be too thin or too thick; the chocolate should be sealed properly so that the fillings aren’t leaking out; and the flavors in the fillings should pair nicely with the chocolate used for the outer shell,” she says.
Another factor to consider is the packaging. While the chocolates inside are the star of the show, the box itself makes the first impression. Alysha suggests seeking out shops that invest time and money in developing a uniquely branded chocolate box that elevates the gifting experience for their customers. In addition, look for brands that package their chocolate carefully for shipment, especially during the warmer months.
“Chocolate is very delicate—it is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and it can get broken or bashed easily,” says Alysha. “Typically, a box of chocolates would be placed inside a protective layer (bubble wrap, for example), with an ice pack, and then another protective layer of bubble wrap. The first layer helps to protect the box of chocolates from any moisture coming from the ice pack. Then, there may be additional packing peanuts or something similar to keep everything in place within a box. This is one of the reasons why shipping chocolate can be expensive.”
The shopping team also has a few thoughts on what makes the best box of chocolates. After all, we tested over 25 boxes of gourmet chocolate! First, we urge anyone looking for a gift to do a little research. Does your recipient enjoy exotic flavors, or are they picky? If you don’t know or are aware that they prefer more traditional flavors, skip any specialty boxes. These contain busier flavor blends, which can dampen the experience for a persnickety person. Instead, opt for a well-loved brand that offers recognizable flavors using high-quality ingredients.
Second, consider any allergies. Lots of chocolate brands won’t guarantee that their chocolates are nut-free, but some do. Opt for those picks when you’re uncertain about someone’s medical history. This also goes for folks who stick with a vegan diet. Some of our favorite brands with vegan offerings include Compartes and Vosges.
The process of finding the best chocolates took over two months, including sourcing, intake and testing. We began by researching top chocolatiers, considering the average person’s price preferences and accessibility. From there, we narrowed our list to include only those offering boxed chocolates, preferably in assorted flavors. Lastly, we ensured that we covered various options, including exotic flavors, classic chocolates and those from several different price points. We steered away from including any grocery store brands, instead focusing on artisan and gourmet options.
Then, I enlisted the assistance of five additional testers. After all, how can one person enjoy 26 different boxes (and over 15 pounds!) of chocolate on their own? Each person tested at least two boxes, with most folks trying around four different options. While we all enjoyed our fair share of truffles, bonbons, and creams (oh, my), we also asked for the opinions of our friends and family to consider the average person’s perspective. After that, we compared notes, filled out an evaluation form and gave each option a number rating out of 20.
We evaluated each box of chocolate based on several factors, including:
As Taste of Home’s shopping editor, I’ve covered everything from the best hop waters to cookie of the month clubs. My expertise lies in food and drink, and I’m no stranger to the joy of edible gifts—my long history of Harry and David orders attest to this. After all, it’s true what they say: the way to the heart really is through the stomach! As a hobbyist candy maker and coveter of all things chocolate-covered, I know my way around a cocoa confection.
Additionally, I tapped the tastebuds of five other chocolate lovers on the shopping team to taste and evaluate over 15 pounds of chocolate—that’s boxed chocolates from 26 different brands! While most of the options we tried are worth indulging in, the 10 top picks are truly some of the best luxury chocolates we’ve ever had.
For this piece, we consulted Alysha Kropf, EC Program and Marketing Director for Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts.
According to our tests, the overall best chocolate brand of the 26 options we tested is Compartes. These truffles boast excellent value and delicious and surprising flavors. Additionally, the lovely look makes these an excellent pick for gifting (or binging during a breakup—we don’t judge). However, you can’t go wrong with any of our top picks or runner-ups!
According to Alysha, the length of time a box of chocolate should last is not a “one-size-fits-all” answer. Consider factors such as whether the chocolates are filled and, if so, whether dairy is present in the fillings.
“A high-quality box of chocolates made without any preservatives or additives should not last more than two or three months—the chocolatier will have a ‘best before’ date on the box. If you really, really need to store the box, put it into a zippered freezer bag and store it in the fridge,” she says. “The freezer bag protects the chocolates from absorbing other odors. Then, for longer storage, move the bag and box into the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy the chocolates, let the bag and box come to room temperature on the counter before you open to protect against condensation on the bonbons.”
Couverture is a fancy way to say ‘professional chocolate’ or ‘coating chocolate,’ according to former Taste of Home food editor Rashanda Cobbins. While it contains similar ingredients to standard chocolate, it incorporates a higher percentage of fat from cocoa butter—at least 31%. It’s typically used for dipping or coating fruit and other fillings. The higher fat percentage gives it a gorgeous, glossy look that appears more professional than standard milk chocolate.
Originally Published: July 18, 2024
