As Valentine’s Day approaches, people across the globe will buy chocolate. Most of the time, this chocolate goes to a special someone, but occasionally it is for someone else. As one walks down the candy aisle, there is a plethora of different brands of chocolate. Each one is unique in its flavor and story. Here are just a few popular brands of chocolate that you can find at any local supermarket.
Lindt and Sprüngli is a Swiss chocolate company out of Switzerland. Famous products include Lindor truffles. These truffles come in all different flavors with each flavor having its own color of wrapper. Lindt is also known for their chocolate bunnies sold at Easter.
Ghirardelli is an American division of Lindt and Sprüngli. Ghirardelli is known for their sophisticated tasting chocolate bars. Also, their chocolate is commonly found in the baking aisle as a form of chocolate chips brownie mix.
Ferrero Rocher is a spherical chocolate made in Italy. When eating a Ferrero Rocher, one will taste chocolate, hazelnuts, hazelnut cream, and a wafer. The company that makes Ferrero Rocher also produces Nutella and Tic Tacs.
Hershey’s is one of the most popular and largest American chocolate companies. From the traditional Hershey’s bar to Reese’s, Kit Kats, Hershey’s syrup, and Hershey’s cocoa, the products range in availability. Hershey’s Kisses are commonly given to loved ones.
Godiva is a Belgian company that operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. They specialize in boxes of chocolates. These chocolates come in an assortment, each bite as unique as the next.
Ritter Sport is a brand of chocolate of Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG in Germany. Their chocolate comes in small square bars, divided into squares that are sharable. Though plain chocolate is available, some bars are filled with marzipan, corn flakes, nuts, or other types of fillings.
Dove, known as Galaxy in other countries, is a brand from the company Mars. Dove individual hearts are commonly found during this season. Along with chocolate, Dove also produces ice cream bars and cookies.
Russell Stover produces both chocolates and candies in the United States. They are the third largest chocolate manufacturer of box chocolates in the U.S. with a store as close as Lincoln, IL. Their boxed chocolates come with different fillings and other individual chocolates are also produced.
Brookside specializes in fruit covered chocolates. The fruits range from pomegranate, goji, and many other common and rare fruits. Brookside chocolates are found throughout the year in the fruit and candy aisle.
Green and Black’s is a UK company that was formerly called Kraft Foods. The chocolate bars offered are organic, making Green and Black’s one of the largest organic chocolate companies in the U.S. The company is also Fair Trade Certified.
Milka is a Swiss chocolate brand that is extremely popular in Europe. They are known for their purple packaging and their symbol, a Purple Cow. Popular Milka bars are Milka Caramel, Milka and Oreo, and Milka Strawberry Yogurt.
Cadbury, after Wrigley’s, is the second largest confectionary brand and was founded in the United Kingdom. Cadbury is famous for their chocolate, especially their crème filled Easter eggs. Other Cadbury products include Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids, and Trident gum.
Skinny Cow is a product of Nestle of Switzerland. They specialize in chocolate that is low calorie, a delight for many on a diet. Skinny Cow not only has chocolate, but also an assortment of frozen snacks and a selection of iced coffee drinks.
The Willy Wonka Candy Company is another brand of Nestle. The candy is based off the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Beyond the usual, such as Gobstoppers, Laffy Taffy, Nerds, Sweetarts, and Runts, Wonka also offers the Wonka Bar which comes in any chocolate flavors.
Hammond is an America company known for their oversized candy bars. However, their odd favored candy bars are becoming a hit. Flavors such as Red Velvet, Pigs ‘N Taters, Cookie Dough, PB&J Sandwich, Sweet ‘N Spicy, and More S’mores are only a few that can be found.
So, this Valentine’s Day as you are shopping for chocolate, or even other candy, remember to keep an open mind. There are many brands of chocolate to choose from, some foreign and some domestic. You never know, if you try something new it may just become your favorite!