Dark Chocolates in India: A Growing Industry Focused on Artisanal and Premium Cacao

India's chocolate industry is burgeoning with several brands focusing on producing high-quality, artisanal, and premium dark chocolates. In this article, we will explore some notable brands that are at the forefront of this growing trend, along with their unique offerings and what sets them apart.

Notable Indian Dark Chocolate Brands

Several Indian chocolate makers are harnessing the rich cacao culture and tradition to create exceptional dark chocolates that cater to the discerning palate of chocolate enthusiasts.

Soma Chocolatemaker: Bangalore-based Bean-to-Bar Specialists

Located in Bangalore, Soma Chocolatemaker is renowned for its bean-to-bar chocolates. They offer an array of dark chocolate options that highlight the unique flavors and nuances of Indian cacao. Soma Chocolatemaker's commitment to quality and innovation makes them a standout choice in the Indian chocolate scene.

Mason Co: Organic and Ethical Sourcing in Auroville, Tamil Nadu

Mason Co, based in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, is a company that specializes in organic, ethically sourced dark chocolates. The duo behind the brand, Fabien and Jane Mason, work directly with organic certified farms in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Their focus on sustainable practices and single-origin Indian cacao sets them apart from other chocolate makers.

Chocoville: Unique Flavor Combinations

Chocoville stands out with its diverse range of dark chocolate products and innovative flavor combinations. While known for their unique offerings, Chocoville combines tradition with modern flavors, making their chocolates a must-try for chocolate lovers.

Dhuva: Single-Origin Indian Cacao

Launched relatively recently, Dhuva is a brand that focuses on single-origin dark chocolates made from Indian cacao. This ensures that each bar has a distinct character, making it a sought-after choice for connoisseurs of high-quality chocolate.

Fabelle: Luxury Chocolate from ITC

Fabelle, a luxury chocolate brand from ITC, offers a selection of dark chocolates with high cocoa content. Their commitment to premium ingredients and innovative flavor combinations makes them a standout luxury chocolate brand in India.

Kokomaē: Premium and Sustainable Dark Chocolates

In addition to the aforementioned brands, another notable company is Kokomaē. They specialize in crafting high-quality dark chocolates, including unique flavors such as chili orange peel coffee. What sets Kokomaē apart is their dedication to using premium ingredients, adhering to sustainable practices, and offering a delightful range of single-origin bean-to-bar chocolates.

Personal Favourites: Exploring Indian Dark Chocolates

Here are some personal favorites when it comes to dark chocolates in India:

Pacari: No info defined, but Pacari is well-known for its premium cacao and global presence. Menakao: Similar to Pacari, Menakao is another global brand known for its high-quality cacao. Mason Co: Based in Pondicherry, Mason Co operates as a bean-to-bar chocolatier, offering single-origin Indian cacao with eight kinds of chocolate bars.

Chocolate Me: Handcrafted and Authentic Chocolate Flavors

Chocolate Me 70 Cocoa Dark, manufactured in Bengaluru, brings authentic cocoa flavors using natural flavors and locally imported ingredients. Their chocolate mini bites are a delight to taste and offer a smooth cocoa flavor, making them a noteworthy addition to the Indian chocolate market.

Lorem Ipsum: Belgium Chocolate

While not a specific Indian brand, Lorem Ipsum is a well-known Belgian chocolate brand. Headquartered in New York, with over 700 stores worldwide, this chocolate contains approximately 50% cocoa, making it a rich and delicious option. For the 70 gram bar, it costs around Rs 325.

Godiva: Classic Belgian Chocolate

Godiva, an established Belgian brand founded in 1926, has a rich history and presence in the chocolate world. Their dark chocolate contains about 72% cocoa, making it a premium choice. Godiva is priced at approximately Rs 527 for a 100 gram bar, making it one of the most expensive dark chocolates in the world.