Best chocolate overall. L.A. Burdick *Est. $28
Best gourmet chocolate for connoisseurs. Recchiuti Confections *Est. $83
Best American-style chocolate candy. Bridgewater Chocolate *Est. $35
Best caramels. Frans Chocolates *Est. $48
Best truffles. Candinas *Est. $33
Budget chocolate candy. Fannie May *Est. $23

See All Chocolate

Bridgewater Chocolate

*Est. $35 for 20 pieces

Best American-style chocolate candy.

Better quality than mass-market brands
Good variety in each box
Shipping starts at a reasonable $9
Chocolates packaged in hinged wooden boxes tied with red or American-flag ribbon

Unexceptional flavors

Our Analysis

All the reviews we read concur: Bridgewater's traditional turtles, peanut-butter patties, chocolate-covered pretzels and toffees are reminiscent of popular candies -- only better. They're also said to be far superior to supermarket candies in quality. Critics say that the hinged wooden gift boxes, which come topped with real ribbons, are sturdy and handsome. Reviewers find that Bridgewater chocolates are an excellent choice for those who prefer traditional, homestyle chocolate candies.

NPR.org and USA Today are the only two publications to have reviewed Bridgewater chocolates. We appreciate amateur reviewer Eric Postpischil's attention to these chocolates' price per pound. The Washington Post did not include tasting notes in its review.

Where To Buy

Order direct from
Bridgewater Chocolate

Our Sources

1. USA Today Magazine

Shawn Sell and Tish Boyle, editor in chief of Chocolatier magazine, pick 10 of the best "boutique chocolates." She describes Bridgewater as "classic, American-style knock-your-socks-off" chocolate.

Review: Ten Great Places to Buy Mom the Very Best Chocolate, Shawn Sell, May 5, 2005

2. NPR

Melody Joy Kramer and a panel of NPR staffers blind-test 30 brands of boxed chocolate. Although Bridgewater chocolates don't make the list of top picks, testers say the familiar flavors are a good value.

Review: A Bittersweet Guide to the Best V-Day Chocolate, Melody Joy Kramer, Feb. 5, 2007

3. Eric's Site

Software engineer Eric Postpischil has posted reviews of more than 90 chocolate purveyors on his blog. He says that while not all of Bridgewater's chocolates impressed him, they are clearly prepared with care and attention. He liked the peanut butter chocolates and the Irish and almond toffees.

Review: Review of Bridgewater Chocolate, Eric Postpischil

4. The Washington Post

Although we're glad that Erin Hartigan provides shipping costs along with the chocolate prices, her chocolate reviews are brief. Though she praises the "elegant offerings" of Bridgewater Chocolate, she says nothing about their taste, except that the company "excels at the familiar."

Review: Taste Test: Valentine's Day Chocolates by Mail, Erin Hartigan