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Astor Chocolate Review

Saturday, February 15th

2025 Chocolate Store Reviews

Astor Chocolate Review 3 Star Rating

Astor Chocolate

3 Star Rating
  • Premium Belgian chocolates
  • Vegan-certified options
  • Ethically-sourced and produced
  • 4th generation family business
  • In operation for over 95 years
  • Free ground shipping on orders of $75+
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Founded by Erwin Grunhut, Astor Chocolate represents the epitome of quality and innovation in the confectionery world, where respect for ingredients, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainability principles intertwine.

Dedication and legacy

For over nine decades, Astor has embodied Erwin's unwavering dedication to superior chocolate, fostering a legacy that transcends generations. Pioneering milestones such as importing pure Belgian chocolate to the US and introducing confections to travelers staying at luxury hotels, Astor continues to redefine chocolate luxury. With a portfolio boasting groundbreaking creations like the chocolate liquor cup and turndown chocolates, Astor remains synonymous with indulgence, favored by discerning patrons worldwide.

Online store is a little iffy

That long-standing history and commitment to excellence is why we were a little taken aback by our experience as we started browsing the Astor Chocolate online store. We went to the Collections section of the site first and were puzzled as to why the previous year's Hanukkah selection was still being featured more than a few months later, or why another grouping had a URL instead of a descriptive name. We also kept getting a pop-up that said "You have previously bought this. Want a second bite?” Given that this was our first purchase from Astor Chocolate, we weren't sure whether we should be annoyed or confused. Those are "oopsies” we wouldn't have expected from a brand that characterizes itself as an option chosen by luxury hotels.

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Several different kinds of chocolate

But, let's take a look at the chocolates themselves, all website glitches aside. There are several signature collections at Astor for you to choose from:

  • Gourmet Squares: these range from the traditional pillow-top turndown sweets in milk and dark chocolate, to sleep-promoting flavor profiles like Orange Valerian and Raspberry Chamomile. You'll also find vegan-certified options in Dark Mint and Dark Chocolate.
  • 100 Calories: sold in cases of 24 bars, in flavors from Red Velvet to Espresso, these are the perfect little treat when you don't want to blow your dessert calorie "budget” in one sitting.
  • Moodibars: here's where you'll find all of the fun. Maybe you want a "flirty” Moodibar in Dark Chocolate Champagne Strawberry to send a little message to your love interest, or you're feeling sleepy and the "tired” Moodibar in Dark Chocolate Espresso would be the perfect pick-me-up. There are also some cute sets for weddings, like "Wifey-Hubby-Team Bride-Team Groom”, and most of the non-matrimony flavors come in squares too.
  • Liquor Cups: all vegan-certified, these chocolate shot cups are up to you to fill with dessert or liquor. They come in boxes of 12 or 60 pieces.
  • Peanuts Collection: perfect for your favorite Charlie Brown fan, these chocolates include truffles, squares, and candy bars, with themes from "Happiness is...” to "The Gang's All Here”.
  • Gourmet Gifts: in all frankness, you aren't going to be overly impressed with this collection. It consists of options you've probably already seen in the other categories (like Serene Ginger Passionflower-Infused squares, Liquor Cups, and assortments of Moodibars). The more novel options, like filled and decorated truffle cups and milk chocolate "smash bark”...were, unfortunately, sold out when we visited the Astor Chocolate store.

Not all orders qualify for free shipping

If your order is $75+, you'll qualify for free ground shipping... sometimes. Be aware that unless your order is going to select states in New England, you'll have to choose 2nd Day or Expedited shipping from April 15-September 15. And, unlike some of its rival chocolate stores, Astor does charge extra - not just for the speedier shipping, but also an additional $5 if they determine they need to use insulation and a cold pack to get your chocolates to their destination in ideal condition. The good news is that you can still get free 2nd Day Shipping if your order is at least $150 during the warm weather months, and it'll only cost you $10 on orders of that size during non-warm-weather shipping times.

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"Chocolate concierge” will fix any issues

As you would expect from a high-end chocolatier, Astor Chocolate guarantees your satisfaction. If your chocolate arrives melted or you're unhappy for any reason, they ask that you simply reach out to their "chocolate concierge” so that they can rectify the issue. Fortunately, although there aren't thousands of reviews on the various chocolate selections here, what's out there is consistently positive enough that we don't think you'll need to put that guarantee to the test.

Not bad, but not as impressive as we hoped

However, we're not blown away by Astor. Maybe our expectations were too high, given the brand's reputation as a luxury hotel supplier, but the online shopping experience here is average at best. We also didn't find anything so over-the-top awesome in the chocolate selection that would compete with Astor Chocolate's higher-ranking rivals in our evaluation. If you've tried Astor's squares during a recent overnight stay and you absolutely must have them for your own personal nightly turndown service at home, have at it. On the other hand, if you're simply looking for some wonderful treats to send to a loved one or you want to get adventurous with new flavors, we recommend that you circle back to Astor after you see what's on offer with the other chocolate stores on our list.

Where Can You Find the Best Chocolate?

Chocolate is more than just a sweet treat; it's a global phenomenon deeply entrenched in cultures worldwide. Its popularity transcends borders and generations, captivating taste buds for centuries. But what makes chocolate so beloved, and what factors contribute to its widespread appeal?

First and foremost, chocolate's allure can be attributed to its irresistible taste. The combination of sweetness, bitterness, and creaminess creates a sensory experience like no other. This flavor profile stems from the main ingredient: cocoa beans. These beans undergo a complex process of fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding to produce cocoa solids and cocoa butter, the building blocks of chocolate.

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Chocolate Store FAQ

According to the World Cocoa Foundation, people around the world - mostly in the US and Europe, not surprisingly - eat enough chocolate to equal three million cocoa beans every year! Chocolate is the most popular sweet tooth-satisfying dessert almost everywhere.
The sky's the limit. Do you have a favorite brand like Godiva or Hershey's? You'll find every imaginable variety when you shop online. Are you looking for a unique flavor combination or a gorgeous assortment of hand-dipped caramels and truffles? You can get that too. The difficult thing will be holding yourself back from buying all of them!
Supporting small businesses and shopping local is great - and your closest candy shop may even sell their products online too. But, there's no guarantee you'll get the kind of chocolate you want if you limit yourself to brick-and-mortar retailers you can drive to. And, if you're ordering chocolate to give as a gift, you'll probably have more options for gift packaging and shipping when you buy from an online chocolate store.
Chocolate! (Just kidding.) The best chocolate stores make it easy to see the different types of sweets they sell and how much you'll pay, plus any shipping costs you should expect. Some stores have fun promotions that can save you money or double the amount of chocolate in your order. You can also consider what other customers have said about their experience with the chocolate retailer: how the treats taste, if the deliveries arrive on time and in good condition, and how any problems were resolved by the customer service team.
It can be - but it doesn't have to be. If you're buying chocolates in large quantities and exotic flavors, of course you should expect to pay more. But, chocolate stores usually have plenty of options for people shopping on a budget too.
That depends on the chocolate store. Some give you free shipping to earn your business, but you might have to place a minimum order amount to qualify. It should be fairly easy to determine what, if anything, you'll pay for delivery as you browse their website.
Yes, most of the time. Online chocolate stores want you to be thrilled with the sweets you get - after all, word of mouth is great for advertising, and they'd love for you to tell everyone you know about the amazing chocolates they sell. If your chocolate doesn't arrive in perfect condition, or something is just off with the taste, contact the customer service team. It shouldn't be hard to get a refund or replacement order.
Yes, yes and yes! Some chocolate shops provide numerous options for gifting, from mixed assortments to hard-to-find varieties in beautiful gift wrapping. You could even choose a chocolate club membership that will literally be a gift that keeps on giving, with new packages arriving every month for three months to a year.
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Continued from above...

Nowadays, chocolate production and consumption are staggering. According to the International Cocoa Organization, global cocoa production recently reached over 4.8 million metric tons, with the top producers being Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Indonesia. As for consumption, Switzerland tops the charts, with an average annual consumption of over 8.8 kilograms per capita.

Furthermore, chocolate is associated with indulgence and comfort. Many people turn to chocolate during times of stress or as a reward for a job well done. Its mood-boosting properties are attributed to various compounds, including phenylethylamine, which is believed to promote feelings of happiness and euphoria.

From a cultural perspective, chocolate holds significant symbolism. It's a staple in celebrations and rituals worldwide, from Valentine's Day to religious holidays like Easter. Additionally, chocolate has a rich history intertwined with ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs, who revered cocoa as a divine gift.

As for trends in the world of chocolate, several exciting developments are worth noting. Consumers are increasingly interested in the bean-to-bar process, where chocolatiers oversee every step of production, from sourcing beans to crafting the final product.

There's also a growing demand for artisanal and craft chocolates made in small batches with high-quality ingredients. These chocolates often showcase unique flavor combinations (like spices, herbs, and exotic fruits) and innovative techniques. And, with a renewed focus on wellness in general, there's a rise in demand for healthier chocolate alternatives, such as sugar-free, dairy-free, and vegan options made with alternative sweeteners and plant-based milk.

Luckily for the sweet tooth in all of us, it's never been easier to access the world's best chocolates. All it takes is a few clicks and you're there. But, when purchasing chocolate online, there are several factors to consider to ensure you're getting the best quality and smoothest shopping experience:

  • Overall selection. The greater the variety of chocolates, the more likely you are to find something you just can't resist.
  • Cocoa content and bean origin. Higher cocoa content typically indicates better quality chocolate. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for a richer flavor and health benefits. Also, pay attention to the origin of the cocoa beans. Single-origin chocolates offer unique flavor profiles, showcasing the terroir of the region where the beans were grown.
  • Fair trade and sustainability. Support brands that prioritize fair trade practices and sustainable sourcing. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ to ensure ethical production.
  • Gift-giving options. With chocolate being one of the most popular ways to say, "I love you” or "Congratulations”, choosing a chocolate store that offers easy ways to send treats to your loved ones can make your life easier (and their life sweeter).
  • Reviews and reputation. Before making a purchase, read customer reviews and research the brand's reputation. Trusted chocolatiers often have a loyal following and positive feedback. The stores with the best reputation often have a solid satisfaction guarantee, offering a refund or exchange if something doesn't arrive in perfect condition.

Chocolate's enduring popularity is a testament to its irresistible taste, cultural significance, and mood-boosting properties. The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have meticulously evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular chocolate stores, to help guide you on your journey towards an exceptional chocolate experience. We hope you'll enjoy discovering new flavors and savoring traditional favorites!

Compare Chocolate Stores

Select any 2 Chocolate Stores to compare them head to head

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  • Z Chocolat
  • Gearharts Fine Chocolates
  • Ethel M
  • Simply Chocolate
  • Vosges Haut-Chocolat
  • Lindt
  • Ghirardelli
  • Astor Chocolate
  • Russell Stover
  • Godiva
Z Chocolat vs Gearharts Fine Chocolates Z Chocolat vs Ethel M Z Chocolat vs Simply Chocolate Z Chocolat vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Z Chocolat vs Lindt Z Chocolat vs Ghirardelli Z Chocolat vs Astor Chocolate Z Chocolat vs Russell Stover Z Chocolat vs Godiva Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Ethel M Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Simply Chocolate Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Lindt Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Ghirardelli Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Astor Chocolate Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Russell Stover Gearharts Fine Chocolates vs Godiva Ethel M vs Simply Chocolate Ethel M vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Ethel M vs Lindt Ethel M vs Ghirardelli Ethel M vs Astor Chocolate Ethel M vs Russell Stover Ethel M vs Godiva Simply Chocolate vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Simply Chocolate vs Lindt Simply Chocolate vs Ghirardelli Simply Chocolate vs Astor Chocolate Simply Chocolate vs Russell Stover Simply Chocolate vs Godiva Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Lindt Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Ghirardelli Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Astor Chocolate Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Russell Stover Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Godiva Lindt vs Ghirardelli Lindt vs Astor Chocolate Lindt vs Russell Stover Lindt vs Godiva Ghirardelli vs Astor Chocolate Ghirardelli vs Russell Stover Ghirardelli vs Godiva Astor Chocolate vs Russell Stover Astor Chocolate vs Godiva Russell Stover vs Godiva
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