Best Baking Chocolates of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Baking chocolates are a must-have ingredient for any chocolate lover who enjoys baking. These chocolates are specially formulated to be melted and used in baked goods such as cakes, brownies, and cookies. They come in different forms, including bars, chips, and chunks, and are available in a range of cocoa percentages to suit different tastes. Baking chocolates are also versatile and can be used to create a variety of desserts and treats, from fudgy brownies to silky chocolate mousse. Whether you are a professional baker or a home cook, baking chocolates are an essential ingredient in your pantry.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate Cover #TOP 1
Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips Cover #TOP 2
Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Merckens Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers Cover #TOP 3
Merckens Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Baking Chocolates

Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate

811-E4-U71
Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate Cover
Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate Semisweet Callets, 54.5% - 5.5 Lbs

Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate Semisweet Callets is a 54.5% cocoa content chocolate crafted in Belgium from whole roasted beans. It has a smooth flavor with subtle vanilla notes and is loved by chefs all over the world. It is perfect for confectionery, ganaches, mousses, biscuits, sauces, drinks and many other applications.

What We Like
Easy tempering process
Rich, delightful flavor
High-quality chocolate
Great for baking and confections
Value for money
What We Don't Like
Pricey product
May arrive clumped

Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

61913_ea
Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips Cover
GHIRARDELLI 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips, 20 OZ Bag

Elevate your baking with Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips. Made with the highest quality cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, and just the right amount of cane sugar, these chips offer a rich, bittersweet chocolate flavor with hints of vanilla extract. Perfect for any baking need, including chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and cakes, these chips will fill your baked goods with rich chocolate and dark roast notes.

What We Like
Rich chocolate flavor
Perfect for melting
Great for baking
Well-sealed packaging
Versatile size for recipes
What We Don't Like
Price has increased
Smaller bag than expected
#TOP 3

Merckens Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers

2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Merckens Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers Cover
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers Milk Chocolate Cocoa Lite, 2 Pound

Merckens Melting Wafers are a versatile choice for your baking needs. This 2-pound bag of Milk Chocolate Cocoa Lite wafers is perfect for coating, dipping, and molding. You can easily melt them without the hassle of tempering, making your decorating process smoother and faster. These wafers are great for enhancing cakes and various sweet treats, ensuring that your creations look and taste delicious. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the chocolate blooming, which can ruin the appearance of your desserts. Enjoy the convenience and quality that Merckens offers in your baking adventures!

What We Like
Delicious flavor
Easy melting process
Great for dipping
Nice glossy finish
Excellent value for price
What We Don't Like
Unusual packaging
#TOP 4

Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White chocolate, 2 pounds

2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White chocolate, 2 pounds Cover
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White melting chocolate, 2 pounds

Merckens White Chocolate Wafers are fresh and delicious, melting to a smooth and creamy texture similar to white chocolate. Perfect for all your candy-making needs, these wafers are convenient to use. Despite the risk of melting during warmer temperatures or shipping, they can be easily remelted, ensuring you always have the perfect consistency for your treats.

What We Like
Great flavor
Fast melting
Thoughtful packaging
Easy to work with
Good value
What We Don't Like
Some bags near expiration
Slight melting during shipping

GHIRARDELLI Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Semi Sweet
24 Oz Bag
GHIRARDELLI Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Cover
GHIRARDELLI Semi-Sweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips Chocolate Chips for Baking, 24 OZ Bag

GHIRARDELLI Semi-Sweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips are a great choice for Valentine's Day cookies and other baking needs. These chips are made with cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, and just the right amount of cane sugar, giving them a delicious, rich flavor. Customers love the quality of these chips and appreciate the larger 24 oz bag. They are also certified Kosher and allergen-free.

What We Like
Delicious semisweet flavor
Helps reduce candy consumption
Convenient home delivery
High quality consistently
Versatile for baking and snacking
#TOP 6

Belgian Milk Chocolate Baking Callets (Chips) - 33.6% - 1 bag

823-E4-U71
Chocolate
Belgian Milk Chocolate Baking Callets (Chips) - 33.6% - 1 bag Cover
Belgian Milk Chocolate Baking Callets (Chips) - 33.6% - 1 bag, 5.5 lbs

This baking chocolate is made by Callebaut, a Belgian brand. It comes in the form of callets or chips, and contains 33.6% cocoa solids. The product is perishable and will be shipped using FedEx Overnight service. It usually ships within one business day. This baking chocolate falls under the category of Baking Chocolates.

What We Like
Delicious taste
Easy to work with
Great for baking
High-quality ingredients
Silky texture
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Occasional melted chocolate
#TOP 7

Generic Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers 1LB

Generic
UY-0EH1-63KZ
Generic Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers 1LB Cover
Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers 1LB – Smooth and Creamy, Perfect for Dipping, Baking, Candy Making, and Decorating Desserts – Ideal for Fountains, Coating, and Molded Chocolates (1 pound) (Dark Chocolate)

Generic Dark Chocolate Wafers are a delicious choice for all your chocolate needs. These melting wafers are crafted for effortless melting, whether you use a microwave or a double boiler. You can easily create smooth, creamy chocolate for dipping fruits, nuts, or drizzling over desserts. Their versatility means you can also use them for baking and candy-making, allowing you to add a rich chocolate touch to your favorite treats. Perfect for parties, these wafers can impress guests with homemade chocolates that are sure to delight at any event.

What We Like
Rich and dark chocolate
Melts perfectly
Great for molding
Tastes delicious
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
A bit on the sweet side
#TOP 8

Callebaut Recipe No. 811 Dark Chocolate

TU101
Callebaut Recipe No. 811 Dark Chocolate Cover
Callebaut Recipe No. 811 Finest Belgian Dark Chocolate With 54.5% Cacao, 5.51 Pound

Callebaut Dark Chocolate is a high-quality baking chocolate with 54.5% cacao content. It is made from sustainable cocoa, ensuring ethical sourcing practices. This medium fluidity chocolate is versatile and suitable for various baking applications. The Kosher Dairy certification guarantees its quality. The ChocLock feature preserves freshness, and the flat bottom design makes storage convenient for you. Ideal for professional use, Callebaut Dark Chocolate is a must-have for all your baking needs.

What We Like
Excellent quality dark chocolate
Tempering and glossing capability
Rich, creamy flavor
Ideal for baking and gifts
Fast delivery and fresh product
What We Don't Like
Price may be higher
#TOP 9

Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars

61827
Natural
Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars Cover
GHIRARDELLI Premium 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar, 4 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Ghirardelli Premium 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars are made with high quality ingredients to create a smooth, rich bittersweet chocolate flavor. Perfect for baking cakes, fudge, brownies, and more, these bars are certified kosher and sustainably sourced. Customers love the quality of the chocolate, and appreciate the ability to control the amount of sugar in their recipes.

What We Like
Rich and robust flavor
Great for baking
Quality chocolate
Affordable price
Fast delivery
What We Don't Like
Slightly bitter for some
Incorrect product received
#TOP 10

Ghirardelli Premium White Chocolate Baking Bar

61829
Natural
Ghirardelli Premium White Chocolate Baking Bar Cover
GHIRARDELLI Premium White Chocolate Baking Bar, 4 oz Bar (12 bars)

The Ghirardelli White Chocolate Bar is a delightful baking essential that adds a sweet, creamy flavor with a touch of vanilla to your desserts. Made with real vanilla, this kosher chocolate is perfect for creating delicious blondies, cookies, and even cinnamon pancakes. Its rich taste elevates white mousse and cakes, making them truly special. Ghirardelli's commitment to quality ensures that you are using top-notch chocolate for your baking adventures, allowing you to impress family and friends with your creations.

What We Like
Great quality chocolate
Smooth, creamy, and delicious
Good for baking projects
Melts well
Good value compared to local stores
What We Don't Like
Limited availability in stores
Buying Guide Image

Finding the Best Baking Chocolates for You

Introduction

When it comes to baking, chocolate can be the ultimate ingredient. Whether you are making a chocolate cake, cookies, or even a chocolate sauce for ice cream, having high-quality baking chocolate is essential for creating a delicious and indulgent final product. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which chocolate to use. In this article, we will go over some key factors to consider when choosing baking chocolate, so you can make the best decision for your culinary creations.

Quality of the Chocolate

One of the most important things to consider when selecting baking chocolate is the quality of the chocolate itself. Look for chocolate that is made with high-quality cocoa beans and has a smooth, rich flavor. Avoid chocolate that is made with artificial flavorings or additives, as these can impact the taste and texture of your baked goods.

Type of Chocolate

There are several different types of baking chocolate to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types:

  • Unsweetened Chocolate: As the name suggests, unsweetened chocolate is chocolate that has not been sweetened with sugar. It is typically used in recipes that have other sweeteners, such as sugar or honey.
  • Semisweet Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate is a type of chocolate that is slightly sweetened, and it is often used in recipes where a little bit of sweetness is desired.
  • Bittersweet Chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate is a type of chocolate that is slightly sweetened, but has a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor than semisweet chocolate. It is often used in recipes where a strong chocolate flavor is desired.
  • Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate is a type of chocolate that is made with milk, which gives it a creamier and sweeter flavor than other types of chocolate. It is often used in recipes where a sweet and creamy chocolate flavor is desired.

Percentage of Cocoa Solids

When selecting baking chocolate, it is important to pay attention to the percentage of cocoa solids. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the stronger the chocolate flavor will be. For example, a chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids (such as 70%) will have a stronger, more intense chocolate flavor than a chocolate with a lower percentage of cocoa solids (such as 50%).

Brand and Price

While the brand and price of the chocolate may not have a direct impact on the quality of the chocolate, they can still be important factors to consider. Some brands may have a reputation for producing high-quality chocolate, while others may be known for producing lower-quality chocolate. Similarly, the price of the chocolate can vary significantly, with some brands being more expensive than others. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which brand and price point is best for your needs.

Conclusion

When it comes to baking chocolate, there are many factors to consider. By keeping quality, type, percentage of cocoa solids, brand, and price in mind, you can select the best baking chocolate for your culinary creations. Whether you are making a chocolate cake or a batch of cookies, high-quality baking chocolate can make all the difference in the final result. So next time you are in the baking aisle, take the time to carefully select your chocolate and your baked goods are sure to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 3 types of baking chocolate?

There are three types of baking chocolate: unsweetened (also known as baking chocolate or baker's chocolate), bittersweet, and semi-sweet. These types of baking chocolate differ in terms of sweetness and cocoa content, with unsweetened being the least sweet and having no added sugar.

2. What's the difference between regular chocolate and baking chocolate?

The main difference between regular chocolate and baking chocolate is the sugar content and cocoa solids. Baking chocolate has little to no sugar and a higher percentage of cocoa solids, making it more suitable for baking. It may also have a higher cocoa butter content for consistent melting.

3. Is baking chocolate the same as dark chocolate?

Baking chocolate is not the same as dark chocolate, although they can be similar. Baking chocolate, also known as unsweetened chocolate, is 100% chocolate liquor and is bitter. Dark chocolate can have a higher percentage of cocoa beans and is generally darker in color, but it can still contain some sugar.

4. Are melting wafers the same as baking chocolate?

Melting wafers are not the same as baking chocolate. Melting wafers are specifically designed for melting and coating purposes, as they don't contain stabilizers. They work well for unbaked treats like ganache, puddings, frostings, and candy coatings. However, they may not be suitable for actual baked recipes.

5. Can I use semi sweet chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate?

It is not recommended to use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate. Chocolate chips have less cocoa butter and often contain stabilizers to maintain their shape during baking. Baking chocolate, on the other hand, has a higher cocoa content and no added stabilizers, making it more suitable for baking.

6. Why is baking chocolate cheaper?

Baking chocolate is often cheaper because it is sold untempered and is mainly used for baking purposes. Additionally, some mass-produced chocolate bars and confectioneries use compound chocolate, which replaces cocoa butter with cheaper alternatives like palm or vegetable oil, resulting in a lower quality and cheaper product.

7. Can I use normal dark chocolate for baking?

While normal dark chocolate with high cocoa content can be used for baking, it may not be the same as baking chocolate. Normal dark chocolate has higher levels of sugar, which can affect the taste and texture of baked goods. However, in a pinch, it can be a suitable alternative to baking chocolate.

Editor's Notes

During our baking chocolate research, we found 24 baking chocolate products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 89,698 customer reviews through our big data system to write the baking chocolates list. We found that most customers choose baking chocolates with an average price of $26.70.

The baking chocolates are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of baking chocolates, including Callebaut, Ghirardelli, Merckens. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 12,915 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Baking Chocolates Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Callebaut Ghirardelli Merckens Merckens Ghirardelli Callebaut Generic Callebaut Ghirardelli Ghirardelli
Flavor Chocolate 60% Cacao Milk Chocolate Cocoa Lite Vanilla Chocolate Chocolate Dark Chocolate - 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate White Chocolate
Item Weight 1000 Grams 20 Ounces - 2.1 Pounds 24 Ounces 2500 Grams - 5.5 Pounds 48 Ounces 4 Ounces
Specialty Natural Kosher Certified - - Kosher Certified - Chocolate, Milk Kosher Certified Kosher Kosher
Allergen Information Celery Free Milk - - Milk Cashews Free - Soy, Dairy - Allergen-Free
Item Form - - Wafer Wafer - Callets Disc Bar Bar -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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