9 North Carolina Chocolate Shops Too Good To Miss

North Carolina has become a surprising hotspot for chocolate lovers, with artisan chocolatiers crafting everything from bean-to-bar masterpieces to whimsical truffles that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re a local looking for your next sweet fix or a visitor ready to explore the Tar Heel State’s tastiest treasures, these chocolate shops deserve a spot on your must-visit list.

1. Videri Chocolate Factory – Raleigh

Ever watched chocolate being made from scratch? At Videri, you can witness the entire bean-to-bar process right before your eyes.

This downtown Raleigh gem roasts cacao beans and transforms them into silky smooth bars with flavors like sea salt and burnt caramel.

The open factory setup means you’ll smell the magic before you even taste it, and trust us, that first bite is absolutely worth the wait.

2. French Broad Chocolate – Asheville

Tucked in the mountains, French Broad has been perfecting the art of chocolate since 2007. Their chocolate lounge feels like stepping into a cozy European café where every dessert is a work of art.

Try their liquid truffle – a molten chocolate drink so rich it’s basically a hug in a mug. They source organic cacao and create flavors that celebrate local ingredients, making each bite taste like Asheville itself.

3. JF Chocolat – Charlotte

Bringing a taste of Paris to the Queen City, JF Chocolat is where European elegance meets Southern charm. Chef Jean-François crafts chocolates using traditional French techniques that would make any Parisian chocolatier jealous.

Their ganache-filled bonbons practically melt on your tongue, and the presentation is so gorgeous you’ll feel guilty eating them. Spoiler alert: you won’t stay guilty for long once you taste that Madagascar vanilla truffle.

4. Jungle Cat Cacao – Wilmington

With a name this fun, you know the chocolate’s gotta be good. This Wilmington bean-to-bar maker sources cacao from sustainable farms and creates bars with bold, adventurous flavors.

Think chili pepper, coconut curry, or classic dark chocolate that’ll knock your socks off. The owners are passionate about ethical sourcing and flavor experimentation, so every bar tells a story. Plus, the packaging is Instagram-worthy gorgeous.

5. Kilwins – Wilmington

Sometimes you want fancy artisan chocolate, and sometimes you just want really good fudge. Kilwins delivers the latter in spades, with a shop that smells like heaven and looks like a candy wonderland.

Watch them make caramel apples and paddle fresh fudge on marble slabs while you decide between milk chocolate turtles or dark chocolate sea salt caramels. It’s classic American chocolate done absolutely right.

6. Baxley’s Chocolates – Sylva

Hidden in the Smoky Mountains, Baxley’s is the kind of place where everyone knows your name and your favorite truffle flavor.

This family-owned shop has been crafting chocolates with love for decades, using recipes passed down through generations.

Their chocolate-covered cherries are stuff of legend, and the friendly service makes every visit feel like coming home. Small-town charm meets big-time chocolate talent here.

7. Once Upon A Chocolate – Winston-Salem

The fairy tale name isn’t just cute marketing – this place really does feel magical. Once Upon A Chocolate specializes in creative truffles with flavors that sound like they came from a fantasy novel.

Champagne raspberry, salted honey, lavender lemon – each one is a little adventure for your taste buds. The shop itself is charming and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for treating yourself or finding gifts that’ll seriously impress.

8. Escazú Chocolates – Raleigh

Don’t let the unassuming location fool you – Escazú has won serious awards for their boundary-pushing chocolates. They’re known for wild flavor combos like goat cheese with cherry, or bacon with maple.

Sounds weird? Maybe. Tastes amazing? Absolutely. Owners Hallot and Haley Parson are constantly experimenting, so there’s always something new to try. If you’re adventurous with your chocolate, you’ll love this place.

9. Carolina Candy Company – Wilmington

Beach vacation and chocolate – could life get any better? This Wilmington institution has been satisfying sweet tooths since forever, with a massive selection of chocolates, candies, and coastal-themed treats.

Their chocolate-covered Oreos are dangerously addictive, and the saltwater taffy makes perfect beach snacks. It’s the kind of place where you go in for one thing and leave with bags full of sugary treasures you definitely need.