The Most Popular Chocolate Brand for Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day draws nearer, every brand is battling for the title of best chocolatier. Ghirardelli is definitely in the running with the return of White Chocolate Creme Brulee Squares, and Hershey isn’t far behind with its Lava Cake Kisses. But when it comes to the most popular chocolate, there’s one clear winner.

SEMrush, a company that provides data trends, analyzed Google searches to determine everyone’s favorite Valentine’s Day chocolate. And believe it or not, neither Ghirardelli nor Hershey claimed the top spot.

Valentine’s Day Belongs To…

Based on Google search volume, and with all bias aside, Lindt took the prize as the most popular chocolate brand. You won’t hear any complaining from us—we’re big fans. Lindt even dropped some new Valentine’s Day candy for the most romantic day of the year, its decadent Dark Strawberry Lindor Truffles.

Of course, there were a few runners-up. SEMrush pulled the top ten most-searched-for chocolates, and these brands held up almost as well:

2. Godiva
3. Ghirardelli
4. Hershey
5. Dove
6. Ferrero
7. Neuhaus
8. Russell Stover
9. Nestle
10. Palmer

Of course, Valentine’s Day is made for indulging in more than one kind of chocolate. Ghirardelli was our go-to during our chocolate taste test, but Lindt is the brand we just can’t turn down.

Gift Your Valentine This Year’s #1 Chocolate

Not only did Lindt win our hearts, but it’s also one of the best-value Valentine’s Day chocolate gifts if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect way to say “I love you.” That said, you can also make a sweet gift straight from the heart with our best homemade Valentine’s Day chocolates.

Celebrate the romantic holiday with a mash-up of Lindor truffles and made-from-scratch chocolates—we know we will!

Want to Fill up on Some V-Day Candy? Try These Homemade Recipes

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Saltine Toffee Bark Everyone loves these salty-sweet treasures—their flavor is simply irresistible. The bark is like brittle, but better. Get ready for a new family favorite! —Laura Cox, Brewster, Massachusetts Go to Recipe

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Champagne TrufflesWho can resist champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

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Chocolate-Covered PretzelsThese chocolate-covered pretzels came from my grandma, who loves to make candy and treats for my students. I have followed in her footsteps and make these for people at work and for other family members. —Aimee Worth, Fair Oaks, California

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Take a look at these other Valentine's Day desserts.

Pretzel Strawberry BarkThis strawberry bark recipe is my candy take on the classic Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. It uses ruby chocolate, which is fairly new on the market. If you can't find it, you can substitute white chocolate in its place. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

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Strawberry TrufflesThe ever-popular combination of strawberries and chocolate shines in these rich, decadent strawberry truffles. I often double the recipe to give as gifts. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

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Quick & Easy GumdropsThese homemade candies are softer than store-bought. They've got that classic, fun appeal that people really love. —Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Homemade Peanut Butter CupsI like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota

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Candy Pizza HeartI found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed a few ingredients to suit my family's taste. My children really enjoy this candy pizza. Get the kids to help you spread the toppings. —Becky Thesman, Enid, Oklahoma

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Chocolate-Covered Pomegranate SeedsI dunk pomegranate seeds in chocolate to get these easy little treats friends and family love. —Jim Javorsky, Havre de Grace, Maryland

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Chocolate-Covered Coffee BeansTwo terrific flavors—coffee and chocolate—come together in this mouthwatering recipe from our Test Kitchen. Learn how to make chocolate-covered coffee beans to enjoy as a snack or use as a topping on your favorite mocha desserts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Cherry Swirl FudgeFor festive fudge with a new "twist," give this confection a whirl! We used vanilla chips instead of chocolate ones and added sweet cherry flavoring. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Coconut Creme ChocolatesI'm a proud wife, mom of three and grandma of many. I've cooked many things over the years, including these marshmallowy chocolates. —Dolores Wilder, Texas City, Texas

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Caramel Pretzel BitesI created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Dark Chocolate Bourbon BallsRemember the days at Grandma and Grandpa's house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls—the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Chocolate Pomegranate CandiesThis recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York

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Perfect Peppermint PattiesCalling for just a few ingredients, this is one candy that's simple to prepare. I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It's time consuming, but worth it to see the delight it brings to people. —Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine

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Marbled Orange FudgeThis decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee

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Chocolate TrufflesYou may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio

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White Chocolate TrufflesI use this white chocolate truffle recipe to make homemade holiday gifts. The candies are so easy to make and will look so pretty in a gift box. —Gloria Nolan, Peoria, Pennsylvania

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Bourbon Pecan PralinesLike authentic pecan pralines found in New Orleans, these treats are sweet, crunchy and rich! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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BuckeyesThese chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church's annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Black Cherry Swirl FudgeThis colorful treat is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth in any family! It's always been a favorite with my nine kids, eight grandkids and my Bible study group. I vary the soft-drink flavors to get colors that match other holidays during the year. —Pauletta Bushnell, Lebanon, Oregon

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Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel TrufflesSweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season. —Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois

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Coconut JoysIf you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma

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Salted Peanut RollsA Christmas gift of homemade candy is always a hit with sweet tooths. I dip these peanut rolls in chocolate, but they're yummy plain, too. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba

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Chocolate-Covered CherriesNot only is this my family's favorite festive dessert, but it makes a delicious holiday present, too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it's stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. —Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon

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Coffee Bean BarkChopped coffee beans add a yummy crunch to this pretty two-toned bark. Coffee lovers won’t be able to resist pieces of the chocolaty candy treat. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Creme de Menthe TrufflesI found this in a box of recipe clippings and decided to give them a whirl. I'm so glad I did! The minty flavor is perfect for Christmas. —Joe Mattes, Amana, Iowa

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Nutty Sticky Bun CandiesSave room on your holiday treat trays for these sweet and salty spirals. Oh, and hide some for yourself, too. They'll be in high demand! —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

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Nut Butter CupsMy indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Cashew ClustersI make this recipe for many bake sales at the local community college where I work. They are always the first to sell out. —Betsy Grantier, Charlottesville, Virginia

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Tiger Butter FudgeMy younger brother and I share a passion for candy making. This smooth and creamy tiger butter fudge is from a co-worker of mine. —Peg Kipp, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

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Contest-Winning Hazelnut ToffeeThis is one of my most-asked-for recipes. It's sweet and buttery with plenty of crunch. You could use dark, milk or even white chocolate and substitute almonds for the hazelnuts if you wish. —Joanne Simpson, Portland, Oregon

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