The act of giving chocolate is a universal love language across the world. Unfortunately, however, there are a lot of un-ethical or un-sustainable brands out there –Hersheys, Nestle and Mars all broke their promise not to use child labor.
We took inspiration from a recent Washington Post article on better boxes of chocolate to find the best that’s out there. Send any one of these boxes of chocolates to a significant other, family member, friend, or co-worker and they will be sure to love it. They will love you even more by knowing that your purchase is doing right by the planet and workers who sourced the ingredients for that chocolate!
Stick with Me
Based in NYC, Stick with Me Sweets makes the most beautiful (and delicious) bonbons. I mean – look at those colors! Their bonbons come in book boxes that are crafted to tell a (sweet sweet) story.
They source as many of the ingredients as they can locally, and if not available locally, then they source ethically around the globe. For a 6 pc Bonbon box, you can gift a loved one a box for $32.
Bon Bon Bon
Bon Bon Bon is originally a Detroit-based chocolate company –now expanded– known for its playful, innovative approach to artisanal confections. Handcrafted with high-quality ingredients, each “bon” is a unique, bite-sized masterpiece, blending bold flavors with creative flair. Their minimalist, eco-friendly packaging reflects their commitment to sustainability, while their ever-evolving selection showcases both classic and unexpected flavor combinations. Rooted in Detroit’s vibrant culture, Bon Bon Bon redefines the chocolate experience—making it fun, thoughtful, and irresistibly delicious.
Midunu Chocolates
To get an authentic taste of African flavors, try out Midunu Chocolates. All their chocolates are made with Ghanaian cocoa and other fruits, spices, coffee, teas, and tisanes from the thriving continent. Another unique trait to this brand? They have named their truffles after different African women who have inspired the chocolates. How awesome and fun is that!
Chocolate Secrets
Each of Chocolate Secrets’ chocolates are crafted with organic, natural and premium ingredients — INDIVIDUALLY, we might add.
If you live in the Dallas, Texas area you can indulge in a gourmet chocolate and fine wine experience in person this Valentine’s Day. However, if you want to taste one of their unique bonbons, ranging in flavors from peanut butter and jelly to ancho chili, they are available online starting at $31.95 for a box of 9 bonbons.
Lagusta’s Luscious
Lagusta’s Luscious love and kindness run deep in their company values (ironic for Valentine’s Day). Their chocolate is 100% ethical and their packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and packing materials. They are a completely vegan, woman-owned and operated business committed to sustainability without sacrifice.
They are paving the way for current and future business owners with their practices. How could you not want to support them? Their ‘You + Me’ Heart-Shaped Assortment for $65 will be sure to please that special someone in your life.
Kee’s Chocolates
Kees Chocolates is a boutique chocolate brand based in New York City, renowned for its handcrafted, small-batch confections. Founded by chocolatier Kee Ling Tong, the brand blends European chocolate-making techniques with bold, global flavors. Each piece, from delicate truffles to rich bonbons, is meticulously crafted using high-quality ingredients, resulting in luxurious textures and vibrant taste profiles. Kees Chocolates’ minimalist aesthetic and focus on fresh, simple ingredients create an authentic, indulgent chocolate experience that’s both elegant and unforgettable.
The flavors regularly change with the seasons, so be sure to try them out not only, this holiday but, as frequently as you can! You can purchase the Omakase Box of 16 for $51.20 or the Omakase Box of 24 for $76.80.
Phillip Ashley Chocolates
Phillip Ashley Chocolates is a luxury chocolate brand founded by renowned chocolatier Phillip Ashley Rix in Memphis, Tennessee. Celebrated for its bold, avant-garde flavor combinations and artistic designs, the brand crafts handcrafted chocolates that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Drawing inspiration from global cuisines, Phillip Ashley Chocolates offers an extraordinary tasting experience, blending fine ingredients with culinary creativity. Their premium collections, often featuring limited-edition assortments, have earned a reputation for redefining gourmet chocolate with sophistication and flair.
Bliss Chocolatier
Bliss Chocolatier is an artisan chocolate brand dedicated to creating handcrafted confections that blend timeless elegance with modern flavors. Based in Shawnee, Kansas, Bliss specializes in beautifully crafted bonbons, truffles, and chocolate bars made with premium ingredients and a meticulous attention to detail. Each piece reflects a passion for artistry and taste, featuring vibrant designs and innovative flavor combinations that elevate the chocolate experience. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Bliss Chocolatier transforms every bite into a moment of indulgence and delight.
Their adorable Love Bug Collection to preorder for $12 is sure to put a smile and deliver pure bliss to that special someone.
Melissa Coppel
Melissa Coppel Chocolatier is a boutique chocolate brand founded by award-winning pastry chef Melissa Coppel. Known for her meticulous craftsmanship and innovative flavor profiles, Coppel creates exquisite, hand-painted bonbons that are as visually captivating as they are delicious. Combining artistic design with fine ingredients, her chocolates push the boundaries of traditional confectionery, offering unique textures and bold, layered flavors. Recognized by the New York Times as “chocolates made to be admired and eaten – fast,” how could you deny buying any of Melissa Coppel’s chocolates for Valentine’s Day?
Inspired by the galaxy and incorporating flavors from all across the world, a 12 piece assortment of bonbons can be purchased for $46.
-Tayler May
