America’s Favorite Chocolate Revealed (And the Gourmet Gifts That Make Hearts Sing)

For decades, milk chocolate has reigned as America’s undisputed favorite, adored by 49% of U.S. chocolate lovers for its creamy sweetness and nostalgic comfort. Yet dark chocolate is surging in popularity, thanks to its rich complexity and health perks, while white chocolate remains a niche darling at just 11% preference. At Cacao and Cardamom, we celebrate this delicious diversity by curating extraordinary chocolates that transform gifting into soul-warming artistry. Here’s how to match America’s cravings with unforgettable presents.

Why Milk Chocolate Wins Hearts (And the Best Assorted Chocolate Gifts to Honor It)

Milk chocolate’s universal appeal lies in its smooth, approachable flavor—making it a crowd-pleaser across ages and regions. Caramel fillings dominate as the #1 choice (29%), followed by crunchy nuts. For best assorted chocolate gifts that honor this love:

• Recchiuti Confections Black Box: Editor-praised for burnt caramel and Piedmont hazelnut gems in elegant matte packaging.
• Valerie Confections Baby Grand Assortment: A masterclass in classics like buttery toffee and molten caramel, wrapped in gold-ribboned luxury.
• Levain Bakery’s Cookie Assortment: Gooey, third-pound chocolate chip walnut cookies shipped fresh nationwide.

Dark Chocolate’s Rise: Best Dark Chocolate Gifts for the Connoisseur

Driven by antioxidant-rich allure and bold flavors, dark chocolate is the fastest-growing favorite. Raaka’s unroasted bars highlight fruity, single-origin notes for purists, while Compartés’ vegan dark bars dazzle with superfood infusions like rose petals and bee pollen 

For best dark chocolate gifts, you may consider:

• Ragged Coast Truffles: Maine-crafted wonders like coffee-lavender truffles using ethical cacao.
• Amedei Armonia Gift Box: Italian sophistication with silky dark pralines.
• Dandelion Chocolate’s Single-Origin Packs: For terroir-driven tasting journeys.

Beyond the Ordinary: Best Gourmet Chocolate Gifts That Dazzle

Gourmet chocolates turn gifting into theater. Think Melissa Coppel’s “space marble” bonbons with layered fillings like brioche toast and raspberry jelly, or Vosges’ Comfort Food Tower featuring curry-spiced truffles and Greek olive oil caramels. Standout best gourmet chocolate gifts include:

• Stick With Me Sweets Bonbons: Hand-painted, flavor-explosion pieces (e.g., kalamansi meringue pie).
• Bokksu White Chocolate Strawberries: Japanese freeze-dried berries infused with white chocolate—elegance redefined.
• Norman Love Confections’ Key Lime Pie Bonbons: Award-winning artistry in glossy gift boxes.

The Perfect Pair: How to Elevate Any Chocolate Gift

At Cacao and Cardamom, we craft moments, not just deliveries. Pair our best assorted chocolate gifts with local honey or spiced nuts. Bundle best dark chocolate gifts with single-origin coffee beans. Or, present the best gourmet chocolate gifts alongside champagne for pure celebration.

The Takeaway: Choose Chocolate That Tells a Story

America’s heart belongs to milk chocolate, but its palate is ever-evolving. Whether gifting best assorted chocolate gifts for nostalgia, best dark chocolate gifts for depth, or best gourmet chocolate gifts for wonder, prioritize craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. Because the finest chocolates—like those we cherish at Cacao and Cardamom—don’t just satisfy cravings; they whisper, "You are extraordinary."