10 Best Local Chocolates in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

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. 

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. 

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! 

For serious fans of dark chocolate, look no further than Malagos Chocolate. They make their chocolates using single-origin cocoa beans from Davao, which is also known as the chocolate capital of the Philippines. They are also known for producing dark chocolates, including ones meant for hot chocolate.

This particular variety consists of 85% dark chocolate, which is perfect for those who’d like a more intense, chocolatey flavor. Moreover, this makes it great to pair with sweet fruits such as strawberries and bananas. Or, if you want to balance its bitterness, it also tastes great when paired with salted caramel!

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! 

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!

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!

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! 

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! 

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!

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!