Finding the Right Chocolate-Hazelnut Bar: A Buyer’s Guide

Melty chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts?— a combination everyone can agree on. Whether for a comforting break, a dessert on the go, or a simple craving, the chocolate-hazelnut bar is a timeless classic that never disappoints. But with ever-expanding options on the shelves, making a choice can be tough. This guide is here to help you navigate the selection and find the perfect bar for you.

By the Editors

How to Choose the Right Chocolate-Hazelnut Bar??

Before diving into our top picks, let's review the key criteria to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Chocolate Intensity?: Milk or Dark??

The type of chocolate sets the tone and defines the bar's character.

• Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Bar?: Prized for its sweetness and creamy texture, milk chocolate offers an indulgent and comforting balance of sugar, milk, and cocoa. It's often the go-to choice for an approachable treat that pleases every palate.
• Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Bar?: With its higher cocoa content, dark chocolate delivers a more intense and complex experience. Its slightly bitter notes beautifully enhance the roasted flavour of the hazelnuts.

2. Hazelnut Texture?: Whole or in Pieces??

Texture is crucial to the experience of a crunchy chocolate bar. The form of the nuts directly influences this mouthfeel.

• Chocolate with Whole Hazelnuts?: This promises a distinct and generous crunch. Each square is a delightful bite where the whole hazelnut reigns supreme.
• Hazelnut or Almond Pieces?: More evenly distributed, these pieces ensure a crunchy texture in every bite, blending more naturally with the chocolate. Some recipes go a step further with a chocolate bar with almonds that are caramelised for an extra touch of indulgence.

Our Recommended Chocolate Bars

We've handpicked a few gems for you, each with its own unique character, to help you find your new favourite bar.

MERVEILLES DU MONDE Milk Chocolate Bar with Whole Hazelnuts and Almonds 170g

Why we love it?: This bar stands out with its bold duo of nuts. The combination of roasted whole hazelnuts and whole almonds offers a dual texture and a wonderful depth of flavour. The bonus?? The collectible "Défis Nature" (Nature Challenges) card, making it a fun option to share with the family.

Key features?:

• The combination of whole hazelnuts and almonds (12.5% each).
• An indulgent milk chocolate (cocoa?: 32% minimum).
• The collectible card, a bonus for kids.
• Generous 170g size.

Who is it for?? For families and foodies who love a variety of flavours and textures. A fun and generous choice.

C?TE D'OR Milk Chocolate Bar with Caramelised Almonds and a Hint of Salt 180g

Why we love it?: This C?te d'Or bar plays on contrasts. Here, the creaminess of the milk chocolate is enlivened by the crunch of caramelised almond pieces and a perfectly judged hint of salt. This sweet-and-salty mix brilliantly modernises the classic recipe.

Key features?:

• The sweet-and-salty combination of caramelised almonds (15%) and a hint of salt.
• A texture that is both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth.
• The quality and expertise of a major brand.
• A 180g size, perfect for sharing.

Who is it for?? For those who love bold combinations and the perfect balance between sweet and salty. A bar with a true touch of originality.

C?TE D'OR Milk Chocolate Bar with Whole Hazelnuts 180g

Why we love it?: This is the timeless classic, the benchmark for whole hazelnut bars. With its record-breaking whole hazelnut content (24%), this bar is all about generosity and authentic flavour. C?te d'Or's iconic milk chocolate envelops it all for a straightforward, satisfying treat.

Key features?:

• An abundance of whole hazelnuts for maximum crunch.
• An iconic recipe that everyone loves.
• The perfect union of sweet milk chocolate and bold hazelnut.

Who is it for?? For purists and die-hard fans of hazelnut chocolate who want generosity and an uncompromising crunch.

C?TE D'OR Dark Chocolate Bar with Whole Hazelnuts 180g

Why we love it?: This is the version for lovers of intense flavour. The intense dark chocolate (46% cocoa minimum) provides a controlled bitterness that contrasts wonderfully with the smoothness of the whole hazelnuts, which are just as generous (24%).

Key features?:

• The intensity of dark chocolate for a more complex tasting experience.
• A very high content of whole hazelnuts for a perfect textural contrast.
• A less sweet recipe than its milk chocolate counterparts.

Who is it for?? For those who love the character of dark chocolate and seek the perfect balance between the power of cocoa and the generosity of hazelnuts.

And for the More Adventurous...

Our selection highlights some must-try bars, but the world of chocolate is nearly infinite. Want to explore other combinations, filled chocolates, or different kinds of treats?? Feel free to browse our full catalogue.

Discover our complete range of chocolate dessert bars for even more options.

Your Questions About Chocolate-Hazelnut Bars

What's the difference between a milk chocolate and a dark chocolate bar??

It's all about the ratio of cocoa to milk. Milk chocolate with hazelnuts is sweeter, creamier, and more mellow?— it's the ultimate nostalgic treat. Dark chocolate with hazelnuts, richer in cocoa and less sweet, offers a more intense flavour with bitter notes that enhance the roasted aroma of the nuts.

How should you store your hazelnut chocolate bar??

To preserve the crunchiness of the hazelnuts and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the chocolate, it's best to store it in a cool (between 14 and 18°C), dry place, away from light and strong odours. Above all, avoid the refrigerator?! The cold can alter the flavours and may cause a white film (or "bloom") to appear on the chocolate.

Where can I find bars with whole hazelnuts??

Absolutely?! Many brands, like the ones featured in this guide, make it their specialty. It's the number one criterion for anyone looking for a crunchy chocolate with a generous and straightforward texture. A tip?: read the packaging carefully, as the "whole hazelnuts" claim is always prominently displayed.