Happy National Chocolate Ice Cream Day! June 7, 2026
A high price is a mark of good quality, right? In the chocolate industry especially, the more expensive a box, the more premium and high-quality the chocolate will be. Well, that should be the case, anyway. But unfortunately, shoppers have been noticing recently that many popular chocolate candies are increasingly overpriced. Even worse, in some cases, the quality of the chocolate is dropping while the prices are rising. Learn more, HERE.
Because of the effects of climate change and production issues within the cocoa industry, prices have seen a sharp increase, motivating the reduction of actual cocoa in many chocolate-based products. Customer backlash over Hershey recipe changes has even seen some companies attempting to reverse course.
That chalky film on chocolate is from cocoa butter or sugar shifting to the surface, not spoilage, so the chocolate is usually still safe to eat. The white coating is called a bloom, and it can make chocolate look dull and taste less complex because it melts unevenly on the palate. Temperature changes, humidity, or skipping proper tempering can cause bloom, while a fuzzy texture, odor, or moisture exposure are signs it’s time to toss the chocolate.

You don’t have to spend a fortune finding indulgent, mouthwatering chocolate. Dollar Tree has us covered with sweet, cocoa-infused bars from some of the best and most notable chocolatiers in the business. Whether you’re a fan of milk, dark, white, or even chocolate packed with nuts, caramel, or fruity flavors, there’s something on the shelf for every kind of sweet tooth. And TastingTable.com has rounded up some of the tastiest, most indulgent chocolate bars Dollar Tree has to offer — the kind that are so good they may even warrant a special trip to the store. Click HERE to find out what Dollar Tree has to offer!

Who doesn’t have a few pints of ice cream in the freezer for when the craving strikes? If it’s not vanilla that you have on hand, it’s likely chocolate. And the ideal chocolate ice cream has to deliver on the chocolate flavor. Whether dark or milk chocolate, dairy-free or regular, if it says chocolate it better mean it. While everyone has their favorite brand, the freezer aisle is loaded with over a dozen varieties of chocolate ice cream, and there are likely a few you haven’t gotten around to trying. Don’t worry, the editors of Southern Living did the tough job of sampling nine of them for you. In a blind taste test their editors determined an overall favorite that was rich and creamy, super chocolatey, and wowed them even without hot fudge or extra toppings. Click HERE to find out the winner!
A German court ruled this week that the maker of Milka’s classic Alpenmilch (Alpine Milk) chocolate misled consumers and violated competition law by reducing the size of its chocolate bars while keeping nearly identical packaging, in a landmark case targeting “shrinkflation.”
Dark chocolate’s high cocoa content provides flavanols and polyphenols that may modestly lower LDL cholesterol and aid blood vessel function, but the effect is small and depends on consuming low‑sugar varieties in limited amounts.

Costco’s bakery just introduced a new treat that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Loaded with chocolate chips, salted caramel bits, and salty pretzels, the new item is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Costco’s bakery just rolled out a brand-new cookie that’s perfect for those who love their sweets with a salty twist. The new Sweet and Salty Cookies feature a decadent brown-butter base, packed with chocolate chips, salted caramel bits, and pretzel pieces, for a sweet (but not too sweet) take on the iconic cookie. They currently come in a pack of 24 for $10.99.
The Hershey Company announced it will return to using “classic milk and dark chocolate recipes” across its Reese’s and Hershey’s products by 2027 — a reversal driven by viral social media scrutiny and a public campaign by the grandson of the brand’s founder.
Thieves have stolen more than 400,000 KitKat chocolate bars weighing around 12 tons from a truck in Europe. The confectionery, which is manufactured by Swiss firm Nestle, was stolen when the vehicle was distributing the bars along a route running from a factory in central Italy to Poland, KitKat said in a statement. A total of 413,793 KitKat bars were stolen, said the company. Each one is traceable using on-pack batch numbers, and KitKat has asked anyone who finds a match to alert the company.

Häagen-Dazs introduced Dubai Style Chocolate Mini Bars, available exclusively at select Costco retailers. Following the success of the Häagen-Dazs Pistachio flavor, Häagen-Dazs and Costco are excited to bring this new premium innovation to members. The new flavor brings a globally inspired profile to the Häagen‑Dazs portfolio, rooted in one of the brand’s best‑selling combinations and aligned with modern dessert trends. Made with creamy pistachio ice cream, kataifi toasted to golden perfection, and rich milk chocolate made with global levels of indulgence, these mini bars will start hitting select Costco shelves the week of April 27, with a wider rollout to follow across the US, excluding Texas and the Southeast region.
A UK startup is using an ancient fungal fermentation technique to transform discarded cocoa shells into a lower-cost, lower-carbon cocoa replacement.

Just in time for Easter, Lindt is rolling out a new indulgent addition to its chocolate line: Lindt Pistachio Truffles. The sophisticated new addition to the chain’s truffle lineup showcases the brand’s signature premium milk chocolate shell filled with an irresistibly smooth, melting pistachio center. Each decadent truffle is individually wrapped and available in 5.1-ounce or 8.5-ounce bags, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. In addition to the signature truffles, the brand is also debuting a Lindt Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar. Inspired by pistachio and chocolate truffles, this milk chocolate bar boasts a creamy, smooth, pistachio-filled center for an indulgent treat. Lindt’s two newest treats are slated to roll out at select Costco locations toward the end of March and will also be available to purchase online at Amazon. By the end of April, chocolate fans can expect to find Lindt’s newest nutty offering nationwide at major retailers, including Target, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Meijer, Hy-Vee, H-E-B, and more. It’s unclear whether Lindt’s latest addition will be a permanent fixture, so if you’re a fan of the Swiss chocolatier’s signature truffles or simply love Dubai chocolate, you might want to grab a bag of the new pistachio-filled chocolate treats if you spot them at your local Costco.

While the viral Dubai chocolate trend continues to hold strong this season, Godiva is keeping it simple and updating the classics fans know and love with fresh energy, offering modern (but not super trendy) takes on its chocolate and both are perfect for filling out Easter gift baskets or just setting out on your table for a bit of festive cheer. Joining the cult-favorite chocolate brand’s iconic lineup of truffles and spring-inspired gift sets are the all-new Godiva’s Egg Gift Box and an adorable Bunny Tin. Godiva’s new Egg Gift box transforms its poppable, bite-sized chocolates into a vibrant 18-piece gift set, featuring colorfully wrapped egg-shaped chocolates in five flavors. According to an official description, the new seasonal assortment includes three individually wrapped Dark Ganache Eggs made with decadent 85% cacao and dark chocolate ganache in a dark chocolate shell, three Dark Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Eggs filled with “luscious” raspberry ganache in a dark chocolate shell, four solid Milk Chocolate Eggs, four Milk Chocolate Speculoos Mousse Eggs filled with “smooth” speculoos mousse in a milk chocolate shell and, finally, four Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Praliné Eggs which are said to feature a “delicious” hazelnut praliné encased in a milk chocolate shell. To make it even more fun, it comes in a turquoise gift box with pink ribbon and can be found at a wide variety of retailers, including the Godiva website, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Dillard’s for about $50 (prices may vary). As for that cute Bunny Tin, it’s exactly as it sounds. Godiva recreated the adorable Easter mascot as its own collectible tin. It comes packed with a slightly smaller (15-piece) assortment of its Masterpiece chocolates, including five individually wrapped pieces of its Decadent Dark Chocolate with Ganache, five pieces of its Heavenly Milk Chocolate with Ganache, and five Dark Chocolate with Smooth Caramel chocolates. It’s available online via the Godiva website and at department stores and major retailers (such as Walmart, ShopRite, and Giant Grocery Stores) for about $24.
The quality of the ingredients can make or break your bite. If there’s one company you can count on in that regard, it’s Taza Chocolates, one of the best bean-to-bar chocolate brands you can buy.
In an online survey of 6,242 adults in 2025, the participants were asked, “Do you know this brand, even if only by name?” Statista reports that 94% of the respondents knew of Snickers, M&M’s at 93% and Twix at 92%. KitKat ranked highly, tying for second at 93%. Both Hershey’s and Reese’s ranked fourth, with 91% of the surveyed adults saying that they knew of the brands.
Louisa Mawhinney’s purchase and production of Sky Bar has been a product of “calculated risk,” community support and everything falling into place.
Chocolate sales are rising faster among U.S. users of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs than in the rest of the population, Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Spruengli (LISN.S), said, citing data that defied forecasts the drugs would reduce confectionery demand.
Whether you’re looking at bars labeled as 50%, 70%, or 90%, the percentage refers to the total cacao content in the chocolate, including cocoa solids and cocoa butter. For example, a 70% chocolate bar means that 70% of the bar comes from cacao components, while the remaining 30% is usually sugar. Cocoa butter is the fat found in cacao beans, while cocoa solids are all the “dry” parts of the bean that are not fat. With a strong, bitter, aromatic taste, solids supply that essential “chocolatey” flavor, while the butter creates the creamy, rich, and smooth-melting texture of good-quality chocolate.
You can eat chocolate if you have diabetes, as long as you keep a few things in mind.
Eating something that’s truly rare is itself a luxury these days — just consider chocolate made from criollo cacao, a crop that makes the rarest chocolate in the world (with that said, you can buy it from many specialty chocolate shops).
Chocolate’s appeal goes beyond taste; its compounds interact with the brain and body to boost mood and may offer health benefits, especially when dark varieties are chosen in moderation.
Chief among these predictions, which no one should be surprised about, is price. Due to tariffs, changing supply chains, and other factors, we can expect to see chocolate costs rise for consumers — and for companies to rethink their ingredients in response. As a result, some mass-market manufacturers are adjusting formulations to manage costs, often using less cacao or alternative coatings.
Galaxy KitKat, Penguin, Quality Street and Freddo are among those to have made changes in recent years. Dutch chocolatier, Tony’s Chocolonely has vowed not to reduce the size or distinctive ‘chunkiness’ of its chocolate bars, even after raising prices due to escalating cocoa costs.
As Hershey adapts to higher commodity costs, its own disclosures show which items still meet the FDA’s milk chocolate standard — and which don’t.
Everyone knows that sweet treats like chocolate are a sometime food, but it might surprise you to learn that there are fruits that fall into this category as well, and that mango is near the top of the list. It turns out that when it comes to fruits that contain the most sugar, this tropical favorite’s sugar content rivals that of a classic Hershey’s bar. A single, medium-sized mango has around 46 grams of sugar. Meanwhile, a regular, 1.55-ounce Hershey’s chocolate bar contains just 25 grams. But hold your horses before you trade in your fruit for candy.
Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, is criticizing The Hershey Co. for “quietly replacing” the candy’s flagship chocolate and peanut butter ingredients. Reese claimed on LinkedIn last week that the company has replaced milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut butter‑style crème across multiple Reese’s products, a move he alleges has eroded the Reese’s brand and jeopardized consumer trust.
By tracking DNA methylation patterns and telomere length, scientists found a notable link between theobromine — a compound found in a common treat (chocolate!) — and markers tied to slower aging.

Costco has added a Double Chocolate Mint Sundae to its food court lineup, made with mint soft serve, chocolate sauce, and cookie crumbles. The dessert is a temporary swap, with mint soft serve replacing chocolate on the menu. Since its February launch, the sundae has quickly gone viral among shoppers for its striking look and nostalgic flavor combination.

Lindt just dropped a new twist on the popular pistachio and chocolate pairing. Rather than a bar, the company has transformed the candy into a filled Easter egg. Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Eggs feature pistachio paste, crunchy kadayif, and almond brittle, shaped into eggs and covered in Lindt’s rich milk chocolate.

Lindt recently dropped a brand-new chocolate bar as part of its Excellence lineup, and fans can’t get enough of it. The new Lindt Crunchy Mint Cookie Dark Chocolate Bar features Lindt’s signature smooth dark chocolate infused with peppermint and packed with crunchy pieces of mint cookie for a deliciously decadent combo that pairs perfectly with after dinner drinks or solo snacking. Just like other Lindt bars, this dark chocolate is crafted using high-quality ingredients, and the bar is portioned into squares for balance in every bite. And if you were wondering how it tastes, well, fans are already loving it.

Conventionally speaking, grocery store brands have long been considered a compromise. They’re not as good or as high in quality as the name brands, but they’re not bad, and they’re cheaper — if you’re on a budget, they do the trick. But then there are the grocery stores that buck this trend. Case in point: One of the most underrated food categories at Aldi is their chocolate. It’s garnered a devoted following; many customers have their go-to favorites, and promise they’re actually better than their pricier, better-known counterparts. This likely has something to do with the fact that Aldi’s chocolate products are imported from Europe. After all, the chain is a German company — so its “cheap” store brand sweets are actually fine European chocolate, made in Germany as well as other countries like Belgium. While higher-end European bars can sell for prices like $7 and up, Aldi is selling premium European chocolate for under $3. When you consider this, it’s little surprise that Aldi’s own brands of chocolates can taste even better than brands with household names. If you want potentially even better chocolate for even lower prices, pay attention to these fan favorites, click HERE.

Lindt & Sprüngli has unveiled its latest indulgence, Lindt Excellence Pistachio Dark Bar. This new product marks an expansion of the brand’s popular pistachio flavor profile, following the success of the Lindor Pistachio Truffles introduced last year. As consumer preferences shift to gourmet and wellness-oriented products, Lindt’s new offering taps into growing demand for dark chocolate, as well as the rising popularity of pistachio-flavored confectionery – a trend fueled by the Dubai chocolate craze, which has seen pistachio surge in popularity. Excellence Pistachio Dark Bar combines high-quality dark chocolate with caramelized pistachio pieces and a hint of sea salt, creating a sophisticated flavor experience that appeals to discerning palates.

Sam’s Club’s bakery recently released a new 5.5-pound Brownie Batter Cake made with dark chocolate cake and topped with brownie batter icing and dark chocolate flakes. The 10-inch Member’s Mark Brownie Batter Cake is a “must-have” for chocolate lovers, according to fans. The dessert starts with two layers of moist chocolate cake that’s filled and frosted with a thick, velvety brownie batter icing. Atop the piped brownie batter rosettes, you’ll find even more chocolate in the form of crunchy flakes and a gooey drizzle. And, to take it over the top, the entire cake is adorned with chocolate crumb pieces for added texture. The 5.5-pound cake, which serves 12 to 16 people, is made fresh daily in the club store and sold in a resealable container to keep it fresh. But, many customers have found they never even need to reseal it. “This chocolate cake not only looks delicious, but it actually tastes better than it looks. It was devoured within minutes,” one reviewer writes.

Whether your preference is milk, white, or dark chocolate, nutty truffles, or fruity flavors, Ghirardelli’s 2026 Valentine’s Day lineup won’t disappoint. It’s bringing back several heart-shaped chocolates in festive flavors and packaging just as it has in years past:
Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Lava Cake Duet Hearts: Individually wrapped “velvety” dark chocolate candy hearts filled with “rich chocolate flavor.”
Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Hearts: Individually wrapped milk chocolates chiseled into cute hearts.
Ghirardelli Crème Brûlée Hearts: Individually wrapped white chocolate hearts with crunchy bits of caramelized sugar.
Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hearts: Individually wrapped milk chocolate hearts with crunchy strawberry-flavored pieces.
Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Hearts: Individually wrapped dark chocolate hearts stuffed with a “luscious” caramel filling and a touch of sea salt.
Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Caramel Hearts: Individually wrapped milk chocolate hearts stuffed with a “luscious” caramel filling.
Ghirardelli Strawberry Bark: Individually wrapped squares of “rich” milk and white chocolate with real strawberry bits.
Ghirardelli Signature Praline Heart Gift Box: Assorted Ghirardelli chocolates with rich and creamy fillings like Almond Nougat and Hazelnut Truffle.
Ghirardelli’s entire 2026 Valentine’s Day collection is currently available online via the company’s website and at major retailers like BJ’s Wholesale Club, CVS, Kohl’s, Five Below, Target, Walgreens and Walmart (prices may vary by location). The seasonal offers are only hanging around for a limited time, while supplies last.
Cocoa futures almost tripled last year, inflicting pain on manufacturers, who in turn hiked chocolate prices. They’re still working through beans they bought at the top of the rally. They’ve also made recipe changes that are not easy to reverse.
A study suggests that theobromine, a compound found in cocoa, is linked to people having more youthful DNA and a younger biological age.
Downing a smooth, sweet morsel of chocolate may feel like the ultimate indulgence, but did you know that certain compounds in dark chocolate could actually be good for your heart? Click HERE to find out the healthiest dark chocolate brand.
Dr. Tara Narula breaks down new research suggesting eating dark chocolate may help slow aging. Click HERE to view video.
Chocolate generally does not expire due to the stability of its ingredients, particularly cocoa butter. Even if chocolate develops a white coating known as bloom, it is still safe to eat. Proper storage of chocolate extends its shelf life; avoid refrigeration as it can lead to condensation and affect quality.
If you’re keeping a close eye on prices when your family goes to the shops or supermarket, you might have noticed that chocolate is more expensive than it used to be. The Office for National Statistics, who are the UK’s national body for facts and figures, say that the price of chocolate has risen by over 17% in the year to October 2025.

M&M’s have been a holiday candy staple for nearly 40 years, with those iconic red and green chocolates first showing up in candy bowls back in the 1980s. And it’s no surprise why they’ve remained a seasonal favorite. The holidays tend to bring out our collective sweet tooth, and, as proven by recent drops from Reese’s, Snickers, and Twix, a little festive makeover can make all the difference. This year, M&M’s is going back to its core—milk chocolate—and refreshing its holiday flair on the outside instead. This holiday season, Mars is introducing a new take on its festive M&M’s: Winter Blend. The mix celebrates not just the holidays, but the whole winter season, featuring the signature milk chocolate candies coated in a cool palette of white, icy blue, and deep navy. No new flavors this time around—just the same beloved chocolate wrapped in a new seasonal color scheme. Still, these wintery hues are a bright and cheery update for your candy dish. And if you’re used to whipping up M&M’s snack mixes or studding your holiday sugar cookies with them, this winter wonderland-inspired mix gives you a new look to play with—without changing the flavor of your favorite treats.

Allrecipes.com called up a handful of their favorite culinary pros from coast to coast for some sweet talk. According to chefs, the best chocolate bars are defined by texture, flavor, meltability, and simple, high-quality ingredients. One fair-trade brand celebrated for its rich taste and ethical sourcing emerged as the top choice among the chefs they polled. Read on, (click HERE), to discover which chocolate bar these chefs love—plus, brilliant ways to add it to your menu.

A barn on a quiet farm in Sudbury, Massachusetts, may not look like it is the birthplace of an award-winning chocolate — but looks can be deceiving. Inside that barn, Goodnow Farms is making chocolate that’s repeatedly ranked among the best in the country, consistently winning awards from the International Chocolate Awards, the Academy of Chocolate, and many others. Unlike most American producers, the founders of Goodnow Farms, Tom and Monica Rogan, roast, winnow, grind, and press their own cacao on-site. The result is chocolate that’s incredibly delicious, and certainly not what you’d expect from something that began its life in a shed. Read more about Goodnow Farms chocolate, HERE.

Charles M. Schulz, the American cartoonist behind Charlie Brown and Snoopy, once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” I agree with Schulz, and I’m sure plenty of you do too. A little (or a lot) of chocolate is a very good thing, especially when it comes to gifting. Kate Kassin has eaten enough chocolate in her lifetime that she says she feels overqualified to write this guide. Here are some of her absolute favorite chocolate gifts, from artist-designed sets of bars to a bundle fit for the best of bakers, for the ultimate Willy Wonkas in your life. Click HERE.