5 Chocolate Brands Bring It For The Holidays

All the delicious treats. They just don’t quit around Christmas, do they? Sure, we can steer away from too much shortbread. Lay off a lotta egg nog. But chocolate? Our weakness. Here’s what’s irresistible this holiday season from your favourite brands, and some new ones to try. —Catherine Dunwoody

amedei. Have you tried this luxury Italian brand? You most certainly need to. Holt Renfrew is carrying a gift set, called the Cinque, filled with what may well be the finest, most indulgent, handmade gourmet chocolate in a multi-tiered gift box. Splurgy sure, at $450, but so worth it.

purdys. A national treasure, this well-loved Canadian brand in the purple packaging always brings a smile. The brand’s classic Peppermint Bark returns this Christmas ($18 at Purdys), with its creamy white chocolate, candy cane bits, and drizzled with dark chocolate.

the good chocolatier. Hyper-local, gluten-free, sustainable, ethical and vegan chocolate is lovingly made by Vancouver’s Mara Mennicken, who’s also a TEDx speaker. Bundles, bon bons and bars in a variety of holiday treats are available, and we especially love the Glüh-wein truffle. Shop online.

beta 5. Irresistible as a colourful box of Christmas ornaments, this Vancouver brand’s Deck the Halls collection (from $15 online) contains six or 12 pieces with flavours like gingerbread, egg nog, coffee-orange and more.

galerie au chocolat. Quebec-made, the holiday collection includes chocolate gingerbread people, white chocolate with candy cane and fair-trade filled chocolates.