5 Must-Visit Chocolate Shops in Ann Arbor

Discover the best chocolate shops in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From artisanal truffles to handmade fudge, explore our curated guide to the most delectable chocolate destinations. Get ready for a sweet adventure.

Ann Arbor is renowned for its picturesque college campus, vibrant outdoor art fair, and trendy culinary scene, which features skilled chocolate makers and chocolatiers.

I have been a professional chocolatier for nearly 40 years and I never tire of sampling chocolates. Jim and I had a fantastic time exploring the city in search of the best chocolate shops.

From bean-to-bar pioneers to artisanal confectioners, these five chocolate shops represent the cream of the crop in Ann Arbor. Each chocolate shop brings something unique to the table, making Ann Arbor a true chocolate lover’s paradise!

Bon Bon Bon Chocolate

Upon entering the Bon Bon Bon Chocolate shop located at 5 Nickels Arcade, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I knew I was in for a unique treat.

The candy store and the chocolates are unlike any I’ve ever seen. The store is whimsical with a retro vibe, decorated with pink and turquoise hues.

There’s one long display case filled with rows of beautifully decorated, rectangle-shaped chocolates.

Unique flavor combinations

Each piece of candy features layers of fillings like chocolate ganache, gianduja, and candied Michigan cherries encased in a rectangular milk, dark, or white chocolate cup. Topped with nuts, caramelized sugar, and even edible flower petals, these chocolates offer truly unique flavor combinations.

We sampled six varieties, including the Lemon Bar None, PB & Jam, Cherry Lux, Crème Brûlée, Strawberry and Balsamic, and Dark Up.

Our favorite, PB & Jam, showcased a milk chocolate shell filled with strawberry confiture, honey-roasted peanut gianduja, and a single peanut on top. The flavor was nutty, and the texture creamy and smooth, with a delightful burst of fresh strawberry.

Instagram-worthy packaging

Each decadent chocolate is packaged in an individual box labeled with the name of the Bon Flavor and its list of fillings. I personally dislike biting into mystery chocolate, so this is a fantastic touch!

The little 6-piece carrying case was adorable! It would make a great gift.

Rotating seasonal menu

If you stop by the shop today, you’ll find 3 seasonal flavors to choose from. The day we stopped by, they were selling Sweet Corn and Salted Butter, Creamsicle, and Leo with layers of Lion’s Mane Caramel, Coffee Custard Ganache, and Safron Dust.

Special Occasion Chocolates

I recommend gifting these chocolates to your foodie friends and family members for special occasions.

Gilbert Chocolates

If you prefer traditional candy flavors, Gilbert Chocolates offers all the classics, including chocolate caramels, gels, creams, truffles, and more.

Handmade in their Jackson, Michigan store, their candy is also sold at their shop in Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor. We visited their factory store in Jackson, which features charming traditional decor.

Gilbert Chocolates has been a Michigan staple since 1893 and continues to use the recipes developed by John O. Gilbert over a century ago. While other chocolate shops chase the latest trends, they perfect the timeless recipes we all know and love.

Signature Chocolate Potato Chips, Caramels, Fruit Gels, and More

We sampled their signature chocolate-covered potato chips along with chocolate marshmallows, chocolate fruit gels, creams, turtles, and caramels and enjoyed them all.

Gilbert’s chocolate-dipped caramels come in two distinctive styles: a firm, honey-like version and a buttery-smooth traditional variety that melts in your mouth. We preferred the latter.

Fresh-Tasting Fruit Gels

The fruit gel chocolates stood out as a surprising choice. I’m not usually a fan, but unlike the artificial fruit flavors found in many mass-produced chocolates, Gilbert’s gel-filled pieces burst with fresh fruit flavor. Be sure to try their raspberry, lemon, or orange gels. They are wonderful.

Michigan Gift Boxes

Whether you live in Michigan or are visiting the area and looking for a gift to bring home with you, you’ll want to check out Gilbert’s selection of Michigan-themed gifts featuring a hand-crafted Michigan chocolate bar.

Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory Store

Tucked into the corner of a large warehouse-style complex, Zingerman’s Candy Store is just one of several must-visit food destinations on Plaza Drive in Ann Arbor. Step next door to find Zingerman’s Coffee Shop, Creamery, and Bakehouse – each offering its own tempting array of sweet treats.

For those with a serious sweet tooth, the candy store is a can’t-miss stop. It features Zingerman’s own signature candy bars alongside a curated selection of chocolates sourced from around the world. But don’t overlook the bakehouse – its pastries are equally worthy of your attention and appetite.

Whether you load up on Zingerman’s homemade confections or indulge in the bakery’s freshly baked goods, this culinary campus provides ample opportunity to satisfy your cravings.

Zingerman’s Handcrafted Candy Bar Creations

Zingerman’s Candy Store takes pride in their own line of expertly crafted chocolate bars, each with a unique personality expressed through clever names and vibrant packaging. We had the pleasure of sampling several standouts:

Wowza! – This decadent dark chocolate bar conceals layers of raspberry-infused delights, including white chocolate ganache, raspberry nougat, and a jammy fruit center. It was a unanimous favorite.

Ca$hew Cow – Another top pick, the Ca$hew Cow bar showcases Zingerman’s skill with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Roasted cashews, cashew brittle, and a milk chocolate gianduja filling create an exceptionally robust and balanced flavor.

Peanut Butter Crush Bar – While the peanut butter, peanut brittle, and crisp rice components deliver delicious nutty notes, the texture was a touch crumbly for our liking.

Zzang! – Zingerman’s riff on a Snickers bar features a firm, satisfying caramel and nougat base topped with peanuts. The classic flavors are well-executed, though purists (like us) may prefer the original.

What the Fudge? – For those with an especially sweet tooth, this bar layers fudge, caramel, and malted milk cream fondant for an indulgent, decadent experience. It was a bit too sweet for us.

Chocolate Truffles and Pâte de Fruit

Beyond their signature chocolate bars, Zingerman’s Candy Store also tempts with an array of other handcrafted confections, including must-try Passion Fruit Pâte de Fruit, Cinnamon Marshmallow Chocolates, and Milk Chocolate Passion. Fruit Truffle, and the Milk Chocolate Gianduja Truffle. They were all amazing.

Mindo Chocolate Makers

If you are a chocolate connoisseur who loves handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolates, you must stop by Mindo Chocolate Makers at 206 North 4th Avenue in Ann Arbor.

Mindo’s award-winning chocolates, made with organic Ecuadorian Nacional cacao beans, have been gaining fans around the globe – and we’re proud to count ourselves among them.

As true bean-to-bar chocolatiers, Mindo oversees the entire chocolate-making process in-house at their Dexter, Michigan factory – from sourcing the organic cacao beans to hand-crafting each small batch. This meticulous approach allows them to maintain uncompromising quality control and flavor profiles.

Single-origin Ecuadorian chocolate

During our visit to the shop, we enjoyed a few samples and fell in love with their award-winning Apricot Cardommom Bar and Vanilla Chocolate Bar.

Apricot Cardommom Bar

This dark chocolate bar delivers an intensely rich cocoa flavor with a satisfying snap and smooth texture. The experience varies with each square thanks to visible cardamom pieces embedded in the back of the bar – some bites offer a mellow chocolate taste while others burst with spice.

Vanilla Stone Ground Rustic Bar

Mindo’s 70% Cocoa Vanilla Stone Ground Rustic Bar offers a uniquely artisanal chocolate experience. Unlike traditional smooth chocolate, this bar features an intentionally coarse texture where sugar crystals and vanilla bean flecks create an intriguing crunch.

The rustic, sandy texture comes from minimal conching, allowing you to experience the pure interaction between stone-ground cocoa beans and raw sugar. While the mouthfeel might surprise first-time tasters, the deep cocoa notes and robust vanilla aroma combine for a remarkably delicious flavor profile.

Factory Tours and Chocolate-Making Classes

If you travel to Dexter, Michigan, be sure to check out Mindo’s class and tour schedule. You can learn to make a bean-to-bar candy bar with your favorite toppings, make handmade chocolate truffles, or tour their factory.

Sustainability

Beyond their exceptional chocolate quality, Mindo Chocolate Makers is also renowned for their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. The company works directly with small cacao farmers in Ecuador, ensuring fair wages and environmentally conscious growing practices.

Jackson Candy & Fudge Factory

Stepping into Jackson Candy & Fudge Factory is like traveling back in time, transporting you to the whimsical candy shop from the 1971 Willy Wonka film. Located about 45 minutes west of Ann Arbor in the city of Jackson, this nostalgic confectionery emporium is filled to the brim with retro favorites.

Beyond the store’s vintage charm, the real draw is the handmade fudge, freshly made caramel corn, and handcrafted chocolates.

Handmade Fudge and Chocolate

We chose to sample one of their more unique fudge flavors: lemon. Jackson’s adventurous lemon fudge offers a bright, citrusy twist on the traditional treat, with a pleasant texture that hits the mark but doesn’t quite reach must-have status.

However, their Chocolate S’mores Pop is truly destination-worthy – a clever take on the campfire classic featuring chocolate-enrobed marshmallows rolled in graham cracker crumbs. These delightful pops make perfect party favors, holiday treats, or unique gifts for any occasion.

Best Chocolate Shops in Ann Arbor

These five chocolate shops showcase the incredible diversity and quality of Ann Arbor’s chocolate scene. From Gilbert’s historic recipes to Mindo’s innovative bean-to-bar creations, each shop offers a unique chocolate experience.

Whether you’re craving Bon Bon Bon’s artistic confections, Jackson’s S’mores Pops, or Zimmerman’s signature candy bars, you’re in for something special. Stop by one – or all five – to discover why these local chocolatiers have earned their sweet reputations!