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Chocolate clubs are more popular now than ever before - and it's easy to see why. These clubs offer a delightful experience that goes way beyond just eating chocolate.
First and foremost, the universal love for chocolate is a central driver of chocolate club popularity. Chocolate has been a beloved treat for centuries, transcending age, gender, and cultural boundaries. Its rich, indulgent flavor provides a comforting escape from the ordinary, making it a universal pleasure. Chocolate subscription clubs tap into this passion, transforming it into a regular, eagerly anticipated event, offering a dependable source of joy in the subscribers' lives.
Tuesday, February 18th
If you're on the hunt for subscription clubs that deliver something special, Amazing Clubs should be your top choice. When it comes to a wide range of hand-crafted gourmet foods and top-quality products, you just won't find a better option on the market.
You'll know what you're getting ahead of time
Now, let's talk about their Chocolate Club because it's seriously amazing (see what we did there?). They're all about keeping you in the loop: you get to see a list of previous selections and they even tell you what chocolate delights are coming your way in advance. And, if you're not feeling a particular month's selection - maybe toffee squares aren't your thing or there's an ingredient you're sensitive to - you can just skip that month and have a delivery added on to the end of your plan. Flexibility at its finest.
Fantastic variety and no duplicates in a year
But trust us when we say that you won't want to skip often because Amazing Clubs' chocolate game is strong. From dark chocolate cranberry almond bark to cheesecake truffles and white chocolate key lime creams, you get a full pound of heavenly treats in each delivery. And the best part? You won't get the same chocolates twice in a year. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
Really flexible
Now, whether you're treating yourself or giving this as a gift, you're in control. Choose how you want to pay: all at once or per shipment, because the price remains the same either way. You've got options for how long you want to subscribe too: 3 months, 4 months (seasonal), 6 months, or a full year. But wait, there's more - do you maybe want your chocolates every other month instead? If so, you can make a 12-month subscription stretch over two years. And you can even pick a specific start date, up to 11 months in the future.
Competitive prices and lots of discounts offered
Depending on how long you go for, the monthly price ranges from $50.95 to $52.95, with shipping included in the cost. Plus, Amazing Clubs loves dropping discounts, especially after your first purchase. Keep an eye out for emails with sweet deals - anywhere from $5 to $70+ off. Sneaky tip: spend some time on the site, then act like you're closing the window - a pop-up discount might appear, valid for the next hour.
Terrific as a gift-giving option
Amazing Clubs is one of our all-time favorite options for gift-giving, too. Each delivery comes with a delightful chocolate lover's newsletter called The Sweetest Tooth. It's got info about the chocolatier, fun chocolate facts, serving suggestions, and more. And if you're surprising someone, you can choose to send the announcement by mail or email on a specific date, or print it out for a last-minute touch. Your recipient will get notifications of each delivery (and you will too), and either one of you can reach out to skip one if needed.
No one can match this satisfaction guarantee
But here's the real deal-sealer: their reputation. Amazing Clubs lives by their "They'll Love It!" guarantee. Check out the 400+ reviews on their website - you'll be amazed. When we received a package of melted chocolates at the peak of summer and discovered that even the cold pack was warm to the touch, it was no problem at all: we called Amazing Clubs' customer service team, and they arranged for us to get a replacement delivery the next month (and let's be real: melted chocolate is just fine after you put it in the freezer for a while, even if it's not pretty anymore). We didn't even have to send in photos of the melty mess, and the rep offered to even substitute a completely different club from their wide selection if we didn't want to take our chances with chocolate again. You're just not going to find any other club on the market, chocolate or otherwise, that goes as far as this one does to make you happy. Is it any surprise that the BBB gives Amazing Clubs a perfect "A+” grade?
Still the #1 chocolate club on our list
Amazing Clubs is the heavyweight champ of monthly clubs, with millions of happy customers and still counting. If you're aiming to wow a friend or boss with a fantastic selection of chocolates each month, or just want to treat yourself (you deserve it), this chocolate club is where it's at. Amazing Clubs earns our top rating and then some.
Over two decades ago, Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club embarked on its mission to deliver boutique artisan chocolates of unparalleled quality to discerning customers across the country. From truffles to bars, every handpicked selection showcases premium ingredients and innovative creativity from chocolatiers worldwide.
Unique flavor combinations you can preview
For an elevated culinary encounter with your chocolate subscription, this club is an ideal match. It's a haven for chocolatiers who explore inventive ingredients such as Earl Grey tea, fresh lavender flowers, and even cumin, crafting intricate chocolate flavor profiles that push boundaries. But, there's no need to be in the dark about what you're getting: just check out the calendar of featured chocolates on the Gourmet Chocolate of the Month website to see exactly what's scheduled for each month of your subscription (which might also help you decide when you want your deliveries to start). Foodie alert: that's also where you'll find in-depth information about each chocolatier before you get your box.
Expensive but not overly so
We'll be direct: you're going to pay more for this chocolate club than many of the rival subscriptions on our list. Gourmet is gourmet, after all, and this membership is priced at $49.95 per delivery plus $15 in shipping and handling fees. But, during a recent visit to the Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club website, we got some discount offers in a pop-up - ranging from $10 off a 4-shipment order to $30 off a prepaid 12-shipment order. To ensure you don't miss out, check the top of the site for featured promotions if pop-ups aren't supported by your browser.
You decide how long and how often
Exceptional flexibility defines Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club's subscription options. Choose from 2 to 12 deliveries, or opt for an ongoing arrangement to maintain a steady flow of chocolates. Start your deliveries anytime from the current month to a few months in advance, and personalize the frequency - monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Payment can be made upfront or per shipment, with no difference in price. Plus, if you'd like to customize a club with chocolate as just one of the treats throughout the course of a multi-food membership, that's really easy to do here.
Great to give as a gift
And, gift-giving is a breeze. You'll find all of your options right in the checkout process. After entering the recipient's details, you can print and hand-deliver a gift announcement or send an email announcement immediately or at a chosen future date. Alongside each delivery, recipients are treated to detailed tasting notes and chocolatier profiles.
Very happy customers, satisfaction guaranteed
Across the more than a million customers served through Monthly Clubs, this company has done well enough to earn the Better Business Bureau's highest evaluation: an "A+” and accreditation. While the reviews specific to the chocolate club aren't numerous, they all give the subscription 4 or 5 stars for living up to the gourmet name and being consistently delicious and delivered with no problems. And, if not, Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club -and every other subscription offered here - comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, with a refund or replacement if any shipment doesn't meet your standards.
Well worth the money
While Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club comes at a higher cost compared to some competitors' subscriptions, your "investment” here is sure to deliver an unparalleled tasting journey. If budget is not a constraint and you seek the utmost in assorted chocolates, whether for yourself or a fortunate gift recipient, this chocolate club is an opportunity you won't want to miss.
Established as the original source of subscription clubs since 1994, Clubs of America's Chocolate of the Month Club proudly emerges as a delectable and dependable option to consistently satisfy your sweet cravings. With each shipment, a lavish pound of gourmet hand-dipped chocolates is at your fingertips, accompanied by a fun-and-informative Chocolate Expedition newsletter. This delightful combination is further bolstered by the Clubs of America's "Happiness Guarantee," assuring a positive experience every time. What else could you want in a chocolate club?
Good choice if you like surprises
The allure of this club lies in the element of surprise. The assortment of chocolates you'll receive remains shrouded in mystery until arrival day, giving you a little taste of anticipation and excitement with every delivery. Among the array of past selections, customers have indulged in a range of flavors, from enticing Chocolate Munchies to French Creams, all the way to the interestingly-named Happy Truffles and Terrific Turtles. The joy of unwrapping each package to reveal the hidden treasures within adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your chocolate journey.
Lots of club length and frequency options
What truly sets the Chocolate of the Month Club apart is the exceptional flexibility it offers in terms of subscription lengths. While many other chocolate subscription services stick to the conventional 3, 6, or 12-month plans, this particular club lets you customize your membership duration to your preferences. Whether you're seeking a shorter commitment or a more extended exploration of chocolate delights, you can choose from club lengths of 2, 3, 4, 6, or 12 months. Furthermore, this club recognizes that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to receiving chocolates - so they provide the choice of delivery frequencies, allowing you to opt for monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly shipments based on how quickly (or slowly) you like to savor your sweets.
Affordably-priced and can pay upfront or as-you-go
What does it cost? This club is priced from $52.95 to $55.95 per delivery, depending on the length of your club (the price goes down as the subscription length goes up). Bonus: shipping fees are included in your monthly cost. As further testament to their customer-centric approach, Chocolate of the Month Club allows you to decide whether to make a single upfront payment covering the entire membership period or to pay for each individual shipment as it's sent out. This flexibility acknowledges that customers have preferences (and budgets) when it comes to their subscriptions, and we appreciate that.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed
Each box is thoughtfully packaged to ensure the chocolates' safe journey to your doorstep. Sealed in a styrofoam container accompanied by ice packs, so that even deliveries to warmer destinations during the summer months are more likely to arrive in pristine condition. And, in the rare event that any mishaps occur, Chocolate of the Month Club has your back with Clubs of America's 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Solid gift-giving features
Chocolate of the Month Club gets points for making gift-giving easy as well. During the checkout process, you can choose the delivery start month - up to 11 months in advance - and indicate if you'd like to have a gift letter emailed or sent via post or if you'd rather print one out yourself.
"A+” from the BBB
Reputation? Not a problem here. Clubs of America has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau with zero complaints filed. While there aren't any reviews on the company's website to gauge customer response to the chocolate club specifically, plenty of shopper feedback for the company at large can be found elsewhere - and it's almost always super-positive.
A chocolate club you can count on
Chocolate of the Month Club stands as an example of excellence, affordability, and reliability. With its legacy spanning decades, the club continues to be a premier choice among chocolate subscription services. You won't be disappointed with this chocolate club.
Are you intrigued by mystery flavors when you spot them on the shelf at the store? From Mountain Dew to Twizzlers, it's a trend sweeping the food scene. But what if we told you there's a chocolate club that turns this concept into a delectable guessing game? Welcome to the world of Mystery Chocolate Box, our favorite chocolate bar-focused club.
Are you up for a guessing game?
How does it work? With three full-sized chocolate bars in each box, the outer wrappers are removed and labeled A, B, and C. Your task? Uncover the ingredients within. For those up for a challenge, you can submit your guesses on the club's site and vie for a spot on the leaderboard. Imagine identifying unique elements like goji berries, lemongrass and cardamom, or champagne - just a glimpse of what past Mystery Chocolate Box selections have featured.
Gift-giving features are a little limited
While Mystery Chocolate Box shines in creativity, it's important to note some limitations in its gift-giving options. If you'd like a gift card, it's available at $1.99, whether mailed directly or sent to you to be given in person. Unfortunately, email announcements aren't on the menu. On the plus side, you can choose a start date for deliveries, up to 6 months ahead.
Not ideal if you suffer from common food allergies
What about allergies? In the past, Mystery Chocolate Box used to leave the original product label intact under the A-B-C wrapper, but since they've added a guessing leaderboard to their features, that's no longer the case. They recommend that if you have food allergies to any ingredients common to chocolate (like nuts or gluten), you pass on buying a subscription here. But, if you have minor allergies that go beyond the top 8, you can request a replacement of any chocolate bars that wind up having ingredients you can't have. The easiest way to find out what's in the bars? Submit your guesses to the leaderboard.
Meals donated to charity for every box sold
One standout aspect is the club's commitment to charity. For each box delivered, two meals are donated to fight hunger, bridging the gap between enjoying chocolates and making a difference. The company partners with organizations both within the US and worldwide, contributing to global hunger relief.
Rewards for the taking
Adding to the appeal here is the Cacao Points rewards program. Points can be earned by subscribing, referring friends, leaving reviews, and accurately guessing those chocolate flavors. These points can be redeemed in Mystery Chocolate Box's a la carte chocolate shop or put towards a free monthly box.
Go month-to-month or prepay for a set timeframe
You can set up this chocolate club as a non-recurring plan lasting 3, 6, or 12 months; these are priced at $63.95, $118.95, and $224.95, respectively. Or, if you know that you just want to keep the treats coming nonstop, Mystery Chocolate Box also offers a month-to-month option for $19.95.
Shipping is super-spendy but total price is still on par
Shipping is where you're really going to spend a lot with this chocolate club. It varies by month and by delivery location (because of the need to include cold packs to warmer destinations, especially in the summer), but in subscribing to the 12-month plan with shipment to Florida, we were charged a hefty $201 on top of our membership price of $224.95 - bringing our total to $425.95 for a year of chocolate. On the one hand, that's not much different from most of Mystery Chocolate Bar's rivals - it just feels like more when you get the initial shock of seeing the shipping fees almost equal to the subscription cost. On the other hand, it's up to you to determine if that price is worth getting just three chocolate bars per month, when many competitors give you more for the same price.
Cancel anytime for a prorated refund
While a satisfaction guarantee isn't explicitly stated here, you have the flexibility to cancel your Mystery Chocolate Box membership anytime and receive a prorated refund for undelivered boxes. Although we don't love that the only way to do so is via email or online form, we've found that the customer service team is responsive and helpful, making sure any issues are addressed promptly.
Customers are fans of this fun way to try new chocolate flavors
And, the good news is that you'll probably not need to test out the customer service here, because across the board people love this chocolate club. Out of nearly 200 reviews, the rating average is a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many of those who get Mystery Chocolate Box as a gift wind up loving it so much, they subscribe for themselves after their plan runs out - or they turn around and gift it to someone else. And, of course, the mystery aspect gets lots of compliments for bringing a new level of fun to chocolate-tasting, even when they're flavors that aren't a big hit in and of themselves (like that lemongrass one we mentioned).
Unique among chocolate clubs
Mystery Chocolate Box elevates the chocolate experience by infusing it with an element of intrigue. Whether you savor them solo, share the fun with loved ones, or challenge coworkers, the chocolates in this club are bound to delight. When it comes to chocolate bars, Mystery Chocolate Box's club earns our strong recommendation.
Do you have a taste for dark chocolate bars? How about ones that are vegan to boot? Denver-based Bar and Cocoa has you in mind, offering a chocolate club that delivers four unique dark chocolate bars from various cacao origins every month. Their expert curators source sought-after flavors you won't find at any local store. Many of their bars contain only sugar and cacao, allowing the distinct flavor profiles of single-origin chocolates to shine. They prioritize ethical practices, direct trade, sustainable farming, and eco-conservation in their selection process.
Chocolate bars selected from 35+ chocolatiers
The variety of brands included in this company's shipments is striking. Unlike some chocolate bar clubs, Bar and Cocoa offers selections from over three dozen craft chocolate makers, spanning the alphabet from A(kesson's) to Z(otter). If you go to the Makers list, you can find out more about any brand you find in your monthly chocolate club delivery.
Eco-friendly and affordably-priced
Because you don't get to choose what's in your box, setting up your club here is pretty simple: just decide if you want to subscribe for 3, 6, or 12 months, and indicate if it's a gift or not. Prices range from $135 for three months to $499 for 12 months, and shipping fees are included in what you pay. Bar & Cocoa tries to be extra "green” in everything they do, which extends to using eco-friendly insulation and ice packs when sending you chocolate during the hotter months of the year.
Look for discount offers
During our most recent visit to Bar & Cocoa, we got a pop-up offering a $5 discount on any subscription. That's not a huge savings, but it's a nice perk compared with some rival clubs that offer discounts and then exclude memberships from being eligible.
Decent features for giving this club as a gift
Let's go back to gift-giving for a moment. When you click "yes” when asked if your chocolate club is a gift, you'll provide your recipient's name and email address. They won't get a notification until the second order ships, and at that point they can manage their subscription on their own (changing the delivery date or address). If you'd like to let your recipient know that they're getting a chocolate club from you, click on the link on the product page for Chocolate Club Gift Certificate; you'll get a PDF you can print out and send or give in person.
Aficionados adore this chocolate
People absolutely love the chocolate selection at Bar & Cocoa. We found nearly 2000 five-star reviews for specific brands and flavors - granted, there's no guarantee that you'll get any particular one in your box, but it's a good sign when customers rave about the varieties they've sampled here. Some of the flavors that caught our attention were the 60% Coconut Milk Chocolate by Raaka, Luisa Abram Rio Purus Wild Cocoa 81%, and Zotter's Lime & Passion Fruit 70%. Feeling snacky yet?
Good replacement policy if chocolate arrives in damaged condition
And what if your chocolate isn't in such great shape when it arrives? You'll need to send Bar & Cocoa a photo within 24 hours of its arrival in order to get a free month added on to your subscription (as opposed to one-off orders from the store, which will get a refund or replacement).
Excellent club if you prefer chocolate bars
If you're fond of chocolate bars and appreciate unique flavors, Bar and Cocoa's chocolate club is a strong choice. While it's on the pricier side, the combination of free shipping and access to diverse flavors justifies considering Bar and Cocoa for your chocolate indulgence (or someone else's).
Are you on the hunt for impressive gift options? Look no further than Harry & David. With over 80 years of experience, they're known for top-notch fruit baskets, baked goods, and tasty treats for gift-giving at home or the office. Plus, the retailer's partnership with 1-800-Flowers gives you even more possibilities for important moments when you start your shopping at Harry & David.
Website tells you which chocolates to expect each month
When it comes to chocolate clubs, Harry & David delivers a variety of chocolates, and their site makes it easy to know what you'll get each month. For instance, during our recent visit, they offered dark and milk chocolate cherries in April, three different kinds of truffles in July, and chocolate-covered caramels in November. Most months include at least a pound of chocolate, though it might vary slightly depending on the type of chocolate you're getting in a given month.
Prices are competitive but there's no free shipping
You can choose a 3, 6, or 12-month chocolate club here, and prices range from $114.99 to $429.99. We were excited thinking that we could sign up for the Celebrations Passport program: for $19.99/year, it gets you free shipping across the whole 1-800 Flowers brand family, which can be a pretty good deal if you're doing a lot of gift-giving. Unfortunately, despite it being offered on the main chocolate club page, the fine print in the shipping policy says that all non-fruit gift clubs are excluded from the Passport program. So, plan on tacking on an extra $7.99 per delivery with your chocolate club from Harry & David.
Watch the fine print on discount offers
For extra savings, Harry & David often has discounts, like 15% off for providing your email. Yet, be cautious, as some exclusions may apply to club subscriptions (just like the Passport shipping). Always check the details before assuming you'll get the discount.
Upgrade your gift-giving
Because they focus on impressive gifts here, you'll find upgrade options for that extra "wow" factor. Available upgrades are shown on the ordering page and may come from other partners in the 1-800 Flowers family, like an Auntie Anne's DIY Pretzel Kit or a Popcorn Factory gift basket. Other features that Harry & David's uses to make gift-giving super no-hassle are found during the checkout process: complimentary greeting message or printed greeting card ($4.99), scheduling future reminders for gifting occasions, and the ability to select the delivery date of the first chocolate club box.
Great reputation for quality and customer service
Harry & David's chocolate club gets plenty of love from subscribers and gift-givers. Most people who left a review gave it five stars, saying that they (or their lucky recipients) thought that the chocolate tasted much more like premium selections and nothing like what you'd get at the store, and that the customer service team is helpful in getting a replacement if something goes wrong.
Dependable and traditional chocolate club
While Harry & David's chocolate club may not offer incredibly unique selections, it's a solid choice for high-quality, traditional assortments backed by a reliable satisfaction guarantee. This is a classic option for a chocolate club.
Kekao calls itself an "innovative and online marketplace dedicated to providing chocolate lovers with an extraordinary and indulgent experience”. They do this by sourcing artisanal chocolates from around the world, supporting small-scale chocolatiers.
Get up to 5 chocolate bars in every delivery
So, what will you get in your monthly box from Kekao? Every shipment comes with 4-5 full-size chocolate bars, but they don't tell you what they've sent in the past or what to expect before your box is delivered. Looking through Kekao's online store, however, should give you a rough idea of the kinds of chocolate bars they specialize in. At the time of this evaluation, some of the a la carte options in the Kekao shop included Akesson's, Dick Taylor, Marou, Manoa, OmNom Chocolate Reykjavik, Taza, and Valrhona. The list wasn't as long as we've seen with some of the other clubs that specialize in chocolate bars, but it's definitely enough variety to keep you interested.
Prices are competitive but clubs aren't as flexible
How much will your Kekao chocolate club membership cost? At the time of our visit, all of the clubs were listed with sale prices, but we're not sure if those "discounts” are actually a year-round price designed to make people sign up. We hope so, because if not, the "everyday” price here would make it much more expensive. The "sale” price puts Kekao right in line with most rival chocolate subscriptions on our list: $134 for three months, $255 for six months, and $491 for a year. You'll pay upfront for the entire length of your membership, and there are no options for spacing out the deliveries to every other month here. That makes Kekao a little less flexible than many other chocolate clubs.
Deliveries don't come at the same time from month to month
Shipping is included with any chocolate subscription at Kekao. But, be aware that deliveries don't come on a consistent schedule. For example, January boxes go out the first week of the month, but in February through June they're sent during the second week. July-September sees a third-week delivery schedule, and then the last three months bounce around between the first and second week of the month. That could be challenging to make sure you know when you're getting your chocolates - and to make sure someone's home to receive them (and bring them in out of the weather if needed).
Gift-giving features are just average
Another area that Kekao doesn't really stand out is gift-giving. You can include a note on the packing slip (which you indicate during the checkout process), or print out a gift certificate to give your recipient in person. But if you want the club to start on a particular date (and not ship right after you place the order), you have to email the customer service team at Kekao with your order number to make the request.
Not as much feedback for this chocolate club
When looking into Kekao's reputation, customer buzz is a little on the quiet side. This brand has often been featured by various subscription box websites (and on some social media influencers' unboxing videos), but there isn't as much standalone feedback from shoppers who've subscribed directly through the Kekao website. We didn't see anything that's cause for concern, but there wasn't a lot to go on either. Plus, the only way to reach the company is via online form or email if your chocolate arrives damaged, which isn't as robust as the chocolate clubs who give you live chat and a phone number to make contact.
Room to grow
At the end of the day, Kekao doesn't have anything that sets it above the other chocolate bar-focused clubs we checked out: the brands are roughly the same (or even slightly fewer), the prices aren't exceptional, and it just hasn't made a big impact in the industry. Kekao isn't bad, but this chocolate club has some room to grow to earn a ranking here that goes beyond "just average”.
Vosges offers a chocolate club like nothing we've ever seen. The "creator-and-alchemist” behind the company wants to give customers the opportunity to "travel the world through chocolate” through "sacred cacao... infused with heart-opening and vibe raising frequencies”. That's definitely not your average assortment of caramels and truffles.
2 clubs to choose from but not a lot of detail provided
There are two main chocolate clubs you can consider here: the Signature Club Haut Chocolat (for 3, 6, or 12 months) or the 13 Moon Chocolate Lunar Club. The first option is more of what you'd expect from a chocolate subscription: monthly deliveries of an assortment of truffles, caramel marshmallows, peanut butter bonbons, seasonal and limited edition collections, and so on. That's about the extent of the detail you'll get, though: Vosges doesn't reveal exactly how much chocolate is going to come in every delivery. When you're spending over $60 per shipment (plus shipping, which at least for us was $32 total for the 12-month club), you should at least know if you're getting a few ounces or a few pounds.
Might not be available during the summer
This also isn't a chocolate club that's available year-round. When we went to subscribe to the 12-month club, starting in the summer, we were told that shipping was paused for a few weeks. We're not sure what that does to a year-long membership: are the scheduled, paused deliveries tacked on to the end? Vosges doesn't say.
Chocolate timed to the phases of the moon
But, let's go back to the chocolate club options, because there's a pretty... unique option to consider too. It's called the 13 Moon Chocolate Lunar Club, and, well, we'll let it speak for itself: "The new moon cycle is most potent for manifesting your intentions for the month. Each parcel will include a tasting experience specific to that moon cycle, with crystals and accoutrements included to allow you or your recipient to fully participate in the experience from new moon to full moon.” It probably goes without saying that this is the only chocolate club on our list with a shipping schedule determined by the lunar calendar - which can make it tricky to ensure that you're home for each delivery. This is also the most expensive chocolate club we evaluated, coming in at an extremely spendy $900 for a "13-moon” subscription (roughly 12 months), plus extra for shipping.
Not a lot of positive vibes coming from customers
People are a little on the fence about Vosges as a whole, and specifically about the chocolate clubs. Our concerns about this company start with a not-so-stellar "C-” rating from the Better Business Bureau; although there were only a few complaints filed there, they went unanswered by the company. And one of them was even about the company refusing to offer any alternatives when a customer got chocolate with ingredients they were allergic to, even after verifying beforehand that the treats wouldn't contain those elements.
Subscription disappointments
When we looked at customer feedback on a few of the subscriptions, some people were disappointed. Even on the most expensive chocolate club (remember, they paid $900 for it), there wasn't as much chocolate as promised and some of the non-chocolate elements were duplicated over the course of the subscription. We also found a few customers who said it felt like the attention was on the packaging and not on the contents.
Try the chocolate if you're passing through the Windy City
On the other hand, customers are usually enthusiastic about their in-person experience with Vosges (noting that you can get these gourmet chocolates in the not-so-luxurious O'Hare Airport). The chocolate itself gets plenty of compliments, even if the customer service for online orders doesn't.
Not our favorite chocolate club
Maybe if you've tried Vosges chocolate in person and would love to have regular deliveries (or to give them as a gift), this could be a club to take a peek at. But, for most of us, there isn't going to be anything here that's significantly better than any other subscription on our list. The clubs here are much more costly than average, and they don't necessarily deliver an exceptional chocolate experience.
In late 2018, the Fine Chocolate Club emerged during the North West Chocolate Festival in Seattle. One distinctive aspect of this company since then is its certified B-Corporation status, meeting high standards for social and environmental impact. Their positive influence on the farmers they source chocolate from earned them this recognition.
More club options than before
Fine Chocolate Club has expanded its offerings a little since our last evaluation. You'll still only get dark chocolate bars here, but now you can choose how many you'd like in each delivery: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Prices now range from $24 (2 bars) to $62 (6 bars) per shipment. You can choose a month-to-month ongoing membership, or give a subscription lasting 3, 6, or 12 months. (You'll need to set it up as a self-gift if you don't want your own membership to automatically renew.) Unfortunately, shipping costs have almost doubled here; now you'll pay $8.25 for a 2-bar shipment up to $14.25 for the 6-bar option. The only way to eliminate the shipping cost is to sign up for a gift subscription, but then the shipping fees are just rolled into the total club price.
Not enough details to decide if it's worth it
Is it worth the cost? We're not so sure. Fine Chocolate Club doesn't get into much detail about the specifics of each box, beyond the number of dark chocolate bars included. Will they have fun add-ins like nuts or cranberries? How big are these chocolate bars? It's hard to say, and this company really isn't coming out and telling anyone.
Disappointment grew
After examining their product images, our excitement waned even further. The bars they feature resemble those found in local international specialty stores - not all that special. Even in the Fine Chocolate Club a la carte store, there's just not a lot to choose from. Some selections by Dick Taylor, Ritual Chocolate, and a few others, but not the broad spectrum of chocolatiers we were expecting.
Zero features for gift-giving
Despite offering gift memberships, this chocolate club is noticeably lacking when it comes to gift-giving features. Unlike rival clubs that let you include a personalized message, choose your starting date, or even send an announcement via email, you'll get none of that here. There isn't even anywhere during the checkout process to include a note, so you're going to have to give your recipient the heads-up yourself (especially if you're sending chocolate during the warmer months).
Where's the customer comments?
Fine Chocolate Club was almost brand new on the market when we reviewed them previously. Now, after several years in the industry, they ought to have a lot of customer feedback. Sadly, there's still almost no buzz from subscribers or even one-off purchasers here. Their social media channels are quiet after 2019, the Better Business Bureau still doesn't have a listing for this company, and an email address remains the only way to reach out and contact Fine Chocolate Club. That feels pretty iffy, especially if you need to request a replacement or refund under their satisfaction guarantee. We're not so confident that you're going to get help if your chocolate bars aren't in top condition when they're delivered (or if they never come at all).
Not recommended
We were hopeful that the downsides we spotted previously would fade away once Fine Chocolate Club got its legs under itself, so to speak. Unfortunately, even after several years in operation, this subscription lacks the features we look for in a highly-rated club - like clear details about what chocolates will be delivered, ample ways to get help from customer service, and lots of happy reviews from subscribers. Fine Chocolate Club is still missing everything we'd need to see to give them our recommendation, and accordingly it remains low in our rankings.
Jackie's Chocolate is a small candy shop based in Wisconsin. While we'd love to tell you more about the store - how long it's been in business, maybe a cute origin story or a fun bio of the company founder or staff - they just don't offer shoppers any kind of peek behind the curtain here.
About 15 pieces of chocolate in each delivery
Your chocolate club from Jackie's consists of an assortment box with approximately 15 chocolates. They'll vary every time but typically include treats like caramels, nuts, marshmallows, and fruit centers covered in white, milk, or dark chocolate. Your box may also include seasonal favorites like chocolate peppermint in the winter and holiday treats.
On the expensive side
The price for this subscription is pretty steep - $149.95 for three months, $249 for six months, and $495 for a full year - but shipping costs are included in the cost. And, if you think of what you'd spend if you went to that cute little candy shop downtown and bought a 15-piece assortment of handmade chocolates, it might very well wind up around $50. For what it's worth, we also spotted a countdown timer at the top of the site during our visit, offering $20 off any order that day - so keep an eye out for any promos you might be able to take advantage of.
Some options for gift-giving
You can give this chocolate club as a gift. Just specify during checkout if you want your gift message printed and included with their shipment, sent via text message, or as a URL that you can send through social media or email on your own. The one thing that makes gift-giving here a little less smooth than rival sites? If you want your subscription to ship for a special holiday or birthday, you'll have to email Jackie's Chocolates with your order number and desired start date; there's no way to do that during the checkout process itself.
Chocolates are great, but the company? Not so much
The chocolate club from Jackie's Chocolate earns our lowest ranking because of its reputation. To start, the Better Business Bureau gives the company an "F” rating for failing to respond to almost every single one of the 23 complaints filed there. Customers place recurring orders to only have half of the deliveries show up, and then no one picks up the phone at the business. Emails and live chat go similarly ignored. That's what we find when we look at Sitejabber, Trustpilot, and pretty much anywhere else that shoppers can comment on their experiences with Jackie's Chocolate: the treats themselves are great... but getting them delivered when you expect them or connecting with support when they never show up? Not something you can count on here.
We recommend that you avoid this chocolate club
Ultimately, this isn't a chocolate club we recommend. From everything we've seen, you're more likely than not to wind up disappointed. If you prefer assorted chocolates (as opposed to full-size bars), there are a few higher-rated options on our list that will deliver a much more reliable experience. Jackie's Chocolates is a retailer we'd avoid.
Variety is another important part of a chocolate club. Many chocolate subscription clubs carefully curate diverse selections of high-quality chocolates. These selections often include chocolates with varying cocoa percentages, origins, flavor profiles, and forms, such as bars, truffles, and pralines. The promise of new and diverse chocolate flavors and textures with each delivery keeps subscribers engaged and excited. This continuous variety fosters a sense of anticipation and curiosity.
Another reason why chocolate clubs are so popular is their convenience. In our fast-paced modern world, convenience is a highly prized commodity. Chocolate subscription clubs offer a hassle-free solution for accessing gourmet chocolates. Subscribers receive their personally selected chocolates at regular intervals, eliminating the need to shop for high-quality chocolates or search for unique, artisanal brands. This ease of access aligns with the preferences of busy individuals who want to savor life's finer pleasures.
Before diving in, it's important to figure out what kind of chocolate you're into. Do you find yourself craving a beautiful mix of milk and dark chocolates all wrapped up? Or are you more of a connoisseur, excited about single-source bars that melt in your mouth and bring out unique flavors? Chocolate is so universally-loved that even the Aztecs thought cacao seeds were a gift from a wise god.
Considering how much chocolate we all eat - about 11 pounds per person per year in America alone - is it any surprise that chocolate clubs have become a huge hit? These memberships deliver amazing truffles, bars, and tasty bites right to your door. The best part? Experts in chocolate hunt down the most delicious and interesting flavors for you to enjoy, and all you have to do is sit back and wait not-so-patiently for your box to arrive.
And if you're thinking about giving a chocolate club membership as a gift, you're on the right track. You can choose how often the chocolates are delivered, whether it's every month or every few months, usually for up to a year. Imagine getting chocolate regularly - that sounds like a pretty sweet deal.
Of course, not all chocolate clubs are the same. Some focus on bars, others put together mixed boxes similar to what you'd find for special occasions like Valentine's Day, and some are a surprise each time. As you think about your options, here are a few things to consider:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we've looked at and ranked the best chocolate clubs out there. We hope this info helps you choose the perfect club: whether it's for you or someone else, a chocolate club can bring months of delightful chocolatey moments.
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