Have You Ever Wondered What’s The Best Chocolate Bar in The World? This One, According to Chocolate Awards!

In a world where chocolate often comes with a laundry list of ingredients, Norwegian chocolatier Vigdis Rosenkilde has proven that less is more. Her 70% cacao Quellouno bar clinched the top spot for dark chocolate at the 2024 International Chocolate Awards, a testament to the power of simplicity and quality.

Crafted from just two ingredients—sugar and cacao—the Quellouno bar sources its cacao from a single-family farm in Peru's Quelloúno district. This minimalist approach results in a complex flavor profile, boasting notes of forest berries, pecans, cream, and port wine, with subtle hints of green apple, plums, vanilla, yellow melon, and banana. It's a flavor journey that proves you don't need a golden ticket to experience pure chocolate bliss.

Wait, What Are The International Chocolate Awards?

For those unacquainted, the International Chocolate Awards is an annual competition organized by the UK-based International Institute of Chocolate Tasting. With over 50 judges evaluating entries from around the globe, the awards aim to recognize excellence in fine chocolate making. Categories range from plain dark and milk chocolate bars to flavored chocolates and filled confections, ensuring that every cocoa creation has its moment in the spotlight.

Rosenkilde's award-winning bar is made from Chuncho cacao, an heirloom variety grown in Peru's Urubamba Valley. These beans are cultivated at elevations exceeding 5,000 feet, contributing to their unique characteristics. After harvesting, the beans undergo fermentation and drying processes before being roasted, ground, and conched—a meticulous method that transforms raw cacao into smooth, flavorful chocolate. Rosenkilde's dedication to preserving the beans' natural complexity is evident in every bite.

While Rosenkilde's Quellouno bar took top honors, the 2024 International Chocolate Awards also recognized other exceptional creations. Venezuelan maker Delirio Chocolates earned accolades for their 54% single-origin milk chocolate, and Canada's Kasama Chocolate was celebrated for their Strawberry White flavored bar. These awards highlight the global nature of fine chocolate craftsmanship, showcasing diverse flavors and techniques from around the world.