Blog

Chocolate is one of the most universally loved indulgences. Whether it’s a rich, dark bar, creamy milk chocolate, or velvety white chocolate, this sweet treat can stand on its own or be elevated by the perfect pairing. But what goes well with chocolate? In this guide, we’ll explore the best ingredients, flavors, and beverages that complement chocolate’s diverse profiles, taking your chocolate experience to a whole new level.

The Flavor Profiles of Chocolate

Before diving into pairings, it's important to recognize that chocolate comes in a variety of types, each with its own unique taste profile:

• Dark Chocolate: Bitter, robust, and less sweet, dark chocolate is often paired with bold, savory, or tangy flavors.
• Milk Chocolate: Creamy, sweet, and more mellow, milk chocolate pairs well with a wider range of sweet and salty flavors.
• White Chocolate: Made from cocoa butter, white chocolate is incredibly sweet and creamy. To balance its sugar content, it is best paired with tangy or salty options.

Knowing these differences helps you select pairings that bring out the best in each type of chocolate.

Fruits and Chocolate


Photo by Laurel Natale

One of the most classic and refreshing pairings for chocolate is fruit. The natural sweetness and acidity of fruit can brighten the rich flavors of chocolate, creating a harmonious balance. Here are some fruits that go particularly well with chocolate:

1. Berries

Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are tangy, sweet, and juicy, making them the perfect companions for chocolate. Dark chocolate, with its bold bitterness, pairs wonderfully with the tartness of raspberries, while milk chocolate complements the sweetness of strawberries.

2. Citrus

Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons add a zesty contrast to chocolate's richness. Chocolate-dipped orange slices or lemon zest-infused white chocolate are elegant pairings that offer a burst of flavor. The acidity of citrus fruits helps cut through the sweetness, creating a refreshing balance.

3. Bananas

Bananas bring a creamy texture and mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Banana slices dipped in milk chocolate or combined in chocolate banana bread create a luscious treat that’s hard to resist.

4. Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and coconut are excellent partners for chocolate. Pineapple’s tanginess, mango’s sweetness, and coconut’s nuttiness complement both dark and white chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Nuts and Chocolate

The combination of crunchy nuts and smooth chocolate has been a favorite for generations. The savory, earthy notes of nuts complement the sweetness of chocolate, adding depth and texture.

1. Almonds

Almonds are a classic pairing with chocolate, especially dark chocolate. The slight bitterness of roasted almonds enhances the flavor of dark chocolate, while the nut’s crunch provides a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the chocolate.

2. Pecans

Pecans, with their natural sweetness and buttery texture, pair beautifully with milk chocolate. The combination creates a rich, indulgent treat that’s popular in pecan chocolate tarts and candies.

3. Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts and chocolate, famously combined in spreads like Nutella, are a match made in heaven. The creamy texture of hazelnuts works well with both milk and dark chocolate, resulting in a luxurious and decadent experience.

4. Walnuts

Walnuts have a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that pairs well with both dark and milk chocolate. Their crunch adds texture to chocolate brownies, cookies, and bark, making them a popular choice in baking.

Salty Snacks and Chocolate

The blend of salty and sweet creates an addictive flavor contrast that chocolate lovers adore. Salt enhances the sweetness of chocolate while adding a savory element that makes each bite more exciting.

1. Pretzels

Pretzels, with their crispy texture and salty coating, pair perfectly with chocolate. Chocolate-covered pretzels, whether dipped in milk, dark, or white chocolate, offer the ideal balance of sweet and salty, making them a popular snack.

2. Potato Chips

For an unconventional yet delicious pairing, potato chips and chocolate are surprisingly complementary. The salty, crunchy texture of the chips against the smooth, sweet chocolate creates an addictive snack that chocolate fans should try.

3. Salted Caramel

Salted caramel, a blend of sweet caramel and sea salt, elevates the richness of chocolate. Whether in truffles, chocolate bars, or cakes, this pairing delivers a perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors.

Spices and Chocolate

Spices bring warmth and complexity to chocolate, enhancing its natural flavors while adding a touch of sophistication.

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon’s warmth and slight sweetness blend beautifully with chocolate, especially in desserts like chocolate cinnamon cake or spiced hot chocolate. The combination is comforting and perfect for fall and winter treats.

2. Chili Peppers

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chili peppers and chocolate are a dynamic pairing. The spicy kick of chili contrasts with the sweetness of chocolate, creating an intriguing and bold flavor experience. Mexican mole sauce is a famous example of this combination, blending dark chocolate with spices and chili for a savory dish.

3. Cardamom

Cardamom, with its citrusy and floral notes, complements dark chocolate in particular. Used in both sweet and savory dishes, cardamom adds an exotic flair to chocolate desserts like truffles or mousse.

4. Sea Salt

Though technically a mineral, sea salt enhances the flavor of chocolate by balancing its sweetness and deepening its complexity. A sprinkle of sea salt on top of dark chocolate brownies or a salted chocolate tart adds a gourmet touch to any dessert.

Beverages and Chocolate

Pairing chocolate with the right beverage can elevate your tasting experience. Whether you're enjoying a piece of chocolate on its own or as part of a dessert, the right drink can enhance its flavor profile.

1. Coffee

The bitter, roasted notes of coffee complement chocolate, particularly dark chocolate. The two share similar flavor profiles, making coffee an excellent pairing for a chocolate dessert or even a bar of chocolate on its own. A café mocha, which combines chocolate and coffee, is a delicious example of this pairing.

2. Wine

Chocolate and wine pairings can be exquisite when done right. Dark chocolate goes well with bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which have enough tannins to match the bitterness of the chocolate. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, pairs beautifully with lighter wines like Pinot Noir or dessert wines such as Port.

3. Milk

A classic and comforting pairing, milk and chocolate are a nostalgic match. Milk’s creaminess tempers the richness of chocolate, making it a perfect complement to all types of chocolate—whether you're sipping hot chocolate or enjoying a chocolate bar.

4. Tea

Tea, particularly black tea, complements chocolate by offering a subtle contrast to its sweetness. Earl Grey, with its hint of bergamot, works well with dark chocolate, while herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile provide a refreshing contrast to milk chocolate.

Cheese and Chocolate

Pairing cheese with chocolate might not be the first combination that comes to mind, but it can result in some surprisingly delicious flavor combinations.

1. Brie

Brie’s creamy, mild flavor pairs well with milk chocolate, creating a luxurious and decadent snack. Add a drizzle of honey or a slice of fruit, and you have an elevated sweet-savory experience.

2. Blue Cheese

For a more adventurous pairing, try dark chocolate with blue cheese. The pungency of blue cheese contrasts beautifully with the bitterness of dark chocolate, creating a complex and bold flavor combination.

3. Goat Cheese

The tangy, fresh flavor of goat cheese complements the sweetness of white chocolate, making this pairing a perfect choice for those who enjoy a balance of tangy and sweet.

Savory Foods and Chocolate

Chocolate can also be incorporated into savory dishes, adding depth and richness to meats, sauces, and vegetables.

1. Meat

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is a key ingredient in savory dishes like Mexican mole sauce, which is often served with chicken or pork. The rich, bitter notes of dark chocolate enhance the savory flavors of the meat, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.

2. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar’s sweet-tart flavor pairs surprisingly well with chocolate, especially when used as a drizzle over chocolate-covered strawberries or dark chocolate ice cream.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil’s fruity, slightly bitter flavor complements the richness of chocolate. Try drizzling high-quality olive oil over dark chocolate or using it in chocolate cake for a gourmet twist.

Elevate Your Chocolate Experience

The versatility of chocolate allows it to pair beautifully with a wide range of flavors, from sweet to savory, tangy to spicy. Whether you're enjoying it with fruit, nuts, spices, or a favorite beverage, knowing what goes well with chocolate can transform an ordinary chocolate treat into an extraordinary culinary experience. The next time you reach for that chocolate bar or prepare a dessert, consider experimenting with some of these pairings to discover new and delightful flavor combinations.

Now that you know what pairs well with chocolate, why not explore these options and treat yourself to a truly unforgettable chocolate experience? Whether you stick to classic combinations or venture into more adventurous territory, there's no wrong way to enjoy the world's favorite indulgence.