High Quality Chocolate &
Selection Guide

Typically price and high quality chocolate go together but not always. So, it will be beneficial to know at least as few simple measures.
One key indicator is the percentage of cacao or cocoa. The two words, cacao and cocoa are used interchangeably. Cacao is used primarily in some countries and cocoa in others, but they have the same meaning. U.S. Consumers are encouraged to use cacao to minimize confusion according to the American Cocoa Research Institute.
You may see a percentage of cacao prominently listed on chocolate selections. This is the total percentage of ingredients by weight that comes from the cacao bean. This is the sum of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, and/or cocoa powder found in the chocolate product.
Display of this percentage is common with premium chocolates, especially dark chocolate. A higher percentage of cacao gives deeper chocolate flavor intensity. Remember a higher percentage cacao means less added sugar.
The use of “percentage of cacao” labeling began in Europe where chocolates must be labeled to show the minimum total cacao content. It is often listed as Percentage Cacao (France, Spain); Percentage Kakao (Germany); or Percentage Cocoa (UK).
Prestige chocolates are usually hand made with superior ingredients and typically cost $40 or more per pound.

Before Making Selection…
Check Label & Ingredients

Excellent chocolate: Cocoa in Spoon

Has a relatively high cacao content for the type of chocolate – dark or milk.
Contains cocoa butter and not other vegetable fats. The cocoa butter gives a smoother texture and a more chocolaty taste.
Uses real, not imitation, vanilla. Imitation vanilla will give a chemical taste to the chocolate.
Has a relatively low sugar content for the type of chocolate because if a lot is used, especially in bittersweet and semisweet chocolates, this is often an effort to hide flavors of poor quality cocoa beans.
Does not have a long list of additives. Check the end of the ingredients list for chemical preservatives.
Of course, has no “artificial flavor” additive.
White chocolate should have a relatively high percentage of cocoa butter since that is it’s only source of chocolate flavor.

Hope you enjoy your chocolate shopping! Come back soon.

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