When it comes to sweets, chocolate bars are irresistible for Filipinos. No wonder why; the combination of sweet and slightly bitter taste is a hit to cap off a meal or snack at any time of the day. Since it's well-loved, it comes in many variations depending on the type, use, added ingredients, and quantity. Already thinking about this heavenly treat? Read on!
This article features a list of the best chocolate bars to help you compare and determine the perfect chocolate bar for you. There is also a buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales to help you know what to consider when buying chocolate bars.
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
Not all chocolates are created equal. Some are more bitter, others are creamier, while others contain more sugar. Chocolates are generally sorted into three categories: dark, milk, and white. Before buying a chocolate bar, take your pick among these three depending on your needs and preferences.
Dark chocolate, which is also referred to as black, bittersweet, or semisweet chocolate, has a more intense flavor among the three. This is because it has a higher percentage of cocoa solids or pure chocolate and a lower percentage of other ingredients such as sugar and dairy.
Chocolate is considered "dark" when the pure cacao content is usually above 55%, but it can also go as high as 70%. Because they lack sugar and dairy, most dark chocolates are vegan-friendly and have a firmer texture. Usually, dark chocolate is used in baking as it gives a strong chocolate flavor minus the sweetness.
Milk chocolate is undoubtedly the most well-distributed and probably the most well-loved chocolate. It has a creamier, richer, and milder taste because it has sugar, dairy, and vanilla. Aside from that, it has other ingredients, too, including emulsifiers such as soy lecithin, which gives it a smoother texture compared to other types of chocolate.
Milk chocolate is often regarded as the middle ground in chocolates and is used in most chocolate bars. This is because it is not as bitter as dark chocolate, yet it is also not as sweet as white chocolate.
Although it is arguably the most popular type, keep in mind that since it contains fewer amounts of cocoa, it also has less nutritional value compared to other chocolates.
Out of all the types of chocolates, white chocolate is the sweetest of all. It is mainly made from sugar and cocoa butter with added milk, vanilla, and an emulsifier that blends all the ingredients. Since it lacks cocoa solids, white chocolate can be described as predominantly creamy, sweet, and white.
Although white chocolate contains large amounts of dairy, which can be a source of calcium, it doesn't outweigh the fact that it also has large amounts of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, making it high in saturated fat. Still, white chocolate can be enjoyed from time to time, and it is perfect for those who prefer chocolates without any trace of bitterness.
Now that you know more about the different types of chocolates, it's now time to know what other ingredients can be paired with it in a chocolate bar. Whether you like it plain or with something more, you'll be sure to find a chocolate bar for you.
If you want to focus on the chocolate's flavor and taste, you can never go wrong with plain chocolate bars. With them, you can appreciate the texture and flavor of your chocolate without other ingredients getting in the way.
Furthermore, plain chocolate bars are perfect if you are allergic to additional ingredients such as nuts, nougats, and other ingredients. Their simplicity allows the chocolate to take center stage, and you can enjoy your chocolate minus the fuss of having extra ingredients.
Chocolates with fruits are perfect if you want to eat something healthy and substantial. Common fruits found in chocolate bars are raisins and oranges, which provide a sour or tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the chocolate bar. Aside from that, these ingredients give a higher nutritional value to an otherwise plain chocolate bar.
Meanwhile, nuts are a great source of nutrients and can include different types such as peanuts, almonds, macadamias, and hazelnuts. These ingredients give added texture and make your chocolate bar more substantial and filling, sometimes even eaten as a substitute for meals.
If you want something a fun and enjoyable snack, opt for chocolates with caramel, nougat, and biscuit. Other than those, you can also choose those with cookies and cream, crisped rice, and wafers. These ingredients can take chocolate bars to the next level, as they add more flavor and dimension to an otherwise plain bar of chocolate.
With the many combinations of these ingredients out there, you'll have plenty of choices when picking this kind of chocolate bar. Usually, they add extra sweetness to an already sweet bar of plain chocolate, so it is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Lastly, pick the right size for your chocolate bar. To do this, determine if it's only for you, for sharing with other people, or for baking. By considering this, you can have an idea of the quantity you'll need when buying a chocolate bar.
If you'll be eating it by yourself, then it is better to opt for fun-size bars that usually weigh less than 60g. On the other hand, if you'll be sharing it or using it as a baking ingredient, then it is much better to go with large, full-size bars, which usually start from 80g to as much as 360g. If you are giving it as a gift, consider buying chocolate sets and bouquets from chocolate shops.
Another thing to consider when buying chocolate bars is their country of origin. No two bars are the same, and some countries are more well-known for their chocolates compared to other countries. Although it's not the deciding factor, knowing this can come in handy if you're deciding between two products from different countries.
Among the countries with the best chocolate are Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Belgians are known for their handcrafted chocolate, the Swiss are known for brands such as Lindt and Toblerone, and the British are known for the well-loved Cadbury milk chocolate. Other countries with great chocolate products are Italy, Ecuador, and the US, to name a few.
You can only get the most out of your chocolate bar if it's still in its best condition. With that in mind, make sure to always check the production and expiry date of a product before purchasing it. This is important because expired chocolate might not be the same as its original appearance and taste.
Another factor to look at is its authenticity. Chocolate bars, especially those that are well-known, have counterfeits with a similar taste compared to the original but might be made from different ingredients and production processes.
It's important to be aware of the authenticity of your chocolate to avoid getting ripped off by shops selling knock-offs of chocolate brands.
From ₱440
From Auro, this chocolate bar set is the perfect snack for all chocolate lovers. Each set includes four different flavors: 42% milk chocolate and 55%, 64%, and 77% dark chocolate. With these assorted flavors, you'll be sure to have many options to choose from and enjoy the varying cacao intensities that each flavor offers.
Since each set includes 4 pieces of 50g chocolate bars, a set of this chocolate is perfect for sharing or maybe even as a gift. The ingredients of this chocolate bar are directly sourced from local farmers from Davao, and each bite guarantees dark and smooth chocolate with hints of other special ingredients such as vanilla and banana.
From ₱149.75
Hershey's is one of the most well-loved chocolate brands. Their chocolate bars are a classic, and these chocolate bars are perfect for chocolate lovers who enjoy the smooth and rich flavor of chocolate. Without any added ingredients, you can enjoy the best milk chocolate has to offer.
Aside from that, this 43 g. chocolate bar is also great for sharing with friends and family. Containing 6 pieces of chocolate bars, you can easily give this out to others without the hassle of dividing a single bar. Overall, this is a great classic bar for those who need or prefer size for sharing.
From ₱130
Not a fan of milk chocolate? Then this next chocolate bar is for you. From artisan brand Theo & Philo, this product contains 70% chocolate for all dark chocolate fans out there. Its main ingredients are cacao beans and sugar, where the cacaos are locally sourced here in the Philippines. In fact, this brand is the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in the country!
Additionally, since it is labeled as 70% dark chocolate, expect that this product has a strong bitter flavor from the cacao. Each bar weighs 45g and can be bought as a snack or given as a gift, especially during the holidays. Overall, this bar of dark chocolate has a bold and delightfully bitter flavor.
From ₱187
Tired of the usual chocolate bars? Then you should give white chocolate bars a try. While you're at it, add Dairy Milk Dream to your cart. Maker of delectable and creamy chocolate, Cadbury made this bar more delicious with milk. With it, you can enjoy a glass and half of fresh milk in every bar!
With this variation, you can munch on creamy white chocolate in individually wrapped bars. You can also bring them to school or hand them out at work. Just keep in mind that since these chocolate bars are made primarily with cocoa and milk solids, they contain high amounts of sugar and saturated fat.
Do you like baking anything chocolate? If yes, then this unsweetened chocolate bar is something that you should add to your grocery list. Ricoa Unsweetened chocolate is the perfect baking ingredient to use if you like to add an intense chocolate flavor to your kitchen creations.
Each pack contains eight blocks of 1 oz. decadent unsweetened chocolate bars. With this chocolate bar, you can make your very own chocolate batirol, brownies, cakes, frostings, and many other chocolate-based desserts.
Can't decide between chocolate and wafer? Then this product is for you. Nestle KitKat combines creamy milk chocolate with crunchy wafers to create a mouth-watering snack that you can eat at any time of the day. The chocolate is sweet and creamy, while the wafer is great for balancing out the sweetness of the milk chocolate.
With this item, you can have six 17g KitKat wafers for individual snacking or sharing. Since they are individually wrapped, you can bring them to school and to work as a snack or maybe even as a guilty pleasure reward to yourself after a long day!
From Lotte, Ghana Extra Cacao Mild chocolate bars are optimal for those who want a balance between the sweetness and the bitterness of cacao. From this product, you can expect smooth and creamy milk chocolate with a light bitterness from the cacao bean. In a way, think of this as the cross between milk and dark chocolate.
At 34g, this chocolate bar is a great snack when you are craving something sweet. It's made with flour, milk powder, cocoa, and sugar that gives it that slightly bitter but still sweet taste. Overall, Ghana chocolate bars have the appeal of milk chocolate that everyone loves, minus its overpowering sweetness.
From Alfie, this chocolate bar with cookies and cream is the perfect sweet-tooth snack to eat anywhere. This chocolate bar is made with creamy white chocolate, which is then mixed with crushed cocoa black cookies that give it a unique texture and mouthwatering sweet taste.
Since each bar weighs 31g, this chocolate bar can be brought anywhere and eaten individually as a snack. Overall, Alfie Cookies and Cream is a great chocolate bar if you prefer creamy milk chocolate coupled with crushed cookies that give it a uniquely crispy texture.
Who could ever forget LALA chocolate? For many, just seeing this chocolate bar elicits childhood memories. Classic Milky Chocolate is a local staple that became a hit since LALA Gracepoint Enterprises distributed it. Many love its not overly sweet taste and pastillas-like texture that comes at a budget-friendly price.
One LALA bar ought to be enough as pantanggal umay. The best part is that the bar isn't loaded with fats. Unlike other chocolates, this product is not fat-based. The bases are pure milk and cocoa. This is probably why LALA chocolate has a smooth mouthfeel and a balanced taste you will keep coming back to.
Not a fan of imported chocolate brands? Then Jack 'n Jill's Cloud 9 Classic is worth considering. It has all the extra ingredients: caramel, nougat, and peanuts, all coated in chocolate. In every bite, expect the sweet and delectable taste of the multiple layers of this chocolate bar.
In terms of ingredients, it is comparable to a Snickers bar. However, since this chocolate bar is locally made, it is definitely more budget-friendly in terms of price. Don't worry, though, as Cloud-9 can compete with other brands, and if you put it beside a Snickers bar, it would not be that easy to tell which is which.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Chocolate bars should not be refrigerated. Doing so alters the texture and, in some cases, the taste of the chocolate bar. Cocoa butter quickly absorbs flavors and odors, especially in an enclosed space like your fridge. The temperature change can also lead to sugar bloom, resulting in a bar of grainy chocolate with a white surface layer. To ensure the best quality of chocolate bars, store them in a slightly cool, dry, dark place.
Overeating chocolate bars cause spikes in your blood sugar since they are usually high in sugar and saturated fat. But when eaten in moderation, chocolate bars can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet. To ensure this, remember to check the nutritional label and stick with the recommended serving.
Can't live without chocolate? Here is a list of all our recommendation articles for different chocolate products. With many options to choose from, you will definitely never run out of this sweet and delectable treat!
Author: Katrina Balingit
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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