‘Quality’, ‘premium’, and ‘gourmet’ are common words in the chocolate industry, but what separates the best chocolate from the rest of the crowd? If you’re unsure what to look for in high-quality chocolate, we’ll teach you.
At andSons Chocolatiers, we know it takes more than one detail to create a decadent and memorable experience. We’re second-generation chocolatiers who first got our start helping in our mother’s chocolate shop in Beverly Hills. Years later, our world-class pedigree has provided the best handcrafted chocolate and now honored to work supply famous brands such as Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Cartier.
A commitment to chocolate is the first detail you need to separate ‘standard’ from ‘quality’. Our guide will teach you the power of passion, high-quality ingredients, and experienced chefs for making premium, handcrafted chocolate.
What Makes Chocolate Premium?
Premium chocolate is a difference you can taste. This type of chocolate provides a more subtle and rich taste experience than you’ll find in many store-bought brands.
While chocolate has a distinctive flavor, it can carry subtle and complex flavor notes similar to wine and coffee. Where you source the chocolate and how you process it are just a few details that contribute to each chocolate’s unique flavor and texture (also known as mouthfeel).
Have you ever tasted chocolate with hints of plum or a faint note of baking spices? Perhaps you have a fond memory of eating chocolate with a velvety and silky texture. All these details and more contribute to a premium product and it’s an experience our seasoned chefs are proud to offer.
What makes chocolate premium? A commitment to going above and beyond to provide chocolate that delights from beginning to end.
Seasoned Chefs Dedicated To The Art
Our head chef leads our kitchen and is an accomplished chocolatier who graduated from the Culinary Institute Of America and used to be the Executive Pastry Chef at The French Laundry.
Her expertise is instrumental in creating our signature artisan bonbons, chocolates, and truffles. She leads our team in coordinating with specialty providers, hand-picking each ingredient to ensure consistency in flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel. Every time you bite into one of our chocolates, you can literally taste the love.
However, even the best craftsmanship needs high-quality ingredients to make the magic happen.
A Commitment To The Highest Quality Ingredients
Artisanal ingredients transform an average bonbon into a delectable delight. We’re proud to work directly with passionate, hardworking farmers to provide you with some of the most premium chocolate on the market.
Our team intimately understands the subtle difference great ingredients make. They regularly visit local farmers markets and hand-select produce for quality and flavor. From the juicy passion fruit in our Passion Fruit bonbon to the roasted hazelnuts in our Milk Hazelnut Praline, every bite bursts with a freshness you can taste.
Since milk forms the foundation of our recipes, we use dairy from the multi-generational family farm Clover in Sonoma, California. Their pasture-raised and organic agriculture not only result in exquisitely rich flavors, they align with our dedication to crafting ethical handmade chocolates.
Sustainable Sourcing To Create A Better Future
Sustainable chocolate results in a better world for everyone. All of the chocolate we use comes from cocoa suppliers devoted to sustainably and ethically sourcing raw ingredients.
We support local businesses by buying fresh produce at Santa Monica Farmers’ Market and our dairy from family-owned Clover Sonoma Farms. Our cocoa comes from ethical suppliers such as Valrhona, recently awarded the B Corp certification for their commitment to sustainable business practices.
They cultivate long-term relationships with cocoa farmers, contribute to regenerative agriculture, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions during chocolate production.
Fine Artistry To Complete The Package
As the saying goes: “You eat with your eyes first.” We stand by that saying with our handcrafted designs and whimsical packaging, ensuring every delicious bite starts with a gasp of delight.
Our bonbons come in several vivid colors and playful patterns, from the eggshell spackle of our Speculoos Cookie to the luscious cherry red of our Hibiscus Honey. They make heartwarming gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
All of our bonbons and treats come with a variety of packaging to suit corporate events, as well. Team building excursions, new hires, and office parties are just a few special occasions we’ll customize packaging for. We also offer a selection of bright, poppy designs if you’re short on time and eager to taste some chocolates.
Our award-winning design offers packaging with crisp, premium paper and foil-stamped artwork. You can customize a box to feature your company’s logo, brand colors, or mascot.
When considering what to look for in handcrafted chocolate, never underestimate the power of a stylish first impression.
Experience Handcrafted Chocolate Made With Today’s Finest Ingredients
Elegant packaging, sustainably sourced ingredients, and supporting local businesses? When it comes to handcrafted chocolate, you really can have it all.
We founded our chocolatier business on family values. While we’re proud to work with leading brands like Louis Vuitton and be featured in major publications such as Food & Wine and The New York Times, we’ve never forgotten our roots.
Our passion is in providing premium chocolate that’s more than just a title. Our bonbons, truffles, pralines and candied chocolates are the culmination of several decades of hard work, dedication, and a love for the craft.
Now that you know what to look for in high-quality chocolate, try one of our chocolate boxes today or give one to someone you care about.