zChocolat: exquisite gift chocolates created in the French tradition

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a Special Collection from zChocolat!

If you’re a serious chocolate lover and also love dragons, you’ll love the special edition Chinese New Year collection offered by zChocolat this year! Ours came in a beautifully crafted wooden box crafted from the wood of a chestnut tree, and adorned with an etch of a wood dragon, the 2024 symbol for this year’s Lunar New Year. The box also features a few Chinese coins thrown in for good luck.

zChocolat-chinese-new-year

The Divine Dragon’s Delights (coded as the CNY Chameleon on the site) is a limited edition 30-piece collection of delicious zChocolate chocolates. The chestnut wood box is a great collector’s item and the incredible flavours of each chocolate will stay in your memory forever.

The aptly titled the “Divine Dragon’s Delights” features a captivating collection of pralines (chocolates made with nuts) and ganaches (pure creamy chocolate with various flavour enhancements.) There are 26 different flavours in this beautiful small box, and zChocolat recommends consuming them within two weeks of the delivery to ensure you’re eating the chocolate at its optimum state.  

If you’ve not yet had the opportunity to enjoy zChocolat, do read the rest of this post and then treat yourself or a loved one to some very special French-made, world class luxury gift chocolate. It’s the next best thing to being able to experience chocolate travel on an experiential level.

zchocolat-chocolate

I was fortunate to discover zChocolat back in 2011, and happy to include it in volume I of Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate. I was so impressed with the taste and presentation, I awarded the French chocolatier two awards in my book: “Most Simply Elegant” and “Best Online Chocolate Experience.” If you visit the website of zChocolat, you will see why.

zchocolat

In addition to its chocolate creations, zChocolat also makes some incredible confections such as Callisons (upper left, made from almond paste, orange zest and candied cantaloupe), natural fruit jellies, and nougat made with almonds and lavender honey.

Every step of the zChocolat experience is described in detail online. You get to meet the cocoa expert who sources their beans, the Master Chocolatier who creates the chocolate recipes, the customer service team and the Founder, whose vision was to create the finest chocolate in the world to impress the woman he loved. And that he did in November, 1999, when zChocolat was launched, and the lady in question agreed to be Jean-Philippe Khodara’s wife.

Video: Jean-Philippe Khodara, CEO and Founder of zChocolat speaks about his company 

zChocolat is sophisticated and elegant chocolate

zChocolat pays strict attention to French tradition in its chocolate making. No alcohol or preservatives are used. That means the fresh chocolates only have a shelf-life of two weeks. The high cocoa content couverture is blended with a small amount of sugar, and 100% pure cocoa butter to add that decadent creaminess to the chocolate. I had originally thought this to be high calorie chocolate as I didn’t understand the European kcal listing they have on the box. But after further investigation, have found that each of the signature dark chocolates has roughly 50 calories, with slightly more for the milk and white chocolate pieces. Not bad, for a little piece of heaven!

zchocolat

experience flavours of the world through zChocolat

zChocolat uses cocoa from Venezuela, South America, and Madagascar, Africa, for its 70% dark chocolate, cocoa from Ivory Coast, Africa, for its 40% milk chocolate, and sources additional premium ingredients like California almonds, hazelnuts from northern Italy, Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar, Africa, and roses and lavender from the South of France to create its signature flavours.

Self-described as “luxury French chocolates,” zChocolat is the kind of chocolate you eat when you want to taste the silkiness and elegance of french-style chocolate–which is unique unto itself. It is not to be compared with bean-to-bar chocolate, which is fabulous in its own way. They are two different and distinct facets in the wonderful world of chocolate. One is not better than the other. They are both superb and meant for certain taste buds or occasions.

zchocolat

The wooden box pictured here is from the zChocolat 2017 Holiday Collection. Alongside it, is the linen pouch that the box arrives in, and the booklet that describes the flavour of each individual chocolate.

The packaging and presentation you experience with zChocolat is what sets them apart from everyone else when it comes to gift chocolate. The chocolate arrives in a temperature controlled transit box. Inside that, is a linen pouch. In its pocket, is a personalized message. Inside the pouch is a handcrafted box made of red mahogany wood. And on that wooden box, is a brass plate engraved with the recipient’s name, date, or occasion. It truly is an incredible experience to receive this gift of chocolate that has come all the way from Aix-en-Provence, a small French city in the South of France.

zChocolat

zChocolat’s Signature Collection is continuing to evolve and includes 70% dark chocolate from Venezuela, 40% milk chocolate from the Ivory Coast, white chocolate and exotic infusions that include lavender and roses from the South of France.

One of the newer additions to the zChocolat family is the zBar, that comes in both dark and milk chocolate. Each bar comes in a chic plastic tube and is made with hazelnuts, almonds, and a nice biscuit for crunch. I liked it, and it clocks in at about 250 calories for the five piece-bar.

z-chocolat

zChocolat makes a signature chocolate bar known as the zBar, available in both dark and milk chocolate.

zChocolat is created in the south of France

When I was in Aix-en-Provence in 2009, I wasn’t even aware that zChocolat existed, so I didn’t get to their original factory. Unfortunately, that factory was destroyed by a catastrophic fire in 2021. Rising like a phoenix out of the ashes, zChocolat very quickly constructed a new facility and has made themselves better than ever! 

zChocolat

Aix-en-Provence is the former capital of its region, but is now more of a chic artistic destination for culture lovers who want to avoid the crowds of Paris. I enjoyed exploring its historic centre founded by the Romans in 123 BC.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to France in able to enjoy zChocolat. They deliver worldwide, and boast that more than 97% of their orders are delivered on time and as promised, with a very tiny percentage that get delayed for circumstances beyond their control. zChocolat currently has a retail shop in Dubai with plans to open shops in other locations.

Next day delivery is available in Europe and New York State. Delivery pretty much anywhere else is in the world is executed by DHL Express and promised within six days of placing your order online.

The cost of zChocolat is high, but the quality and service is unsurpassed. And this is chocolate with a profound social conscience. zChocolat places a strong emphasis on providing a positive work environment for its team (employees), a respectful relationship with the cacao growers who grow the cacao that is made into its delectable chocolates, and as well, runs a donation project that delivers 40,000 chocolates each year as a gift to patients of hospitals in New York, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE–the countries where zChocolat has a presence.  

Please consider giving yourself the gift of personalized chocolate, or impress a business associate or someone you love with zChocolat. The feeling, texture, and flavour of each chocolate will stay with you long after the box is empty, and that beautiful personalized wooden box will last forever. I invite you to use this special link to acknowledge that you’re a friend of Chocolatour. Thanks and enjoy!

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Doreen Pendgracs

Known throughout the Web as the "Wizard of Words", I've been a freelance writer since 1993. I researched and wrote Volume I of Chocolatour that won a Readers' favourite Award in 2014. Always enjoy experiencing new destinations and flavours.

68 Responses

  1. What a grand site. Everything looks delicious and the packaging is elegant.
    It happens that I’m a Dragon sign. So, I guess this year will be a wonderful one.

    • Hi Allen & thx so much for your comment. Yes, zChocolat is quite amazing. They really use technology to highlight every step of their process & they continually are enhancing their creative offerings. I bet 2024 will bring you many wonderful experiences. Happy to be part of that journey.

  2. Margaret Anne Fehr says:

    What a wonderful description of this brand of chocolate, Doreen. It verges on art considering the ingredients, packaging and passionate motivation that created it. I was in the south of France in October and would happily visited Aix-en-Provence if I had known about it. I’d love to go back and zChocolat would be top of my list! _

  3. Janet May-Hewson says:

    Such beautiful presentation! Definitely will try!

  4. Frances Petrowski says:

    Great article Doreen on zChocolat. They seem to have captured a unique niche market with this exotic chocolate. I think it helps their market by suggesting to consume it within two weeks. To me, it gives the impression that they make such a fresh product that it should be consumed while fresh. I’m also impressed how they source the chocolate from different areas for the different kinds of chocolates- dark vs milk. Very informative article. Hoping my hubby will surprise me with a Valentines gift from zChocolat.

  5. Pat says:

    The chocolates look mouth watering. Love the packaging . Wonder what they have planned for the summer Olympics.

    • Hi, Pat and thx for your comment. Yes, I must admit that every time I taste zChocolat, I realize how superior their chocolate is to most other brands. The flavours, texture, and fact that the chocolate is socially responsible makes it well worth the premium price tag. they do a lot of special occasion stuff, so perhaps they will indeed do something special in celebration of the Paris Olympics. Stay tuned!

  6. Kim Lawrence says:

    Well without question the best chocolate that I have ever tasted. The flavours explode in your mouth and you know right away what the flavour is.

    • Thx so much for your comment, Kim! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the zChocolat Lunar New Year collection. I agree with you that the flavours they create are intense & unforgettable. Everyone should have the opportunity to try these incredible chocolates.

  7. brainlinx says:

    As a chocolate aficionado, this would be an ultimate treat for me. This is what I call luxury in a box. Even though I haven’t been to Aix-en-Provence yet, these chocolates will bring me a piece of France closer. This is, in fact, an awesome personalized gift idea for the upcoming holidays, Doreen.

  8. These chocolates look and sound glorious! And I love the description of how it’s packaged–that’s like getting a super gift all for yourself!

  9. Beverly says:

    As always, your photographs are wonderful. The marketing and packaging of the chocolate is impressive.

  10. I ask the forgiveness of all my readers, as I was wrong about the high calories content of zChocolat. I was confused by the “kcals” listed on the packaging. But I have been advised that each dark chocolate piece clocks in at about 50 calories and each zBar at about 250 calories for a 5-piece bar. I’ve updated the original post to reflect this new information. Thanks, and enjoy!

  11. Evan Maclean says:

    What a Chocolate. I want to gift this Chocolate to my girl friend. She very much loves Chocolate. Can you tell me where I can find this as I want to buy some. Thanks for share you beautiful post.

  12. Bola says:

    Would love to have some of these exquisite chocolate especially the Nougat my favourite.

  13. Nice i am indian where to bey this awsom choclete

  14. 430 to 575 calories in one chocolate? But worth every calorie it sounds. zchocolate sounds like a real treat

  15. Tuhin says:

    Wow I need some right now..lol!
    I like learning about exciting and creative stuffs people do around the world.
    These chocolates are perfect for any occasion (the only concern is the calorie count though).

  16. Jo Castro says:

    What a wonderful product ZChocolat is. I would love to receive exquisite gift chocolates created in the French tradition, and I think this would make a lovely gift too for family and friends overseas this Christmas.

  17. Such an elaborate packaging system–I’d feel like a queen if it arrived on my doorstep. Then I’d probably hoard it all to myself!

  18. So beautiful and so decadent. What a gorgeous Christmas gift this would make to a chocolate lover, but they definitely need to come with a warning about the calorie count. 🙂

  19. That’s a lot of calories per chocolate – I’d certainly like to have this information before consuming a whole boxful!

  20. Debbie Aitkenhead says:

    Very luxurious rich tasting chocolate. Would love to eat them everyday! Will have to check out their website.

  21. Jeri says:

    This zChocolat post makes me think I need a lot more gifted chocolate in my life! Interesting to note that fresh chocolate only has a two-week shelf life as well.

    • Hi Jeri. Yes, so often people think they’re going to save their fresh chocolates and eat them slowly. Unfortunately, chocolates of this type often have a 1-3-week optimum shelf life. So you just have into indulge and eat them, or share them so that they don’t get stale. Cheers, and Happy Holidays!

  22. Carol Colborn says:

    Wow, this is the utmost luxury in chocolates that everyone special must experience at least once in their lives. I hope my husband is listening! I would love to receive it as a gift!

  23. Love the elegant and luxury aspect of these chocolates. Although they deliver, I would like to visit personally and pick up the exquisite sweets.

    • Charles, the special form of delivery is actually part of the appeal. zChocolat has mastered the art of delivery. I didn’t show it in the post, but the chocolates actually arrive in a special carton created especially to get the chocolates to their destination in perfect condition. It’s quite the drama to open that external casing, only to discover the personalized creation inside.

  24. You had me salivating for zChocolat….cost and calories don’t seem lie barriers:-)

  25. zChocolat sounds truly diving – a perfect special occasion indulgence.

  26. Fascinating Doreen. I can say with complete honesty almost everything I know about chocolate I learned from you! I’ve made a note of this brand to keep in mind for any future special gifts. Thanks!

  27. Wow, Doreen, what an exquisite chocolate experience you have brought us! It sounds like eating a zChocolat would be the perfect reward for doing something phenomenal.

  28. Pamm says:

    I sent a box of these chocolates to my Mom. When they arrived, She gave me a running commentary of each step of the unveiling. This company is more than they say they are! You hear about their attention to detail, but to experience it, is unbelievable. Such a treat for my Mom. Absolutely extraordinary.

  29. zChocolat looks like an extravagant enjoyment. We love visiting chocolatiers, and this one looks like a perfect spot for some refined delicacies. thanks for sharing the article, and the wonderful pictures.

    • Hi Crystal and thanks for your comment. zChocolat has built their company based on being a mail-order chocolate company. They are not so much about the personal visit, although that is slowly changing. With one retail shop in Dubai, and other locales in the works, I think we will soon see more of zChocolat.

  30. As a chocolate aficionado, this would be an ultimate treat for me. This is what I call luxury in a box. Even though I haven’t been to Aix-en-Provence yet, these chocolates will bring me a piece of France closer. This is, in fact, an awesome personalized gift idea for the upcoming holidays, Doreen. Thanks for making my mouth watering and giving a unique gift idea.

  31. Phoenicia says:

    Luxury chocolates are right up my street! Totally flabbergasted that one truffle could be as much as 600+ calories which is the equivalent to a dessert. It would be difficult for me to eat only one truffle. I would assume the chocolates are rich so you would only need two or three before feeling a little ill.

  32. Janet says:

    Hi Doreen. I had the luxury of trying these chocolates and each one I had was so amazingly smooth. I found the blending of tastes impressive. Absolutely one of my favourites to date.
    Jan

  33. Linda Strange says:

    Wonderful ! A beautifully written, informative piece on what appears to be an outstanding product. It makes me yearn for one piece of everything they produce .

  34. Wow, does that ever sound good. Their chocolates would indeed make a great present for any chocolate lover

  35. This is such an interesting article Doreen. I honestly have never read about “luxury French chocolates” before. The thought of consuming that many calories in one piece of chocolate does make me cringe a little but the experience of receiving that mahogany box and the presentation would certainly displace any concerns I have. Then again, I’m pretty sure I’ll never be the recipient of such a treat.

    The thing what stands out to me as I read this is how well this product has been marketed. The packaging you describe definitely reflects their niche target market. Thanks for such an entertaining read on this rainy Sunday morning!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge