I Ranked 21 Grocery Store Dark Chocolate Bars Worst To Best

Some people swear by a single brand of dark chocolate, never straying from their go-to bar. I used to be one of them. But with so many Dark Chocolate Bars lining grocery store shelves, I knew I was missing out. Like coffee or fine wine, each bar offers a unique flavor profile some rich and fudgy, others bold and bitter, with surprising hints of fruit, spice, or even smoke.

So, I set out on a mission. I tasted and ranked 21 different Dark Chocolate Bars, separating the indulgent from the disappointing. Some delivered that perfect snap and melt-in-your-mouth smoothness, while others? Let’s just say they won’t be making a return to my cart. Flavor, texture, and even value played a role in my rankings, because let’s be honest good chocolate should be worth every bite.

If you’re looking to upgrade your next chocolate fix, stick around. Whether you love your Dark Chocolate Bars intensely bitter or just a touch sweet, this list will help you find your next favorite.

21. Theo Pure Dark 85%

Theo (Amazon link) ticks all the right boxes on paper non-GMO, fair trade, organic, and with 75% less sugar than other leading brands. But when it comes to taste? That’s where things start to fall apart.

The first bite was underwhelming. Instead of the deep, complex richness I expect from high-quality Dark Chocolate Bars, Theo Pure Dark had an odd, almost stale flavor, as if it had absorbed the scents of whatever surrounded it. Notes of spice and something vaguely soapy lingered, making each bite less enjoyable.

Then came the texture dry and powdery, with an unpleasant film that clung to my teeth. While it wasn’t the absolute worst on this list (it edged out Beyond Good in terms of affordability and mild palatability), it was far from a satisfying experience.

If you’re looking for a smooth, indulgent dark chocolate, this isn’t it.

20. Bettergoods 85% Dark Chocolate

Bettergoods promises premium Swiss chocolate at a budget-friendly price, but unfortunately, the experience doesn’t live up to the label. Made with fair-trade cocoa from Ecuador and Ghana, this Dark Chocolate Bar had all the right sourcing credentials—just not the right taste.

The texture was dense and hard, with barely any melt. Instead of a smooth, balanced bitterness, it delivered an overpowering cocoa powder-like dryness with an odd savory undertone, almost as if it had absorbed the flavors of everything nearby. While it wasn’t quite as unpleasant as Theo Pure Dark, it still lacked the richness and depth that make a great dark chocolate bar worth savoring.

If you’re after a true Swiss chocolate experience, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

19. Chocolove Rich Dark Chocolate (65%)

Chocolove brings a touch of romance to its packaging with a love poem inside, but sadly, the chocolate itself doesn’t spark much passion. Made with Belgian chocolate and available at Whole Foods, this Dark Chocolate Bar has all the right ethical credentials non-GMO, sustainable, and socially responsible but none of that matters if the flavor misses the mark.

And miss the mark it does. Despite a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a moderate sweetness, the taste was oddly off-putting. There was a strange underlying flavor something reminiscent of Band-Aids or shoe polish—that I just couldn’t ignore. While it was smoother and more affordable than the bars ranked lower, that odd taste kept it firmly near the bottom of this list.

If you’re looking for a dark chocolate bar with true depth and richness, Chocolove’s 65% variety might not be the one.

18. Alter Eco Classic Blackout (85%)

Alter Eco takes a step up from the lower-ranked Dark Chocolate Bars, but it’s still far from a top contender. Made with organic cacao beans, cacao butter, raw cane sugar, and vanilla beans, this bar is all about purity. And it certainly delivers a bold, uncompromising cocoa experience one that feels closer to eating straight cacao than a traditional chocolate bar.

The flavor leans heavily into the savory side, with almost no sweetness to balance it out. The texture? Hard and powdery, with a lingering coating on my teeth that wasn’t exactly pleasant. While I wouldn’t reach for this bar as an everyday indulgence, I could see it making an interesting addition to a chocolate tasting lineup for the sake of variety.

If you love intense, unfiltered cacao flavor, this might be worth a try. But for most people, it’s probably more of a novelty than a go-to dark chocolate choice.

17. Lindt 70% Dark Chocolate

Lindt is known for its smooth, buttery Swiss chocolate, and this Dark Chocolate Bar certainly delivers on texture. With bourbon vanilla beans in the mix, it melts effortlessly in your mouth almost like a piece of butter making for a luxurious mouthfeel that easily sets it apart from the lower-ranked bars.

But while the texture was spot on, the flavor wasn’t. Instead of the deep, complex richness I expected, there was an odd, papery aftertaste that made each bite less enjoyable. I could faintly detect the bourbon vanilla, but it wasn’t enough to elevate the overall experience.

It’s widely available (Link to amazon), so Lindt fans can easily grab a bar. But compared to better-tasting dark chocolate options, this one lands in the bottom half of the list.

16. Moser Roth 70% Dark Chocolate

Moser Roth, an Aldi-exclusive Dark Chocolate Bar, comes straight from Germany and carries the appeal of being a fair trade product. With 70% cocoa and a touch of vanilla powder (though I couldn’t really taste it), this bar delivers a rich and somewhat bitter chocolate experience with minimal sweetness.

While the flavor was more enjoyable than Lindt’s, it still felt somewhat generic. The texture was firmer, and the melt was moderate nothing remarkable, but not unpleasant either. However, the lingering bitter aftertaste kept it from ranking any higher.

For an affordable grocery store option, it’s a decent pick, but it doesn’t stand out in a crowded field of better-tasting Dark Chocolate Bars.

15. Great Value Dark Chocolate

I was hopeful when I picked up Walmart’s store brand Dark Chocolate Bar Great Value often surprises with quality products. Unfortunately, that optimism didn’t last long. Upon opening the wrapper, I was hit with a rubbery smell that instantly turned me off.

While the taste didn’t match the scent, it still wasn’t great. It reminded me of eating pure, hardened cocoa with sugar dry and almost chalky. The texture was incredibly firm, making it difficult to break off a piece, and it didn’t melt at all. In many ways, this bar felt like a classic case of “you get what you pay for,” especially since it was the least expensive bar I tried for this ranking.

That said, it wasn’t all bad. The flavor was mildly sweet, and I found it more enjoyable than some of the other lower-ranked brands. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it again, if a chocolate craving hit, it’d do the job earning it a spot right in the middle of the list.

14. Hershey’s Special Dark

Hershey’s is a household name, primarily known for milk chocolate, but I was curious to try their dark chocolate. Unfortunately, Hershey’s Special Dark didn’t live up to my expectations. The bar has a powdery, almost chalky texture that takes a long time to melt, and despite containing milk fat, it lacks creaminess. The flavor is generic and not as sweet as expected, though it still edged out Great Value in sweetness, so it ranks just above it. For a widely available, inexpensive option, it’s decent, but there are better choices out there.

13. Ghirardelli Intense Dark

Ghirardelli’s Intense Dark chocolate is a solid choice, but it doesn’t stand out. The flavor is nice but not particularly memorable it’s just chocolate. There’s a hint of vanilla in the ingredients, but it doesn’t really contribute to the taste. This bar is a reliable, middle-of-the-road option that you can pick up at most grocery stores, though it doesn’t have the flair of some higher-ranked brands. It’s ideal for when you can’t find something better, making it a good, safe pick, but nothing more.

12. Mr. Beast Feastables

Mr. Beast’s Feastables dark chocolate is decent but not groundbreaking. It has a medium level of hardness and a pleasant, cocoa powder-like sweetness. While it doesn’t have any standout ingredients, the bar is still enjoyable, especially for the price. It’s better than the lower-ranked brands but doesn’t have the complexity or uniqueness of higher-ranked options. It’s a solid pick if you’re looking for something affordable at Walmart.

11. Trader Joe’s 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate

Trader Joe’s 72% cacao dark chocolate bar is exactly what you expect from a dark chocolate—no frills but reliable. It’s reminiscent of the cocoa powder you might use in baking, and while it’s not the most exciting chocolate, it delivers a satisfying experience. It melts better than some of the others on this list, but the lack of accessibility (for those without a nearby Trader Joe’s) and its modest flavor keep it from reaching the very top. Still, it’s affordable and worth trying if you’re near a TJ’s.

10. Hu Simple Dark Chocolate

Hu is a premium chocolate brand, and while their Simple Dark Chocolate variety is good, it’s also a bit challenging to find. The bar has an intriguing maple scent and is made with unrefined coconut sugar, but there’s no distinct coconut flavor. It’s on the less sweet side, which I appreciate, and has an interesting raisin-like taste. Though it’s a good bar, its price point puts it towards the upper half of this list, making it worth considering but not a top contender.

9. Blue Stripes Pure Dark

Blue Stripes Pure Dark stands out for its unique ingredient list, including coconut sugar, cacao shell fibers, and cacao fruit sugar. It’s smooth and melts nicely, with a subtle coconut flavor that adds a nice touch. While it has a slight bitter aftertaste, like dark roast coffee, the overall experience is pleasant. It’s a bit more expensive than some options, but it’s worth trying for its distinct flavor profile and smooth texture.

8. Cadbury Royal Dark

Cadbury Royal Dark is a nostalgic favorite for me, though it’s harder to find these days. This dark chocolate bar has a medium level of hardness, so it takes a bit longer to melt, and it reminded me of the dark chocolate Easter candy from my childhood. It’s not the most complex chocolate, but it’s pleasant and has a higher sweetness level than many others on this list. It’s not quite the same as I remembered, but it’s still a solid option for a more accessible dark chocolate.

7. Divine 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate

Divine’s dark chocolate is a standout not only for its fair trade certification but also for its smooth texture and nutty, chocolate liqueur flavor. The nuttiness is a surprising but welcome touch, even if I’m not typically a fan of nutty chocolate. While the bar is hard and lacks a lot of melt, it’s still a delicious option worth trying, especially if you’re looking for a socially responsible chocolate. Its price may be higher, but the unique flavor and ethical appeal make it a worthy choice.

6. Dove Dark Chocolate

Dove Dark Chocolate squares are a treat, offering a creamy, fudgy texture that melts beautifully in your mouth. It has a full-bodied mouthfeel and a medium sweetness level, along with a slight chocolate liqueur flavor. Dove’s Rainforest Alliance certification is another plus, making it a guilt-free indulgence. While it’s not the most complex chocolate, it’s consistently satisfying, which is why it ranks highly on this list.

5. Schogetten Dark Chocolate

Schogetten is a German chocolate brand that brings a rich, fudgy texture and delightful flavor to the table. It’s on the sweeter side, which complements its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The brand is also one of the more affordable options, especially at Aldi, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an excellent chocolate without breaking the bank. With a combination of flavor, texture, and cost, Schogetten easily earns its spot among the top contenders.

4. Valrhona Manjari 64% Cacao

Valrhona’s Manjari 64% cacao dark chocolate is a revelation. This Madagascar-sourced bar has a bright, fruity flavor with a slight tanginess that sets it apart. The sweetness level is perfectly balanced, and it melts beautifully. Its unique flavor and smooth texture make it one of the best dark chocolates available, though its high price point puts it a bit lower on the list. Still, it’s a must-try for chocolate connoisseurs, especially if you’re looking for something more sophisticated.

3. Harison Dark Chocolate

Harison Dark Chocolate surprised me with its distinctive coconut-like flavor, even though it doesn’t contain any coconut. With 74% cocoa, the bar is light in flavor but still complex enough to win over even milk chocolate fans. It’s not overly sweet, and its smooth texture makes it a pleasure to eat. The balance of flavor and melt makes it one of the top chocolate bars I’ve tried, and it’s a great find at Walmart.

2. Tony’s Chocolonely 70% Dark Chocolate

Tony’s Chocolonely is a thick, rich bar that feels more like a meal than a snack. With flavors of toasted nuts, coffee, and cherry, it’s a complex and satisfying chocolate experience. It melts into a fudgy texture that coats your mouth in creaminess, and its Fairtrade certification adds a feel-good element. While it’s not my absolute favorite, it’s a close second and definitely worth seeking out.

1. Choceur Dark Chocolate

Choceur has always been my favorite, and it remains at the top of my list. This Austrian chocolate is fudgy and creamy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals any other. Its buttery flavor and medium sweetness level are perfectly balanced, making it the ideal dark chocolate bar. What really sets Choceur apart is its affordability, as it’s one of the cheapest options while still delivering an exceptional chocolate experience. It’s the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and price, earning it the top spot.