Spain’s gastronomy has global recognition, and the mere mention of this country’s name can set your mouth watering as you think of paella and croquetas, tinto de verano and churros con chocolate, gazpacho and patatas bravas…
Wait — did I say churros con chocolate? Let’s back up and talk more about this chocolate.
Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Spanish cuisine, but this Mediterranean nation has a sweet tooth. Across Spain’s diverse food culture, chocolate abounds, served as holiday confectionaries and everyday treats, eaten with fried dough and drank with milk, hot or cold.
Below, I’ve laid out the 10 best Spanish chocolate brands and must-buy chocolates for you to diversify your sweet-tooth tastes.
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Table of Contents
1. San Andrés
San Andrés main specialty is that of turrones, or nougat, but from this family enterprise, you can also purchase elaborate chocolate from Spain. This Spanish chocolate manufacturer is present in over 25 countries in Europe, the U.S., and Latin America.
Spanish turrón is a confectionery classic, eaten traditionally during Christmas but also enjoyed year-round. Turrón takes many shapes, but San Andrés makes a wide variety of chocolate nougat for you to enjoy.
One of San Andrés’ most iconic chocolate products is the Leticias, slices of sweet orange drizzled with chocolate. The combination may sound strange, but as Spain is a land of oranges, tasting a Leticia is like eating chocolate under the sun.
If oranges aren’t your favorite, San Andrés also makes similar confections with cherries, peaches, and pears.
2. Lacasitos
When in Spain, do as the Spanish do and eat Lacasitos. These small, crunchy chocolate treats are similar to M&M’S. Lacasitos are just as tasty, if not a little crispier due to their flatter, button-like shape.
I love M&M’S, but in Spanish stores, they’re often more expensive than Lacasitos. Besides, Lacasitos are more fun, as you can eat them with a special dispenser that features the Lacasitos mascot.
Lacasitos keeps it simple, without too much variety in products. You can purchase this Spanish chocolate treat in large and small bags, tubes, or pencils, or you can try specialized products like Lacasitos mini-turrones.
3. Chocolates Valor
Perhaps the most popular of the Spanish chocolate manufacturers is Chocolates Valor, a brand hailing from Valencia. Chocolates Valor was founded in 1881 and has since expanded across the Iberian Peninsula.
Chocolate Valor makes the best-known Spanish chocolate bars, ranging from bitter 99 percent cacao dark chocolate to creamy milk chocolate bars. Go nuts with milk and dark varieties filled with almonds and hazelnuts, or try the intriguing chocolate and orange flavor twist.
Valor makes the best Spanish chocolate for dipping churros, known as chocolate a la taza. Try your hand at making churros and see if you can capture the essence of this fried treat eaten in a sunny plaza.
- Valor. Valorcao a la taza. Cocoa Powder mix for Hot chocolate.
- Chocolate a la taza
- Gluten free
When visiting Valencia, you can check out the Museo del Chocolate Valor to learn more about this company’s rich history.
4. Cola Cao
Cola Cao is at the center of a heated debate in Spanish culture, but before I explain that, let me introduce you to this concoction.
Mixed with milk hot or cold, Cola Cao is a chocolate powder filled with vitamins and minerals. This Spain chocolate drink is a staple of Spanish childhood.
However, a similar drink is made with Nesquik, a non-Spanish chocolate product. It’s not uncommon to hear people (particularly children) debating whether Cola Cao or Nesquik is the superior drink.
In this list, Spanish chocolate brands win. You can purchase the original Cola Cao powder on Amazon. Variety products like Avena Cao, made with oats instead of flour, are available for purchase at some Spanish supermarkets.
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5. El Artesano
El Artesano is another Spanish chocolate brand known principally for its turrones. In fact, this Alicante-based company is known as the “master nougat-marker.”
El Artesano offers four varieties of nougat with chocolate, including coconut, creamy walnut, and creamy almond.
But like any good confectionery, El Artesano knows how to diversify its stock. El Artesano develops some of the best Spanish chocolate bars, which come in many varieties of dark or milk chocolate, with or without added ingredients like almonds and oranges.
Don’t miss out on the exclusively online products including chocolate with lime salt and chocolate with mint.
6. Trufas Martínez
For over 90 years, Trufas Martínez has been elevating the Spanish chocolate game with its richly elaborated chocolate truffles.
These truffles are made with cream, almonds, hazelnut, cacao, and powdered milk that melts in your mouth. Start with a 16-count chocolate truffles pack (don’t even bother opting for the six-count pack, because it won’t be enough) to enjoy these treats that are among the best Spanish chocolates.
Trufas Martínez doesn’t stop there. This Valencian company also produces gourmet Spanish chocolate bars, láminas, and thin, crispy chocolate flakes.
You can also bet on Trufas Martínez for some soul-warming drinks on a cold day. With their chocolate coffee, you can stir in the aromatic coffee grounds with hot milk to have a delicious Spain chocolate drink.
Were your first homemade churros a success? Grab some chocolate a la taza from this Spanish chocolate manufacturer.
7. Abuela ili
Southeast of Granada lies La Alpujarra, a historic region of villages nestled against the Sierra Nevada mountains. La Alpujarra has magic that I can’t quite describe, which is why I recommend Abuela ili artisanal chocolates.
Founded in Pampaneira, one of the white-washed villages of La Alpujarra, Abuela ili is one of the oldest Spanish chocolate manufacturers. The chocolate brand has maintained its traditions for decades, with a second location in Capileira just a kilometer away.
At Abuela ili, you can find a range of high-quality chocolates in curios manifestations, from chocolate beer and chocolate with goat cheese to hazelnut chocolate spread. Don’t worry, your classic dark and milk chocolate bars are available. Abuela ili makes sugar-free varieties, too.
La Alpujarra is a bit remote, so if you can’t reach it, no problem. Abuela ili also has a storefront in Granada, whose natural beauty and architectural history are well worth a visit.
8. Xocolata Jolonch
If the old adage “time will tell” holds any weight, then you can be sure the products of Xocolata Jolonch, the oldest of Spanish chocolate brands, are of the highest quality. The Spanish chocolate manufacturer has been in operation since its founding in Catalonia in 1770.
I know, I’m shocked, too — this chocolate is older than my home country. Xocolata Jolonch’s stone-ground chocolates, or chocolate a la piedra, are the veterans of Spanish chocolate bars, infused with spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and red pepper.
You can also try the grated stone-ground chocolates, for garnishing whatever concoctions or sweets you have at home, as well as Xocolata Jolonch’s beloved bonbons. All the chocolates are available for purchase through Torrons Vicens, one of the most well-known Spanish nougat brands.
9. Sal de Ibiza
Just about everything is better on an island, including chocolate. But that’s not why Sal de Ibiza is one of the finest Spanish chocolate brands.
Rather, it’s the special salt that they create their chocolates with, sourced fresh from Ses Salines d’Eivissa Natural Park on Formentera Island. A dash of this fine sea salt imparts an incomparable taste that will leave you wanting more.
With its small range of organic chocolate products, Sal de Ibiza doesn’t complicate things. Sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. Take your pick between bitter dark chocolate, sweet milk chocolate, or creamy white chocolate, and enjoy this chocolate that carries the flavors of the Mediterranean.
10. Kaitxo
The last but not least of the best Spanish chocolate bars come from Basque Country in the country’s northern reaches.
The makers of Kaitxo search for the best cacao from around the world, holding environmental standards and workers’ rights in high regard, then bring the product back to their factory in Biscay. Kaitxo sources chocolate from countries like Peru, Nicaragua, and Tanzania.
Kaitxo’s chocolate bars are known for their definitive crack upon breaking a piece of this delicious chocolate. Try their gourmet flavors like chocolate dark milk Earl Grey and white chocolate with citrus and salt, or stick to the classics.
Kaitxo also produces ground coffee, which you can be in a variety pack alongside special Kaitxo chocolate bars.
Conclusion
From the Atlantic Coast to the Balearic Islands and down to the mountains of Andalusia, Spain has a tantalizing artisanal chocolate culture. The best Spanish chocolate might not have the fame or recognition of some nearby countries, but that’s okay — we all like a sweet secret.
Chocolate is ever-present in Spanish gastronomy, but sometimes you just have to know where to look. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer chocolate as bitter as it can come, there’s a chocolatier in Spain for you. Let us know if you’ve tried other Spanish chocolate brands, and which are your favorites.
