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  4. 10 Best Local Chocolates in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
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10 Best Local Chocolates in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

It is no secret that Filipinos are notorious for their sweet toothーand chocolate is one we can never say no to. But when you think of chocolate, it is imported ones that come to mind. However, local chocolates have recently been gaining prominence for their excellent taste and quality, which could compete with international brands. 


That said, you don't have to look far and wide because we have our very own selection of local chocolate brands. In this article, we will share our list of the 10 best local chocolates in the Philippines and a buying guide that will help you choose how to choose local chocolate that's just right for your taste.

Last updated 07/14/2023
Samantha Morales
Expert
Nutritionist-Dietitian
Samantha Morales

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.

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Editorial Team

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.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Local Chocolate - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:


  1. Determine the type of chocolate you’d like best.
  2. Select between plain or flavored chocolate.
  3. When buying dark chocolate, pick one that contains at least 70% cocoa.
  4. Go for local chocolates that use minimal ingredients.
  5. Consider those with bean-to-bar or single origin labels to ensure fair practices and quality.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below

1

Determine the Type of Chocolate You’d Like Best

Before anything else, you must first choose which type of chocolate you like eating best. Like any other chocolate brands, local chocolates are available in dark, milk, and white chocolate. Read on to see which variant you’d enjoy eating.

For Intense, Bold Flavors, Get Dark Chocolate

For Intense, Bold Flavors, Get Dark Chocolate

Characterized by its strong, earthy, and bitter flavor, true-blue chocolate lovers almost always reach for dark chocolate. It consists of cocoa, little to no milk solids, and the lowest amount of sugar. It also contains vitamins A and E, minerals like zinc, and even antioxidants, making it the most nutritious type of chocolate.


Moreover, it has a slightly crisp texture, and it is not as creamy as milk and white chocolate. But it is the one to reach for if you are looking for that intense, chocolatey flavor. That said, if you are looking for mild linamnam, you may not find it in dark chocolate. Its bitter taste also might be off-putting to some.

Go for Milk Chocolate for Balanced Creaminess and Smoothness

Go for Milk Chocolate for Balanced Creaminess and Smoothness
    Unlike its dark counterpart, milk chocolate has a balanced flavor profile consisting of that chocolatey punch mellowed out by a subtle creaminess. Plus, its melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it very pleasant to consume. For this reason, milk chocolate is the go-to type for many people. So, whether you are looking to eat or give chocolates, milk chocolate is your safest bet.

For Smooth and Buttery Taste, Look for White Chocolate

For Smooth and Buttery Taste, Look for White Chocolate
For some chocolate purists, white chocolate isn’t considered chocolate. It does not contain any cocoa but primarily consists of cocoa butter, which gives it a rich and velvety mouthfeel. Other ingredients include sugar, emulsifers, and flavorings like vanilla, making it the sweetest of all types of chocolate. 

But, if you really like white chocolate, there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy it. Local chocolate manufacturers have also created their own rendition of this type, so you will have plenty of options to choose from.

2

Select Between Plain or Flavored Chocolate

Chocolate could either be plain or flavored. Perhaps you want something munch on like nuts while eating the chocolate or maybe you’re the type who dislikes other ingredients mixed with their chocolate. Both have its advantages, though ultimately, it all boils to a matter of your preference.

Aim for Plain Chocolate if You Want to Savor the Chocolate’s Taste

Aim for Plain Chocolate if You Want to Savor the Chocolate’s Taste
If you want to relish the chocolate’s taste, then we suggest going for plain chocolate. That way, you can fully appreciate its flavor and texture without other ingredients getting in the way of your tasting experience.

Moreover, much like wine-making, local chocolate makers have their own style when it comes to producing chocolates. Therefore, eating plain chocolate would enable you to taste those differences.

Taste the Different Filipino Flavors in Flavored Chocolate

Taste the Different Filipino Flavors in Flavored Chocolate
If you’re in the mood for something different, you could always try flavored chocolates. These are great if you want that added flavor as the fusion of flavors could make way for a whole new flavor.

Aside from the typical nut flavors, local chocolate makers like to get creative and incorporate contrasing and complimentary Filipino flavors to the chocolate such as adobo, kalamansi, and even chili. So, when you do try flavored local chocolates, you will be surely in for a treat!
3

When Buying Dark Chocolate, Pick One That Contains at Least 70% Cocoa

When Buying Dark Chocolate, Pick One That Contains at Least 70% Cocoa
If you are set on buying dark chocolate, look for ones that contain at least 70% cocoa. It means the remaining 30% would consist of sugar, salt, or other flavoring. This is the optimum percentage in order to reap the benefits of dark chocolate. Though do note that some dark chocolates could even go as high as 100%.

However, this would mean you would be eating pure cocoa with no sugar at all, and not everyone can appreciate its bitter taste. So, if you aren’t too keen on eating dark chocolate but want to try it, you may want to opt for 55 to 65% instead as your gateway to dark chocolates
4

Go for Local Chocolates That Use Minimal Ingredients

Go for Local Chocolates That Use Minimal Ingredients

When it comes to products, whether it be skincare and cosmetics or food items, the lesser ingredients, the betterーand this also applies to chocolates. You want chocolates whose first three ingredients are cocoa beans or cacao, cocoa butter, and sugar. It ensures the majority of the chocolate is indeed made up of chocolate. 


While you’re at it, watch out for emulsifiers such as lecithin, hydrogenated vegetable oils, or trans fat. These prevent the chocolate from separating and improve its consistency though they are considered artificial flavorings. They are not inherently bad, but you might want to eat your chocolate in moderation.
5

Consider Those With Bean-to-Bar or Single Origin Labels to Ensure Fair Practices and Quality

Consider Those With Bean-to-Bar or Single Origin Labels to Ensure Fair Practices and Quality

Lots of local chocolate makers produce bean-to-bar chocolates. This means they had a hand in the chocolate-making processーfrom harvesting the cocoa beans to the production of the chocolates.


In case you were confused about the term single origin, this just means the chocolate comes from a single region or location. For instance, notable origins of cacao could be found in South Cotabato and Davao instead of using various cocoa beans from different origins all over the world.

Some local chocolate makers also directly trade with farmers and avoid using middlemen. This creates a fairer trade practice, as farmers can receive higher compensation for their products. This also gives them a source of sustainable income as it contributes to farmers’ livelihood.
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10 Best Local Chocolates to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Auro Chocolate

50% Regalo Single-Varietal Dark Milk Chocolate

Auro Chocolate 50% Regalo Single-Varietal Dark Milk Chocolate 1

₱225

Mid

Award-Winning Chocolate That Appeals to Everyone

2

Theo & Philo

65% Dark Chocolate With Green Mango & Salt

Theo & Philo 65% Dark Chocolate With Green Mango & Salt 1

₱115

Low

Dark Chocolate With a Uniquely Filipino Twist

3

Malagos Chocolate

85% Dark Chocolate

Malagos Chocolate 85% Dark Chocolate 1

₱275

High Mid

Enjoy Strong Notes of Cacao With a Hint of Fruitiness

4

1919 Chocolate

Dulce de Leche Chocolate

1919 Chocolate Dulce de Leche Chocolate 1

₱230

Mid

Silky Dulce de Leche Chocolate to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

5

Tigre y Oliva

Pili Butter Bars

Tigre y Oliva Pili Butter Bars 1

₱300

High Mid

Fusion of Sweet and Salty Flavors in a Chocolate Bar

6

Risa Chocolates

Brown Butter Chocolate

Risa Chocolates Brown Butter Chocolate 1

₱299.5

High Mid

A Blend of Milk Chocolate and Brown Butter That Appeals to Dark and Milk Chocolate Lovers

7

Lerio Chocolates

Milk Chocolate - Sugar Free

Lerio Chocolates Milk Chocolate - Sugar Free 1

₱160

Low Mid

A Sugar-Free Milk Chocolate for Those Watching Their Sugar Intake

8

MS3 Choco

50% Dark Chocolate Bon Choc With Cashew & Coffee Granules

MS3 Choco 50% Dark Chocolate Bon Choc With Cashew & Coffee Granules 1

₱115

Low

Dark Chocolate That’s Suitable for Vegans

9

Plenitude Chocolate

Dark Milk Chocolate Bar With Roasted Hazelnuts

Plenitude Chocolate  Dark Milk Chocolate Bar With Roasted Hazelnuts 1

₱219

Mid

A Chocolate That’s Made of Minimal Ingredients

10

Coco Dolce

Dark Chocolate With Chili

Coco Dolce Dark Chocolate With Chili 1

₱240

Mid

Turn Up the Heat With This Combination of Chocolate and Chili

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Auro Chocolate50% Regalo Single-Varietal Dark Milk Chocolate

50% Regalo Single-Varietal Dark Milk Chocolate 1
Source:aurochocolate.com
Reference price
₱225
Mid
Reference price
₱225
Mid

Award-Winning Chocolate That Appeals to Everyone

When it comes to local chocolates, perhaps no brand is as notable as Auro. They are known for their wide range of chocolates, from ready-to-eat bars to baking chocolate, and even collaborations with different restaurants both here and abroad


A lot of their chocolates are delicious though this dark milk is one that could appeal to all fans of chocolateーdark, milk, and white varieties. It consists of single-varietal dark milk chocolate made from beans from the forests of Davao, which gives it notes of green apple, green tea, and pinewood. 

The Regalo has even won numerous medals, owing to its delectable taste. This includes a gold medal during the International Chocolate Awards in 2020 in the Asia Pacific, as well as a silver in the International Chocolate Awards in 2021. 

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No.2

Theo & Philo65% Dark Chocolate With Green Mango & Salt

Reference price
₱115
Low

Dark Chocolate With a Uniquely Filipino Twist

Known as the first purveyors in the country that specialize in bean-to-bar chocolate, it is no surprise that Theo & Philo is on this list. And they are involved in every step of the process. They also source their ingredients all over the Philippines, such as the cacao from Mindanao and the sugar from Bacolod. 


One of their bestsellers is this 65% dark chocolate that has distinctly Filipino flavors. It contains green mango and sea salt, which is sure to capture you with its contrasting flavors. It had even received a bronze award from the Academy of Chocolate back in 2019! 

No.3

Malagos Chocolate85% Dark Chocolate

Reference price
₱275
High Mid

Enjoy Strong Notes of Cacao With a Hint of Fruitiness

This single-origin cacao sourced from Davao has an 85% cacao content that tastes pure cacao with hints of fruitiness. This is a perfect pick-me-up snack while also getting your dose of nutrients. This local treat will be a delight, especially for dark chocolate lovers.

The strong flavor of their chocolate may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as some are hesitant to try bitter flavors. However, the beauty of their chocolate lies within the chocolate’s deep and fruity flavor. Don’t dismiss them by reason of bitterness alone; try and enjoy the fruity, deep, and delicious chocolate that is Malagos.

No.4

1919 ChocolateDulce de Leche Chocolate

Reference price
₱230
Mid

Silky Dulce de Leche Chocolate to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

1919 specializes in tree-to-bar chocolate, with the cacao beans coming from their own farm! This way, they can see to it that every chocolate they produce is up to their standard. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, then try their dulce de leche chocolate. 


It is a dulce de leche flavored white chocolate that’s been noted to taste like caramelーsweet and delicious. It only contains 36% cocoa, which means it won’t be as earthy and robust as dark chocolate. This makes it perfect for those who want to indulge their sweet tooth! 

No.5

Tigre y OlivaPili Butter Bars

Reference price
₱300
High Mid
Reference price
₱300
High Mid

Fusion of Sweet and Salty Flavors in a Chocolate Bar

If you’re on the hunt for something different, then we recommend you try these Pili Butter Bars from Tigre y Oliva. It features their house-made pili nut butter, chocolate ganache, salted caramel, and even patis. It is then coated in their very own, single-origin dark chocolate, so you get a sweet and salty combination. 


This makes for an interesting treat whether you are in the mood for chocolate or for a different kind of sweets. Aside from their dark chocolate bars, if you’d like something on the creamier side, you could also try their dulce gatas bombs. Either way, this is not your ordinary chocolate!

No.6

Risa ChocolatesBrown Butter Chocolate

Reference price
₱299.5
High Mid
Reference price
₱299.5
High Mid

A Blend of Milk Chocolate and Brown Butter That Appeals to Dark and Milk Chocolate Lovers

Taken from the Spanish word, sonrisa, which means smile, Risa aims to bring a smile to anyone who eats their chocolate. They have plenty of chocolate creations ranging from couverture to pastry items like cookies. But their bars are perhaps the most talked-about mainly because of their creative flavors. 


This brown butter chocolate is one such example. It consists of a milk chocolate base with cacao beans sourced from South Cotabato, which is known for producing quality beans. Moreover, it is the right blend of creaminess and sweetness, so both dark and milk chocolate lovers can enjoy it!

No.7

Lerio ChocolatesMilk Chocolate - Sugar Free

Reference price
₱160
Low Mid

A Sugar-Free Milk Chocolate for Those Watching Their Sugar Intake

Can’t get enough of milk chocolate? Then try this one from Lerio. This particular variety is sugar-free and uses kaong as a natural sweetener. This makes it a great option for those who love chocolate but are conscious of their sugar intake. That way, you don’t have to deprive yourself. 


Their cocoa beans are handpicked from a single estate in Agusan Del Sur. In addition to chocolate bars, they also offer quite the range of selections such as rum and peanut truffles as well chocolate sweetened with regular cane sugar. And if you’re into baking, you may want to check out their couverture buttons as well! 

No.8

MS3 Choco50% Dark Chocolate Bon Choc With Cashew & Coffee Granules

Reference price
₱115
Low

Dark Chocolate That’s Suitable for Vegans

MS3’s Bon Choc contains cashew, which is a tasty way to break up the monotony of the chocolate bar. It also contains coffee granules, but don’t worry! It won’t make the chocolate taste like mocha, but it serves to enhance its taste, intensifying the flavor of the chocolate.  That way you are able to get more of that rich, chocolatey, taste. 


In addition, this chocolate bar is made of plant-based, single-origin cocoa beans from Davao, making it suitable even for vegetarians and vegans. It had even scored a bronze award at the Chocolate Bar category at the Academy of Chocolate in 2019! 

No.9

Plenitude Chocolate Dark Milk Chocolate Bar With Roasted Hazelnuts

Reference price
₱219
Mid

A Chocolate That’s Made of Minimal Ingredients

If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, then Plenitude’s ought to change your mind. Their chocolate features 55% dark milk chocolate. It is creamy enough to satisfy milk chocolate lovers, but it is mild enough for dark chocolate fans as well. It also contains roasted hazelnuts for that added texture and flavor.  


It is a three-ingredient chocolate only containing cocoa beans and cacao butter, milk, and unrefined sugar. Moreover, the brand does not use hydrogenated vegetable oil. With this chocolate, you’re surely in for a treat!

No.10

Coco DolceDark Chocolate With Chili

Reference price
₱240
Mid

Turn Up the Heat With This Combination of Chocolate and Chili

Coco Dolce’s dark chocolate is sure to ignite your taste buds! Their chocolate bar contains chili, perfect for adventurous foodies. Their dark chocolate is intensely flavorful, which is followed by an aftertaste of the heat brought about by the chili. So, if you’re feeling bold, then you might want to give this a try. 


The brand uses single origin and fair trade cacao from Davao. Moreover, their chocolate has minimal ingredients, such as cacao beans, cocoa butter, sugar, and vanilla. It also uses low glycemic index coconut sugar, making it a great choice if you need a healthier alternative!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

Can Any Type of Chocolate Be Used for Baking?

You can use “normal” chocolate for baking but it is not recommended. You would have to adjust your recipe’s sugar content, otherwise, it might taste too sweet. This is because baking chocolate is usually unsweetened while normal ones already contain milk and sugar. That said, you could use normal chocolate for ganache or sauces because it is easier to control the sweetness than in baked goods. 

Are Dark Chocolates Really Healthy?

Dark chocolate isn’t a health food but the flavanols found in the cocoa. Flavanols have antioxidant properties. And the higher the cacao content, the higher the flavanols. But flavanol content varies from brand to brand, and a square of chocolate would only yield about 140 mg of flavanols. 


This means you’d have to devour an entire chocolate bar to reap its benefits. Moreover, chocolate tends to be high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat, which could lead to weight gain and cardiovascular problems. So, think of chocolate - dark or otherwise, as an occasional treat and not a miracle food. 

Is Chocolate Bad for Hemorrhoids?

This one is rather tricky because hemorrhoid flare-ups are also dependent on your general condition, whether you are prone to constipation and diarrhea or if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is not necessarily the chocolate that could trigger hemorrhoids but its ingredients such as sugar or milk

Satisfy Your Chocolate Craving With These Picks

If you can’t get enough of chocolate you might want to check out the following links. From Japanese chocolate, dark chocolate, and even the commercial candy bars we are all familiar with, there are a lot to choose from. 

Author: J. Cuizon

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. 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.

Top 5 Local Chocolates

No. 1: Auro Chocolate50% Regalo Single-Varietal Dark Milk Chocolate

No. 2: Theo & Philo65% Dark Chocolate With Green Mango & Salt

No. 3: Malagos Chocolate85% Dark Chocolate

No. 4: 1919 ChocolateDulce de Leche Chocolate

No. 5: Tigre y OlivaPili Butter Bars

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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