Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

What to eat in California? Top 100 Californian Chocolates

Last update: Sun Mar 23 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Californian Chocolate Producers

01

Chocolate

EUREKA, United States of America
4.6
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate, based in Eureka, California, was founded by Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor in 2010. They use organic, fairly traded cacao and organic cane sugar, opting to exclude additives like vanilla and extra cocoa butter to highlight the natural flavors of the cacao.


Their factory is notable for its small batch production that emphasizes detailed craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients. Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate is well-regarded for their single-origin bars and inclusion bars, which often combine unique flavors like figs or fleur de sel. 
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2022, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

02

Chocolate

LOS ANGELES, United States of America
4.6
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

LetterPress Chocolate, based in Los Angeles, is a small-batch chocolatier known for its emphasis on direct trade and single-origin chocolate bars. The company works closely with cacao farmers to source the highest quality beans, which they then craft into chocolate using traditional methods.


Additionally, LetterPress Chocolate is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices throughout its production process.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2017

03

Chocolate

MANHATTAN BEACH, United States of America
4.6
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Bar au Chocolat, founded in 2010 by Nicole Trutanich, is a boutique chocolatemaker based in Manhattan Beach, California. This studio is distinguished by its meticulous approach to chocolate making, using only two ingredients - cacao and sugar - to highlight the natural flavors of its carefully sourced beans.


Nicole Trutanich is one of the few female chocolatemakers in the industry, emphasizing a slow and deliberate production process that involves detailed hand-crafting techniques. Bar au Chocolat also focuses on sustainability, sourcing cacao beans directly from small equatorial farms and supporting traditional farming methods. 
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2015, 2013

Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean

2013

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2015

04

Chocolate

ROSEVILLE, United States of America
4.6
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Cru Chocolate, based in Roseville, is a chocolate producer that emphasizes the use of ethically sourced cacao from Central America. The company is known for handcrafting small-batch, single-origin chocolate bars and other cacao products that highlight traditional Latin American flavors and techniques.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020, 2018

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2020, 2018

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2020, 2018

05

Chocolate

IRVINE, United States of America
4.5
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Ezaki Glico, based in Irvine, California, is a subsidiary of the Japanese confectionery company Glico, known for products like Pocky chocolate sticks. Glico's presence in the United States includes operations that focus on offering and distributing their extensive range of snack products to the American market.


The company emphasizes innovation in its product lines to cater to various consumer preferences and dietary needs.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2018

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2022, 2019, 2018

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze

2022, 2019

06

Chocolate

SPRINGFIELD, United States of America
4.5
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Askinosie Chocolate, based in Springfield, Missouri, was founded by Shawn Askinosie in 2005. The company directly sources cocoa beans from small farmers in countries such as Tanzania, Ecuador, and the Philippines. They are known for their bean-to-bar production process and are committed to transparency and sharing profits with their farmer partners.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2014

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2011

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2012

07

Chocolate

SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America
4.5
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Dandelion Chocolate, established in 2010 in San Francisco, focuses on small-batch chocolate production. The company sources high-quality cacao beans from single-origin plantations around the world, emphasizing direct relationships with their growers.


Dandelion Chocolate is distinctive for its bean-to-bar process, where all production steps are carried out in-house to maintain control over the flavor and quality of the final product. Their offerings include a range of single-origin and limited edition chocolate bars.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2016

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2019, 2018

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2019, 2018, 2016

BEST Dandelion Chocolate Chocolates
08

Chocolate

BERKELEY, United States of America
4.4
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Tcho Chocolate is a company based in Berkeley, California that produces premium chocolate. The company collaborates directly with cacao bean farmers to improve both the quality of the cacao and the livelihoods of the farmers. Tcho Chocolate places a strong emphasis on innovation and has developed proprietary technology to enhance flavor development during the chocolate manufacturing process.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2009

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2018, 2016, 2015

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2013

BEST Tcho Chocolate Chocolates
09

Chocolate

LOS ANGELES, United States of America
4.4
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2020

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2018

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2019

10

Chocolate

MOUNTAIN VIEW, United States of America
4.4
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2021

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2022, 2021

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze

2018

11
Chocolate
VALENCIA, United States of America
4.4
12
Chocolate
DUBLIN, United States of America
4.4
13
Chocolate
CARLSBAD, United States of America
4.4
14
Chocolate
CARLSBAD, United States of America
4.4
15
Chocolate
FRESNO, United States of America
4.3
16
Chocolate
COSTA MESA, United States of America
4.3
17
Chocolate
CALIFORNIA, United States of America
4.3
18
Chocolate
TORRANCE, United States of America
4.3
19
Chocolate
CHICO, United States of America
4.3
20
Chocolate
NAPA, United States of America
4.3
21
Chocolate
VENTURA, United States of America
4.3
22
Chocolate
OAKLAND, United States of America
4.3
23
Chocolate
SAN LEANDRO, United States of America
4.3
24
Chocolate
FRESNO, United States of America
4.2
25
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.2
26
Chocolate
BERKELEY, United States of America
4.2
27
Chocolate
PASADENA, United States of America
4.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Californian Chocolates

01
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Tranquilidad, Bolivia 70% Dark is a chocolate bar produced by LetterPress Chocolate. It is known for its unique flavor profile derived from cacao beans sourced from the Tranquilidad Estate in Bolivia. This specific region is celebrated for its high-quality cacao, which contributes to the distinct taste of the chocolate.


The bar typically includes tasting notes that highlight a blend of fruity and nutty undertones, making it a popular choice among dark chocolate enthusiasts.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2022, 2021, 2020

02
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

The Inclusion Bar Envelope Line by Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate is a specialty collection that features artisan chocolate bars with unique and flavorful inclusions. Each bar in this line is carefully crafted using high-quality cacao beans sourced from premium origins.


The inclusions range from dried fruits and nuts to spices and other gourmet ingredients, meticulously chosen to complement and enhance the rich, complex flavors of the chocolate. The packaging for this line is designed with attention to detail, showcasing elegant and artistic envelope-style wrappers that reflect the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2017, 2015

03

Chocolate

VALENCIA, United States of America
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Utopick Cacao's Wild Pepper is a gourmet product that blends high-quality cacao with exotic wild pepper. This product showcases Utopick’s commitment to innovative and artisanal chocolate-making techniques. The wild pepper adds a unique, aromatic spiciness that complements the rich, complex flavors of the cacao.


The brand focuses on ethical sourcing and sustainability, ensuring that their ingredients are responsibly harvested.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2022

04

Chocolate

ROSEVILLE, United States of America
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

El Petén, Guatemala made by Cru Chocolate is a distinctive product from a company dedicated to producing high-quality chocolate. Cru Chocolate is known for its commitment to sourcing cacao beans from sustainable and transparent supply chains, often working directly with local farmers to ensure fair trade practices.


They emphasize small-batch production, allowing for meticulous attention to detail and quality in each product. El Petén, Guatemala chocolate likely features unique flavor profiles that are representative of the region's terroir, emphasizing the rich, complex notes specific to Guatemalan cacao.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020

05
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Hacienda Azul Costa Rica 70% is a chocolate product made by LetterPress Chocolate. This product features cacao sourced from Hacienda Azul, a renowned estate in Costa Rica known for its high-quality cacao beans. The chocolate is crafted to highlight the unique flavors of the Costa Rican cacao, which typically exhibit notes of fruitiness and a rich, smooth texture.


The 70% cacao content indicates a balanced bitterness and depth, appealing to both chocolate connoisseurs and those new to fine chocolate.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2021

06

Chocolate

MOUNTAIN VIEW, United States of America
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Hawaii Kalaoa 73% Dark is a product made by Limited Chocolate. It is known for its rich and intense dark chocolate flavor, crafted meticulously with 73% cocoa content. This chocolate is particularly notable for using high-quality cacao sourced from the fertile lands of Hawaii, which imbues it with unique and diverse flavor notes.


The craftsmanship of Limited Chocolate ensures a smooth and luxurious texture, appealing to both connoisseurs and casual chocolate lovers alike.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2021

07

Chocolate

LOS ANGELES, United States of America
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Mille Feuille Toffee - Orange Confit by Luphia is a gourmet confection featuring layers of delicate pastry interspersed with rich, buttery toffee. This luxurious treat is further enhanced with the addition of Orange Confit, which provides a sweet and tangy citrus note, creating a balanced flavor profile.


The contrasting textures of the crisp pastry and the smooth toffee make it an indulgent experience for the taste buds.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2020

08

Chocolate

MANHATTAN BEACH, United States of America
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Dominican Republic 70% by Bar au Chocolat is a dark chocolate bar characterized by its rich cocoa content of 70%. This particular chocolate bar is made using beans sourced from the Dominican Republic, which is known for producing high-quality cacao with distinct, nuanced flavors.


The chocolate is crafted to highlight the origin of the beans, offering a pure and intense chocolate experience with minimal ingredients to showcase the natural taste of the cacao. The production process often involves small-batch techniques to ensure quality and consistency in each bar.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2015

09

Chocolate

MANHATTAN BEACH, United States of America
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Sambirano Valley 70% dark chocolate from Madagascar features intense flavors and rich aromas. Made from premium cocoa beans grown in the unique microclimate of the Sambirano Valley, it offers complex notes of fruit and floral hints, along with a smooth texture.


Perfect for dark chocolate lovers seeking depth and sophistication.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2013

10

Chocolate

ROSEVILLE, United States of America
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Cru Chocolate's Green Matcha Cacao Drink is a unique blend that combines the invigorating properties of matcha green tea with the rich, earthy flavors of cacao. This beverage aims to provide a balanced energy boost through the natural caffeine in matcha and theobromine in cacao.


The drink is also marketed as a source of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients derived from its ingredients. It is designed for those looking for a healthier alternative to coffee or traditional hot chocolate.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2018

11
Chocolate
SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America
5.0
12
13
Chocolate
BERKELEY, United States of America
5.0
14
15
Chocolate
SPRINGFIELD, United States of America
5.0
16
Chocolate
CALIFORNIA, United States of America
5.0
17
18
19
20
Chocolate
MANHATTAN BEACH, United States of America
4.9
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Chocolate
BERKELEY, United States of America
4.7
29
Chocolate
LOS ANGELES, United States of America
4.7
30
Chocolate
LOS ANGELES, United States of America
4.7
31
32
33
34
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.7
35
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.7
36
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.7
37
Chocolate
MANHATTAN BEACH, United States of America
4.7
38
39
Chocolate
ROSEVILLE, United States of America
4.7
40
41
Chocolate
SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America
4.7
42
Chocolate
SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America
4.7
43
Chocolate
SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America
4.7
44
Chocolate
BERKELEY, United States of America
4.7
45
Chocolate
CARLSBAD, United States of America
4.7
46
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.7
47
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.7
48
49
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.7
50
51
Chocolate
BERKELEY, United States of America
4.7
52
Chocolate
BERKELEY, United States of America
4.7
53
Chocolate
BERKELEY, United States of America
4.7
54
Chocolate
CARLSBAD, United States of America
4.7
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
Chocolate
LOS ANGELES, United States of America
4.6
72
73
74
75
Chocolate
CHICO, United States of America
4.6
76
Chocolate
IRVINE, United States of America
4.6
77
78
Chocolate
MOUNTAIN VIEW, United States of America
4.6
79
80
81
82
Chocolate
FRESNO, United States of America
4.6
83
84
85
86
87
Chocolate
LOS ANGELES, United States of America
4.6
88
Chocolate
ROSEVILLE, United States of America
4.6
89
90
Chocolate
COSTA MESA, United States of America
4.6
91
Chocolate
COSTA MESA, United States of America
4.6
92
Chocolate
VALENCIA, United States of America
4.6
93
Chocolate
OAKLAND, United States of America
4.6
94
Chocolate
ROSEVILLE, United States of America
4.6
95
96
97
98
99
100
Chocolate
LOS ANGELES, United States of America
4.6

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

Show Map
Californian Chocolates