Understanding the Difference: Rich Chocolate vs. Gourmet Chocolate

When it comes to delicious chocolate, there are two terms that are used quite often. There is such a thing as rich chocolate and gourmet chocolate. When you are discussing chocolates you could say they are equal, and while that is true from a technical perspective, there is also an important detail that could compliment different tastes and preferences. In this sense, we thought we would outline a few differences between rich chocolates and gourmet chocolates, and discuss their history, flavors, and characteristics.

What is Rich Chocolate?

Rich chocolate is intended to create a rich and intense experience. Rich chocolate is always made from good quality cocoa beans and often has higher cocoa contents, like we said earlier above 60%. The more cocoa products are added, the chocolate body becomes richer and thicker, and the flavors become more intense which chocolate lovers tend to indulge in more. Sugar, cream and other ingredients are added to further enhance the richness found in cocoa or dark chocolate for more enjoyment and richness.

As you taste rich chocolate you'll find it very satisfying to eat and indulgent to taste, in all its many forms, such as rich chocolate bars, truffles or desserts. Rich chocolate is enjoyable in taste, because it's designed to consume as a rich experience especially for someone who enjoys rich flavors, thick, chocolate mouth-feel, and a range of strong cocoa tastes. Usually whatever is most natural in cocoa, be it fruity, nutty or earthy, etc., tend to dominate the taste of the chocolate.

What is Gourmet Chocolate?

Gourmet chocolate sums up the chocolate experience. The chocolatiers who create gourmet chocolate prioritize quality rather than quantity. Gourmet chocolate is not a candy bar that has been mass produced and they will take the time and effort to source cocoa beans from responsible sources, and these companies may even go so far as to source cocoa from one sustainable farm. Using the best cocoa available, the chocolatiers will create flavors and flavor combinations that are rich and complex.

Gourmet chocolate flavor profiles are complex and they run the gambit in complexity as well; examples include flavors derived from cocktails that find their beginning in flavors such as sea salt, spices, or tropical fruit. Each piece is created with a story to tell and manufactured in a way that each layer of flavors is brought to life in a sequential order. Another unique and important factor to gourmet chocolate is the overall presentation; the chocolate itself is presented and/or designed beautifully, and in recognition, the complex layers of flavors in chocolate don't result in a presentation that gives the consumer any clues as to what decadent layers await them.

Key Differences

1. Cocoa Content:

Rich chocolate typically has a higher cocoa percentage which translates to a more intense flavor.

Gourmet chocolate ranges widely in cocoa content but values complexity of flavor more than rich flavor.

2. Ingredients:

Exquisite chocolate usually comprises the base ingredients, cocoa, sugar, and milk.

Gourmet chocolate utilizes different and often better ingredients resulting in a flatter better flavor profile. Some examples are chocolate blends that come from only one country, i.e. only Bolivian Chocolate. 

3. Production Process:

Gourmet chocolate generally is produced by hand and in small batches keeping strict quality and detail consideration; this is why it's premium chocolate.

Cuisine Types:

Rich chocolate is commonly mass produced and available to the masses.

Gourmet chocolate is often made by hand, in small batches, holding true to specific standards of quality and detail; therefore, gourmet chocolate is a premium chocolate.

Price Point:

Rich chocolate is generally more affordable and widely available.

Because of the artisan nature and quality of the ingredients used in gourmet chocolate, gourmet chocolate tends to be more expensive, as it uses chocolates of higher quality, and typically uses fine and designer chocolate. 

So what's it going to be? Whether you choose rich chocolate as opposed to gourmet chocolate is a subjective choice and is contextually dependent. If you just want something indulgent, pick rich chocolate. If you want something that is more of a culinary experience-encompassing unique flavors & artisanal chocolate making-pick gourmet chocolate. If you are buying a gift for someone special, may I respectfully suggest-gourmet chocolate items or a gourmet chocolate gift basket?

Cacao and Cardamom: Your Chocolate Place

Cacao and Cardamom is all about the art of chocolate-making. Whether you're craving the richness of our signature dark chocolate or you prefer some of our complimentary gourmet flavors, we have various experiences for passionate chocolate lovers. Shop around our selection of gourmet chocolate bars and gourmet truffles, and enjoy the best gourmet chocolate you can get.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, premium and gourmet chocolates use the same essential ingredients - but they are distinguished in terms of taste, quality, and the experience overall. Understanding it goes a long way, and it not only distinguishes premium from gourmet chocolates, but informs your decision on what chocolate is right for your palette. You may have an affinity for the smooth, full profile of a premium chocolate, or perhaps you are a little more adventurous, immersing yourself in the endless combinations of gourmet chocolate blends available to you. Regardless, we are glad chocolate based products are available to everyone! 

If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something uniquely different you might want to check out Cacao and Cardamom. The effectively crafted chocolates at Cacao and Cardamom are purposely crafted (ok, we may be repeating ourselves and we think our point has been made) for a very special experience and we guarantee you will have an experience you'll never forget!