The 11 Best Chocolate Chip Brands, Ranked Worst To Best
Are you a self-proclaimed chocoholic on the hunt for the perfect chocolate chip cookie? This time, we don't mean store-bought. We're talking about making your own chocolate chip treats. Well, look no further because we've got you covered. We've taken on the arduous task of ranking 11 of the most popular chocolate chip brands out there. Using semi-sweet morsels, the brands have been taste-tasted, the ingredients were analyzed, and the nutritional profiles were taken into account.
Starting with the worst of the worst that was downright disappointing, we analyzed the bottom of the barrel and worked our way up to the cream of the crop. While some may question the significance of ranking chocolate chips, the truth is that the quality of the chocolate can make or break a recipe.
The perfect chocolatey morsels are essential for truly delicious chocolate chip cookies and other baked goods, while the flavor profile is necessary for cold use, like oatmeals, trail mixes, and breakfast toppings. Whether you're a die-hard chocolate lover or just looking for a new snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a glass of milk or your favorite milk substitute, relax, and enjoy the ride. And who knows, you just might discover your new go-to brand for all your chocolate chip needs.
11. Hu Kitchen
The Hu brand's tagline is "Get Back to Human," focusing on fair trade practices and products that are all-natural in every way. Their semi-sweet chocolate chips are the perfect example of their mission, with 60% cacao and no sugar added, along with dairy-free and soy-free production. You'll find a keto-friendly ingredient list of organic cacao, organic date, organic cocoa butter, and organic vanilla bean, too. There is also a dark chocolate option specifically for baking to cover all types of sweet tooths looking for a healthy alternative.
And that's exactly what it tastes like uncooked, very healthy. These dirt-flavored chips were the least favorite on the list by far, with a chalky aftertaste and a chip that barely melted in the oven. Destination disappointment. Not to mention the price tag on these babies. One 7-ounce bag rings in at around $9.
While yes, these chips are a healthy alternative to the other options on the list, with only 80 calories per tablespoon and 4 grams of sugar, we're telling you, you won't get past the taste. At this point, just ditch the diet or opt for fruit as your sweet treat. Hu Kitchen is a Huge waste of cacao. It's a no from us. If you're going to treat yourself, then actually treat yourself.
10. Lily's
Lily's semi-sweet chocolate chips are an excellent choice on paper. At around $7 a bag, Lily's is an expensive option on the list, boasting a healthier alternative for your baking needs. A 9-ounce bag of semi-sweetened 45% cacao chips has 50 calories and 0 grams of sugar per 30 chips. The company also offers a 7-ounce bag, too. These chips are gluten-free, with a stevia-sweetened nutritional profile, meaning no added sugars. You might be tempted to think it's the answer to your chocolatey prayers. But let us tell you, folks, these chips might just leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Sure, it's made with stevia instead of sugar, gluten-free and vegan-friendly. But when it comes to taste, these chips are just plain gross. It's like someone tried to make chocolate out of cardboard and succeeded. Cooked, the chips taste far better, but not enough to bump it up into a higher rank. It's that stevia sweetener and its aftertaste that reminds you these aren't your grandma's cookies.
While Lily's chips might look good on a nutrition label, don't be fooled by their healthy facade. Unless you're looking for a chocolate substitute that tastes like disappointment, we'd recommend sticking with the real deal. If this review isn't enough to deter you, Lily's does have other flavors, such as dark chocolate and milk-style chips. It's likely that those with a sweet tooth won't be going back for seconds, but maybe some of the health-conscious readers will.
9. Enjoy Life Foods
Enjoy Life's semi-sweet chocolate chips — the healthier choice that's not quite as enjoyable as we'd hoped. Don't get us wrong. These little chips are packed with nutritional goodness. It's gluten-free, vegan, and Kosher and contains just three ingredients. It's like it's the Marie Kondo of the chocolate world, keeping only what truly sparks joy.
Sadly, the taste just isn't a favorite. Uncooked, these chips leave a bitter, chalky aftertaste that's really unpleasant to bite into. It's like it's trying to be healthy but forgetting that taste matters, too. Baked, the flavor does improve a bit, but not enough to bump it up to the top of the chocolate chip pyramid. Regarding price, you'll definitely pay a bit more for the quality of these high-end chips. But you may want to save your pennies for something a bit more indulgent, especially since these have 7 grams of sugar in every tablespoon.
So, if you're looking for a chocolate chip that's all about the nutrition and less about the taste, then Enjoy Life's semi-sweet chocolate chips might be just the ticket. But if you're like us and think that life's too short for bad chocolate and want to pay less than $6 a bag, then you might want to keep searching for a chip that tantalizes the taste buds.
8. Hershey's
Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips are the ultimate throwback to simpler times when life was all about playing outside, eating candy, and avoiding nap time at all costs. These little guys might not be the healthiest option on the block, but let's be real — when it comes to chocolate chips, who's really counting calories? And at just around $5 a bag, it won't break the bank either.
Now, let's talk about the taste. Uncooked, these chips aren't exactly anything to write home about. It's not bad, per se, but it's definitely not winning any awards for flavor. Once you bake it into a cookie, something magical happens. It becomes super melty and gooey, giving your eyes the appearance of the perfect homemade treat. While the flavor profile isn't exactly like a Hershey's chocolate bar, more bland than the rest of the list, you won't be running for a new option.
So, while Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips might not be the most gourmet choice out there, it's a classic for a reason. It's a little piece of childhood nostalgia in every bite, and sometimes, that's all you need to satisfy your sweet cravings. However, it's not all bad, as these morsels boast no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. But with 9 grams of sugar in one serving, it's pushing the nutritional envelope. For more baking fun, try their dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and cinnamon chip options, too.
7. Signature Reserve
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, Signature Reserve's semi-sweet chocolate chips might be worth a try. It boasts a respectable nutritional profile with only 70 calories and 8 grams of sugar per tablespoon. Plus, these chips are Certified Fair Trade.
But don't expect a gourmet chocolate experience. Sure, it's made with Belgian chocolate liquor and 43% cacao, but the taste falls flat. Eating it straight out of the bag is underwhelming, with no distinct chocolate flavor to speak of. However, things improve when baked. The chocolate notes become more pronounced, and the texture is delightful and gooey. While it's not a top choice in our books, we still think you should consider trying it. If you want to shake up your cookie cooking, it's worth a shot.
While Signature Reserve's chocolate chips may not be a showstopper, it's still a decent choice for your baking needs. We're keeping these morsels in the middle of the list — not the best, not the worst, and that's all we have to say about that.
6. Nature's Promise
Nature's Promise semi-sweet chocolate chips — the organic, all-natural option for the conscious cookie connoisseur. With no GMO ingredients and only 8 grams of sugar in 1 tablespoon of chips, these morsels might just be the healthiest option on the block of actually yummy chips. And at under $4 a bag, it's a steal that won't break the bank.
But let's talk about that yummy taste. While these chips might be one of the healthier options, it does have a bit of a bitter taste when eaten raw. However, once it's baked into a cookie, it melts well and has a smooth, decadent texture that will make your taste buds sing. It's not an absolute favorite, still lacking the pazazz of grandma's signature cookie flavor, but it is good in a pinch with taste, cost, and convenience.
If you're looking for a guilt-free option that won't sacrifice taste, Nature's Promise semi-sweet chocolate chips might just be the answer to your cookie-making dreams. Just be sure to mix it with the right cookie dough — think loads of sugar — to really bring out their full potential.
5. Good & Gather
Looking for an affordable and tasty option for your baking needs? Look no further than Target's Good & Gather semi-sweet chocolate chips. With a killer price point at under $3 a bag, a decent nutritional profile with 8 grams of sugar, and ingredients you can actually pronounce, these chocolate chips are a great option for those on a budget.
While it may not be the star of the show, the taste is definitely not something to scoff at. These chocolate chips have that classic chocolate flavor that bakes well and pairs perfectly with a variety of cookie recipes. Plus, with no added preservatives or artificial flavors, you can feel good about adding it to your baked goods rotation.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to whip up a quick batch of cookies, Good & Gather semi-sweet chocolate chips are a solid choice that won't disappoint. Pick it up at any Target location or have it delivered for even more convenience.
4. 365 Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods 365 brand knows how to do chocolate chips right. Their semi-sweet option is a tried-and-true classic that delivers on both taste and nutrition. At under $4 a bag, it's hard to find a better deal on quality chocolate chips, especially made by a store that's known for its high prices and high-end products.
These semi-sweet chips are made with simple, natural ingredients and have a rich, indulgent taste that's not too bitter. Plus, with only 8 grams of sugar per tablespoon, you can indulge in guilt-free snacking or baking.
When cooked, these chips maintain their rich chocolatey flavor and melt into a perfectly gooey texture that elevates any baked treats to the next level. But don't be surprised if you find yourself snacking on it straight out of the bag because it's that good. We'd even recommend these chips for oatmeal, trail mix, and other chocolate dessert recipes.
Whole Foods 365 semi-sweet chocolate chips are a pantry staple you won't want to go without. The flavor isn't bold enough to make the top three, but if you're a Whole Foods shopper and need a quick and cheap treat, we definitely recommend these chocolatey chips.
3. Guittard
It looks like you've made it to the top three options on our chocolate chip list, and coming in at number three was a surprise for our taste buds. Let's dive into the delicious world of Guittard Semisweet Chocolate Baking Chips.
First off, let's talk about the brand's history. Guittard has been around since 1868, so you know it's doing something right. With a passion for crafting high-quality chocolate, it's been a go-to for professional bakers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. These all-natural chips have a mellow and smooth flavor that's a bit different from your usual semi-sweet chip but trust us, it's worth trying.
With 46% cacao, it's not too bitter or too sweet. And let's not forget about the texture. These babies melt perfectly and create a heavenly gooeyness in your baked goods. As for the nutritional profile, it's right on par with most other semi-sweet chips. Per tablespoon, you're looking at 70 calories and 8 grams of sugar. It's not necessarily healthy, but we all know that chocolate chips are more about pleasure than anything else.
At an average cost of under $6 a bag, these chips may not be the cheapest on the market, but it's definitely worth the splurge. Plus, you'll feel good knowing that you're supporting a company with a long history of chocolate-making expertise. So, there you have it — Guittard Semisweet Chocolate Baking Chips. Give it a try, and be prepared to up your chocolate chip cookie game.
2. Ghirardelli
The name alone for this one makes our taste buds tingle with anticipation. The Ghirardelli Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips are delicious. With a brand history that dates back to 1852, it's no surprise that it knows what it's doing when it comes to classic baking products.
These chips melt perfectly and have a rich and decadent flavor that is just irresistible. At only 70 calories per tablespoon, it won't break the calorie bank, but it is still a sweet and satisfying treat with 8 grams of sugar. Let's not forget the versatility of these chips. It comes in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, too, so you can mix and match these to create the perfect cookie or dessert.
Overall, Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips are a solid choice for any baking enthusiast looking for a reliable and delicious option. You'll enjoy a smooth taste and flavorful treat every time with this famous chocolate brand. Grab a bag at most big-name grocery stores, and bake up some delicious treats today.
1. Nestlé Tollhouse
Nestlé Tollhouse, the brand behind the origin of chocolate chips, reigns supreme in the world of baking. We tried to pick a new champion, but with over 80 years of experience under their belt, these chips are a classic and reliable choice for any cookie recipe. It features your average nutritional profile with 70 calories per tablespoon and 8 grams of sugar. These chips can be found anywhere, from grocery stores to convenience shops, ringing in at under $4 a bag, you can't go wrong.
But let's be real, we all know the real magic happens when these chips are baked to perfection in the Nestlé Tollhouse recipe. Their semi-sweet taste has a slight bitterness when eaten alone, but when combined with cookie dough, it transforms into a symphony of sweet and decadent flavors that will make your taste buds operatic.
Something to keep in mind is that these chips come in various sizes and flavors with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter, and white chocolate variations for all your baking needs. Next time you're in the baking aisle, grab a bag of these timeless treats and take a trip down memory lane. You'll never be disappointed with this iconic brand, and neither will your friends and family.