Thinking beyond where your tastebuds lead you — shop smart and be aware of these common chocolate-buying mistakes 

Chocolate buying is often led by impulse. You might have a sudden cacao craving or be looking for the ideal gift for a loved one. When you know what tastes good, it’s one of the easiest purchases you can make. But have you ever wondered if you could make your chocolate experience even better? From ignoring the cacao content to opting for cheap products with an unknown supply chain, many of us unknowingly encounter common chocolate mistakes when purchasing our favourite treats.

But don’t worry, our tips are here to help you get more from every chocolate mouthful and enhance your enjoyment. 

Common chocolate buying mistakes

When we talk about chocolate mistakes, we simply mean there are ways to be more aware of your purchase decisions. Knowing what’s in your chocolate can ensure you get the best flavours, aromas, and textures. It also means you can make more ethical choices.

So, what are some mistakes many of us make when buying chocolate?

Forgetting dietary requirements

If you or someone you’re close to has an allergy or intolerance, you’ll be used to looking for the allergens in bold on the back of a wrapper. But if it’s a gift for someone you spend less time with, you might need to rack your brains a bit. Always be super careful when buying a gift for someone with an allergy — your best bet is to double-check the severity and discuss options with the recipient to be on the safe side.

But it’s not just allergens you need to consider. Are they vegetarian or vegan? Do they avoid alcohol for religious reasons?

If you’re unsure, it might be best to go for a safe option, just in case. Luckily Hotel Chocolat has plenty of options to suit a range of dietary requirements. Got a plant-based* friend? Gift them our 70% Dark Chocolate Batons, or our Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger.

We also have an array of alcohol-free chocolate treats and boxes.

*Please note: we believe our dark chocolate and Nutmilk is suitable for vegans. However, as it is produced in the same environment as our milk chocolate, we cannot guarantee it is free from milk.

Not checking the ingredients

Aside from ingredients that need to be skipped due to dietary requirements, there are other contents to be aware of. Many cheaper chocolate products contain artificial flavourings and colourings that can compromise the richness of the cacao.

Additives like maltitol, lactatol and isomalt aren’t necessary in chocolate and, as a general rule, natural is best. When it comes to high-quality chocolate that will satisfy your senses, you should recognise most of the ingredients on the back of the packet.

At Hotel Chocolat, we focus on natural flavours and colourings to bring the most authentic flavours. Our fruity chocolates, for example, contain real fruit extracts. Take a look at our vibrant Passion Fruit Chocolate Selector. These truffles contain real passionfruit puree for a zingy pop of flavour that just can’t be replicated with synthetic ingredients.

Ignoring the cacao content

When it comes to chocolate, cacao content reigns supreme. It brings rich, nuanced flavours, a creamy texture, and that signature ‘chocolate’ aroma. Some chocolate manufacturers use a lower cacao percentage and higher sugar content. While this makes the product cheaper, it also masks those irresistible flavour notes.

To get the most out of your chocolate, we recommend looking for bars, truffles, and nibbles that contain a high proportion of cacao solids. At Hotel Chocolat, we pride ourselves on creating chocolate masterpieces that are brimming with cacao. More cacao, less sugar is our mantra, and it’s echoed throughout our collection. For example, our classic Milk Chocolate Batons contain 40% cacao — higher than the industry standard. Meanwhile, our White Chocolate Batons boast 36% cacao butter, bringing an astonishingly smooth texture and delightful hint of mellow sweetness.

Want to learn more about the importance of cacao content? Take a look at our in-depth guide. 

Choosing chocolate that contains non-cacao butter fats.

We’ve already looked at the importance of cacao and how cacao butter is essential in creating creamy white chocolate. But it also supports the texture of milk and dark chocolate, too. It makes chocolate creamier, giving it that signature melt-in-the-mouth texture. However, some chocolate producers swap cacao butter for cheaper vegetable fats.

These result in a less satisfying mouthfeel and can even taste gritty.

Buying chocolate from unknown sources

Sadly, there are a lot of unethical practices in the cacao industry. From cacao workers facing long hours, poor conditions and criminally low pay, to the trade’s links to human trafficking, child labour and slavery, some chocolate producers have a dark past. That’s not to mention the implications of certain practices on our planet.

That’s why it’s important to familiarise yourself with the brands you buy from and check they’re committed to ethical business practices and sustainability.

At Hotel Chocolat, we’ve built close connections with our cacao farmers in Ghana and Saint Lucia. Our Engaged Ethics programme showcases our commitment to ethical farming, and we ensure we pay our farmers fairly — above the market rate. We like to know exactly where our ingredients come from so we can ensure the highest quality end product.

Learn more about our ethical farming practices, particularly our Gentle Farming programme in Ghana.

Focusing solely on the price

You want to get good value for your money, but remember this doesn’t fall solely down to quantity. The price of your chocolate is a key indicator of the practices that have gone into making it. Better ingredients, farming and quality control all cost more money.

When you decide on the price you’re willing to pay for your chocolate, consider this carefully. If it seems like a good deal, ask yourself — is anyone in this production line being shortchanged?

Not trying new things

We all have our favourites; it’s only natural! When you’re in tune with what makes your tastebuds tick, you avoid disappointment, setting yourself up for a sweet sensation whenever it’s time for a treat.

But there’s always the possibility it could be better. And as the old saying goes, you won’t know until you try. Dare yourself to branch out and try new flavours, even if you’re near certain they’re not your thing. You can always get your favourite as back up.

If you’re looking to broaden your chocolate horizons, why not try our Everything Sleekster? Featuring 27 recipes from across our collection, it gives you the chance to try a range of exciting flavour combinations — from dessert-inspired Eton Mess to a sophisticated Champagne Truffle.

Find your perfect chocolate treat with Hotel Chocolat

At Hotel Chocolat, we’ve made it our mission to bring you chocolate that’s premium in every way. From the quality of its raw ingredients and the ethical, sustainable sources it originates from, to a variety of luxurious flavours, we cut no corners.

Yet to find your favourite? Our Selectors are your gateway to our world of chocolate. All of our flavours are available in this bite-sized format, so you can sample to your heart’s content. Will it be Treacle Tart or Salted Espresso Martini? There’s an endless variety to choose from.

Rather commit to a bar and get stuck in? Our Slabs and Batons will do the trick. Or if you’re looking for the perfect gift, allow us to point you in the direction of our elegant chocolate boxes. Choose by occasion or let their favourite flavours lead the way with the Dark Signature or Patisserie Luxe.