Top Cacao Brands: Decadent Picks for Chocoholics

In recent years, the demand for high-quality cacao has skyrocketed, as chocolate enthusiasts seek out the finest brands for their indulgent treats. Many consumers are now prioritizing ethically sourced and sustainably produced cacao, leading to a surge in artisanal and specialty brands from various regions around the world. From the velvety smoothness of Ecuadorian cacao to the robust flavor profiles found in Peruvian beans, the choices for exquisite cacao are vast and diverse, offering something for every palate. Curious about which brands are setting the standard for exceptional cacao? Read on to discover our curated list of the best cacao brands available today.

Illustration of cacao

Best brands of cacao in 2025

Valrhona

Valrhona stands out as a leading producer of high-quality cacao, with a strong commitment to sustainability and traceability. As of 2023, 86% of their cocoa can be traced back to its original plot, with a goal to achieve 100% traceability by the end of 2024. This level of traceability helps ensure that their cocoa is produced outside of protected natural areas, thereby combating deforestation. Valrhona also calculates the carbon footprint of each kilogram of cocoa, with notable results such as the Millot plantation in Madagascar showing a carbon footprint of 0.57kg CO2/kg of cocoa, significantly lower than the global average of 23kg CO2/kg. Their efforts include geolocating and mapping plots, studying changes in tree cover, and conducting on-the-ground studies to quantify carbon footprints. For more detailed information, explore their initiatives on traceable cocoa and sustainability efforts.

Guittard

Guittard Chocolate Company, founded in 1868, is one of the oldest and most renowned chocolate makers in the United States, known for its high-quality cacao products. The company, now in its fifth generation of family ownership, produces a variety of chocolate products using traditional French methods and original formulas. Guittard sources a significant portion of its cocoa from West Africa, which accounts for 70% of the world's cocoa production due to its superior flavor. The company is committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as the Cultivate Better Cocoa pilot project and a goal of 100% traceable cocoa from farm to first purchase point, achieving 99% traceability as of the latest report. Guittard's products are favored by both food industry professionals and pastry chefs, with 85% of its clients being industry professionals. For more information, visit their company page.

Callebaut

Barry Callebaut is a leading global producer of cocoa and chocolate products, boasting a sales volume of approximately 2.28 million tons in the 2022/2023 fiscal year. As the world's largest cocoa grinder, Callebaut holds a significant market share of 20.74% as of 2019, surpassing competitors like Cargill and Olam. The company plays a crucial role in the global cocoa market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2021 to 2027. Callebaut's dominance is further underscored by its extensive processing capabilities, with a substantial portion of global cocoa beans being ground in Europe. The company's products are integral to the supply chain of major chocolate manufacturers.

Lindt

Lindt & Sprungli is a leading premium chocolate manufacturer renowned for its high-quality cacao products. In the first half of 2024, the company recorded a 7% increase in sales to CHF 2.16 billion, with Europe experiencing a 9.3% growth and the "Rest of the World" segment achieving a 10% organic sales growth. Despite challenges from rising cocoa prices, which reached $12,000 a tonne in May 2024, Lindt & Sprungli maintained its market share and growth through strict cost management and price adjustments. The company's brands, such as Lindor and Excellence, continue to demonstrate resilience and growth in all key markets. Lindt & Sprungli's investment in cocoa processing facilities, including a EUR100 million project at its Olten site, further solidifies its position in the global chocolate market. For more insights into their growth trend, you can visit their latest half-year figures.

Dandelion Chocolate

Dandelion Chocolate, a renowned bean-to-bar chocolate factory founded in 2010 in San Francisco, California, is celebrated for its high-quality, single-origin chocolate bars. The company meticulously sources cocoa beans directly from global partners, fostering mutually beneficial relationships while highlighting the unique flavors of each terroir. With an impressive annual revenue of $48 million, Dandelion Chocolate has expanded to multiple locations, including four in San Francisco and one in Las Vegas. They produce a variety of chocolate products, including 70%, 85%, and 100% cocoa bars, and are committed to sustainable practices and supporting local cocoa producers. Dandelion's meticulous process involves roasting, grinding, and tempering small batches of beans to bring out distinct flavor profiles. For more information, visit their official website.

Amedei

Amedei, a premium artisan chocolate manufacturer based in Pontedera, Tuscany, is renowned for its high-quality chocolate creations made from the finest raw materials, including rare cocoa beans like Criollo and Trinitario. With over 30 years of experience in chocolate-making, Amedei controls the entire production chain, ensuring excellence from bean to bar. Their chocolates undergo up to 72 hours of conching to achieve the peak aroma profile and maximum creaminess. Amedei has received 92 national and international awards, including multiple Golden Bean awards from the Academy of Chocolate. Notably, their Amedei Porcelana is recognized as one of the world's most expensive chocolates.

Domori

Domori is a pioneering brand in the cacao industry, renowned for its commitment to preserving and promoting the rarest and finest cacao varieties, particularly the Criollo cacao, which makes up only 0.01% of global cacao production. Founded in 1997 by Gianluca Franzoni, Domori has been instrumental in recovering Criollo cacao from near extinction, increasing its market presence from 0.001% to 0.01% over the years. The company operates plantations in Venezuela and Ecuador, such as Hacienda San Jose and Hacienda San Cristobal, which are dedicated to innovative and sustainable cultivation methods. Domori's production process is characterized by low-impact technologies and a simple recipe using only cocoa paste and cane sugar. This approach ensures the preservation of the natural aromatic notes of the cacao beans.

Mast Brothers

Mast Brothers, founded in 2007 by brothers Rick and Michael Mast, is a pioneering bean-to-bar chocolate company renowned for its high-quality, handmade chocolates. They source cacao beans from various origins, including Ecuador, Madagascar, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad, and offer a range of percentages such as 64%, 66%, 70%, 72%, and 75%. The company gained notable attention in 2011 by chartering the schooner Black Seal to transport 20 tons of cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic to Brooklyn. Mast Brothers has expanded its operations, moving to a larger facility and acquiring advanced equipment like the CocoaTown ECGC-65 melangeurs, which significantly increased their production capacity. As of 2024, the company's annual revenue stands at $52 million. For more information, visit their official website.

Scharffen Berger

Scharffen Berger is a renowned American chocolate manufacturer known for its high-quality, bean-to-bar chocolate products. Founded by Robert Steinberg and John Scharffenberger, the company began production in 1997 using vintage German equipment and the finest cacao beans from around the world, including Venezuela, Ghana, and Madagascar. Scharffen Berger was the first U.S. chocolatier to prominently feature the cacao content on its labels, with products ranging from 41% milk chocolate to 82% dark chocolate. The company's commitment to quality led to significant growth, with sales increasing from $1.1 million in 1999 to $10 million in 2004. Acquired by The Hershey Company in 2005, Scharffen Berger continues to be a leader in the premium chocolate segment. Learn more about their history and products here.

Michel Cluizel

Michel Cluizel is a renowned French chocolate manufacturer, founded in 1948 by Marc and Marcelle Cluizel in Damville, Normandy. The company is one of the few bean-to-bar chocolatiers, directly processing cocoa beans into high-end chocolates and has developed the concept of "1er Cru de Plantation" chocolates, highlighting single-plantation origins. Michel Cluizel is committed to using high-quality ingredients, as evident from their "Ingredients Nobles" program launched in 1999, which eliminates artificial flavors, colors, and GMO ingredients. The company has received the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label in 2012 and generates annual sales of EUR24 million. They maintain unique partnerships with planters worldwide, ensuring meticulous selection and traceability of cocoa beans. For further details on their premium chocolates, visit their official website.