What makes Belgian Chocolate so unique? (2024)

Belgian chocolate has been the food of champions, a lure for lovers, the indulgence of the rich and a favourite sweet treat for people the world over. From Godiva to Leonidas, from Côte d'Or to Neuhaus: Belgium has a wide variety of top chocolate brands and some of the largest chocolate factories across the globe.

But a visit to Flanders isn’t just about buying chocolates, there are a whole host of different and diverse experiences that sweet toothed visitors can enjoy, from chocolate museums, praline making to beer pairings.

But what is it that makes Belgian chocolate so revered, and how did Belgium become one of the few countries with a such a long history with chocolate?

What makes Belgian Chocolate so unique? (2024)

FAQs

What makes Belgian Chocolate so unique? ›

The percentage of cocoa in Belgian chocolate is higher than that of chocolate produced elsewhere. In addition, Belgian chocolate contains 100% cocoa butter. In combination with the traditional fillings from Ovidias, this ensures a delicious taste experience when eating our Belgian chocolates.

What is special about Belgian chocolates? ›

Belgian chocolate is ground so fine that it has a structure of just 15 to 18 microns. High cocoa content. Belgian chocolate has a higher cocoa content than most international products. Pure cocoa butter.

What is the secret of Belgian chocolate? ›

The secret of Belgian chocolate lies in what goes into it, and the know-how of the Master Chocolatiers. Chocolate 'made in Belgium' is characterised by a higher chocolate content than in other countries. The minimum level is 43%. Plus, the chocolate has to be 100% pure cocoa butter, with no added vegetable fats.

Is Belgian chocolate the best in the world? ›

We examine the unique and delicious reasons Belgian chocolate is the best in the world, from its serendipitous history to its one-of-a-kind recipe.

Why are Belgians so good at making chocolate? ›

Having access to cocoa beans allowed the country to get a head start in understanding how to process and produce chocolate as we know it today. Soon Belgian chocolatiers were developing machines designed to mix the beans and create a smooth, thin texture.

Which is the best chocolate in the world? ›

Friis-Holm Chokolade (Denmark) was the most awarded with 16 prizes, including 7 silvers and 9 bronzes. Other multi-award-winners this year included: Fu Wan Chocolate (Taiwan) with 11 prizes, Kasama Chocolate (Canada) 10 prizes, Fjåk Chocolate (Norway) 10 prizes. One of the highest scores went to Mary Chocolate Co.

Why does Belgian chocolate taste different? ›

Because Belgian chocolate uses a high quantity of cocoa beans in their chocolate production process, they add less refined sugar to their chocolate offerings. Meanwhile, competing countries tend to use more sugar and lower quantities of cocoa beans, resulting in some taste differences.

Is Belgian chocolate worth it? ›

Belgian chocolate is widely renowned as the best chocolate in the world, a statement usually confirmed by anyone's taste as soon as the rich and velvety chocolate hits their lips.

What is the oldest chocolate brand in Belgium? ›

Meurisse — Belgium First Chocolate Co - Est. 1845. Building on our ancestor's artistry, we are dedicated to once again craft the most remarkable chocolate.

What is better Swiss or Belgian chocolate? ›

Belgian chocolate will typically have a higher cocoa content. So we've learned that Swiss chocolate tends to be creamier and smoother on the palette.

What city in Belgium has the best chocolate? ›

Bruges — one of Europe's most delightful medieval towns — is also a chocoholic's Mecca, especially along Katelijnestraat, which sports a half-dozen shops within a few steps. Locals rarely buy chocolate along here (as the prices are marked up for tourists), but this is one convenient place to shop.

Is Belgian or French chocolate better? ›

French chocolates, especially artisanal kinds, are more nuanced and finer than Belgian and Swiss chocolates because of their delicate tastes in smaller-sized servings. As an example, French truffles usually weigh 10g compared to their counterparts across the globe that usually weigh 15g.

Is Belgian chocolate actually from Belgium? ›

Belgian chocolate (French: Chocolat Belge, German: Belgische Schokolade, Dutch: Belgische Chocolade) is chocolate produced in Belgium. A major industry since the 19th century, today it forms an important part of the nation's economy and culture.

Why is chocolate so much better in Europe? ›

European chocolates, with their smoother, richer flavor, use European butter and cream, which has a higher fat content. To accentuate the smoothness of the chocolates, Europe also uses more cocoa butter, further accentuating the difference in taste.

How is Belgian chocolate different from other chocolate? ›

Because Belgian chocolate uses a high quantity of cocoa beans in their chocolate production process, they add less refined sugar to their chocolate offerings. Meanwhile, competing countries tend to use more sugar and lower quantities of cocoa beans, resulting in some taste differences.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6353

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.