Swiss Chocolate Rankings

When we think of Switzerland, our minds often wander to majestic mountains, precise watches, and of course, delectable chocolate. Among the array of Swiss chocolates, milk chocolate holds a special place, tracing its origins back to the innovative Swiss confectioner Daniel Peter in 1875. His creation, the world’s first milk chocolate, paved the way for a tradition of smooth, creamy delights that continue to delight palates worldwide.

Recently, the Swiss national broadcaster SRF embarked on a quest to uncover the finest milk chocolate in the country. This endeavor, conducted by the Kassensturz consumer advice program, enlisted the expertise of six chocolate connoisseurs from various Swiss regions. Their mission? To evaluate 12 leading milk chocolate brands across key criteria such as aroma, flavor, texture, aftertaste, and appearance.

To ensure impartiality, all packaging was discarded, and the chocolates were melted down into uniform molds by a skilled chocolatier, preserving their essence without bias.

The Verdict: Canton Ticino Triumphs

Emerging as the crowned champion of Swiss milk chocolate is Alprose Vollmilch from Canton Ticino, boasting an impressive score of 4.8 out of 5. Praised for its impeccable balance of milk and chocolate, this delight garnered acclaim for its complex, harmonious, and subtly nutty flavor profile. Priced at a modest 2.25 Swiss francs per bar, it offers exceptional value for discerning chocolate lovers.

Following closely behind with a commendable score of 4.7 is the Naturaplan Lait Chocolat Bio range from Coop. Celebrated for its delicate hints of caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla, this offering captivated the judges’ palates. At 1.95 francs per bar, it stands as a testament to affordability without compromising on quality.

Price Isn’t Always Indicative of Excellence

Surprisingly, the tasting revealed that a higher price tag does not always guarantee superior flavor. The Choba Choba 41 percent Fine Milk Chocolate, despite its lofty price of 6.9 francs per bar, landed mid-table in the rankings. Conversely, budget-friendly options like the 0.60 rappen per bar milk chocolate from Denner failed to impress, securing a second-to-last position.

Shocking Revelations: Cailler’s Last Place Finish

In a startling turn of events, Alpenmilchshokolade from Cailler found itself at the bottom of the rankings, receiving a modest rating of four out of five. Criticized for its excessive sweetness and grainy texture, this revered brand failed to deliver the robust chocolate and milk flavors expected by the judges. Nestlé, Cailler’s parent company, expressed surprise at the results, citing favorable feedback from a consumer taste test.

The Best and the Rest: A Comprehensive Ranking

For those eager to explore the diverse landscape of Swiss milk chocolate, here’s a comprehensive ranking of the 12 best-selling brands, from the finest to the least favored:

1. Alprose, Vollmilch (4.8)
2. Naturaplan, Lait Chocolat Bio (4.7)
3. Migros Bio, Au lait – Fairtrade (4.7)
4. Lindt, Milch Extra (4.7)
5. Villars, Lait Suisse (4.5)
6. Choba Choba, 41 percent Fine Milk Chocolate (4.5)
7. Halba, Milch (4.4)
8. Munz, Feinste Milchschokolade (4.4)
9. Frey, Lait (4.3)
10. Milka, Alpenmilch (4.3)
11. Denner, Milch (4.2)
12. Cailler, Aplenmilchschokolade (4)

The quest for the finest Swiss milk chocolate is a journey of sensory delight, where affordability and quality converge in unexpected ways. Whether indulging in the nuanced flavors of Canton Ticino’s Alprose or savoring the organic allure of Naturaplan, each bar offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Swiss chocolate craftsmanship. So, the next time you find yourself in Switzerland, embark on your own chocolate odyssey and discover the irresistible charms of Swiss milk chocolate firsthand.