Forrest Gump was probably not referring to the ubiquitous chocolate conglomerates when he stated the famous, “Life is like a box of chocolates” line.
Pick up a Cadbury’s Dairy Milk or Nestle KitKat in your local corner shop and you can guarantee that you’ll experience the same sweet-toothed satisfaction in every bite, bar after bar - there’s something comforting about that. But as Gump relished, there is also something to be said about unpredictability.
Homemade chocolate, unlike its mass-produced contemporaries, is made in smaller quantities by artisanal brands that have the flexibility to show creative flair. The skilled chocolatiers behind these typically independent labels whip up atypical flavour combinations designed to tickle the tastebuds of adventurous chocoholics – from alcohol-filled varieties to the likes of rose and violet.
More often than not, this artisan chocolate is made from higher-quality cocoa, more of it is used and less sugar is added in the process. But, most importantly of all, the best craft chocolate is made with an eco-conscious approach that shows respect for the planet, the farmers and the local people, investing in communities and creating jobs. All while steering clear of plastic in the packaging process.
And when it comes to gifting, there is just something about a handmade present that makes it all the more special to your lucky recipient. You may not have made it with your own two hands, but it shows care, love and thought went into the gift-giving process as you’ve gone off the beaten track with your universally well-received box of chocolates.
Shop the best handmade chocolates below
Martin’s Chocolatier Signature Artisan Collection Luxury Handmade Chocolate Gift Box
As part of the ever-expanding homemade category on Amazon, British brand Martin’s Chocolatier is on hand to brighten any occasion. The gift-ready assortments are filled with bite-sized varieties that will leave you coming back for more. Test your willpower by sampling just one of the array of coconut fondant, salted caramel truffles, Scotch whiskey and roasted praline squares - and you will likely find the box speedily emptied. Each piece is a work of art in its own right with intricate mood-boosting decorations.
Buy now £27.95, Amazon
Fortnum & Mason Handmade English Chocolates
At royal grocer Fortnum & Mason, you will find a veritable feast of sweet and savoury delights that have been given the late Queen Elizabeth’s seal of approval. If we can steal you away from the biscuit aisle, the chocolate selection boxes deserve your attention - and not simply for the gifting appeal. These are the kind of chocolatey smorgasbords that you will want to keep for yourself.
For easing indecision, look to the selection boxes that contain a mix of clusters, caramels, truffles and more including the most sought-after Rose & Violet creams. These are housed in a chic box in F&M’s signature Eau de Nil colour.
From £20.
Buy now, Fortnum & Mason
Chococo
Dorset-based artisan chocolatier Chococo has won many a Great Taste Awards (128 to be exact) for its handcrafted milk, dark and vegan oat m!lk creations. All of its range is sustainably sourced in Ecuador and Colombia where it is grown and produced to offer transparency across the entire production process, benefitting the local community at the same time.
Fine Fino de Aroma cocoa beans are made into the creamy collection that calls on less sugar than many of its contemporaries. In fact, the milk is said to contain just 30 per cent added sugar without sacrificing on taste. To ensure that everyone can get involved in its chocolatey goodness, the plant-based 43 per cent oat m!lk is also made with gluten-free oat powder, while honourable mention goes to the Blonde white Chocolate that combines salted butter caramel white chocolate.
The packaging is also plastic-free.
From £14.
Buy now, Chococo
Love Cocoa
The founder of Love Cocoa is part of a dynasty of chocolatiers. James Cadbury is the great-great-great-grandson of the Mr Cadbury and what he has inherited from his family is a knack for producing mouth-wateringly delicious treats, but with an eye on sustainability.
As such, the chocolate is all responsibly produced, swathed in plastic-free packaging and the brand aims to plant over 200,000 trees each and every year, which combine to give it B Corp status. Quality single-origin cacao is at the heart of the collection and comes in many flavoured forms - honeycomb, salted caramel, raspberry champagne and pink gin to name but a few.
From £5.79.
Buy now, Selfridges
Läderach
One taste of luxury Swiss chocolatier Läderach’s legendary slabs and you’ll understand the hype. A gift set, like the one pictured, doesn’t last long in the ES Best office before it is devoured, even by those who loudly claim not to enjoy sweet treats.
The brand calls these nut-filled or salted caramel-enhanced blocks FrischSchoggi and they are handcrafted using only the finest ingredients. Flavours range from Almond Dark to Hazelnut Milk to blackberry, coconut or the one that has found social media virality, the cornflake milk. We’ll take the lot.
From £14.
Buy now, Laderach
Holdsworth
The Holdsworth chocolate truffle treat bags will brighten your day. The British handmade brand has a range that extends from luxe Marc de Champagne to crunchy hazelnut praline - and they are endlessly moreish, in fact, dangerously so.
The pieces are enrobed in Belgian milk chocolate and filled with a delectable centre that will delight your guests upon serving after dinner in the tea and coffee portion of the evening. They’re also presented in luxe gold boxes that give a clue as to the opulence within. See the luxury assortment of alcohol-filled or alcohol-free pralines, creams and the aforementioned truffles to mix and match and find your favourite.
From £6.50.
Buy now, John Lewis
Booja Booja
No dairy? No problem. Indulge in delicious handmade Fine de Champagne chocolate truffles from boutique confectioner Booja Booja. This box holds 16 richly flavoured vegan sweets in a charmingly patterned box that’s just made for celebrations.
Buy now £10.49, Amazon
Friars
Friars is a long-standing chocolatier on the scene with its establishment dating back to 1927. The heritage label is perhaps best known for its unusual combinations that have earned the British label the reputation as a universally adored gift - after all, you can really never go wrong with a box of chocolates, especially one this decadent. The bestsellers include the cherry liqueur and violet creams - but don’t sleep on the dark chocolate ginger batons to bring a zingy touch to satisfy your sugar cravings.
From £5.99.
Buy now, Amazon
House of Dorchester
At British chocolatiers House of Dorchester, you will find selection boxes for all occasions. Beautifully adorned with gilded good wishes, the Library Collection opens like a book to reveal the indulgence within. The artisanal label has producing tasty truffles and creams for over 50 years and has been dubbed one of the best chocolate brands in the UK, receiving King Charles III as a fan in the process.
From £8.99.
Buy now, Amazon
