Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Saturday, January 18th
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”.
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.
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.
Select any 2 Chocolate Clubs to compare them head to head