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Vosges Haut-Chocolat Review

Sunday, November 10th

2024 Chocolate Store Reviews

Vosges Haut-Chocolat Review 4 Star Rating

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

4 Star Rating
  • Options include dark and milk chocolate, caramel, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free chocolates
  • Very unusual flavor combinations
  • Unique selection of chocolates for sleep, meditation, and rituals
  • Gorgeous, unique packaging is part of the experience
  • Free ground shipping on orders of $150+ to select states
  • $28 for UPS 2nd Day Air (required for most packages)
  • "No Melt Guarantee”

It's not every day you can savor chocolates created by a self-described "chocolatier and alchemist”, but that's what Vosges Haut-Chocolat brings to the world. Founder Katrina Markoff's journey began in Spain in apprenticeship at the renowned El Bulli, where she first discovered that what one eats can be transformative and visceral. Traveling the world, she encountered what she calls "good, meaningful food”, and upon her return to the US, Vosges Haut-Chocolat was born. If you too are looking to "travel the world through chocolate”, this is the right chocolate store for you.

Travel the world through chocolate

We recommend starting with Vosges' Exotic Truffle Collection. With a flawless 5-star average rating across more than 500 reviews, it's clearly well-loved by everyone who tries it. Priced at $50 for a 16-piece assortment, these truffles will take you on a journey - around the world and almost through the founder's adventures as well. Take a look at some of the flavors you can experience in this collection:

  • Naga: housemade and toasted curry masala with coconut puree and 45% cacao deep milk chocolate
  • Absinthe: fennel, Chinese star anise, coconut ash, Kubler absinthe, and 62% cacao dark chocolate
  • Ambrosia: Australian macadamia nuts, Cointreau, 36% cacao white chocolate, 23K gold leaf
  • Black Pearl: freshly-grated wasabi, 72% cacao dark chocolate, Wakaya ginger, ceremonial matcha
  • Budapest: Kalocsan paprika + 62% cacao dark chocolate
  • Soul & Motown: 45% cacao deep milk chocolate, Fleur de Sel sea salt, sweet churned cultured butter ganache

Seasonal chocolates are popular

The truffle collection is a year-round option at Vosges Haut-Chocolat, but this chocolate store places a heavy emphasis on seasonal flavors and styles. For example, if you visit the site in the spring months, you'll find Crispy Lemon Rabbits and Peanut Butter Bonbon Eggs, while the weeks leading up to the winter holidays feature Advent Calendars and Christmas candy. If you're looking for something outside of the seasonal selections, your best bet is to shop by category (truffles, bars, new arrivals) or by type. Vosges has a wonderful array of options for those who prefer chocolates that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, and you'll find them most readily if you browse by type.

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The artistic packaging is part of the experience

You'll also be blown away by the gorgeous way Vosges Haut-Chocolat presents all of its products, described as "chocolate storytelling in high art packaging”. The boxes, bags, and bows here are the diametric opposite of what you'll see with a traditional assortment of chocolates: no white crinkly inserts or individual brown wrappers to be found, but rather explosions of color, perfectly-themed boxes, and all so beautiful you'll want to keep the packaging even after the chocolates have been enjoyed.

Chocolate for... meditation?

There's definitely an element of the mystical here. Each item has tasting notes that might remind you of a grounding meditation, encouraging you to breathe, see, touch, smell, and then finally taste the chocolate. And, we're pretty sure you won't find any other chocolate stores with a Tom Petty collab, with bars that are "bathed in the melodies and rhythms of Petty's iconic tunes... inspired by the idea that music can influence the crystallization process of chocolate, imparting a unique texture”. If that's your vibe, make sure to visit the Cacao Wellness section of Vosges Haut-Chocolat's online store, where you'll see options for sleep, rituals and meditation, and pure plant chocolate bars with "high vibe cacao as nature intended”.

Free shipping for some orders

Now, let's move on to some of the more down-to-earth details. While you can qualify for free shipping if your order is at least $150, that only applies to orders delivered to certain states (and Vosges doesn't list which ones those are; we'd guess it'd be within a radius of their corporate offices in Chicago, but don't quote us on that). Instead, your order will likely require UPS 2nd Day Air, to ensure your chocolates arrive in ideal condition. So, figure on adding $28 to the total cost of the order.

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Easy replacements if your chocolate arrives melted

We love that this chocolate store provides a "No Melt Guarantee”. While they take every step to get your chocolate delivered in perfect condition, adding any necessary cooling materials based on the forecast and your delivery area, they'll replace your order if anything arrives melted. Just reach out with photos sent to their Chocolate Concierge Department within 2 days.

High praise from many chocolate-lovers

For the most part, Vosges Haut-Chocolat receives plenty of positive feedback from customers. While there's the occasional snag with deliveries or with reaching the customer service team to make changes to addresses before orders ship out, those issues are few and far between. Praise for Vosges includes compliments like "the chocolate is painstakingly curated and among the best in the world” and "every chocolate has been a gastronomic delight”.

Most unique chocolate store on our list

Truth be told, Vosges Haut-Chocolat isn't for everyone, but we mean that in the most complimentary of ways: once you've tried a truffle, bonbon, or even a piece of a chocolate bar, you're not going to want to share. Whether you opt for one of the more traditional chocolates elevated by its carefully-sourced ingredients (like caramel toffee made with pink Himalayan sea salt) or you take your palate on adventure with a combination you've never imagined before (like a Parmesan, Walnut, and Fig chocolate bar), Vosges Haut-Chocolat will deliver an experience you're bound to tell others about.

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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