Top Dark Chocolate Brands for Rich, Indulgent Flavor Delight

Dark chocolate has long been celebrated for its rich flavors and numerous health benefits, making it a favorite indulgence for chocolate aficionados around the world. With a wide range of brands crafting exquisite dark chocolate, selecting the best can be an adventure for the tastebuds, from the deep cocoa notes of Valrhona to the artisanal allure of Green & Black's. Some brands focus on organic and ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring that their offerings stand out not only in flavor but also in their commitment to sustainability. As you explore the list of top dark chocolate brands, discover which ones provide the perfect blend of taste and quality below.

Illustration of dark chocolate

Best brands of dark chocolate in 2025

Valrhona

Valrhona is renowned as one of the best producers of dark chocolate, with a rich history dating back to 1922 when it was founded by French pastry chef Alberic Guironnet. To be labeled as dark chocolate, Valrhona's products must contain at least 43% cocoa solids, including cocoa nibs and cocoa butter, with at least 26% of these solids being cocoa butter. The company is known for its high-grade luxury chocolates, including Single Origin Grand Crus and blended Grand Crus, and has been B Corp-certified since 2020. Valrhona's chocolates are highly regarded for their quality, derived from the terroir and the skills of the chocolatiers, rather than just the cocoa percentage. The company has also made significant strides in sustainability, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025. For more detailed information, explore dark chocolate terminology on Valrhona's website.

Lindt

Lindt & Sprungli is renowned as one of the premier producers of dark chocolate, known for its high-quality and luxurious products. The company has seen significant growth, with a 21.4% increase in sales in the USA to USD 705 million in 2022, and its Excellence brand leading the dark chocolate segment with strong double-digit growth. Lindt's dark chocolate products, such as the Excellence Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa, are appreciated for their intense and elegant flavors, despite recent controversies over trace amounts of heavy metals. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a leader in the global premium chocolate market, with over 2500 products distributed in more than 120 countries. Lindt's dark chocolate market presence is further bolstered by the growing demand for dark chocolate, expected to reach a global market value of US$ 140.25 billion by 2034.

Godiva

Godiva is a renowned producer of premium chocolates, particularly excelling in the dark chocolate segment. With a brand awareness of 73% among chocolate and candy bar eaters in the United States, Godiva is well-recognized for its high-quality products. Despite holding a relatively smaller market share of around 5-7% in the U.S. chocolate market, Godiva has successfully carved out a niche as a leader in premium chocolates, with 18% of chocolate consumers using the brand. The brand's market share has seen fluctuations, but it remains a significant player, especially in the premium segment. Godiva's commitment to growth and innovation is evident in its recent market share increase and its strategic initiatives to expand its presence.

Ghirardelli

Ghirardelli, a renowned American chocolatier, stands out as one of the best producers of dark chocolate, known for its rigorous quality control and precise manufacturing process. The company, wholly owned by Lindt & Sprungli, rejects up to 40% of the cocoa seeds to ensure only the highest quality is used. In 2023, Ghirardelli generated sales of USD 812 million, reflecting an 11.6% organic growth, with its dark chocolate squares and bars being key contributors to this success. The brand's commitment to intense flavors and health benefits, such as high iron and flavonoid content, aligns with the growing demand for dark chocolate, which is expected to reach a global market value of $140.25 billion by 2034.

Green & Black's

Green & Black's is a leading producer of high-quality dark chocolate, known for its intense, bittersweet flavor and organic credentials. The brand experienced phenomenal growth between 2002 and 2005, with sales rising from PS4.5 million to PS29 million, a 544% increase, making it the fastest-growing confectionery brand in the UK. By 2006, Green & Black's commanded a 7.4% share of the UK block chocolate market. Their success is attributed to repositioning from a niche organic brand to a luxury premium chocolate brand, focusing on taste and quality. In the UK, brand awareness of Green & Black's stands at 74%, with 18% of chocolate eaters using the brand. For more information about their signature chocolate offerings, visit their official website.

Theo Chocolate

Theo Chocolate is a renowned producer of premium, organic, and fair-trade chocolate, particularly celebrated for its high-quality dark chocolate. With a brand awareness of 26% among U.S. chocolate eaters and a usage share of 4%, Theo Chocolate has established itself as a favorite, especially among those who value ethical and sustainable sourcing. The company, founded in 2006, has seen an 11% increase in sales in the grocery channel over a six-month period, highlighting its growing popularity. Known for its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Theo Chocolate is the first roaster of organic and Fair Trade certified cocoa beans in the United States. Its loyal customer base, with 75% of users likely to purchase again, further underscores its reputation as a top chocolate brand.

Scharffen Berger

Scharffen Berger, founded in 1996 by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg, is a pioneering American chocolate maker renowned for its high-quality, small-batch dark chocolate products. The company is notable for being the first American firm to produce chocolate "from bean to bar" in over 50 years. Scharffen Berger's chocolates range from 41% to 99% cocoa content, with a focus on dark chocolate varieties that are highly regarded for their rich flavor profiles. After being acquired by The Hershey Company in 2005, Scharffen Berger continued to maintain its commitment to artisanal chocolate making, although it was later divested and returned to private ownership in 2021. The brand has recently undergone a significant rebranding and expansion of its product lines, including new baking portions and chocolate provisions. For more details on their offerings, visit their official website.

Alter Eco

Alter Eco stands out as a premier producer of dark chocolate, sourcing its cacao beans from organic trees in Ecuador and Peru and refining them with the expertise of Swiss chocolatiers. Over 50% of their cocoa comes from farms practicing regenerative agriculture, with a goal to source 100% from such projects. Their chocolate production is 100% carbon neutral, utilizing over 95% renewable energy, and their packaging is 100% compostable. Alter Eco's dark chocolate bars can range from 70% to 90% cocoa content, such as the Super Blackout bar which is 90% cacao. The company's commitment to fair trade and sustainable practices has made it a leader in the industry. For more details on how their chocolate is produced, visit their website.

Endangered Species Chocolate

Endangered Species Chocolate is a notable producer of dark chocolate, known for its commitment to quality and conservation. The company debuted a new snacking line in 2018, featuring products with high cocoa content, such as the Dark Chocolate Bites with 88 percent Cocoa. Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10 percent of its net profits annually to partnering conservation organizations, enhancing its appeal to consumers who value both taste and ethical sourcing. The brand's products are designed to meet consumer demand for rich, snack-friendly options made with real, premium ingredients. With an estimated annual revenue of $4.5 million, Endangered Species Chocolate continues to grow and innovate in the dark chocolate market. For more detailed insights, you can explore their financial and growth information on Endangered Species Chocolate's Growth Page.

Mast Chocolate

Mast Chocolate is renowned as one of the top producers of dark chocolate, contributing to the growing trend of premiumization in the market. The brand, along with others like Rogue Chocolatier, has been driving the growth of artisanal and craft chocolate segments. Mast Chocolate's products are highly preferred by consumers, especially during festivals such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter, both for personal consumption and gifting. The global dark chocolate market, which includes brands like Mast, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a valuation of around $131,934.4 million by 2033. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for premium and organic dark chocolates, with the organic segment expected to expand at an 8.6% CAGR during the forecast period.