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Tried and tested - 7 of the best British chocolate brands

From rich dark bars to velvety caramel creations, we celebrate the best British craft chocolates to savour today

Dec 23, 2024 | 3 minutes to read | Holly Treacy
Tried and tested - 7 of the best British chocolate brands

Chocolate lovers, unite! The UK confectionery scene has come a long way since the days of Dairy Milk (as beloved as it is). Artisans all over the country are making chocolates that might make even the biggest Quality Street fan think twice.

But regarding our awards, someone has to take on the — let's face it, delicious — task of taste-testing these creations. It's no surprise that Graham Hornigold, the executive pastry chef for the Hakkasan group, has volunteered for two years.

If you are looking for something new and delicious, here is our list of the best British chocolate brands to try.

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Juthan Chocolate, Coffee dark milk 60

As Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” and Juthan Chocolate lives by this principle. The brand won gold at the 2024 Great British Food Awards. It uses a few special ingredients and expert skills to make something amazing. “A well-rounded, beautifully balanced bar of chocolate. Delicious!” says judge Graham Hornigold. Wondering how they achieve that authentic coffee flavour? The secret lies in freshly ground coffee! We all know that coffee and chocolate go well together. Juthan says that adding coffee brings out the chocolate's earthy and nutty flavours.

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Hollychocs Dark Icelandic Lava Salt Caramel

A close runner-up in the 2024 awards, Hollychocs is the brainchild of chocolatier Holly Garner. Holly, once called Cadbury's "caramel queen," was responsible for the iconic Cadbury's Caramel. She has now raised her caramel game with a triple award-winning salted caramel treat.  Inside a crisp Ivory Coast milk chocolate shell, you’ll find a buttery caramel delicately seasoned with volcanic salt. Warning: it’s nearly impossible to stop at just one!  

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Wicked & Wonderful Chocolatier, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Truffles

Winner of the gold award in the 2023 Great British Food Awards, these dark chocolate truffles received high praise. Judge Graham Hornigold called them “velvety smooth, soft, and sumptuous, with bits of ganache that aren’t too bitter.” A well-balanced, pleasing treat.”  These vegan-friendly truffles use Fairtrade chocolate and feature a topping of sea salt. They are both ethical and delicious. With nine delectable chocolates in each box, they live up to their name — wickedly wonderful and utterly moreish.  

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Montezuma’s Chocolates, Hibiscus Chocolate Truffles

The hibiscus truffles scooped the silver award in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. Created in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, they draw inspiration from the natural world to offer something truly unique. While this flavour isn’t available right now, we suggest trying their festive Christmas truffles. They are full of seasonal tastes — sweet, fruity, nutty, and spiced. Something to please every chocolate lover does exist.

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Pump Street Chocolate

No conversation about British craft chocolate would be complete without mentioning Pump Street. They’ve now introduced mini versions of their popular 70g bars — ideal for pairing with a cosy cup of English Breakfast tea. After years of perfecting their panettone recipe, Pump Street has created a chocolate bar. This bar captures all the rich, festive flavours of their beloved treat. Imagine notes of candied fruit, topped with crunchy almonds and sugar crystals — the ultimate winter treat.  

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Yvette’s Chocolates Dark Almond Clusters

These chunky clusters earned a well-deserved bronze at the 2024 Great British Food Awards — and they look as impressive as they taste. With the enticing aroma of roasted almonds, each bite is rich, deeply satisfying, and irresistibly moreish. A truly worthy winner. 

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Tosier Smoked Cinnamon Almonds

Deanna Tilston started Tosier Chocolate in 2016. The company made its first appearance at the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival in 2017. Tosier’s chocolate is entirely vegan, gluten- and dairy-free, with no additives or artificial flavourings. The Great British Food Awards team strongly recommends the Smoked Cinnamon Almonds. They are coated in 70% PISA Haiti chocolate, giving them a rich and complex flavour. Perfect for gifting or savouring as a snack, these almonds deliver a truly unique taste experience.  
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