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Planning to bring back chocolate from Italy? Here’s a straight-talking, traveler-tested Top 10 ranking of Italian chocolate brands—from luxury gift picks to great-value supermarket finds. Each brand is scored on four criteria so you can choose fast and buy smart.
How we scored (5★ each):
- Taste
- “Italian-ness” (heritage/identity)
- Giftability (packaging/presentation)
- Harder to buy abroad（rarity）
Italy’s Chocolate Brand Ranking (Top 10)
10) Kinder
Under Italy’s Ferrero group, Kinder is the kid-friendly, milk-forward crowd-pleaser. It’s universal and easy to find, which also means it’s less “rare” as a souvenir—but for families, it’s a safe bet.
- Scores — Taste: ★★ / Italian-ness: ★★ / Giftability: ★★ / Rarity (harder to buy abroad): ★★★★
9) Ferrero Rocher
Famous gold-wrapped spheres—tasty, shareable, and inexpensive in Italy. It’s ideal for bulk gifting, though ubiquity keeps it outside the top tier for souvenirs.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★ / Giftability: ★★★ / Rarity: ★
8) Baci (Perugina)
Whole hazelnut, silky gianduja, dark shell—plus the iconic “Love Notes” tucked in each wrapper. Romantic, individually wrapped, and easy to hand out. Availability in Japan lowers its rarity score.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★★ / Rarity: ★
7) Pocket Coffee
Liquid espresso encased in dark chocolate. It’s as Italian as it gets and widely sold in supermarkets and airport shops. A fun pick with a real “wow” factor when you bite in.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★ / Rarity: ★★★
6) Caffarel
Turin classic with Gianduia 1865 heritage—famed for gianduiotti (hazelnut-chocolate pyramids). Cute designs + reliable flavor = excellent small gifts. Might be a bit easier to find in your country than niche makers.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★★★ / Rarity: ★★
5) Venchi
Known for gelato and chocolate, Venchi’s bars and gift assortments are polished and dependable. In Italy, bars are easy to find in supermarkets—great value compared with overseas prices.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★★★ / Rarity: ★★
4) BABBI
Born as a wafer-cone maker in 1952 (Emilia-Romagna), BABBI’s chocolate wafers and pralines are sweet, crunchy and extremely giftable—especially the pistachio variety. Some availability abroad keeps it just outside the podium.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★★★ / Rarity: ★★
3) NOVI
Historic Ligurian/Piedmontese maker (now under the Elah-Dufour group). Excellent cost-performance, many flavors, and widely stocked in Italian supermarkets. Packaging is more functional than luxurious—but for value, it’s hard to beat.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★★ / Rarity: ★★★★
2) Guido Gobino
Turin artisan icon. The minute Tourinot (5 g) and classic giandujotti showcase elite hazelnut-chocolate craft—silky texture, balanced sweetness, beautiful boxes. If you want to impress, this is it.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★★★ / Rarity: ★★
1) Baratti & Milano
Established in Turin in 1858, Baratti & Milano marries refined flavor with high-end presentation—an outstanding gift that often feels more expensive than it is. Hard to find in Japan, easy to buy in Italy (department stores, specialty shops, sometimes airports). Our household’s MVP.
- Scores — Taste: ★★★★★ / Italian-ness: ★★★★ / Giftability: ★★★★ / Rarity: ★★★★
Smart Buying & Packing Tips
- Where to shop: City supermarkets (Coop, Conad, Carrefour) for value brands like NOVI, Kinder, Pocket Coffee. Specialty boutiques (Venchi, Guido Gobino, Baratti & Milano) for polished gifts.
- Summer heat: From late spring to early autumn, choose plain bars or higher-cocoa chocolates over creams/fillings. Keep purchases shaded; use your hotel minibar before flying.
- Carry-on: Solid chocolate is fine at security. Avoid cream liqueur fillings that could be interpreted as liquids.
- Allergens: Many Italian chocolates feature Piedmont hazelnuts—always check labels if gifting to people with nut allergies.
Bonus: What’s “Gianduja”? And Why Turin Matters
Several brands above lean on gianduja—a classic Turin blend of chocolate and hazelnut paste that defines the silky texture of giandujotti. If your giftee loves nutty profiles, prioritize Caffarel, Venchi, Guido Gobino, or Baratti & Milano.
Bonus: Modica Chocolate (IGP) for Something Different
If you want a rustic, “granular” bar with visible sugar crystals and aroma-first flavor, look for Cioccolato di Modica IGP from Sicily. It’s stone-ground at low temperature and proudly labeled with the IGP seal—great conversation-starter and very “Italy.”
Summary
From luxury boxes (Baratti & Milano, Guido Gobino) to budget-friendly supermarket gems (NOVI, Pocket Coffee), you’ve got options for every budget and giftee. Pick your favorite style, keep the packing cool, and bring home chocolate that actually tastes like Italy.
Buon viaggio—and happy chocolate hunting!