We asked, you answered: Who is your favorite Pennsylvania chocolatier?

While some of the world’s most popular candies are produced in Pennsylvania, real chocolate lovers know the small-batch stuff is where it’s at.

Given that Pennsylvania is home to the town of Hershey — aka, “The Sweetest Place on Earth” —  people tend to associate our state with chocolate. 

Makes sense. The Hershey company produces some extremely popular candies right here in the commonwealth, like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey Kisses and chocolate bars, Kit Kats, and more. Plenty of other candy companies operate out of Pennsylvania as well, producing everything from Peeps to Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.

But our state is also home to hundreds of wonderful small-batch chocolate makers, known for crafting creamy, crunchy confections in the communities they serve. These chocolates may not be known the world over, but real chocolate lovers know that small-batch beats mass-produced any day.

In a recent newsletter, we asked our readers to tell us about their favorite local chocolatiers. Here’s how they responded: 

“Anderson’s Candies in Baden and Sarris Candies in Canonsburg. Best chocolate in Pennsylvania!”

-Christina

“Bevan’s Chocolates in Media.  It’s tiny, and not fashionable or boutique-y, but the chocolates are excellent!”

-Patricia Biswanger

“Macris Chocolate in Lemoyne. I’ve just discovered this sweet spot only a couple blocks from my house! They also sell Penn State Creamery ice cream.”

-Kim Hoover

“Bergin’s Chocolates in Upper Gwynedd Township. You cannot find a finer vanilla buttercream in the world.”

-Anne

“Gardners Candies out of Tyrone. A HUGE local favorite in the surrounding area. Their peanut butter meltaways are to die for!  I hope my valentine gets me some!”

-Victoria Trunnell

“Betsy Ann Chocolates in West View and Sarris Candies in Canonsburg. Best tasting candy in Southwestern Pa.” 

-Mary Treganowan 

“Michael Mootz Candies in Hanover Township is excellent. Their chocolate is so smooth and very delicious.”

-Beverly Barnes

“Boulevard Sweet Shoppe in Oakmont is an amazing chocolate shop with the owner making the beautiful chocolates himself.”

-Candace Hill

“Asher’s Chocolates in Souderton is a top quality, family-owned business.”

-Paul Landis

“Sarris Candies in Canonsburg!” 

-Suzanne Campbell

“Sarris Candies in Canonsburg is THE best place in PA!!!” 

-Donnie Williams

“Peggy Gray Candies in North Springfield.”

-Kevin Hartley

“Chocolates by Leopold in Montrose, highly recommended!”

 -Laura 

“Check out Bergin’s in Upper Gwynedd Township. You won’t be disappointed.”

-Dean Miller

“Gene & Boots Candies in Perryopolis.” 

-Cathy Zimmerman

“Valos Chocolates in Arnold. Excellent local family owned business.” 

-Mary Anne Frederick

“I can absolutely recommend O’Sheas Candies with locations in Johnstown and Ligonier.”

-Eric Knopsnyder

“Daffin’s Chocolates in Sharon.”

Vicki Brewster, Sharon

“The best chocolate in Pennsylvania is Alexandra and Nicolay Chocolate in Portland.”

-David Bechtel

“Sarris Candies in Canonsburg!”

-Lisa Jamnback

“Neuchatel Chocolates in Oxford.”

-Dale Binkley

“Sarris Candies in Canonsburg.”

-Carol Bartos