Best Italian Chocolate: Top Brands, Flavours, and Where to Buy

Chocolate, in one form or another, has been with us for over 5,000 years. Initially, it was merely drunk, but eventually, it became edible chocolate. Of course, the chocolate you enjoy today differs from that created in 600 BC. It’s fair to say you’re spoilt for choice. However, if you’re looking for a fantastic taste and a melt-in-your-mouth sensation, you need the best Italian chocolate.

Fortunately, the Italians are great at making everything from cioccolato di Modica to a stunning dark truffle with hazelnut. Italian chocolate truffles are regarded as some of the best in the world. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer and where to buy them.

Best Italian chocolate brands to try

Looking for great Italian chocolate is easy; finding the best Italian chocolate is a little harder: there are so many great options. You can’t talk about the best Italian chocolate without mentioning Ferrero Rocher, perhaps one of the most iconic brands in the world. It’s worth noting that Ferrero Rocher also makes Kinder chocolate.

But, creating Italian truffles, chocolate ones in particular is perhaps best done by Baci Perugina. It can be described as the ultimate chocolate Italiano: pure Italian chocolate with hazelnut crumbs moulded into unique shapes.

Other Italian truffles, chocolate delights are made by Venchi, Gardini; Gobino, and even Caffarel. Don’t forget the Delicia chocolate truffles. Every one of these is worth trying and enjoying.

Iconic chocolate makers in Italy

Let’s swing back to Ferrero Rocher. The brand was created in 1946. It’s fair to say it is one of the most famous in the world and, as far as Italian chocolate truffles go, it’s iconic. However, Ferrero Rocher is eclipsed by Baci Perugina, a company formed as long ago as 1922. It’s become one of the biggest names in the industry. If you’re looking for the most authentic chocolate Italiano experience, this is it.

Emphasising the importance of Italian chocolate is the Venchi brand. It’s iconic and has been in production for over 140 years.

Exploring Italian chocolate truffles

Take a look on the web and you’ll find plenty of recipes for Italian chocolate truffles. However, you’ll find it hard to beat the authentic creations from Perugina, Ferrero Rocher, and even Delicia Chocolate Truffles. They’ve spent years perfecting their truffle recipe. Italian chocolate truffles first appeared in 1895, a creation by Nadia Maria Petruccelli. At first, they were simply appreciated by the Italians. However, in 1902, a London chocolatier discovered them and started selling them in London. That’s when they became famous and have been a much loved Italian chocolate treat ever since.

What are Italian chocolate truffles?

Italian chocolate truffles are made from butter, eggs, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate. It’s the dark chocolate that inspires the intensity of the flavour. The centre of the truffle is soft and gooey. It can be all sorts of flavours. The outer shell is hard but is usually rolled in hazelnut crumbs before it sets. It creates a unique blend of flavours. These include the sharp tang of strong chocolate, the nuttiness of the crumbs, and the tang of whatever flavour soft filling you’ve chosen.

We recommend trying the classic Italian Limoncello filling.

Conclusion

Chocolate is delicious by itself. However, just as you’ll try different flavours of chocolate, consider broadening your horizons further. For instance, the chocolate and cheese pairing sounds unusual and perhaps even disastrous. Don’t knock it until you try it, you’ll be surprised at how well these two go together.

The truth is simple, Italian chocolate, whether as truffles or pure chocolate, is delicious. If you haven’t already tried some of the best Italian brands, you should start today!