Last updated 3 days ago | Originally Published: November 30, 2024

Chocolate is often classified into three official types—milk, dark, and white—but this category offers so much more than these basics. In fact, some will even argue that ruby chocolate deserves recognition as the official fourth type, yet chocolate’s diversity doesn’t stop there! From single-origin varieties to flavored, filled, or alternative chocolates, the possibilities are endless. This article breaks down the different types of chocolate beyond the standard classifications, offering a closer look at what makes each unique and why they matter to chocolate lovers everywhere.

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate is a type of chocolate that combines cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. It typically contains a lower percentage of cocoa solids compared to dark chocolate, resulting in a sweeter and creamier flavor profile. The addition of milk solids contributes to its lighter color and smooth texture. This variety is widely used in confectionery products and is favored for its mild taste.  

Examples of milk chocolate products:

  • Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar
  • Dove Milk Chocolate Bar
  • Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Squares
  • Crunch Bar
  • Cadbury Dairy Milk
  • Lindt Classic Recipe Milk Chocolate
  • Zachary Milk Chocolate Covered Raisins
  • Godiva Milk Chocolate Bar
  • Cella’s Milk Chocolate Covered Cherries
  • Fort Knox Milk Chocolate Mini Bars

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar, without the addition of milk solids. It contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids, typically ranging from 50% to 90%, which imparts a more intense and slightly bitter flavor compared to milk chocolate. The absence of milk solids results in a firmer texture and a darker color. Dark chocolate is often appreciated for its rich taste and is used in both confectionery and baking. 

Examples of dark chocolate products:

  • Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate
  • Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate
  • Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate 85%
  • Valrhona 72% Dark Chocolate
  • Godiva 72% Dark Chocolate
  • Theo 85% Dark Chocolate
  • Endangered Species 88% Dark Chocolate
  • Alter Eco Deep Dark Blackout 85%
  • Taza Stone Ground 70% Dark Chocolate
  • Scharffen Berger 70% Bittersweet Dark Chocolate

White Chocolate

White chocolate is a confection made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, without the inclusion of cocoa solids. This composition gives it a creamy texture and a sweet, vanilla-like flavor, distinct from traditional chocolate. The absence of cocoa solids results in its characteristic ivory or pale yellow color. White chocolate is commonly used in various desserts and confections, offering a milder alternative to darker chocolates. 

Examples of white chocolate products:

  • Lindor White Chocolate
  • Papas White Chocolate Opera Cream Bars 
  • Godiva White Chocolate Bar
  • Reppert’s White Chocolate Nonpareils
  • Milka White Chocolate
  • Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme
  • Ferrero Rocher White Chocolate Hazelnut Bar
  • White Chocolate Covered Pretzels
  • Reeses White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
  • Kit Kat White Chocolate

Ruby Chocolate

Introduced in 2017 by Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut, ruby chocolate is recognized by many as the possible fourth type of chocolate, following dark, milk, and white varieties. It is made from specially processed ruby cocoa beans, which naturally exhibit a pink hue. Ruby chocolate is noted for its distinct berry-like flavor and smooth texture, achieved without the addition of colorants or fruit flavorings. 

Examples of ruby chocolate products:

  • Barry Callebaut Ruby Gourmet Chocolate
  • Callebaut Ruby Couverture Chocolate Callets 
  • Chocolove Ruby Cacao Bar 
  • Cocoläat Ruby Chocolate Couverture Chocolate Chips 
  • Prestat Ruby Chocolate Bar 
  • Cambie Belgian Ruby Chocolate Couverture 
  • President’s Choice Ruby Hot Cocoa Mix 
  • SAKU Tea Ruby Cocoa Beetroot Latte Blend 
  • 1883 Ruby Chocolate Syrup 
  • Roxy & Rich Gemstone Collection Ruby Cocoa Butter

Couverture Chocolate 

Couverture chocolate is a high-quality chocolate distinguished by its elevated cocoa butter content, typically between 32% and 39%. This higher cocoa butter percentage imparts a glossy finish and a firm snap when properly tempered, making it ideal for enrobing, molding, and dipping applications. Couverture chocolate is favored by professional chocolatiers and pastry chefs for its superior melting properties and smooth texture. 

Examples of couverture chocolate products:

  • Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate Semisweet Callets, 54.5% 
  • Valrhona Milk Chocolate Couverture Baking Discs 40% Jivara Lactee 
  • Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Wafers 
  • Callebaut Finest Belgian Gold Chocolate With 30.4% Cacao 
  • Valrhona 4653 Guanaja 70% Dark Bittersweet Chocolate Callets 
  • Valrhona White Chocolate Couverture Opalys 33% Cocoa 
  • Callebaut No 811 Finest Belgian Dark Chocolate Callets Couverture 54.5% 
  • Dark Couverture 54.5% – Callets – 22 Lbs 
  • Callebaut No 823 Finest Belgian Milk Chocolate Callets Couverture 33.6% 
  • Callebaut RB1 Ruby Callets, Callebaut Couverture Ruby Chocolate

Bittersweet Chocolate

Bittersweet chocolate is a type of dark chocolate that contains a high percentage of cocoa solids, typically ranging from 65% to 80%. This composition results in a rich, intense flavor with a slight bitterness and minimal sweetness. Bittersweet chocolate is commonly used in baking and cooking, where its deep cocoa taste enhances various recipes. 

Examples of bittersweet chocolate products:

  • Ghirardelli 70% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar
  • Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate Bar
  • Valrhona 70% Guanaja Bittersweet Chocolate
  • Scharffen Berger 70% Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar
  • Guittard 70% Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips
  • Callebaut 70% Bittersweet Chocolate Callets
  • Green & Black’s Organic 70% Bittersweet Dark Chocolate
  • Theo 70% Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar
  • Endangered Species 70% Bittersweet Dark Chocolate
  • Taza 70% Stone Ground Bittersweet Chocolate

Organic Chocolate

Organic chocolate is produced using cocoa beans cultivated without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The entire production process, including any additional ingredients like sugar or milk, adheres to organic standards. This approach supports environmental sustainability and offers consumers a product free from certain chemicals. 

Examples of organic chocolate products:

  • Hu Organic Dark Chocolate Bars
  • Alter Eco Organic Dark Chocolate Bars
  • Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate
  • Theo Organic Fair Trade Chocolate Bars
  • Endangered Species Organic Dark Chocolate
  • Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate Bars
  • Taza Organic Stone Ground Chocolate
  • Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate Bars
  • Raaka Organic Unroasted Dark Chocolate
  • Divine Organic Dark Chocolate Bars

Raw Chocolate 

Raw chocolate is made from unroasted cocoa beans, processed at low temperatures to preserve natural antioxidants and nutrients. This method maintains the beans’ original flavor profile and nutritional content, appealing to those seeking minimally processed chocolate options. 

Examples of raw chocolate products:

  • Rawmio Organic Raw Chocolate Bars
  • Lulu’s Artisan Raw Chocolate
  • Sacred Chocolate Organic Raw Chocolate Bars
  • Fine & Raw Organic Chocolate Bars
  • Lovechock Organic Raw Chocolate
  • Gnosis Organic Raw Chocolate Bars
  • Pacari Organic Raw Chocolate
  • Pana Organic Raw Chocolate Bars
  • Righteously Raw Organic Chocolate Bars
  • Rawclates Organic Raw Chocolate

Baking Chocolate

Baking chocolate, also known as unsweetened chocolate, consists of pure cocoa solids and cocoa butter without added sugar. Its intense, bitter flavor makes it unsuitable for direct consumption but ideal for baking, where sugar and other ingredients balance its taste. It’s commonly used in recipes like brownies, cakes, and sauces. 

Examples of baking chocolate products:

  • Baker’s Unsweetened Baking Chocolate Squares
  • Ghirardelli Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bar
  • Hershey’s Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
  • Guittard Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bar
  • Scharffen Berger Unsweetened Dark Chocolate
  • Valrhona 100% Pure Cocoa Baking Chocolate
  • Callebaut Unsweetened Chocolate Block
  • Dagoba Organic Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
  • Endangered Species 100% Pure Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
  • Taza 100% Stone Ground Baking Chocolate

Cocoa Powder 

Cocoa powder is made by grinding cocoa beans and removing most of the cocoa butter, resulting in a fine, unsweetened powder. It’s available in two main types: natural and Dutch-processed. Natural cocoa powder is acidic and has a strong chocolate flavor, while Dutch-processed cocoa is treated with an alkali to neutralize acidity, resulting in a milder taste and darker color. Cocoa powder is widely used in baking, beverages, and desserts. 

Examples of cocoa powder products:

  • Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened Cocoa
  • Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder
  • Valrhona Pure Cocoa Powder
  • Guittard Cocoa Rouge Cocoa Powder
  • Droste Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder
  • Anthony’s Organic Cocoa Powder
  • Navitas Organics Cacao Powder
  • Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa
  • King Arthur Bensdorp Dutch-Process Cocoa
  • Scharffen Berger Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

What Is Your Favorite Type of Chocolate? 

So, what’s your favorite type of chocolate? Do you prefer the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, the bold richness of dark chocolate, or the smooth and subtle flavor of white chocolate? Maybe you’re drawn to unique options like ruby chocolate or enjoy the natural qualities of organic and raw chocolates. Whatever your favorite, we’d love to hear what you think is the best and why it stands out to you! As a way of saying thanks for being part of the conversation and adding value to our community, we’re offering 10% OFF Discount Code on anything here at Candy Retailer. Your voice matters, and your input helps us make our store even sweeter!

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