12 Best Belgian Chocolate Brands for Chocolate Lovers
It is widely acknowledged that Belgium produces some of the finest chocolates in the world. While some may argue that Swiss chocolates reign supreme, when it comes to flavor, texture, and value, Belgian chocolate cannot be surpassed.
With over 2000 Belgian chocolatiers to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which brand to buy. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Belgian chocolate, exploring the best brands, unique flavors, and why it’s a must-try for any chocolate connoisseur. So grab a piece (or a box!) of your favorite chocolate and join us on a delectable journey through the Best Belgian Chocolate.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.
PIN IT FOR LATER…
Table of Contents
Why Is Belgian Chocolate So Delicious?
The creamy texture perfectly contrasting with the honeycomb makes the Belgium chocolates taste the best. The expensive Belgian chocolate brands always experiment with new flavors combining global techniques and flavors. Additionally, their production methods and values of sustainability and 100% cocoa butter with no palm oil make the quality more enriching.
1. NEUHAUS
Neuhaus is one of the best chocolate brands in Belgium and has an interesting history. Jean Neuhaus who had an apothecary store in Brussels started covering his medicines with a layer of chocolate to make it more enjoyable.
In 1912, his grandson Jean Neuhaus Jr. started replacing the medicine inside the chocolate with delicious fillings and invented the first ‘praline’, or filled chocolate.
Praline is a popular form of chocolate that consists of a harder shell with a delicious softer filling. In 2017, Neuhaus was named the world’s best Belgian chocolate truffle. Jean Neuhaus is also widely recognized as the inventor of the bonbon.
You can still visit the original store of Jean Neuhaus in the Galeries Royale Saint-Hubert in central Brussels. Neuhaus has a great variety with different shapes and fillings such as gianduja, ganache, cream, and many more.
Their luxury gift packaging is truly remarkable. They have their branches in New York City and Washington DC since 1999.
2. PIERE MARCOLINI
The greatest Belgian chocolate, Piere Marcolini is a child of an Italian-born and Belgium raise Marcolini whose intense concern is to develop fine chocolates for all. His step-by-step production of unprocessed cocoa beans to roasting makes it unique.
In 1995, he won the World Champion Pastry competition for offering the best. In 2020 he earned named for himself the Best Pastry Chef in the World. The taste of colorful truffles, bars, and bonbons will surely touch your heart forever.
He is the only Brussels chocolatier who uses quality pink berries from Morocco, Sicilian lemon, pistachios from Iran, and Sichuan pepper. Physically you’ll find it inside the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert which looks no less than a designer boutique.
This bubbly Belgium chocolatier is a luxury Belgian chocolate brand operating in the market for over 25 years. The brand is dedicated to the sustainable and ethical production of artisanal chocolate from bean to bar.
3. GODIVA: Best Belgian Chocolate Brands
Founded by Joseph Draps in 1926 in Brussels, Godiva is another popular chocolatier in Belgium with more than 600 branches and shops all around the globe.
It was recognized around the world when it set up its branch in the US in 1966. Godiva enlists several chefs that use their expertise to create amazing flavors with fine textures out of the best ingredients.
Whether you like white chocolate or dark chocolate, their innovation throughout the years is really appreciated globally. The best part is the quality of their chocolates has not faltered in spite of their different experiments.
Their ornately wrapped chocolate boxes are perfect for gift-giving and parties. Godiva is perhaps the most expensive chocolate brand in Belgium.
4. BELVAS
Belvas is the first organic chocolate factory in Europe. This classic Belgian chocolate brand still uses a traditional way to make delicious chocolates and doesn’t use any coloring, artificial aroma, flavor enhancer, or preservatives.
Their social commitment towards organic chocolate helps them to win many awards including the prestigious ‘most ecological micro-company of Europe’.
They use cocoa beans from Peru, Ecuador, Santo-Domingo to make their authentic delicious chocolates, which come in a wide variety of flavors. Their authentic dark chocolate consists of a minimum of 72% cocoa.
Established in 2005, Belvas has become one of the most exquisite chocolate brands in the world. They also offer gluten-free, alcohol-free products globally.
Also Read: 11 Cheapest Cities in Western Europe to Relocate
5. GUYLIAN
When it comes to indulging in the best Belgian chocolates, Guylian is one brand that I can never resist. I still remember the first time I tried their signature seashell-shaped pralines, with their creamy hazelnut filling and rich milk chocolate coating – it was a taste sensation that left me wanting more.
Since then, I’ve tried many of their other flavors, from dark chocolate truffles to almond and honey nougat bars, and each one has been just as delicious. For me, Guylian is the epitome of Belgian chocolate craftsmanship, with its attention to detail, use of high-quality ingredients, and commitment to sustainability.
6. COTE D’OR
Côte d’Or is another popular Belgian chocolate company that was founded by Charles Neuhaus in 1883. Their main source of cocoa bean is Ghana and the name of the brand is inspired by the name Goal Coast.
They offer a wide variety of flavors and combinations. Their constant search for new ideas and product innovations is the reason for maintaining its leadership in the best Belgian chocolate category.
Côte d’Or is known for producing some of the silkiest and decadent chocolate in the world. Their wide variety features Chokotoff, Les Bouchées, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Noir 70% cacao with caramelized cocoa nibs, Lait Intense Mignonnettes, and Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts.
If you’re looking for affordable Belgian chocolate with smooth textures and mild tastes, look no further and visit a Côte d’Or store.
7. LEONIDAS
Most of the premium Belgian chocolates are very expensive. Chocolate enthusiasts who are looking for high-quality chocolate from Belgium at a cheap price can go for Leonidas chocolatier. They produce some of the best Belgian chocolates at a very affordable price.
Leonidas has over 1300 stores all around the world. They offer an exclusive assortment of dark Belgian chocolates, pralines, truffles, and marzipan. The best thing is they always try to create new flavors.
They offer more than 100 types of pralines. Leonidas chocolate brand uses pure cocoa butter for the shell and 100% natural ingredients.
8. MARY
Mary Chocolatier is not only delicious but also great in presenting the chocolates in beautiful ornated boxes. Their chocolate making journey started in 1919 by Mary Delluc.
Mary Chocolatier is a Belgian Royal Warrant holder since 1942. Their main priority is the quality of the raw materials which results in lip-smacking pralines, caramel, crème fraîches, dark chocolates, milk chocolates, gianduja, almond paste, nuts, and pistachios.
You will find several Mary stores in Brussels, but the main shop is at Grand Place. Mary was the first female-owned chocolatier in a male-dominated industry. Their chocolates are a bit expensive but the heavenly taste and lucrative presentation justify the price.
Buy Mary Chocolate
9. GALLER
Jean Gallers established Galler Chocolatier in 1976 in Liège, Belgium. With their passion for chocolate, fine texture, and constant creativity, Galler has become one of the top 10 Belgian chocolate brands in the USA.
They produce all kinds of pralines, ice creams, filled chocolate bars, as well as chocolate tablets, spreads, bite-sized chocolates, and other products.
Undoubtedly, Galler is one of the best chocolate shops in Brussels. The customer service of Galler is pretty good. They are very happy to answer all of your questions. They also offer samples and help you to choose the best flavors according to your choice.
If you are a dark chocolate lover, Galler is paradise to you. They have some unique flavored dark chocolates. The pricing is super reasonable, you can buy a lot as souvenirs.
10. BRUYERRE
Bruyerre was founded in 1909 in Gosselies, Belgium. Bruyerre’s smooth textures and mild tastes create a unique sweet experience. They are a popular Belgium chocolatier for creating hazelnut praline, ganache, creams, truffles, pearls, and gianduja.
Bruyerre is one of the oldest and most affordable premium chocolatiers in Belgium and is present in 38 countries around the globe. Their chocolates not only have flavors that appeal to a wide variety of chocolate lovers, but also very delectable aromas that linger long after the chocolate is gone.
“Orange & Carrot” ganache, “Lime & Fresh Mint” cream are some of the great results of their constant effort of creating unique and delightful chocolates.
11. WITTAMER
Wittamer is the last family-owned Belgian chocolate shop in Brussels. Henri Wittamer opened his first shop named ‘Modern Bakery’ in 1910. That shop is still serving the customers in the same place.
In 1999, getting the award of ‘Certified Royal Warrant Holder in Belgium’, Wittamer became recognizable all around the world.
All Wittamer chocolates are 100% handmade and are made with cocoa butter exclusively. Wittamer guarantees high-quality ingredients, delectable taste, and fancy packaging.
Some of the Wittamer chocolate flavor varieties include salted caramel, dark chocolate, hazelnut, almonds, milk chocolate, cranberry, chocolate powder, and much more.
12. CORNE PORT ROYAL
With the best ingredients and the most sophisticated recipes, Corne Port Royal has developed a range of handmade chocolates. They have such a wide range of Belgian chocolates.
The staff is very friendly and they offer samples as much as you want to taste. You must try their milk truffles and white pralines. The hazelnut ganache is so delicious.
Corne Port Royal chocolates come in assorted bags and boxes which can be attractive gift options. These are perfect to gift to your loved ones as well as indulge yourselves.
Unlike other Belgium chocolate brands, Corne Port Royal is very affordable. They have maintained their tradition of authentic recipes and gourmet artisan expertise from 1935.
Where to Buy Belgian Chocolates in the US?
You can get Belgium chocolates in the USA by ordering from Amazon online. There are a few physical stores like Neuhaus Belgium Chocolate in White Plains, New York, and Belgium Chocolatier Piron, Inc. in Evanston, IL, United States.
Conclusion
Did you ever think to get chocolates from Belgium for your mother or girlfriend as a gift? Yes, these small cuties are wrapped inside a beautiful gift box and look so amazingly attractive. Share these with your loved one or family members.
However, most of these chocolates are not cheap, Belgian chocolate companies mostly come with a high price tag but the quality, ingredients, technique, and training are beyond comparison. These chocolates do not contain any preservatives.
The taste and aroma of these chocolates are so divine! At last, I’m grateful to all the Belgian chocolatiers for offering such flavors that I can never forget in my life.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Belgian Chocolate Brands
1. Why is Belgian Chocolate famous?
A: Belgian chocolate is famous worldwide for its insanely delicious taste, variety of flavors, and smooth texture. Their chocolate-making culture, history, high-quality raw ingredients, restless experiments, and unique innovations(ie: praline) make them the best chocolate in the world. Not only these, but the taste of Belgian chocolate cake and ice cream are renowned worldwide.
2. What is the best Belgian chocolate?
A: It is really tough to pick up one from over 2000 Belgian chocolatiers. If you are a die-hard chocolate lover you must try as many Belgian chocolate brands as you can. However, I will recommend tasting Neuhaus if you had to choose only one. Their pralines and truffles are just the next levels. White chocolate and dark chocolate of Neuhaus are also equally good and offer a smooth taste. Guylian Belgian chocolate seashells are very popular as gift ideas.
3. Is Belgian chocolate expensive?
A: You will find chocolate in Belgium in different ranges. Most of the premium chocolates in Belgium are expensive, but there are affordable Belgian chocolate brands also. The primary reason for the high cost of Belgian chocolate is the use of high-quality cocoa butter and cocoa beans. Belvas, Godiva, Mary – these are some expensive premium Belgian chocolate brands.
4. Which is the most affordable Belgian chocolate brand?
A: Corne Port Royal and Leonidas are cheap Belgian chocolate brands in Brussels. I won’t say, they are the cheapest ones, but they deliver very good quality chocolates at a very affordable price.
5. Where are the best Belgian chocolate shops in Brussels?
A: You will find chocolate shops in every corner of Brussels. The best Belgian chocolatiers can be found around the Place du Sablon. Most of the great chocolate shops like Godiva, Neuhaus, Leonidas, Pierre Marcolini, and Patrick Roger are located in this square.
6. What is better Swiss or Belgian chocolate?
A: Swiss chocolate is based on Swiss milk, whereas Belgian chocolate is focused on the quality cocoa bean. Swiss chocolate tends to be smoother and creamier. They prefer bars or small solid ones with nuts. Belgium tends to prefer filled chocolate, which is known as ‘praline’. They use high-quality cocoa butter and offer some of the best dark chocolates which are healthy also.
LIKE IT? PIN IT…
I have been trying to order some chocolates for a gift from the USA, but Godiva has not been very helpful. Any suggestions
The shipping address in Amsterdam and billing in the states
Hi Paul, I am not sure if you can send chocolate gifts to Netherland from The US by Amazon, but you can try this site.
whoah this blog is magnificent and I love reading this Belgian Chocolate article. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Harry. Keep reading.
I ordered Neuhaus chocolates from union station in Washington DC. Shipment was never sent and the kid running the store insisted it was shipped and gave me the fedex tracking number. I checked the tracking number and the box was NEVER shipped. Utterly horrible no-customer-service. I sent an email to Neuhaus in Belgium and they did nothing to help me!
Hi Kat, it’s really a bad experience. I will recommend ordering from Amazon if it is available. You can check the link in the blog.