11 Best Swiss Chocolate Brands Of 2023
We all love chocolate, but there is something about Swiss chocolate specifically that is simply divine. We honestly don’t even have the words for it! Swiss chocolate is extremely creamy, sweet, and simply melts in your mouth.
What are the best Swiss chocolate brands? The best Swiss chocolate brands include Lindt, Milka, Nestle, Schmerling’s, and Milkboy to name a few. It’s important to look for Swiss chocolate brands that are authentically Swiss, as well as to find brands that offer more flavors beyond milk chocolate.
In today’s article, we will be looking at exactly what Swiss chocolate is and what makes it so incredibly unique and rave-worthy.
Furthermore, we will be looking at some of the best Swiss chocolate brands and the many products that they provide, all of which can be conveniently found online!
What Is Swiss Chocolate?
Now, we have all heard of Swiss chocolate by now. But, what makes it so special and unique that everybody seems to rave about it the whole time? Well, to answer that, it is important to understand how chocolate works first.
Chocolate is a sweet treat that is made from a combination of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, and flavoring ingredients like sugar. Those are really the only ingredient you need to make chocolate.
But, today many manufacturers and chocolatiers include enriching ingredients to alter the flavor and more importantly, the texture of the final product.
Swiss chocolate specifically contains a lot more milk as compared to chocolates produced in other countries.
This makes the chocolate lusciously smooth and creamy. It also creates a much more intensified milk chocolate flavor that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world!
These chocolates are also known to be much sweeter and to contain a lower cocoa content. Cocoa usually adds the bitter flavor to chocolate.
So, generally speaking, Swiss chocolates are often milk chocolates and semi-sweet dark chocolates that range between 25-55%.
Furthermore, Swiss chocolates are usually labeled as such when they are solely produced in Switzerland.
It’s the same with Champagne, the sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region in France. Nowhere else in the world can sparkling wine be labeled as “Champagne” unless it is produced in Champagne.
Even though Switzerland does import the ingredients from other countries, for the chocolate to be labeled as “Swiss” it has to be made inside the country.
Buyer’s Guide
Now, before we get into our top picks, let’s look at some of the most important factors to consider when picking out a brand of Swiss chocolate!
Authentically Swiss
So, naturally, the first and most important thing to look for in Swiss chocolate is that they are actually authentically Swiss.
And trust us, there is virtually no Swiss chocolate manufacturer that doesn’t promote the origin of the chocolate.
However, you will still find some chocolates have authenticity stamps on the backs of the package.
Other than that, the criteria for a good quality Swiss chocolate bar are pretty much the same as for other chocolate bars.
Chocolate Brand
The brand says a lot. Choosing a well-recognized brand is always a safe option. Another thing you can look out for is the age of the brand.
For example, Cailler was established in 1819. So, for the brand to still be recognized and relevant today, they must produce pretty popular chocolates.
Type Of Chocolate
Then, of course, you should look for the chocolate type you want. Naturally, there will be different kinds of Swiss chocolate including white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate.
Keep in mind that the Swiss generally produce sweeter and less bitter chocolates. So, you won’t necessarily easily find dark Swiss chocolate.
Then, you can also choose between a wide range of flavored chocolates. Popular flavors today include salted chocolate, caramel flavor, strawberry, and almond. Make sure to check the flavor of your chocolate before buying.
Swiss Chocolate Bars Or Truffles
The Swiss aren’t only famous for producing chocolate bars but also flavored chocolate truffles or bonbons.
A chocolate truffle is a confection that is made with a chocolate ganache filling and is coated in chocolate. They can then be covered with garnishes such as coconut, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts.
Chocolate bonbons are very similar to chocolate truffles, but instead of a ganache filling, they contain an oozy filling that pours out when you bite the bonbon.
The fillings also don’t have to be chocolate at all. They can be fruit jellies, purees, caramels, and much more.
Price
Yes, unfortunately, we have to go there! Unless you buy the chocolates at an airport or in Switzerland itself, they are imported, which means they will cost more than a regular chocolate bar.
This is where choosing a brand also plays an important role. Some brands are naturally more expensive than others.
So, a Nestle chocolate bar (because it has been so incredibly commercialized) will cost less than a Läderach truffle or bar.
Furthermore, bonbons and truffles will be more expensive than chocolate bars. They take a considerable amount of work to make and are a more lux item.
The 11 Best Swiss Chocolate Brands
Alright, without further ado, let’s get into our absolute favorite Swiss chocolate brands!
Rank | Brand | Best Feature |
---|---|---|
1. | Lindt & Sprüngli | Best overall Swiss chocolate brand |
2. | Milka | Variety of different flavors |
3. | Toblerone | Iconic mountain-shaped chocolate |
4. | Cailler | One of the oldest Swiss chocolate manufacturers |
5. | Chocolat Frey AG | Makes molded chocolates, filled chocolate bars, and chocolate-coated products |
6. | Camille Bloch | Makes two main chocolate bars called the Torino and Ragusa |
7. | Milkboy | Very traditional Swiss brand |
8. | Swiss Delice | Excellent dark chocolate bites |
9. | Schmerling’s | Kosher |
10. | Kägi | Slight hazelnut flavor to their bars |
11. | Nestle | Very well known brand |
1. Lindt & Sprüngli
Lindt is arguably one of the most well-known Swiss chocolate around the globe. Also known as Lindt & Sprüngli AG, this company was founded in 1845 by Rudolf Lindt and David Sprüngli-Schwarz.
Since 1949, Lindt developed their first commercial chocolate bars. A few decades later, in 1967, they introduced their world-famous chocolate truffles.
These truffles have a semi-hard shell with a smooth chocolate ganache filling, both of which completely melts in your mouth.
And today, both of these products have a ton of different flavors and chocolate intensities.
Lindt produces white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate in both forms. And, they have even launched flavored chocolates including sea salt, orange, spiced pumpkin, fudge swirl, mint, and loads more.
Now, one thing to note with this brand is that not all of their products are authentically Swiss, even though their recipes are.
Because Lindt has exploded globally, they have started opening factories in many countries to cut back on export costs.
That being said, this makes Lindt a more affordable Swiss chocolate brand that still creates uber creamy and soft chocolate products.
Lindt Premium Milk Chocolate Hazelnut
This 10-ounce bar is lusciously creamy and smooth and surprisingly affordable.
It will make a fantastic gift for a loved one, or a great way to start your Swiss chocolate tasting journey.
This range also makes a wide variety of other flavors, however, you can also try some of their regular chocolate bars.
Lindt LINDOR Assorted Chocolate Truffles
Of course, we had to include some chocolate truffles. And, what better way to do so than with an assorted mix.
This box contains their dark chocolate truffles, 60% dark chocolate truffles, milk chocolate truffles, and white chocolate truffles.
This is the perfect way to get a much broader idea of the potential flavors they offer and how smooth and creamy this product range is.
2. Milka
You may be surprised to learn that Milka isn’t actually a German chocolate brand, but originated in Switzerland.
While it has been relocated completely and is no longer based in Switzerland, it will be forever loved as an authentic Swiss chocolate brand.
Milka chocolates are decadent, to say the least. They have classic Swiss traits like being extra creamy and sweeter than most others.
They produce a wide variety of plain and flavored chocolate bars as well as chocolate-covered toffees, hazelnut cocoa spreads, and other confections.
They have also started collaborating with other brands, like Oreo, to create unique limited edition treats.
One big problem with Milka, in general, is that they only release certain products in certain countries.
Sure, you will find most of their generic products everywhere, but their limited edition products can sometimes be very hard to find.
Milka Chocolate Bars Assorted Bundle
We again decided it would be best to include an assortment of their chocolate bars.
This truly showcases what they can do and the quality of their chocolates, despite being another very affordable Swiss chocolate brand.
This bundle includes a classic milk chocolate bar, Oreo chocolate bar, Strawberry-yogurt chocolate bar, Happy cow bar (a mix of white and milk chocolate), and a Tuc-flavored bar (the perfect mix of savory and sweet).
3. Toblerone
This chocolate became famous most likely because of its unique pyramid-like shape. This shape was inspired by the Matterhorn mountains in the Alps and is also depicted on the packaging itself.
was originally produced in Bern, Switzerland. It was created back in 1876 by Emil Baumann and Theodor Tobler. Ever since, ownership of the brand has changed, however, the headquarters and manufacturers remain in Switzerland itself.
What makes this chocolate even more unique is its size. You can get chocolate bars that only measure 4 inches (10 cm) all the way up to 40 inches (almost a meter)!
While there aren’t many varieties in the product itself, they have definitely drifted beyond their original flavor of milk chocolate, honey, almond, and nougat.
Now you can find flavors like crispy coconut, white chocolate, salted almond, and fruit and nut. They have also released individual triangle chunks as well as filled editions.
Toblerone Swiss Dark Chocolate with Honey, Almond, and Nougat
While it is easy enough to find their original chocolate online, finding good quality dark Swiss chocolate is much more difficult.
Luckily, this 3.5-ounce chocolate bar is uber creamy and on the sweeter side of things. This bar is perfect for anyone who likes sweeter dark chocolates ranging from around 40-50%.
4. Cailler
Cailler is one of the oldest Swiss chocolate manufacturers that still exist today. This company was established in 1819—that’s more than 200 years ago!
However, in 1929 it was bought over by Nestle. Despite being Nestle-owned, it still operated under the world-famous name.
This brand produces simple Swiss chocolate bars including milk, white, and dark flavors. They still produce their oldest product, Branche, which is a type of praline-filled chocolate bar that resembles the texture of a branch.
Cailler Classic Milk Chocolate Bar
We’ve decided to link to their classic milk chocolate bar.
If you want to know what authentic Swiss chocolate tastes like, we cannot think of a better product to showcase the unique soft texture and sweet flavor.
5. Chocolat Frey AG
Another age-old chocolate company that started in 1887, Frey has ever since revolutionized the global chocolate game.
This company produces a wide range of chocolate bars, plain and flavored.
However, what distinguishes them from other (and most) other Swiss chocolate brands, is that they also make molded chocolates, filled chocolate bars, and chocolate-coated products.
Frey Supreme Bar Assorted Super Mix
While it is difficult to find Frey chocolate bars online, we have found the perfect assorted pack that includes 10 different flavors!
And, to make this product even better, Frey has been Rainforest Alliance certified.
Now you can include guilt-free flavors like sea salt, mint, pecan and caramel, blueberry and almonds, and mandarin to name a few.
6. Camille Bloch
Camille Bloch is a lesser-known Swiss chocolate brand, but that doesn’t mean they are any less superior.
This brand makes two main chocolate bars called the Torino and Ragusa. The brand also makes a variety of filled chocolates and some flavored chocolate bars.
Ragusa Noir 60% Luxury Cocoa Swiss Chocolate
This box contains 16 individually portioned chocolates for the whole family to enjoy!
It is made with high-quality authentic Swiss dark chocolate that has an intense, yet semi-sweet flavor. Furthermore, it is loaded with delicious hazelnuts which are a classic when it comes to the Noir Ragusa range.
7. Milkboy
Milkboy is a much lesser-known brand that is still surprisingly old. It dates back to over 100 years and originated in the Emme-Valley between the Swiss Alps. The company today focuses on the origins of the chocolate and promotes traditions.
For example, they utilize paper-cut art in their packaging which is traditionally practiced in alpine villages. And, the design on the package was created by a famous Swiss paper-cut artist, Esther Gerber.
This chocolate is also uniquely certified as being Gluten-free, GMO-free, Soy-free, Kosher certified, and has been certified as using sustainably sourced cocoa.
Milkboy Swiss Gourmet Chocolate Bars Variety Pack
We simply couldn’t resist this variety pack. And it isn’t only because of the beautiful packaging!
This pack includes their original Alpine milk chocolate bar that is super creamy and rich.
Then, you have even more flavors beyond that!
These include their White chocolate with bourbon vanilla, an Alpine milk with Crunchy caramel and sea salt, and Alpine milk with roasted almond.
And finally, they have included their famous 85% extra dark Swiss chocolate bar to finish off the range.
8. Swiss Delice
While Swiss Delice is better known for their biscuits, they also have some excellent dark chocolate bites.
These small bars probably originated because so many people were blown away by the chocolate coatings and flavors in their biscuits.
Swiss Delice 72% Chocolate Noir
These are the mini dark chocolate bars that are delightfully bitter and sweet.
With an incredibly smooth and creamy texture, they make a fantastic addition to a dessert spread or with some coffee or tea.
And, if you don’t like the dark chocolate flavor, they also have a creamy milk chocolate option.
9. Schmerling’s
This brand was established in the 1950s and is one of the largest (if not the largest) Swiss chocolate kosher brands. They produce authentically made Swiss chocolates using mostly Swiss ingredients too.
Schmerling’s produces solid chocolate bars in many different flavors and intensities, chocolate candy bars, baking chocolate, and other similar products.
They are truly an incredible company that keeps using traditional techniques to produce high-quality chocolate.
Schmerling’s Premium Swiss Chocolate Variety Pack
Naturally, being a kosher-focussed brand, all of the chocolate bars in this variety pack are certified kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
This variety pack includes 6 filled-chocolate bars with luxurious flavors.
This includes a praline-filled dark, white, and milk chocolate bar, a nougat-filled bar, a salted caramel bar, and finally a coffee-filled milk chocolate bar.
10. Kägi
Kägi was founded in 1934 and has ever since produced some of the best locally known Swiss chocolates.
While exports are rare, you can sometimes find these sweet treats online. And trust us, they are well worth the purchase, even if they may be on the pricier side of things.
Now, a Kägi bar doesn’t only refer to the chocolate brand, but also their signature chocolate bar that is unlike most.
This chocolate bar consists of authentic Swiss chocolate, a deliciously creamy mousse filling, and crispy wafers. And naturally, there are also a variety of flavors available.
Kägi Swiss Dark Chocolate Wafer Bars
These dark chocolate bars are incredibly rich and creamy.
However, in classic Swiss style, the bars aren’t overly bitter and are well balanced by the crispy wafers.
Furthermore, you can expect a slight hazelnut flavor in the bars as well, which only adds to the rich flavor.
11. Nestle
Nestle is arguably the biggest chocolate manufacturer in the world! Despite probably having lost their roots, they are a Swiss company! And, for the majority of their products, they do use Swiss chocolate-making techniques.
This is why most of their chocolate bars and products are so soft and sweet. This multi-billion dollar company has changed the world of chocolate and made this lux product a lot more affordable.
While their products may not be manufactured in Switzerland anymore, some of them still carry authentic traits that can still be considered Swiss. But, as we have mentioned before, they just cannot be labeled as such.
Nestle Die Weisse Swiss Crispy White Chocolate Bar
As we’ve mentioned, most of Nestlé’s chocolate bars aren’t labeled Swiss at all. However, this white chocolate bar is quintessentially Swiss.
It is a perfect example of white Swiss chocolate that is very sweet and very creamy.
And, because it is manufactured by such a large company, it is a very affordable product that is still high in quality.
If you’re interested in learning more about the particular process involved to make Swiss chocolate, here’s a great video on the subject!
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