If ever something deserved its own day, chocolate has to be right up there. World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7 each year and given Adelaide has so many fantastic purveyors of the sweet cocoa treat, we took one for the team [that’s you guys] and volunteered our tastebuds this World Chocolate Day to sample some South Australia’s BEST!

Also? Chocolate makes the easiest to buy, most indulgent gift for every occasion!

Geez our kids do it tough sometimes don’t they…

Some of these brands/ businesses I’m sure you’re all familiar with, but this list also has a few unrecognised names too, which are just as deserving to be here. Each chocolate that we have tried has a store/s or online stores based right here in Adelaide…. so come on, do your bit to support local this week and get on the chocolate.

Adixions Luxe Chocolates

These could well be South Australia’s most beautiful, luxury, hand crafted, opulent chocolates. Passionately made right here in Adelaide, and available via online purchase or monthly subscription! Yes, you can subscribe for as little as $25 per month to have these decadent chocolates delivered to your door. I mean what an absolutely stunning gift or treat for someone special. Everything about this brand oozes class, from their packaging right down to the Fancy Freckles.

shop.adixions.here

Robern Menz

It wouldn’t be a South Aussie chocolate feature without Adelaide’s equal most famous round balls the FruChoc from Robern Menz. Did you know that the FruChoc was first produced in 1948 and they now produce approx 90 million a year!!!

Robern Menz is a family business spanning four generations. It is the parent company to its two famous brand ranges Robern and Menz producing not only the iconic FruChoc but also Crown Mints, JeliChocs, Choccy Snakes, Violet Crumble and Fruit & Nut Chocs. There are now three Menz FruChoc shops in Hahndorf, McLaren Vale and Glynde or you can shop online at 

shop.robernmenz.com.au

Adelaide Chocolate School

The most indulgent school in Adelaide, home to everything chocolate, from adult classes, to kids classes, from basic, to fine technique and lets not forget the most exquisite kids parties that you could possibly imagine!

Find them on Melbourne Street North Adelaide

https://www.adelaidechocolateschool.com.au/

Yours Truly – Chocolate Generations

Inspired by a family of chocolatiers spanning generations, this local artisan is beyond scrumptious in taste and presentation. Using only the finest ingreadients to create perfect handmade chocolate blocks that are gluten and GMO free.

https://yourstrulychocolates.com.au/collections/milk-chocolate

Ability Chocolates

Ability Chocolates derives from the word ‘Disability’, remove the ‘dis’ and you create ‘Ability’. Chris & Noel Doecke and their daughter Rachael handmake Rocky Road, Freckles, Mint Crisps, Coffee crunch, Chilli chocs and lots more. You’ll regularly find them at the Barossa Farmers Markets and a Barossa stockists. 

facebook.com/abilitychocolates

ChocoVino – Hahndorf Hill Winery

Heres one for the adults, and lovers of wine and  chocolate. Chocolate and wine matching!

The ChocoVino experience at Hahndorf Hill Winery ranks in the top 10 global adventures for chocoholics and allows you to take your tastebuds on a journey of discovery while learning abour gourmet chocolate and fine wine in a fun and informative way. 

Leave the kids at home and book a day date or bestie catch up over this fantastic experience.

Book on line for around $30-32 per person (or $20 with out wine)

38 Pain Road, Hahndorf

https://hahndorfhillwinery.com.au/

The Cheeky Chocolate Queen

Starting out in 2009, this fabulous SA small business has gone from strength to strength, with their large range of unique chocolates including frogs (65 flavours if you don’t mind!) and a large selection of vegan and gourmet options. With so much variety (1000 moulds to pick from), these are the perfect gift or even for a fundraiser. We loved the unique flavours and the variety that you just won’t find in your generic supermarket range.

Grab an order online at their page at
thecheekychocolatequeen.com.au

Koko Black

A dream come true for chocolate lovers (myself included)! 

Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by the incredible handcrafted chocolates from Koko Black, a national brand that’s nothing short of amazing. And guess what? We’re lucky enough to have our very own store right here in Adelaide Arcade. From the moment you take your first bite, you can feel the passion and love they pour into each and every piece. The chocolate is so smooth and velvety, it practically dissolves on your tongue. The best part is that they use ethically sourced cocoa beans, so you can enjoy every bite guilt-free. If you’re looking for a truly indulgent chocolate experience, Koko Black is where it’s at. Trust me, once you’ve tried their chocolates, you’ll be hooked!

Find them in Adelaide Arcade or shop online at
www.kokoblack.com

Haighs Chocolates

The heart of every South Australian holds a special spot for Haigh’s chocolates, Australia’s oldest family owned chocolate maker, creating glorious chocolates since 1915.

There really is something for everyone at Haighs. They have an entire collection of chocolate frogs, chocolate speckles are an all time favourite, chocolate truffles, chocolate bars, blocks and tablets, chocolate covered fruit and an artisan range that includes flavour combos like finger lime, dark davidson plum and cardamom. This year for World Chocolate Day Haighs have created two new delectable chocolates that conjure thoughts of nostalgia of baking and making slices at home. Incredibly delicious you’re sure to enjoy the generous size and rich chocolate taste of Milk Lemon Slice and Dark Hedgehog Slice. Can confirm, Y-U-M!

With 7 stores across South Australia including the visitor Centre at Parkside where you can book in for a tour.

Or shop online at
haighschocolates.com.au

Bracegirdle’s

Did you know S.A’s very own Bracegirdle’s is Australia’s most awarded artisan chocolatier?

There was truly something for everyone. With a Signature Collection box that the adults craved, to the the Milk Fairy Freckles and Chocolate Building Blocks which the kids completely devoured…. we LOVED our little selection of Bracegirdle’s chocolate.
Keep an eye out for their special collections for Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter (of course) and other special events.

You can pop into one of their 3 cafes across the state at Blackwood, Clarence Gardens or McLaren Vale to sample their delicious handmade chocolates, decadent desserts and delicious coffees. Our tip? While you’re there, try a Salted Caramel White Hot Chocolate – it is heaven in a mug!
O
r shop online
bracegirdles.com.au

Hokey Pokey Stirling

Looking for the best kept chocolate secret in the Adelaide Hills?

Hokey Pokey up at Stirling is well known for its sensational ice-creams (handmade too!) but we just had to sample the delicious chocolates, truffles and confectionary (also handmade!).

This family business puts so much love into their products and making sure customers don’t just have a treat, but have an experience, that it is impossible not to adore them.

Check them out on insta
@hokeypokeystirling

Charlesworth Nuts

Did you know Charlesworth Nuts started in Adelaide’s own Central Markets back in the 1930s?

For 80 odd years and 5 generations of the Charlesworth Family have been treating us to their fabulous nuts, chocolates and saving us with incredible gift baskets for those last minute gifts.

Which chocolates are our fave? Well for one we find it incredibly hard to stop devouring the choc coated raspberries….you eat one, you eat them all right? There are obviously plenty of choc coated nut options, but with a range like theirs we promise you will find a treat right up your alley. With stores all over Adelaide, from Elizabeth to Noarlunga and everywhere in between, pop into a store or shop online.

charlesworthnuts.com.au

Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

With over 250 chocolates in their range, you will be just about guaranteed to find something that takes your fancy. We only tried about 5 different types of their choccie range, but loved them all! By those odds, we reckon we would get around their entire range and the next time we are in Tanunda, we will be making a stop at their store for an absolute chocolate experience. We just found these to be simply sensational, with the whole fam loving them.

Have a look at the photos of the purpose built choclate consumption arena, with spectacular views and to-die-for treats. To be honest after trying a sampling of these at home, we are just dying to take a drive to the Barossa and check out every thing they have to offer.

Check out their website at
www.barossavalleychocolates.com.au

What’s On for World Chocolate Day 2023

What better way to celebrate World Chocolate Day, than a visit up to Melba’s Chocolates in Woodside! Watch them make all their delicious treats, pick up all your favourites, indulge in one of their Chocolate Marshmallow Dipper Cups and even enjoy a deliciously warming FREE Hot Chocolate! Choose from either Milk, White or Dark Chocolate, add your favourite flavour and enjoy your delightfully delicious Hot Chocolate on Melba’s!

Simply visit their Factory between 9 am to 4:30 pm on the 7th of July for your FREE World Chocolate Day Hot Chocolate! 

Melba’s Chocolate Factory | 22 Henry Street, Woodside
www.melbaschocolates.com.au/whats-on-at-melbas-chocolates

Haighs – Watch this space something is coming soon!

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