A Definitive Ranking of the Best Gourmet Chocolates, from Compartés to Raaka

• Value: 15/20
• Quality: 16/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 15/20
• Flavor: 17/20
• Total: 83/100

• Standout flavor: Almond Dark Chocolate Style
• Best for: Those watching their calorie intake

What’s inside: Esterified propoxylated glycerol (moderated plant-based oil), cocoa powder, allulose, almonds, cocoa butter, sugar, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), sunflower lecithin, vanilla flavor

If you love the taste of traditional chocolate bars but want to avoid the extra calories, fat and sugar, then allow me to introduce you to Gatsby chocolate. Founded by Halo Top ice cream cofounder Doug Bouton, the brand launched with two flavors: Classic Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Almond. Thanks to my affinity for crunchy bars, the latter immediately caught my attention. But after taking my first bite, I could definitely tell that it was low-cal. The dark chocolate isn't very rich and I detected a slightly powdery texture, but it still has a pleasant taste, a little crunch and the right amount of sweetness.

• Value: 16/20
• Quality: 17/20
• Aesthetics: 18/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Flavor: 15/20
• Total: 84/100

• Standout flavor: Hazelnut Milk Chocolate
• Best for: Keto fans

What’s inside: Unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, hazelnuts, erythritol, chicory root fiber, dextrin, whole milk powder (rbst free), milk fat (rbst free), sunflower lecithin, stevia extract, vanilla extract

The sugar-free, keto-friendly bar is made with gluten-free and non-GMO ingredients, but best of all, you can treat yourself to a generous amount without feeling too guilty (half a bar makes one serving). Aside from the crunchy hazelnut pieces, there's very little flavor in the chocolate itself, but it’s not too sweet. It also melts on the tongue, but it’s not super rich and only slightly creamy. Try this one out if you’ve got a sweet tooth while trying to stick to your keto diet.

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 19/20
• Texture: 17/20
• Flavor: 15/20
• Total: 87/100

• Standout flavor: Salt & Caramel
• Best for: The licorice obsessed

What’s inside: Dulce chocolate (sugar, milk powder, cocoa butter, whey powder, cacao mass, milk fat, emulsifier: soy lecithin, natural flavour), rice flour, invert sugar syrup, sugar, treacle, glucose syrup, raw liquorice, sea salt, rapeseed oil, salt,dextrose, alkalised cocoa, glazing agent: shellac, anise oil

Sweet licorice covered in salty, caramelly dulce chocolate sounds rather odd, but it makes for a deliciously unique flavor combination. Despite my aversion to all kinds of licorice, I was intrigued enough to try out the Danish confectionary brand. And while I can’t say that it made me fall head over heels for the chewy candy, I was impressed with the chocolate coating. The crunchy sea salt flakes paired well with the sweet, caramel flavor.

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 18/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Flavor: 17/20
• Total: 89/100

• Standout flavor: Milk Chocolate Sun Blossoms
• Best for: Reese's lovers

What’s inside: Milk chocolate, sunflower butter (roasted sunflower seeds, dehydrated cane syrup, salt), powdered sugar, cocoa butter, salt, vanilla extract

Considering how much I hate Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (I'm sorry, but gritty peanut butter coated in sugary chocolate doesn't cut it for me), I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed these sun blossoms. I would've never thought to pair sunflower butter with chocolate, but it works. The butter is surprisingly nutty and creamy, and though the chocolate is a bit on the sweeter side, it's rich and smooth. Each cup is about the size of a regular Reese's cup and there are roughly 8 grams of sugar in each. Anyone with a peanut allergy will appreciate these, since they're 100 percent nut-free.

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 18/20
• Aesthetics: 18/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 90/100

• Standout flavor: Madagascar Vanilla
• Best for: Anyone with caramel cravings

What’s inside: Organic 60 percent dark chocolate (organic chocolate liquor, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier), organic vanilla extract), organic coconut milk (organic coconut, water), organic brown rice syrup, organic cane sugar, sea salt, organic Madagascar vanilla extract (water, organic ethyl alcohol, organic vanilla bean extractives), xanthan gum

From the makers of the famed vegan, coconut milk-based caramel comes these seriously addictive bites. The dairy, gluten and GMO-free treats are made with Madagascar vanilla-infused coconut milk caramel and organic chocolate, and each bite-sized piece has less than 2 grams of sugar. The chocolate coating is creamy and only slightly bitter, and notes of vanilla shine through the sticky chewy filling.

• Value: 16/20
• Quality: 18/20
• Aesthetics: 19/20
• Texture: 19/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 91/100

• Standout flavor: Sea Salt Almond Intense Dark Chocolate
• Best for: A nutty, crunchy texture

What’s inside: Sugar, unsweetened chocolate, almonds, cocoa butter, milk fat, sea salt, soy lecithin, vanilla extract

Dark chocolate fans will appreciate this line by Ghirardelli, which, surprisingly enough, isn't too bitter at all. The chocolate is rich and intense, but not too overwhelming, and only mildly sweet. Still, it’s the roasted almonds and sea salt that really sold it for me, since they added a nice crunch.

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 19/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 92/100

• Standout flavor: Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
• Best for: Mounds & Almond Joy fans

What’s inside: Organic coconut, organic cassava syrup, dark chocolate

Think Mounds, but with less than half the calories. These vegan and gluten-free bars are made with just three ingredients, including very finely grated coconut—but you wouldn't be able to tell from the taste. Each fun-sized bar contains 70 calories and 3 grams of sugar, so if you’re looking for healthier alternatives to give trick-or-treaters on Halloween (or nosh on when that mid-day sugar craving strikes), get into these “unreal” treats.

• Value: 20/20
• Quality: 18/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 17/20
• Total: 95/100

• Standout flavor: Dark Milk Chocolate Bar with Pretzel and Toffee
• Best for: Ethically sourced chocolate

What’s inside: Sugar, cocoa mass, dried whole milk, cocoa butter, 7.22% pretzel crumbs (wheat flour, salt, sunflower oil, malted wheat flour, yeast, acidity regulator (sodium hydroxide)), 2.78% caramel pieces (sugar, glucose syrup), sea salt, emulsifier (soya lecithin)

Not only are these bars affordable, but they're also tasty and ethically made. And while I was impressed by all the flavors I tried, it was the dark chocolate pretzel toffee that really hit the mark. The toffee pieces and salty pretzels add a nice, crunchy texture and pairs well with the dark chocolate. And while this bar is on the sweeter side (13 grams of sugar per serving, which adds up to 78 grams per bar), just a few bites will leave you satisfied.

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 18/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 18/20
• Total: 93/100

• Standout flavor: Cacao & Quinoa Crispies
• Best for: A healthy, movie-night snack

What’s inside: Cacao, organic quinoa, cocoa butter, organic coconut sugar, cacao pulp, sea salt

Upgrade your snack game with these delectable, bite-sized vegan treats. All flavors are paleo-friendly, gluten-free and non-GMO, but the Cacao & Quinoa Crispies get first place for flavor and crunch. There are subtle, fruity notes and just a hint of sweetness. Plus, each pack boasts 5 grams of protein and just 5 grams of sugar. Totally a win-win.

Other standout flavors: Cacao & Almond

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 18/20
• Aesthetics: 19/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 94/100

• Standout flavor: Almond Sea Salt
• Best for: A nutty treat (minus the guilt)

What’s inside: Unsweetened chocolate, almonds, cane sugar, allulose, cocoa butter, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, vanilla

As someone who’s obsessed with crunchy, nutty chocolates, one of the biggest factors for me is the chocolate-to-nut ratio. No one wants to finish an entire almond chocolate bar that has little to no crunch in each bite. And fortunately, that’s not the case with this tasty bar. It’s loaded with almond pieces, so you’re guaranteed to get plenty of texture. Plus, there’s a nice balance of sweetness and saltiness. There are only three grams of sugar in each serving (one bar has 2.5 servings) and no artificial sweeteners, so this is the kind of bar you can finish in one sitting without the guilt.

• Value: 19/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 19/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 16/20
• Total: 94/100

• Standout flavor: Coconut Milk
• Best for: Vegan chocolate gifts

What’s inside: Organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic coconut, organic cacao butter

I bit into this vegan bar expecting a tropical, coconutty flavor and was surprised to taste strong notes of berry. It’s much fruitier than I anticipated, and the coconut flavor is very subtle, but I absolutely love the quality and silky-smooth texture of this chocolate. It’s only slightly bitter (made with 60 percent cacao), so lovers of sweeter bars might not enjoy it. But if you like good-quality dark chocolate with complex notes, you seriously need to try this.

• Value: 19/20
• Quality: 17/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 19/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 94/100

• Standout flavor: Hazelnut Milk Chocolate
• Best for: Nutella fans

What’s inside: Sugar, cocoa butter, hazelnuts, milk, chocolate, skim milk, soy lecithin, barley malt powder, artificial flavor

I’ll confess, seeing “artificial” in the ingredients was a bit of a turn-off for me. Still, I couldn’t resist including this popular Swiss brand in the roundup. Since nuts and chocolate go together like bread and butter, naturally, I made a beeline for the nutty flavors. And out of everything I sampled, the hazelnut milk chocolate turned out to be a winner. While it was a bit sweet, it turned out to be a lot smoother than I expected, and the hazelnuts added a nutty, Nutella-like quality that took the flavor to a whole new level.

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 18/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 18/20
• Total: 94/100

• Standout flavor: Vanilla Orange Cream Pint
• Best for: Creamsicle enthusiasts

What’s inside: White chocolate, non-hydrogenated coconut oil, orange extract, orange oil, sea salt, citric acid

It’s like a Creamsicle in the form of chocolate truffles, and I could not be more obsessed. You don’t even have to chew on it, because it melts on the tongue (tip: it’s better to keep these at room temperature so they’re not cold and solid). The sugar content is rather high (15 grams in three pieces), but it still delivers in terms of quality. The vanilla and orange flavors don’t taste artificial, which elevates it above your average, mainstream bar.

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 19/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 95/100

• Standout flavor: Cereal Bowl Chocolate Bar
• Best for: Unique flavor combinations

What's inside: White chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk, soy lecithin as an emulsifier, vanilla), cornflakes (corn, sugar, salt, malt), cereal (whole grain oats, cane sugar, oat flour, cornstarch, gelatin, canola oil, vanilla, sea salt, yellow 5 & 6, red 40 & blue 1 and colorings), vitamin E

This bar is nostalgia in chocolate form, complete with marshmallows and cereal pieces. Unlike most white chocolate bars that I've had, this wasn't waxy or chalky like milk powder. The white chocolate was very smooth, and the cereal pieces were satisfyingly crunchy. However, it's definitely on the sweeter side, so you might want to consider rationing smaller pieces instead of munching the entire bar in one sitting.

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 18/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 95/100

• Standout flavor: Toffee Time
• Best for: A quick chocolate fix

What’s inside: Organic cacao beans, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut sugar, organic gluten free oat flour (organic whole oat flour, natural vitamin e), organic cashew butter, organic plant based toffee (organic cane sugar, organic rice syrup, organic coconut oil, baking soda, sea salt, organic sunflower lecithin), organic cane sugar, sea salt, organic sunflower lecithin, organic vanilla beans

After taking my first bite of this bar I had to double check the ingredients list, because I seriously couldn't believe that it was vegan. The chocolate is so creamy and smooth, with satisfyingly crunchy toffee bits in every bite. The sea salt flakes also add a nice layer of flavor to help balance out the sweetness. (FYI, one bar contains three individually wrapped servings, which contain 7 grams of sugar each.)

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 19/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 95/100

• Standout flavor: Pistachio Cherry Bonbon
• Best for: Special occasions

What’s inside: White chocolate, dark chocolate, ground pistachio, cream, butter, morello cherry puree, amarena cherries, sugar, glucose syrup, apple pectin

I was torn between eating these Instagram-worthy confections and taking selfies with them. But I had to find out: Do they taste as phenomenal as they look? I sampled multiple flavors, including their 36-Piece Signature Chocolate collection, but their Pistachio Cherry was a clear winner. Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, spumoni ice cream, they’re made with pistachio-infused white chocolate ganache, sweet Italian cherries and white chocolate. I tend to steer clear of chocolates paired with fruit, but the pistachio ganache is wonderfully creamy and flavorful. The only downside is that the candied cherries are a bit sweet for my taste.

Unfortunately, this limited edition flavor isn't offered right now, but you'll definitely enjoy these other noteworthy flavors (included in the 36-Piece Signature Chocolate collection): Macadamia Praline, Fleur De Sel, Vanilla Bean

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 96/100

• Standout flavor: Sea Salt
• Best for: A late night snack

What’s inside: Organic chocolate liquor, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic cacao nibs, sea salt, organic lecithin (soy), organic vanilla extract

The flavor combination in these squares is definitely complex. I enjoyed the smoothness of the dark chocolate and the sprinkle of sea salt to offset the bitterness. But I especially liked the toasted cacao nibs, which added a nice crunch, a subtle tart flavor and a touch of nuttiness. Each little square, which can be finished in about two to three bites, has 42 calories and less than 3 grams of sugar (3 pieces make one serving), so if you're watching your sugar intake, Nib Mor is a solid choice.

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 96/100

• Standout flavor: Elaichi Cardamom Dark Chocolate
• Best for: Small batch produced chocolate

What's inside: Cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla bean seeds, organic cardamom

I was intrigued by the brand’s tiny chocolate shop during a quick visit to Beacon, NY and, quite frankly, I wanted to buy everything in sight. What really drew me, though, was the eye-catching designs of their bonbons and bars. I tried the Elaichi Cardamom flavor, made with Tanzanian dark chocolate that's infused with Indian cardamom, and it was so smooth and decadent. After just three bites, my cravings were satisfied—as opposed to the typical grocery store chocolate bar, where I can inhale the whole thing and still feel unsatisfied. The texture is velvety, with notes of eucalyptus mint, vanilla and a hint of citrus.

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 20/20
• Total: 97/100

• Standout flavor: Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Tablet
• Best for: The ultimate sweet + salty pairing

What’s inside: Milk chocolate (sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, emulsifier: soy lecithin, flavour), caramel bits (sugar, glucose syrup, whole milk powder, fresh cream (Isigny) (milk), salted butter (Isigny) (milk), salt (Guérande), emulsifier: rapeseed lecithins), flavours, salt (Guérande)

If you're a fan of sweet-and-salty pairings, then you'll want to add this one to your pantry ASAP. This decadent bar is made with rich, silky milk chocolate and salted caramel nibs from Normandy, so don't be too surprised if you find yourself tempted to devour the entire bar in one sitting. (Each bar contains four servings, with 14 grams of sugar in each.)

• Value: 17/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 20/20
• Total: 97/100

• Standout flavor: FrischSchoggi Hazelnut Dark
• Best for: Ferrero Rocher lovers

What’s inside: Sugar, hazelnuts 30%, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, emulsifier (soy lecithin, e322), vegetable oils (rapeseed), natural flavors, cocoa powder, coloring (e100).

Think Ferrero Rocher, but ten times better. This Swiss chocolate is fresh, tasty and smooth enough to melt on the tongue—but the real bonus? The crunchy, caramelized hazelnuts in each bite. Although these are on the pricier end, it's worth noting that a little goes a very long way, thanks to the chocolate's richness (and the fact that it's packed with whole hazelnuts).

• Value: 19/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 19/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 97/100

• Standout flavor: Crispy Rice Dark Chocolate Bar
• Best for: Dark chocolate fans

What’s inside: Organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic sunflower lecithin, toasted coconut, natural coconut flavoring, vanilla extract

Not only is it deliciously creamy, but the flavor is deep and rich, with hints of vanilla and apricot. The crispy rice also adds a nice texture—a slight crunch but not tooth-cracking tough—making it nearly impossible to pause long enough to let the chocolate melt on the tongue. (Fair warning: It’ll take some serious self-control to stop at just one serving.)

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 19/20
• Total: 97/100

• Standout flavor: Coffee + Milk
• Best for: The curious snacker

What’s inside: Cocoa butter, organic cane sugar, Icelandic milk powder, Rainforest Alliance coffee beans from Reykjavík Roasters, sunflower lecithin

Is it weird that I felt more inclined to nibble on this bar than drink actual coffee for breakfast? Probably. But in my defense, it’s creamy, authentic java in chocolate form. The Icelandic bar has a silky, grit-free texture. The flavor isn’t very sweet, and as you chew, you’ll notice subtle notes of popcorn, and it’s not very sweet. Those who aren’t big fans of coffee might find the flavor a bit overpowering, but if you, like Lorelai Gilmore, wish you could get your caffeine fix through an IV, then you have to try this.

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 20/20
• Total: 97/100

• Standout flavor: Bread & Chocolate Organic Dark Chocolate
• Best for: Chocolate recipes

What’s inside: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, toasted bread, butter, cocoa butter, sea salt

If you love bread as much as you love chocolate, then meet your newest obsession. This organic bar, which is made with 70 percent dark chocolate, has the smoothest texture and it’s filled with buttery, toasted breadcrumbs for an irresistible combination. The chocolate isn’t too bitter or sweet (with 15 grams of sugar in each bar), and the hint of sea salt really adds to the depth of flavor in this unique pairing.

• Value: 20/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 18/20
• Total: 98/100

• Standout Flavor: Raspberry with Beetroot
• Best for: The health conscious

What's inside: Organic raw cacao butter, raw honey, organic raw cacao powder, raspberry essential oil, organic beetroot powder, organic freeze dried raspberry, Himalayan sea salt

Health-conscious chocolate lovers, meet your new favorite brand. Like all of their products, this Ayurveda-inspired truffle bar is 100 percent organic, non-GMO, dairy-free and gluten-free. Plus, it contains beetroot (a vegetable filled with nutrients and minerals that boost the immune system). Since I'm not a big fan of raspberries, I expected this to be my least favorite flavor, but I was pleasantly surprised by the bar's richness. This chocolate is satiny smooth and instantly melts on the tongue. It also has subtle notes of raspberry and just the right amount of sweetness (5 grams per serving, 2 servings per bar).

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Texture: 20/20
• Flavor: 20/20
• Total: 98/100

• Standout flavor: Cherry Hazelnut
• Best for: Brownie lovers

What’s inside: Organic raw honey, organic hazelnuts, organic unrefined coconut oil, organic cocoa powder, organic Bing cherries, flake salt, vanilla extract, almond extract

As mentioned above, I’m not the biggest fan of fruit and chocolate combos (I find that most fruity chocolates are either way too tangy or overwhelmingly sweet). But here I am, confessing that Honey Mama’s just might’ve changed my mind. The Bing cherries in this flavor aren’t too sugary or overpowering, but they add the right amount of fruitiness and pair nicely with the crunchy hazelnuts. The quality of the cocoa bar itself is rich and feels delightfully creamy as it melts. There are subtle notes of honey, and the flakes of salt balance out the bar’s sweetness.