Do you know how every country has its thing that it’s famed for? Things like the Grand Canyon in the States, Table Mountain in South Africa, or bubbling Champagne in France. Well, Turin has its specialty chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most famously produced products in Italy. The country tells a long story rooted in tradition and culture, and not to forget, artisan chocolate making. And Turin Chocolate is part of this tradition.
It’s easy to stroll down the streets of Turin and find yourself in the midst of a chocolate extravaganza. Everything from chocolate espressos (bicerin), to delectable hazelnut and preserved fruit, chocolates make appearances in all kinds of cafes and restaurants.
There are many fascinating things to do in Turin, but indulging in chocolate is one of the most wonderful. Marvel at an array of chocolate and sample some of the world’s finest. In this guide, you’ll find the top chocolatiers and the best places to sample them.
History of Chocolates in Turin
The origins of chocolate in Europe date back centuries, to the time of the Aztecs and Mayans, who used chocolate as an ingredient in a drink. The Spanish, who conquered regions in South America, brought the beans back to Spain and shared them with the rest of Europe.
In Italy, there’s been a love affair since 1590, when cocoa became accessible. It began with Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, who was part of the royal family. He served hot cocoa to celebrate the transfer of Ducal capital from Chambéry to Turin. Since then, hot chocolate has become a staple item within the Royal Palace of Turin.
In 1678, the first-ever cocoa store was opened, serving these hot beverages in Turin. Now it wasn’t just royalty and the elite who were spoilt with the sweet treat. Soon after, experimenting with chocolate commenced. All kinds of spices and sugars were added to create new flavors.
Did you know that chocolate was only ever consumed as a drink up until 1826?
Cocoa was, of course, the star of the show, but it wasn’t always readily available. As a result of cocoa shortages, ground hazelnut was turned into a paste to complement cocoa. In 1865, the first Gianduiotto, the symbol of Turin chocolate, was created.
Types of Turin Chocolate Specialties
Produce in Italy is characterized by raw materials, the finest quality cocoa, and traditional processing techniques. Through years of playing with cocoa, Italy has been able to produce an impressive assortment of excellent products.
Visit Turin, wander the cobblestone streets and venture into cafes hidden in the walls to sample wonderful kinds of chocolates and Turin candies.
Giandujotto Chocolate
Although the city is praised for having some of the world’s largest selection of confectionery chocolates, it’s the Giandujotto that is particularly special. Caffarel is world-renowned for inventing this melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.
Giandujotto chocolate is individually wrapped, in either gold or silver packaging, and shaped as ingots. Upon your first bite, you’ll be confronted with tones of deep hazelnuts and sweet fruits. Both compliment each other beautifully.
The flavors might remind you of a similar taste, Nutella. However, the two simply cannot be compared. Chocolates in Turin make use of fresh, as natural as possible, produce. Add that to the love and thought that goes into making this chocolate, and something entirely unique is created.
Giandujotto Turin is made with Langhe hazelnut, which is only found in Piedmont. This ingredient makes the sweet treat even more unique. Some would dare to say it’s the best chocolate in Italy.
- Nocciolati
Nocciolati is a one-of-a-kind chocolate and hazelnut spread. Unlike most commercial chocolate pastes, Nocciolati is made without palm oil, hydrogenated fats, or preservatives. All the ingredients are organic and high-quality raw ingredients.
The hazelnut paste is creamy and smooth, and the first thing you’ll taste is the rich notes of the nuts. Pick up on a touch of vanilla, dark chocolate, and cocoa buttery goodness.
- Tartufo al Cioccolato
Turin wouldn’t be known as a city of chocolate without Tartufo. Tartufo al Cioccolato is traditionally hand-rolled balls of chocolate ganache coated in cocoa powder, coconut, nuts or spices.
They’re known as chocolate truffles because they resemble the wild truffles that are sourced from the woodlands in Italy, especially in the Piedmont region, where Turin is the capital city.
Due to their interesting flavor combinations, the truffles are widely popular throughout Italy, but also in the rest of the world.
- Tris di Nocciole
Tris di Nocciole is a locally sourced roasted hazelnut that’s coated in delectable chocolate. As simple as this sounds, Tris di Nocciole honors both hazelnuts and chocolate by allowing them to show off their incredible flavors.
You’ll find some Tris di Nocciole that wrap hazelnuts in a dark rich fondant, creamy ganache, or white chocolate.
Discover the unique quality of chocolate in Turin
One of the most memorable ways to discover the city and its history and taste traditional chocolate is to embark on a 2-hour walking tour. During this private tour, you’ll get to sample 4 Italian chocolates and take a guided walk to Turin’s main sights.
Another way to taste the best chocolate in Turin is by visiting the city during the CioccolaTO festival, which name is exactly how you say chocolate in Italian, unforgettable right?
The Turin Chocolate Festival happens every year in November at the beautiful Piazza San Carlo and Via Roma. Over 100 master chocolatiers from Italy and other countries sell their products on Turin streets, the old town smells like chocolate, delicious. Turin Chocolate Festival also includes music, shows, workshops, chocolate tasting, and competitions.
November is the best time to visit Turin for a gastronomic and chocolate experience, as the weather gets colder hot chocolate stalls pop up in many streets, the perfect stop to warm up and taste the city’s specialty.
Also, in late November, the ski resorts near Turin open so that you can add a few days of snow fun to your trip.
And if you want to experience the best chocolates in Turin by yourself, you can always visit the top chocolate shops in Turin.
When it comes to chocolate, everyone has their favorites and preferences. Whether it’s dark and bitter, sweet, and fruity or caramelly. While chocolate is a specialty throughout Turin, these are some chocolateries that stand out from the rest.
- Guido Gobino
There’s a certain kind of traditionality and authenticity that’s involved in creating Turin’s famous chocolate. And while trying the traditional treat is a must, Guido Gobino is known for its experimental chocolate.
So rather than sticking to the style of chocolate making that’s been around for centuries, this chocolaterie tries new and thoughtful ways of highlighting the bean.
Guido Gobino sources high-quality, single-source cocoa beans and skillfully combines them with new, interesting flavors. Some of the unusual flavors include cloves, lemon, and even eucalyptus.
- Guido Castagna
It’s almost as though people have lost their appreciation for good chocolate bars. Today, you can simply drive to the store, buy a chocolate bar, and eat it in one sitting. The chocolate at Guido Castagna, however, deserves to be eaten slowly and in small quantities.
Guido Castagna has mastered the art of roasting and blending cocoa beans to bring out the best in the fruit pod. And like with a good wine, Guido Castagna allows the beans to mature before turning them into marvelous creations.
Expect to find raw chocolate, with beans sourced from Madagascar and Venezuela, assorted bean bars, and truffle collections when you visit.
- Caffarel
Caffarel is a highly renowned chocolaterie that’s found all around the country. It’s credited for creating the Giandujotto, with the finest chocolate and hazelnut products.
All their chocolate is bean-to-bar, promising a top-quality, ethically sourced product.
By visiting one of the stores, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the history and passion that goes into producing these chocolates. And if you’re looking for gifts to bring back home, they have an impressive collection of chocolates and beautifully packaged treats.
- Peyrano Torino. Dal 1915
Peyrano Torino. Dal 1915 is a luxurious chocolate cafe that sits right along a riverbank. Established in 1915, the chocolatier has a long line of chocolate making history. Back in the day, this chocolate shop was a favorite among the Italian Royal Family.
To learn more about the history of chocolate making in Peyrano, they offer a Turin chocolate tour of their factory that survived WWII.
A unique approach to roasting taken on by the store is to place an Italian olive branch into the roaster. Choose from bonbons to snack on in the store, or purchase a box to bring back to your accommodation and indulge in.
Journey into the world of Torino Chocolates
With excellent produce, incredible tastes, and the promise of something new and exciting, the city is a must-see for chocolate lovers. After all, the history of Italian chocolate began in this magical city.
Chocolate brands and creations reflect the true value of authentic chocolate making. With respect for the cocoa bean and natural produce, the chocolates here celebrate the beauty and simplicity of flavors and textures, that’s why they are named the best Italian chocolates.