Frans Chocolates

According to reviewers, Fran's Chocolates is the original and best purveyor of caramels -- salted chocolate-covered caramels, to be exact. Reviewers say that a sprinkling of plain or smoked French sea salt takes ultra-rich caramel and dark chocolate to new heights and adds a welcome crunch. Reviews add that these confections, which come in a dark box with a satin bow, will appeal to caramel fans and those who like sweet/salty combinations. The company's chocolate truffles also earn praise from reviewers who say that they are rich yet light in texture, and sweet but not overly so.

Cook's Illustrated, Serious Eats and NPR.org have all published reviews of Fran's Chocolates. Of these, only Cook's Illustrated describes the packaging. In general, we wish boxed-chocolate reviewers paid more attention to shipping costs, packaging, per-pound prices and customer service.