Best Confectionery Types in the World
Gianduja is a sweet creamy spread made of chocolate and ground hazelnuts. It was invented in Turin in the 19th century as a means of stretching the limited amount of chocolate available due to an imposed shortage of cocoa supplies in Italy. Since the area of Piedmont has always been rich in high-quality hazelnuts due to the region's indigenous hazelnut trees, a chocolatier named Michele Prochet created the first gianduja by extending the insufficient amount of chocolate with the region's exceptional hazelnuts.
The recipe calls for about 30% of hazelnut paste; however, the most famous gianduja-inspired spread, Nutella (originally called Pasta Gianduja), contains less than half of the amount.
THE BEST Gianduja Chocolates
There are many varieties of Belgian chocolates such as pralines, truffles, and chocolates shaped into eggs, animals, or different figures, which are especially popular during the festive seasons. Famous throughout the world, Belgian chocolate industry started by borrowing some of the techniques from Swiss chocolatiers to make new blends of chocolate by combining rich, high-quality chocolate with nuts, liqueurs, and fruits.
It all started during the 19th century, when Belgium was under the rule of Leopold II, who had access to a variety of cocoa plants and products due to colonization, providing Belgium with numerous imports of raw cocoa and consequently giving birth to the Belgian chocolate industry.
VARIATIONS OF Belgian Chocolate
THE BEST Belgian Chocolate Chocolate Confectioneries
Cajeta is a sweet Mexican confectionery product that is most often made from caramelized goat's milk. The liquid is mostly consumed on its own, either as a sauce or as a filling for pastries. It is believed that the name cajeta refers to the wooden boxes into which it was originally packed.
Another theory says that it is derived from the phrase al punto de cajeta, denoting a liquid that is thick enough to show the bottom of the pot when stirring it with a spoon. This delicious concoction was invented in the 19th century in Celaya, and at the time, it was a staple of soldiers' rations due to its long shelf life and ease of storage.
Jijona, or Turrón de Jijona, is a type of nougat produced in the town and municipality of Jijona, in the Valencian Community on the eastern coast of Spain. This confectionary is made by cooking sugar and honey and mixing them with almonds and egg whites.
This simple, yet flavorful candy has a special place in Spanish cuisine due to its complex, characteristic and unique flavor. Even though it contains only four humble ingredients, it is characterized by the complex aroma that contains hints of herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and spices such as ginger and cardamom.
Chocolate truffles are made with ganache that's shaped into a ball, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in cocoa powder. The story of chocolate truffles began with the invention of cocoa press in 1828, which allowed chocolatiers to extract cocoa butter from cocoa beans.
After extracting the cocoa butter, they were left with chocolate solids which, combined with cream, became ganache, the key ingredient used as an inner layer of true chocolate truffles. In order to make different and distinctive flavors, additions such as peanut butter, cognac, champagne, caramel, fruits, or nuts are added to the ganache.
VARIATIONS OF Truffe au chocolat
THE BEST Truffe au chocolat Chocolate Confectioneries
Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier
Velvet Truffle – Caramel & Liquorice
International Chocolate Awards - Gold 2023, 2016
Curd snack is a dairy confectionery that is prepared with sweetened and pressed curd cheese, mostly tvorog. It is usually covered in a chocolate coating and comes in various flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or caramel, and it's often dotted with fruits, coconut flakes, poppy seeds, or chocolate bits.
Even though it can be prepared at home, the cold, refrigerated curd snacks are usually factory-produced and available throughout the Baltic region.
A variation on the classic chocolate truffle, the Swiss chocolate truffle requires heating a mixture of dairy cream and butter to its boiling point, then stirring in melted chocolate, and finally transferring the resulting mixture into desired molds (traditionally round ones).
Once the chocolate truffles have hardened, they are rolled into cocoa powder just like the French truffles. Owing to the freshness of the ingredients used in the chocolate truffles' preparation, these sweet confections spoil much more easily and faster than other truffle varieties.
THE BEST Swiss Chocolate Truffles Chocolate Confectioneries
Belgian pralines are world-famous chocolates with a soft or liquid filling. These sweet treats date back to 1857, when a pharmacist from Bruxelles named Jean Neuhaus used chocolate to mask the bad taste of medical concoctions. Later, in 1912, his son used a flavorful sweet filling instead of the medicine and called his invention a praline.
His wife designed a box for the pralines, so they could be individually wrapped and stored uniformly, a practice that is present up to this day. Today, Belgian pralines are renowned for their unique flavor and texture, and they are also often used as a token of love or gratitude.
VARIATIONS OF Belgian pralines
Túró rudi is the most popular Hungarian confectionery product consisting of curd cheese that is covered in a chocolate coating. It was originally made in 1963, and today it comes in numerous flavors such as strawberry, apricot, or raspberry.
In Hungary, it can be found everywhere – from shops and gas stations to cinemas and bakeries.
Maple butter is a traditional confection made from maple syrup that's heated, cooled, and whipped until it develops a smooth consistency. This confection was first made in the early 1950s. Maple buttter is also known as maple cream. The consistency is spreadable, so it's often used as a frosting or instead of butter.
Serve it with anything you wish – muffins, brioches, or a slice of bread.
Best Confectionery Producers in the World
Guido Castagna is a renowned chocolatier from Turin, Italy, known for his expertise in creating high-quality gianduia chocolates. His chocolate shop, founded in 2002, has quickly become one of the most esteemed in Turin due to its focus on natural ingredients and artisanal methods.
Castagna's signature product, the Giuinott, is celebrated for its blend of cocoa and hazelnuts, earning multiple awards at international competitions. His shop also offers a variety of other chocolate products, including truffles and spreadable gianduia.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2024, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012
International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2024, 2022, 2018
BEST Guido Castagna Chocolates
William Curley is a renowned Scottish patissier and chocolatier based in London, celebrated for his meticulous craft and innovative approach to chocolate and patisserie. He has been honored with the title of 'Britain’s Best Chocolatier' by the Academy of Chocolate on several occasions and has also received a gold medal at The Culinary Olympics?.
Curley's chocolate boutique offers an array of exquisite products ranging from classic British flavours to unique creations like Japanese Black Vinegar and Apricot & Wasabi chocolates. His commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, like Piedmont hazelnuts and Sicilian pistachios, is fundamental to his business philosophy, and his shops are key destinations for those seeking luxury chocolate experiences in London.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2013, 2008
BEST William Curley Chocolates
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2016
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
Bellantoni Cioccolato is a luxury brand founded by award-winning chocolatier Giacomo Bellantoni, specializing in artisanal products crafted from the finest raw materials. Each creation offers a unique sensory experience, featuring an exquisite range of chocolates, pralines, spreads, and gourmet jams.
The brand’s elegant packaging, made from wood and leather, highlights its attention to detail and sets Bellantoni Cioccolato apart in the global market.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2020
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2024, 2023, 2020
International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2024, 2022, 2020
BEST Bellantoni Chocolates
Chocolat Madagascar is a renowned chocolate maker based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, operating under the Chocolaterie Robert factory. Their production model is unique because they oversee the entire process from seed to chocolate on the island, which not only ensures freshness but also enhances the economic benefits for local communities??.
Chocolat Madagascar is especially noted for its environmentally sustainable practices, as cocoa cultivation under the rainforest canopy helps promote reforestation and protects native fauna?. The chocolates are produced using fine cocoa beans grown in the Sambirano Valley, a region known for its rich terroir that imparts distinctive fruity flavors to the cocoa??.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2020, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean
2020, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2006
BEST Chocolat Madagascar Chocolates
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006
Academy of Chocolate - Golden BonBon
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2015, 2013
BEST Rococo Chocolates Chocolates
Piccola Pasticceria is a charming little pastry shop located in Casale Monferrato, Italy. This producer specializes in traditional Italian sweets, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their offerings include a variety of cakes, pastries, croissants, and other delightful treats, often beautifully decorated.
The atmosphere at Piccola Pasticceria is warm and inviting, and the staff is known for their friendliness and willingness to recommend specialties. Many visitors return for the authentic flavors and attention to detail in every creation. If you find yourself nearby, it's definitely worth stopping by to enjoy one of their sweet delights!
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014
BEST Piccola Pasticceria Confectioneries
Fjåk Chocolate, based in Norway, is renowned as the country’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Founded by Agurtxane Concellon and Siv Hereid in 2015, the company began by experimenting with craft chocolate in a modest kitchen before officially launching in 2017.
Fjåk infuses its chocolate with local Nordic ingredients, such as sour cherries, reindeer lichen, and lingonberries, showcasing Norway's natural bounty. This approach is central to Fjåk’s identity, offering a distinctive Norwegian spin on traditional chocolate.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
BEST Fjåk Chocolate Spreads
Fu Wan Chocolate is a chocolate producer located in Pingtung County, Taiwan. The company is known for its focus on producing single-origin and tree-to-bar chocolates, using locally sourced cocoa beans. Fu Wan Chocolate has gained recognition for its innovative approach, incorporating native Taiwanese ingredients into its products.
The brand has won multiple international awards, highlighting its commitment to quality and craftsmanship in chocolate making.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022, 2018
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2020, 2019, 2018
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2022, 2019, 2018
BEST Fu Wan Chocolates
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean
2021
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
BEST Krak Chocolade Chocolates
Best Confectioneries in the World
+55 Crema di Nocciola from Guido Castagna is a premium Italian hazelnut spread, renowned for its rich flavor and high-quality ingredients. It contains 55% Piemonte IGP hazelnuts, which are considered some of the best in the world due to their intense flavor.
Unlike many commercial spreads, +55 Crema di Nocciola is free from palm oil, focusing instead on natural and sustainable components. This spread is characterized by its smooth texture and a deep, roasted nuttiness, enhanced by the use of raw cane sugar and cocoa butter.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2013, 2012
Tavoletta D'Oro -
2021, 2018, 2017, 2016
Mandorle d'Avola from Slitti Chocolate features premium Avola almonds, known for their distinctive sweet and delicate flavor. These almonds are coated with a fine layer of milk chocolate, which complements their natural taste. The combination of toasted Avola almonds and high-quality chocolate creates a luxurious treat, perfect for enjoying at any time.
This product is crafted using traditional methods, ensuring a high standard of quality and flavor preservation.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2019, 2018, 2017, 2014
Tavoletta D'Oro -
2022
Chuao chocolate from William Curley is crafted using cocoa beans sourced from the Chuao region in Venezuela, an area famous for producing some of the world’s finest and rarest cocoa beans. This premium chocolate is celebrated for its rich and complex taste that features notes of red fruits, nuts, and a subtle hint of spice, making it a favorite among connoisseurs.
The Chuao chocolate bars are part of William Curley's exclusive collection, often available in limited quantities, and are a must-try for those looking to experience one of the most luxurious chocolates in the world.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2013, 2008, 2006, 2005
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2020
The Milk of Nicaragua from Omnom Chocolate features milk chocolate made from Nicaraguan cocoa beans, known for their rich and complex flavor profile. This chocolate is characterized by a creamy texture and a balanced taste that highlights the natural sweetness and subtle fruity notes of the beans.
The Milk of Nicaragua bar is part of their single-origin collection, which aims to showcase the unique characteristics of cocoa from different regions around the world.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2018, 2017
International Chocolate Awards - Best in competition' overall winners
2018
Japanese Black Vinegar Chocolate is one of the innovative creations by the esteemed London-based chocolatier William Curley. This unique chocolate combines the unexpected tartness of Japanese black vinegar with the richness of dark chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both unusual and delightful.
The inclusion of this vinegar is part of a broader trend by Curley to incorporate Japanese-inspired ingredients into his products, offering a distinct fusion of Eastern and Western culinary traditions.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2013, 2009, 2008
Icoa is a premium white chocolate product made by Chocolates El Rey, a renowned Venezuelan chocolate company known for its high-quality cocoa products. Icoa is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and its distinctively smooth flavor, which makes it a favorite among chocolate enthusiasts and pastry chefs alike.
The product is crafted using fine cocoa butter, which is responsible for its high quality and superior taste. The company prides itself on sourcing its cacao from local Venezuelan farmers, ensuring sustainability and supporting the local economy.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2015, 2014
International Chocolate Awards - Overall winners
2013
Nocciola Piemonte Bassinata al Gianduia made by Piccola Pasticceria is a confectionery product that features premium quality hazelnuts known as Nocciola Piemonte IGP. These hazelnuts are roasted to enhance their natural flavors and then coated in a rich layer of gianduia, a smooth and creamy chocolate hazelnut blend.
The result is a decadent and luxurious treat that highlights the distinct taste of Piedmont hazelnuts combined with the luxurious creaminess of gianduia chocolate.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2022, 2020, 2019
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
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2016, 2015
International Chocolate Awards - Best in competition' overall winners
2016
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. For the “Top 100 Confectioneries in the World” list until March 26, 2025, 3,676 ratings were recorded, of which 3,173 were recognized by the system as legitimate. 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.