10 Best Chocolate Bars in the Philippines 2021 (Auro, Hershey's, Ricoa, and More)

Having many choices can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to look. This buying guide enumerates the things that you should consider when buying a chocolate bar.

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'll be 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.

Also, another factor to consider 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.

Now that you hopefully know more about chocolate bars, it is now time to navigate your options online. This curated list features the best chocolate bars money found in online stores such as Shopee and Lazada.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Are you a chocolate lover who is looking for a new recipe to try? Look into this very straightforward recipe on how to make a chocolate bar. Aside from it requiring only 3 ingredients, it's also very flexible and you can add in nuts or other flavors that you want to try!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cacao or cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• optional extracts, cocoa nibs, chia seeds, or other add-ins

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and add in optional ingredients if you want. Stir until it gets thick.
2. Pour into any flat and shallow container or smush between layers of wax paper or in Ziploc bags.
3. Chill until firm.

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!

Chocolate bars are a snack enjoyed by every generation. They are found in almost all supermarkets and convenience stores, and they have many variations for you to choose from depending on your needs and preferences. We hope that this article helped you learn more about chocolate bars and the best options available for you online.

Author: Katrina Balingit

Like and follow our Instagram and Facebook page for updates!