Wednesday, March 26th
2025 Chocolate Store Reviews
Ethel M
- Chocolates made in small batches with no artificial preservatives
- Unique flavors include prickly pear, liqueurs, and more
- Beautiful packaging suited for gift-giving
- Part of the Mars/M&M brand family
- Free shipping on orders of $50+ with code
- Free shipping on orders of $100+ without code
- 100% unconditional guarantee
Forty years ago, inspired by a desire to return to his family's roots, Forrest Mars (yes, as in the Mars/M&Ms brand creator) founded Ethel M Chocolates in the Mojave Desert. Today, Ethel M remains committed to Mars' vision, offering handcrafted chocolates that embody the desert's hidden wonders. With flavors ranging from sea salt caramel to prickly pear and top-shelf liqueur, every bite celebrates the joy of indulgence and cherished moments shared with loved ones.
Hand-crafted chocolates made with love
Despite being part of the Mars brand overall, there's nothing mass-produced about Ethel M chocolates. You don't have to take a tour of their factory in Nevada to see the hand-crafted nature of these treats (although you're absolutely welcome to visit). Options range from assortments to bars, from caramels to nuts, in a delicious spectrum of flavors like the ones we mentioned.
Taste-tempting flavors for the custom assortment
One of our favorite options at Ethel M is the extremely popular Custom Chocolate Box, with nearly 1,000 ratings averaging an impressive 4.8 stars. Beautifully packaged in a copper-colored box, tied with the ribbon of your choosing (like "thank you” or "happy anniversary”) and a cute copper medallion tied in the center, this assortment lets you pick 6, 8, or 10 different flavors to be distributed evenly, for a total of 12, 24, or 40 pieces. Just be warned: you're going to have a hard time choosing just 6-10 flavors when you see what's on offer here. Some of our favorites include:
- Lemon Satin Creme Heart Dark Chocolate
- Passion Fruit Heart Dark Chocolate
- Blood Orange Heart Dark Chocolate
- Bananas Foster Milk Chocolate Truffle
- Almond Butter Krisp Milk Chocolate
- Taittinger Brut Champagne Milk Chocolate Truffle
- Cinnamon Pecan Milk Chocolate Truffle
And can you believe that a 40-piece assortment is only $85? You'll easily pay double that with some chocolate stores.
Do you like pecan brittle? You will now.
Another best-seller at Ethel M is the Signature Pecan Brittle Collection available in classic, chocolate drizzled, or mixed varieties. With nearly 500 people leaving 5-star ratings for this treat, you're sure to love it as well. It comes in 12- and 24-piece options, with prices starting at $40.
Easy-breezy gift-giving
Ethel M shines in the gift-giving arena. Visit the Gifts section of the site to see for yourself. We particularly appreciate that there are links to shop by budget (Gifts Under $25 and Gifts Under $100), by holidays and occasions, as well as a full panorama of chocolates suitable for offering as Corporate Gifts. Just add a message for your recipient during checkout and you're good to go.
You'll need to spend $50 to $`100 to get free delivery
How about shipping costs? The answer is "it depends”. At the time of our last visit to the Ethel M online store, there was a promo code at the top of the site offering free delivery on orders of $50+. You'll normally have to spend $100 to qualify, so hopefully something similar will be in place when you're ready to order. Otherwise, your costs will depend on what you're ordering and the destination of your chocolates; on the plus side, there's no upcharge for warm weather delivery here, as far as we could tell.
Your satisfaction is fully guaranteed
Also, Ethel M offers a 100% unconditional guarantee on all of their products. They don't spell it out in detail, but we're confident that if anything goes wrong with your order, you'll have no trouble getting an appropriate solution.
Many customers say this is the best chocolate they've ever had
You're not likely to need that guarantee, though, because these chocolates get rave reviews from chocolate fanatics around the globe. One enthusiastic customer said, "This is by far the most amazing dark chocolate I have ever had. They not only taste delicious but they are so beautifully crafted. Each piece of chocolate is like a little gift. I will never eat another brand of chocolate again!” Another raved, "I consider myself an expert in the world of gourmet chocolates, and I have to say that the liqueur chocolates are incredibly addicting.”
Deserves a chance to be your new favorite chocolatier
We'll be honest: we had our doubts that a chocolate store affiliated with such a huge name like Mars could deliver a taste experience that would impress. After all, you can find the Mars/M&Ms candies in vending machines and store shelves everywhere: not exactly the pinnacle of hand-crafted delights, right? But, Ethel M really deserves to be considered as a brand apart. There's so much love and care given to each chocolate they make, the flavors are truly unique, and the presentation is superb. We highly recommend you consider Ethel M for your next chocolate order.
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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.
Chocolate Store FAQ
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!
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