When you think of German culture and food, you might think of schnitzel or bratwurst. When it comes to desserts, you’d probably think of Black Forest cake. But what if we told you that some of the best chocolate is actually made in Germany? It’s time to indulge your sweet tooth and try some great German chocolate brands.
1) Milka
If you’re a fan of chocolate, then it’s hard to go wrong with Milka. For over 100 years, this company has been creating delicious treats that are sure to not only satisfy your taste buds but also make for mouth-watering gifts. From its inception, Milka chocolate packages have been a distinctive shade of lilac. The color is protected by trademark law in several European countries. It has even led to creating their own cow mascot, white with spots that match that same recognizable lilac. The excellent packaging and design were initially intended as a tribute to art nouveau design elements like extravagance and charm. Still, they quickly became one of the most recognized features of this chocolate through branding efforts alone.
What to Expect from Milka Products
Milka is made with 100 percent Alpine milk, delivering a smooth and creamy chocolate experience. It’s also considered one of the most affordable gourmet chocolate brands around. Over time, Milka German chocolate has expanded its attempts at innovation by releasing unique flavors for connoisseurs and children alike. Some are even infused with fruit creams or have crispy bits of cookie in them for an extra crunch.
2) Reber
The story of Reber chocolate and confectioneries began in 1865 with Peter Reber and a small café in Munich where much success was enjoyed. However, 1938 saw the family shift the café and operations to the center of Bad Reichenhall, a town 130 kilometers southeast of Munich, near the border of Austria. The brand reports that it welcomes over 200,000 guests yearly at Café Reber in Bad Reichenhall and its two stores in Salzburg, Austria, with countless more enjoying their products worldwide.
What to Expect from Reber Products
This brand is most famous for their Genuine Reber Mozart-Kugeln®. Inspired by the renowned composer’s ability to weave and combine many types of music, Reber Mozart-Kugeln® is a mixture of gourmet pistachio marzipan, fresh almonds, and hazelnut nougat, double-coated in smooth milk and fine dark chocolate. This creates a delicious treat that has delighted chocolate lovers everywhere for decades.
3) Riegelein
Founded in 1953, Riegelein is known as a market leader in the production of chocolate figures, with over 750 different products to its name. Yearly, it processes 50,000 tons of chocolate into chocolate figures and confectionery gifts for numerous holidays, including Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and more. In addition, Riegelein is recognized for its originality and product diversity, which includes exporting to more than 50 countries and adjusting recipes to fit local preferences.
What to Expect from Riegelein Products
From gold foil-wrapped Easter Bunnies to adorable ladybugs that bring good luck, Riegelein milk chocolate is described as deliciously smooth and creamy. These chocolate treats are crafted from the finest ingredients and styled into figures for every occasion and holiday. Wildly popular among children in Germany and thoroughly enjoyed by adults, Riegelein products promise to delight every time.
4) Ritter Sport
The story of this world-famous chocolate dates back to 1912 when Alfred and Clara Ritter founded their chocolate factory in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. However, it wasn’t until 1932 that they introduced Ritter’s Sport Schokolade after Clara suggested creating a chocolate bar that would fit into the pocket of a sports jacket without breaking but still weighing the same as a regular bar. This is what led to the distinctive square-shaped Ritter Sport chocolate bars enjoyed the world over today.
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What to Expect from Ritter Sport Products
There are around 40 varieties of these square chocolate bars, with different choices available in other world regions. They range from classic milk chocolate to more adventurous options like strawberry and yogurt filling. In recent years, Ritter Sport has even begun to dabble in seasonal offerings, like their winter edition spiced biscuit chocolate bar. Each bar demonstrates why Ritter Sport is one of the most successful German chocolate brands, combining originality with quality to create delectable chocolate treats sure to delight chocolate fans of all ages.
5) Niederegger
More of a confectionery company than one specializing in chocolate, Niederegger is still worthy of a mention as they incorporate delectable chocolate into their creations. Specializing in marzipan, they use a centuries-old family recipe to produce delicious German snacks. Marzipan is a sweet created with sugar, honey, and almond meal that’s occasionally enhanced with almond oil or extract for those who aren’t aware. It’s commonly used to make chocolate-covered marzipan sweets, which Niederegger does expertly. This is what has landed them on our list today.
What to Expect from Niederegger Products
Niederegger marzipan is a bit different from other competitors on the market. With only five people knowing the secret family recipe, it’s tough to say precisely what’s in it. According to reports, its rich flavor comes from roasting more almonds, including less sugar, and using a special rose water-like ingredient. But, again, we don’t know for sure what it is, as the secret is locked away in a safe somewhere. Nevertheless, you can be assured that each piece is an exquisite combination of chocolatey and nutty flavors. Eaten as a snack, dessert, or even with a morning coffee, there is no wrong time to enjoy Niederegger marzipan.
Other German Sweets and Treats
While discovering the wonders of German chocolate should be high on everyone’s priority list regardless of the time of year, it’s worth taking note of other sweets and treats from this country. Of course, the best way to sample a wide array of German treats is to visit a local specialty store or bakery. Better yet, you can find an online shop that delivers right to your front door, which means no trouble or fuss, only delicious satisfaction.
So what other goodies do we recommend?
First, there are various types of German stollen, a traditional Christmas cake that can be enjoyed all year long. It’s oval-shaped, which confuses some into thinking it’s bread. But one taste and you’ll realize it is so much more. A favorite among locals and tourists, it’s typically sliced, heated, and eaten with typical spreads like butter, honey, and jam.
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Pfeffernüsse cookies, which literally means “pepper nut,” are another delightful option, particularly for those who love the combination of spice and chocolate. These German treats feature various spices like cinnamon and cloves mixed with sugar. They don’t generally contain nuts, but then why the name? Well, it’s because of the pinch of pepper added to the mix before baking and the fact that they’re the size of nuts and can be eaten just the same. That is, by the handful, which is what you’ll surely want to do!
Lastly, no list of this sort would be complete without mentioning Haribo, one of Germany’s most popular confectionery brands. The name is a portmanteau formed from Hans Riegel, the company’s founder, and Bonn, the German city where the company was first established. Haribo makes a large variety of gummy candies and other related bite-size treats, all a staple in the daily candy diet of children and adults alike.
Viel Spaß!
Whether you love chocolatey richness or have a penchant for nuts, there is sure to be something from Germany that appeals to your preferences. Enjoying German snacks doesn’t mean having to stick with tradition either. With all the different flavors available, you can sample something new each time you treat yourself. Have fun!