Which country makes the best chocolates? 5 vie for the sweetest of highs
We take a look at chocolates produced in Belgium, Switzerland, Ecuador, the UK and the US, and chocolate museums and tours
Most people who love chocolates would say that the best ones come from Belgium or Switzerland. But things have changed – other countries have upped their game and have gained a reputation for producing outstanding chocolates in recent years.
So which country makes the best chocolates? There is no obvious answer. After all, this is about personal taste.
Here are five countries, each of which is reputed to produce the best chocolates:
Belgium
The best truffles and pralines come from Belgium. Belgian chocolate-makers use artificial emulsifiers to create smoother and sweeter chocolates. There are more than 2,000 shops across the country with a good number of them being independent chocolate makers handcrafting the confectionary. The history of chocolate in Belgium dates back to the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the industry expanded on a large scale. By 2017, total exports of chocolates amounted to €2.8 billion (US$3.2 billion). Godiva, Leonidas, Côte d’Or and Neuhaus are among the well-known Belgian brands.
Check out: the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate in Brussels, or Choco-Story in Bruges, for the history of chocolates – and delicious tastings in their demonstration centres.
Switzerland