The world of dark chocolate is exploding with delicious options, and Indian brands are taking centre stage. From classic favourites to innovative, bean-to-bar creations, India has the best dark chocolates to satisfy every discerning palate. Let’s discover the 15 best dark chocolates India has to offer.
The Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Before we dive into the list, let’s explore why best dark chocolates deserves a place in your life:
- Packed with Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage and may reduce inflammation.
- Heart Healthy: Studies suggest dark chocolate consumption can improve blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Mood Booster: Best Dark chocolates contain compounds that can improve mood and reduce stress.
- Cognitive Benefits: Some research links dark chocolate to better focus, memory, and brain function.
Important Note: Enjoy dark chocolate as a treat, not a staple food.
How to Choose the Best Dark Chocolates
- Cocoa Percentage: The higher the percentage, the more intense and slightly bitter the chocolate. Start with around 60% and gradually increase if you want a stronger flavor.
- Ingredients: Look for simple, high-quality ingredients. Avoid unnecessary additives and artificial flavors.
- Origin: Single-origin chocolate highlights the distinct flavor profiles of cocoa beans grown in different regions.
- Ethical Sourcing: Opt for brands that prioritize fair trade practices and sustainable farming.
India’s Top 15 Best Dark Chocolates Companies
| Brand | Name/Flavor | Cocoa Percentage | Special Features |
| Amul | Twilight Tryst | 55% | Classic, balanced dark chocolate |
| Amul | Dark Chocolate variants | 55%, 75%, 90% | Range of intensities, some sugar-free options |
| Cadbury Bournville | Rich Cocoa | 70%+ | Popular brand, several cocoa percentages |
| Lindt | Excellence | 70%, 85%, 90%, 99% | High-quality, diverse cocoa percentages |
| Mason & Co. | Bean-to-bar varieties | Varies | Single-origin, focus on flavor profiles |
| Earthloaf | Bean-to-bar varieties | Varies | Artisanal, may have unique flavor inclusions |
| All Things | Bean-to-bar varieties | Varies | Experiment with flavors and percentages |
| Nepenthe | Coffee & Dark Cacao | 70% | Unique coffee infusion |
| Fabelle | Varied luxury chocolates | Varies | High-end, gourmet experiences |
| The Whole Truth | 71% Dark, Dates Sweetened | 71% | No refined sugar |
| Rage Chocolatier | Varied bars | Varies | Creative flavors, some sugar-free |
| Zevic | Sugar-Free options | Varies | Stevia-sweetened |
| Bogatchi | 99.99% Dark | 99.99% | Extremely intense, for dark chocolate purists |
| Paul & Mike | Bean-to-bar varieties | Varies | Emphasis on ethical sourcing |
| Kocoatrait | Bean-to-bar varieties | Varies | Focus on Indian cacao origins |
Now, let’s learn about our top picks for the 15 absolute best dark chocolate companies in India:
1. Amul Dark Chocolates
A classic and affordable option, Amul offers several varieties of dark chocolate, including a sugar-free version. Amul Dark Chocolates offer a classic and affordable indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts. With several varieties available, including a sugar-free option, they provide a guilt-free treat for those craving rich cocoa flavors. From smooth and creamy textures to intense cocoa richness, Amul Dark Chocolates cater to diverse palates with delightful satisfaction.
2. Cadbury Bournville Rich Cocoa
Cadbury’s iconic Bournville line offers a range of dark chocolates, the 70% cocoa variety being a crowd-pleaser. Cadbury Bournville Rich Cocoa presents a sophisticated delight for dark chocolate aficionados. Crafted with high-quality cocoa, their 70% cocoa variant stands out for its deep, intense flavor profile. It’s a go-to choice for those seeking a luxurious chocolate experience with a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.
3. Mason & Co. Dark Chocolate
Bean-to-bar makers with artful creations. Explore their single-origin bars for a unique flavor experience. Mason & Co. Dark Chocolate is made by skilled artisans who carefully select the finest cocoa beans. Their chocolate bars are rich and flavorful, offering a unique taste experience. Whether you prefer smooth and creamy or bold and intense, Mason & Co. has something to satisfy every chocolate craving.
4. All Things Chocolate
Known for their experimental flavors, All Things offers delicious dark chocolate variations infused with spices, fruits, and more. All Things Chocolate is known for its creative flavors and delicious treats. They offer a wide range of dark chocolate creations infused with spices, fruits, and more. Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations or adventurous flavor pairings, All Things Chocolate has something to delight every palate.
5. Pascati Chocolates
This Belgian chocolatier has a presence in India offering premium dark chocolates with exquisite flavors. Pascati Chocolates brings Belgian luxury to India with their premium dark chocolate creations. Each bar is crafted with exquisite flavors, promising a rich and indulgent experience. Whether you’re savoring their classic dark chocolate or exploring unique blends, Pascati Chocolates are sure to elevate your chocolate enjoyment to new heights.
6. Earth Loaf
Their vegan dark chocolates use raw cacao, promising rich flavor and potential health benefits. Earth Loaf specializes in vegan dark chocolates made from raw cacao, offering both rich flavor and potential health benefits. Their chocolates promise a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for conscious consumers seeking a delicious treat with a touch of sustainability.
7. Naviluna (formerly known as Kocoatrait)
Another fantastic bean-to-bar brand focused on bringing out the unique notes of Indian-origin cacao. Naviluna, formerly known as Kocoatrait, is dedicated to showcasing the unique flavors of Indian-origin cacao in their bean-to-bar chocolates. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, Naviluna offers a delightful range of dark chocolates that highlight the diverse and rich heritage of Indian cocoa beans.
8. The Whole Truth – No Added Sugar Dark Chocolate
Perfect for those seeking a sugar-free indulgence, these chocolates are sweetened with dates. The Whole Truth presents a guilt-free indulgence with their No Added Sugar Dark Chocolate. Sweetened only with dates, this chocolate offers a deliciously rich and satisfying experience without the added sugar. Perfect for those looking for a healthier treat option without compromising on flavor.
9. Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate
Lindt’s Excellence range offers several dark chocolate intensities, from 70% to 99% cocoa. Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate is a decadent choice for chocolate enthusiasts, offering a range of intensities from 70% to 99% cocoa. Known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate satisfies even the most discerning palates with its luxurious taste experience.
10. SMOOR Signature Couverture
SMOOR provides professional-quality dark chocolate couverture, excellent for baking and creating your own chocolatey masterpieces. SMOOR Signature Couverture is a premium dark chocolate perfect for baking or creating your own chocolate masterpieces. With its professional-quality texture and rich flavor, SMOOR Signature Couverture elevates any dessert or confectionery creation to a luxurious level of indulgence.
11. Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates
ITC’s luxury division offers dark chocolates with exquisite flavor pairings. Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates, from ITC’s luxury division, offer a sophisticated indulgence with their dark chocolate range. With carefully curated flavor pairings and impeccable craftsmanship, Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates deliver a truly elevated chocolate experience for discerning connoisseurs.
12. Rage Chocolatier
Explore their single-origin, handcrafted dark chocolate bars for a sophisticated taste experience. Rage Chocolatier specializes in handcrafted dark chocolate bars, each showcasing the unique flavors of single-origin cocoa beans. With attention to detail and quality, Rage Chocolatier offers a sophisticated taste experience for those seeking refined and indulgent chocolate treats.
13. Soklet
Tree-to-bar chocolates bringing out the unique flavors of cacao beans from different regions of India. Soklet offers tree-to-bar chocolates that capture the diverse flavors of cacao beans sourced from different regions of India. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, Soklet delivers a unique chocolate experience that celebrates the rich heritage of Indian cocoa.
14. Paul & Mike
This bean-to-bar brand offers creative dark chocolate flavors with an emphasis on quality sourcing. Paul & Mike is a bean-to-bar brand renowned for its creative dark chocolate flavors and emphasis on quality sourcing. With a dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, Paul & Mike offers chocolate enthusiasts a delightful journey through unique and delicious taste combinations.
15. Zevic
Their sugar-free and vegan dark chocolates with Belgian origins cater to those with dietary restrictions. Zevic specializes in sugar-free and vegan dark chocolates with Belgian origins, catering to individuals with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste. With their commitment to quality and innovation, Zevic offers a guilt-free indulgence for chocolate lovers seeking a healthier treat option.
Where to Buy the Best Dark Chocolates in India
- Supermarkets and Gourmet Stores: Larger supermarkets and specialty stores often carry a good selection of popular brands.
- Online Marketplaces: Browse online retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, and others for a wider variety.
- Brand Websites: Many chocolatiers have their own websites offering exclusive products and deals.
Best Dark Chocolates in India: Statistics
Rapid Rise: The Indian dark chocolate market has more than doubled in the last five years, showing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%. This outpaces the growth of the overall chocolate market. Source: Indian Express
Health Consciousness: The increasing focus on healthy eating is a strong driver of dark chocolate’s popularity. Consumers are looking for the potential benefits of antioxidants found in dark chocolate.
Premiumization: There’s a trend towards premium and super-premium dark chocolates within the overall chocolate industry, indicating a shift towards quality and indulgence. Source: CaseReads
Still Developing: Compared to Western nations, per capita chocolate consumption in India is still relatively low (only around 100-200 grams per person annually). However, there’s huge potential for growth. Source: FNB News
Young and Urban: Best Dark chocolates in India consumption skews towards younger consumers and those living in urban areas.
Occasions: Dark chocolate isn’t just for snacking! It plays a role in gifting, festivals, and special occasions as well.
Projected Growth: The Indian chocolate market (including dark chocolate) is expected to reach an estimated $3.3 billion by 2023, indicating strong growth potential. Source: FNB News
Experimentation: We can expect continued innovation in flavors, origins, and pairings as the Indian dark chocolate market matures.
Indulge and Enjoy!
Finally, if you’re the one looking for the best dark chocolates in India, you will, definitely, be spoilt for choice. From popular brands like the Lindt Excellence to the artisanal taste of Mason & Co., each has its own flavors of intense and tempting chocolate. The fact that you can enjoy sugar-free varieties, vegan options or gourmet blends is an additional satisfaction offered by these top picks knowing that chocolate lovers across the country can indulge in a decadent treat.
FAQs: Best Dark Chocolate in India
Which dark chocolate is the best in India?
Some of the best dark chocolates in India are from brands like Amul, Cadbury Bournville, Lindt, and Mason & Co.
What are the top Indian brands for dark chocolate?
Top Indian dark chocolate brands include Amul, Mason & Co., and Pascati.
Where can I buy the best dark chocolate in India?
You can buy the best dark chocolate at supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
Is Indian dark chocolate good for health?
Yes, many Indian dark chocolates are rich in cocoa and antioxidants, which are good for health when consumed in moderation.
What percentage of cocoa is recommended for dark chocolate?
A good dark chocolate usually contains at least 70% cocoa. Higher percentages have a more intense flavor and more health benefits.
Are there any organic dark chocolate brands in India?
Yes, brands like Mason & Co. and Pascati offer organic dark chocolate options in India.
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