Artisan, Gourmet, Craft... What’s the Real Name for Fancy Chocolate?

When you’re holding a chocolate bar that looks more like a museum piece than a snack, you wonder: "What do I even call this?" Is it gourmet? Artisan? Craft? Luxury?
Relax — you’re not overthinking. The world of fancy chocolate has its own lingo, and it’s simpler than you think.

The 3 Names That Actually Matter:

1. Artisan Chocolate
   The gold standard.
   Made by small-scale makers who control the entire process (bean-to-bar). Think: hand-roasting, small-batch conching, and wild creativity. It’s not factory-made — it’s crafted like fine wine.

2. Gourmet Chocolate
   The taste-first term. Exceptional flavor; texture; and ingredient (single-source beans, unadulterated) are the focus on gourmet chocolate. This term is generally used for fancy dark chocolate bars or bon bons. 

3. Bean-to-Bar Chocolate
   The transparency badge.
   The maker starts with raw cacao beans (not pre-processed chocolate liquor). They ferment, roast, grind, and temper it themselves. This is where magic happens.

Other Terms You’ll Spot (and What They Really Mean):

• Single-Origin: Beans from one country/region (e.g., "70% Peru"). Terroir matters!
• Couverture: Professional-grade chocolate (high cocoa butter) used by chefs. Silky melt!
• Bonbons: Filled, decorated chocolates (ganache, pralines). The fancy face of chocolate.
• Craft Chocolate: Similar to artisan — small batches, big passion.

What It’s NOT Called:

• "Fancy" isn’t a technical term (but we all use it!).
• "Luxury" is overused by marketers (ignore the gold foil — judge the chocolate).
• "Premium" = vague. Ask: "Why is it premium?"

Why Labels Matter:

Knowing these terms helps you:

• Spot true quality (not just pretty packaging).
• Find flavors you love (e.g., "Madagascan gourmet dark chocolate" = fruity!).
• Support ethical makers (bean-to-bar = traceable farms).

Where to Find the Real Deal:

At Cacao & Cardamom, we’re obsessed with curating the finest:
Artisan chocolate from global micro-makers
Gourmet dark chocolate bars (65-100% single-origin)
Fancy chocolate bars with edible flowers, rare spices & gold
Bonbons that belong in a jewelry box