Belgian chocolates are famous because they are made with expertise, high-quality ingredients, creativity, and strict standards, resulting in a superior product that is loved by people around the world. Here we provide a small overview of the history, as well as the most popular/well-known brands, AND where to buy your own.
But first… a little history:
The history of Belgian chocolate dates back to the 17th century when cocoa beans were first introduced to Europe. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that chocolate production began to flourish in Belgium.
In 1857, Jean Neuhaus opened a pharmacy in Brussels, where he began to make his own chocolate as a way to mask the bitter taste of the medicine he was selling. Neuhaus eventually started to make chocolate for its own sake and began to sell his creations in his pharmacy. His son, Jean Neuhaus Jr., took over the business and is credited with inventing the chocolate praline, a filled chocolate with a soft center, in 1912.
Another major figure in the history of Belgian chocolate was Leonidas Kestekides, who arrived in Brussels in 1910 and opened his own chocolate shop in 1913. Kestekides is credited with creating the first Belgian chocolate with a filling of hazelnut paste, which is now a popular flavor in Belgian chocolate.
Besides the rich history, what’s all the fuss about? Why do Belgian chocolates have this awesome reputation for quality?
Belgium has set strict standards for the production of its famous chocolates, known as the “Chocolate Code”. The code includes several guidelines that Belgian chocolate makers must follow in order to maintain the high quality and reputation of their products. Here are some of the key standards outlined in the code:
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Cocoa content: Belgian chocolates must contain at least 35% cocoa solids, with the exception of milk chocolate, which must contain at least 25% cocoa solids.
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Ingredients: Belgian chocolatiers must use only natural ingredients, such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. They are not allowed to use vegetable oil or other substitutes for cocoa butter.
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Processing: Belgian chocolates must be made using traditional methods, such as conching and tempering, to ensure a smooth and creamy texture and a consistent flavor.
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Labeling: Belgian chocolate makers must accurately label their products, including the cocoa content, ingredients, and allergen information.
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Certification: Belgian chocolate makers can apply for certification from independent organizations such as Fairtrade or UTZ, which ensure that the cocoa beans used in the chocolate are sourced from sustainable and ethical producers.
Overall, the Chocolate Code ensures that Belgian chocolates are made with the highest quality ingredients, traditional methods, and strict standards, resulting in a superior product that is loved by chocolate enthusiasts around the world.
We have already mentioned some of the main Belgian brands like Leonidas and Neuhaus, but here are some more of the best/most well known Belgian chocolate brands:
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Godiva: Godiva is another famous Belgian chocolate brand, known for its luxurious truffles and indulgent chocolate bars. Godiva has been making chocolate since 1926 and has boutiques all over the world.
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Leonidas: Leonidas is a popular Belgian chocolate brand that is known for its wide range of flavors and affordable prices. The brand was founded in 1913 and has since expanded to over 1,500 boutiques worldwide.
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Pierre Marcolini: Pierre Marcolini is a renowned Belgian chocolatier who is known for his artisanal approach and unique flavor combinations. Marcolini has won several awards for his chocolates and has boutiques in Brussels, Paris, London, and Tokyo.
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Neuhaus: Neuhaus is one of the oldest and most prestigious Belgian chocolate brands, known for its high-quality chocolates and iconic ballotins. Neuhaus is credited with inventing the praline, a filled chocolate with a soft center.
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Wittamer: Wittamer is a family-owned Belgian chocolatier that has been making chocolate since 1910. The brand is known for its elegant and sophisticated chocolates, as well as its delicious patisseries and desserts.
Each brand has its own unique style and flavor profile, so it’s worth trying several to find your personal favorites.
Some of the lesser known, more domestic brands include:
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Galler: Galler is a Belgian chocolatier known for its exquisite chocolate creations. They offer a wide range of flavors and innovative combinations, using high-quality ingredients to craft their chocolates. Galler’s chocolates are renowned for their smooth texture and rich taste, making them a favorite among chocolate enthusiasts.
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Dolfin: Dolfin is a Belgian chocolate brand that prides itself on creating unique flavor profiles. They experiment with unconventional ingredients such as spices, herbs, and fruits to produce exciting and surprising taste experiences. Dolfin’s chocolates are beautifully packaged and offer a delightful blend of traditional craftsmanship with creative innovation.
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Benoît Nihant: Benoît Nihant is a renowned Belgian chocolatier known for his dedication to sourcing and working with exceptional cacao beans. He focuses on bean-to-bar chocolate production, carefully selecting the finest beans and employing meticulous techniques to bring out their unique flavors. Benoît Nihant’s chocolates showcase the nuances of different cacao varieties and are highly regarded by chocolate connoisseurs.
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Frederic Blondeel: Frederic Blondeel is a Belgian chocolatier recognized for his artisanal approach and commitment to quality. He personally selects and roasts the cacao beans, allowing him to have full control over the chocolate-making process. Frederic Blondeel’s chocolates are characterized by their deep, complex flavors and attention to detail, making them a favorite among chocolate aficionados.
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Pierre Ledent: Pierre Ledent is a renowned Belgian chocolatier with a passion for creating refined and elegant chocolate creations. With a focus on craftsmanship and using the finest ingredients, Pierre Ledent produces chocolates that are known for their exquisite taste and delicate textures. Their offerings range from pralines to truffles, each reflecting the dedication and expertise of the chocolatier.
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Mary: Probably our favorite (shhh) – Mary Delluc founded the shop in 1919. She was a savvy business women (one of the very few in the chocolate game) and set up her original shop at 126 rue Royal, where the king and other members the aristocracy would pass daily. Mary kept a record of all her customer’s favorite chocolates, which you can still experience today marked by the different figures on the truffles – for example Manon noisette, Astrid, Leopold, and of course, Mary. Full review here.
One of the best, and most beautiful places to find and buy all these chocolates is Galeries Royales Saint Hubert (below).
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a historic shopping arcade located in the heart of Brussels. It was built in the mid-19th century and is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe. The galleries are lined with luxury shops, cafes, restaurants, and theaters.
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert was designed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar and opened in 1847. It was named after Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, as the arcade was originally built to cater to the needs of the wealthy hunters who visited Brussels during the hunting season.
The arcade has also been the setting for several films, including the 1957 classic “The Singing Nun.”
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