Confiserie Sprungli: Masters of Chocolate in the Swiss Tradition
This building at Bahnhofstrasse 21 in Zurich is the original manufacturing plant and headquarters for Confiserie Sprüngli. It also has a retail shop and cafe.
Confiserie Sprüngli has been making incredible Swiss chocolate in Zurich since 1836. Not to be confused with Lindt & Sprüngli, a branch of the Sprüngli family that separated from the original chocolate-making group in 1845 to create their own brand and are best known in North America for their Lindt Excellence chocolate bars and Lindor brand truffles.
Exploring the shops of Sprüngli in Zurich is so much fun. Our host made sure we taste-tested every Sprüngli specialty.
confiserie sprüngli offers the ultimate swiss chocolate experience
Confiserie Sprüngli specializes in the exquisiteness of silky smooth chocolate in the Swiss tradition and in a truly elegant style that is second to none. My first visit to a Sprüngli shop in Zurich in 2009 sent my taste buds to the moon! We were greeted by Mrs. Howald (above), a beautiful blonde who took my friend and me through all the different Sprüngli offerings in a journey of joy.
Sprüngli shops are filled with dazzling colour, tantalizing smells of chocolate, and a wide range of delicious chocolate products plus these adorable miniature macarons called Luxemburgerli.
Limited edition Cru Sauvage and Grand Cru truffles of various origins made from fresh cream, cocoa, and sugar with no additives or preservatives mean you are getting the finest flavour and an end product only the Swiss can master. These fresh chocolates are meant to be eaten quickly, with just a 2-3 week shelf-life for optimum flavour and texture.
Sprüngli is also known for its tiny macarons called Luxemburgerli, its playful and elegant seasonal packaging, and its delicious hot chocolate made from 70% cocoa. Products with a longer shelf-life like the bags of hot chocolate mix, cookies, and pralines can be shipped worldwide via Sprüngli’s online store.
The Sprungli Cuba collection of artisan truffles features Gran Cru cocoa from Baracoa, Cuba, and other ingredients such as coconut, tropical fruits, rum, and dulce de leche.
Fast forward to 2016, when I was last in Zurich, and happened upon the Sprüngli shop in the Airport Centre of Zurich International Airport. I was thrilled to be able to sample Sprüngli’s newest offerings. The CUBA Auténtica Collección De Trufas Gran Cru consists of four fantastic truffles featuring cocoa grown in the Baracoa region of Cuba blended with other Cuban specialities like Cuban rum, coconut, tropical fruit, and dulce de leche (caramel). I’m not shy in telling you that the Dulce de Leche truffle made of 40% milk chocolate and caramel is chocogasmic.
Sprungli Hay Milk Chocolate Bars are made with cow’s milk from cows exclusively fed this special hay. Each chocolate bar is housed in colourful cardboard packaging bearing the name of one of the cows.
I really like the white chocolate Fiona bar that features cocoa butter from the Dominican Republic, dried apricots, pistachios, and almonds. There are two milk chocolate bars featuring cocoa from the Beni region of Bolivia: the Alma bar with crunchy roasted hazelnuts is absolutely delightful.
Sprungli’s milk chocolate Alma bar featuring whole roasted almonds is the ultimate for a nut lover like me.
Sprüngli has its cocoa processed by Felchin of Schwyz, Switzerland, one of the top cocoa processors in the world. Felchin works directly with the cacao farmers of the various origins to ensure the cocoa beans are fermented and dried to maximize the flavour notes of the beans–which are processed to specification and then sent to Sprüngli to be made into its different chocolate creations.
If you love super creamy chocolate with a high level of excellence and sophistication, you can’t beat Swiss-made chocolate. And among Swiss chocolatiers, Confiserie Sprüngli is one of the best. It is a large company at approximately 1,000 employees involved in sales, administration, and production, of which 100 are experts in the art of chocolate making.
There are more than 30 locations throughout Switzerland where you can purchase Sprüngli chocolates, plus a location in Dubai, in the UAE. No surprise, as the Emirates really know excellence in any type of product, and I’m sure they are enjoying the various Sprüngli creations as I do.
Have you tried Sprüngli chocolate? Please share your impressions of this post, of Sprüngli, or Swiss chocolate in general. I love hearing from you. Just so you know, the very svelte Mrs. Howald confesses to eating a good helping of chocolate each and every day. 🙂
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As a Dominican very proud of the Fiona Sprungli white chocolate quality…the best.
This was a very enjoyable read, Doreen – Sprüngli chocolates sounds delicious! It was great to hear about those specialties made with Cuba/Baracoa cacao – they sound delicious! We look forward to more in your chocolate/travel series.
Thanks so much for your comment. I am really encouraged by the quality of Cuban cocoa I have tasted from companies like Sprungli and Pralus and really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to visiting Baracoa and seeing the farms where the cacao is grown.
Hi Doreen, I loved the descriptions. The wide variety of chocolates available like the amla and coconut excite us more than the usual ones. Thanks for the information.
I love Swiss chocolate. There are many fantastic brands. Especially Sprungli!
Grew up with Swiss chocolate and there are so many fantastic brands. Not least of all Sprungli. Happy New Year!
Doreen — Is Sprüngli chocolate sold in the U.S.? I didn’t see that in your post. Would love to taste a piece — or two!
Hi Jeannette. They ship the bars, cookies, and hot chocolate mix worldwide via their website. Let me know if you order. I’ve had very good results with their shipping practices.
Who doesn’t love this chocolate. Lovely blends and a very smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture. Impressive.
Thanks for your comment, Janet. I know that you are quite the chocolate connoisseur, so appreciate your comments on Sprungli. They are one of my favourites, too. 🙂
When we visited Zurich I remember visiting the store and almost drooling at the chocolate available. Thank you for refreshing my memories now if only I had some chocolate to enjoy right now
Thanks for your comment, Michele. Yes, Sprungli can be found in many locations throughout Switzerland. The good thing to note is that they also ship things like chocolate bars, hot chocolate & cookies worldwide.
Now I want to go to Zurich just so I can taste this chocolate. I will make sure to find their airport location if I ever pass thorugh
Hi Rose. Yes, it’s pretty cool when there are fabulous shops to visit at airport locations while we wait for our flights. I’ve made quite a few great discoveries that way. Thx for stopping by.
Every time I read one of your posts I learn more about chocolate. I’m not familiar with this brand. Now I’m off to find it. Sounds and looks like one that’s well worth trying. Thanks, Doreen!
Thx for the super compliment, Sue. I’m happy to be educating you about the world of chocolate, and do hope that you will give Sprungli a try. Please let me know if you do. 🙂
I’ve never tried Sprungli, but it sounds interesting, indeed. My favorite chocolate, I believe is Belgian, but right behind that is Swiss.
Hi Doreen, Happy New Year and thanks for this post. I haven’t ever tried Sprungli chocolate but would definitely love to do that! I wish your 2018 to be as sweet and tasty as your blog!
Thx so much for your comment, Kristina. I’m thrilled that you enjoy my blog. Happy New Year to you, too! 🙂
I kind of hate reading about chocolate because it makes me so hungry for it. And I currently don’t have any around the house. I’ll have to remedy that tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up on Cuban chocolate, btw. I’m headed there in March and will have to search it out.
Hi Tom. Cuba does not make this kind of quality chocolate. The chocolate in the post is made in Switzerland from Cuban beans. To date, I’ve not yet found Cuban-made chocolate that has the smooth texture that I like. It is usually gritty and not that much fun to eat. But enjoy Cuba. It is great!
Well, my actual favorite chocolate is from Ecuador, so I’ll just have to stick to the rum in Cuba.
Hey, Tom. What is your favourite chocolate? Might it be Pacari? They are Ecuadorian, widely available, and terrific. Please see my post at https://chocolatour.net/pacari-is-king-of-ecuadorian-chocolate/ and share your thoughts there. Thanks!
I had the coconut with fruit infused and it was decadent! The combination of banana and lime had me guessing what the flavour was. I also tried the white chocolate and even though it was not as fragrant as the dark chocolate, I did like the creamy/melt in mouth texture. Thanks for the New Years treat!
You are so very welcome, Cathy! I love sharing fine chocolate with great friends. Come again anytime. And if you can, please get me a bar of Bahamas-made chocolate. The one I am itching to try is from Graycliff Chocolatier, produced in Nassau at the Graycliff Hotel. 🙂
Another tasty chocolate that’s brand new to me. I love the descriptions–adds to the enticement, Doreen.
Thanks so much, Rose. Believe it or not, I am eating one of those Sprungli CUBA truffles right now and still hitting that chocogasmic milestone. SO delish. 🙂 I hope that at some point, you will get to taste some for yourself.
So that Dulce de Leche truffle? All I can say is, I’ll have what she’s having!!
Your comment brought a great big smile to my face. Thanks, Cindy! 🙂
I still find this so fascinating, a country like Switzerland, becomes a master of making, and known for, chocolate. And the nuts for the chocolate cannot grow there, but originated from areas half way across the world.
Hi William. I think they are using Italian hazelnuts for the hay milk bars. So not too far from Switzerland. But, yes. The world is fortunate that the Swiss have perfected the art of chocolate making, and that chocolate companies around the world choose to use Swiss-made couverture to create their individualized chocolates. It is second-to-none in the realm of milk chocolate.
Are you sure you didn’t make up that thing about the short shelf life as an excuse for eating them quickly? 🙂 What a fun visit you must have had. I’m going to be on the lookout for Sprungli chocolate!
It’s definitely true, Irene! Would I lie to you? Fresh chocolate containing cream does indeed have a very short shelf life. So eat and enjoy!
I was treated to the hay milk chocolate with hazelnuts. The idea of smelling the chocolate before tasting, followed by letting it melt in your mouth, really enhances the ingredients.
Hey, Adam. Thx so much for stopping by to comment. You will find that by eating your chocolate slowly, you will develop a greater appreciation for it. Just like with enjoying a fine glass of wine. You sip, and not slug, right? ❤️
Familiar with Lindt but not Sprungli. That being said, I will be watching for this brand in my travels. I seldom resist a good chocolate. Happy New Year!
Right on, Nancie! Me, too. Am a bloodhound for good chocolate. All the best to you for 2018.
I will certainly seek out Sprungli!! And thank you!! Happy New Year and safe travels to you too!!
Your descriptions make my mouth water for a piece of Confiserie Sprüngli chocolate!! I hope to get to Switzerland this year and you bet I will be looking for this decadent treat!
Hi Marilyn. I’m glad my posts are having an effect on you. 🙂 If you’re going to Switzerland, it is very likely you will be passing the Zurich, so do seek out Sprungli. The list of locations is on their site. Happy New Year and safe travels.
I’ve never tried Sprungli chocolate, but certainly will if I ever get the opportunity. In the meantime, I love your word “chocogasmic”! And that Dulce de Leche truffle sounds exactly that!
Hi Rachel and Happy New Year! I talk about chocogasms in the Health Benefits chapter of volume I of Chocolatour. Enjoy! 🙂
I was in Zurich a couple of years ago but I was too busy eating the cheese to try the chocolate. Perhaps next time – it sounds as if Sprüngli have got some fabulous flavours.
I hear you, Karen. Swiss cheese is definitely delish, too. But the chocolate is AMAZING throughout the country. Cheers, and Happy New Year to you! 🙂
Happy New Year Doreen!
I have never knowingly tasted Sprungli chocolate but have tasted other Swiss chocolate.
I love the way the chocolates are displayed in the Sprungli store. I could stand and select the chocolates for hours. I am happy to try without knowing the centres – it makes it all the more fun!
Hi Phoenicia. Believe me. A visit to a Sprungli shop is a chocolate lover’s dream. They are works of art, and a truly decadent treat. Happy New Year to you! 🙂
I have not had Swiss chocolate except for Lindt. You describe these as ultimate artisan chocolates. I can’t wait to sample more of them. Where in the US are they available? Am not going to Europe anytime soon.
Hi Carol. As I mention in the post, Confiserie Sprungli delivers some of their products worldwide via their website. Give it a try!
Hi Doreen – Being dutch I love the dutch chocolate – it’s wonderful with a cup of tea – but I know I would like this Swiss chocolate too since it’s creamy and smooth. Enjoyed the part of the packaging having the cows’ name.
There were two things I learned that I didn’t know before:
1. That the cocoa used is processed offsite and
2. That there is such a demand for Swiss chocolate that one business can have 1000 employees – pretty impressive.
Lenie, so great to welcome u back to Chocolatour! Dutch-made chocolate is certainly good. But the Swiss are experts at what they do. I hope you get to try Sprungli chocolate sometime soon. Happy New Year!
I always want to talk about chocolate! And I’d love to try the “Dulce de Leche truffle made of 40% milk chocolate and caramel is chocogasmic.” My favorites are milk chocolate, milk chocolate with caramel, and white chocolate. OMG, I wish I had some in my mouth right now!
Carole, based on what you have said, you would love Sprungli chocolate. I hope u get to try some soon. Happy New Year!
Hi Doreen, Thanks for this post. I haven’t ever tried Sprungli chocolate (to my knowledge at least) but we are in Austria next month so I’ll keep an eye out for it then, I expect it will be available there. I love the sound of the mini macarons! Monika
Hi, Monika. In Austria, put your focus on Zotter. They make fantastic chocolate under they own name as well as the Labooko brand.
We love chocolate, and always look for local chocolatiers when visiting new destinations. The Cuban chocolates look to be a great find, and something we will have to keep an eye peeled for in the future. Thanks for the delightful look inside of Sprungli Chocolates. Safe travels!
Thx for your comment. We chocolate lovers will always find great chocolate wherever we travel. All the best to you for 2018. 🙂
Grew up with Swiss chocolate and there are so many fantastic brands. Not least of all Sprungli. Happy New Year!
Hi Catarina and Happy New Year to you, too! Yes, Sprungli is just one of many fantastic Swiss chocolate brands. They are noteworthy as they do everything well. Single origin and specialty bars, truffles and pralines. All top notch!
Oh wow, Doreen ! These sound wonderful; especially the Cuba Auténtica. I remember some of your descriptions of your travels in Switzerland. It would be a marvelous trip. Thank you for sharing your experiences, opinions and expertise
May your New Year be filled with opportunities for chocolate travel.
Thx so much for your kind words, Linda. Yes, Switzerland is definitely one of the world’s finest chocolate destinations. Am definitely looking forward to resuming my travels in 2018. The last five months during which I have been grounded have been most difficult. All the best to you for a happy and healthy 2018. 🙂
I’ve never tried Sprungli, but it sounds interesting, indeed. My favorite chocolate, I believe is Belgian, but right behind that is Swiss.
Hi Linda and Happy New Year! You’ll have to get yourself some Swiss chocolate to try as it really is fantastic. enjoy!
That was such a great day in Zurich, Doreen! I will always be proud and happy to have been your companion on the inaugural Chocolatour journey.
Happy new year, with love and chocolate,
Kathe
Thanks so much, Kathe. Hope to see you again soon! 🙂 Wishing you a happy and healthy 2018. 🙂