Southern Chefs Reveal Their Favorite Store-Bought Chocolates for Valentine's Day

From Whitman's Sampler to Tony's Chocolonely, these are the chocolates Southern chefs recommend for the holiday.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

We asked several Southern chefs about their go-to store-bought chocolate brands for Valentine's Day gifts. Their picks include nostalgic favorites like Whitman's Sampler, regional specialties like Goo Goo Clusters, and premium options like Tony's Chocolonely and Lindt.

Why it matters

Chocolate is a quintessential Valentine's Day gift, and Southern chefs have unique perspectives on the best store-bought options. Their recommendations provide insight into regional tastes and traditions, as well as the qualities that make a chocolate truly special for the holiday.

The details

The chefs shared a range of favorite chocolate brands, each with its own appeal. Daniel Dalton of Charleston loves the nostalgia of Whitman's Sampler, while Deb Paquette of Nashville is a fan of the local Goo Goo Clusters. Cookbook author Vera Stewart and chef Andres Kaifer both recommend the variety and quality of Tony's Chocolonely, and Charleston's Joe Nierstedt praises the smooth, creamy texture of Lindt.

  • Valentine's Day is the most popular time of year to buy chocolate.

The players

Daniel Dalton

The area Executive Chef for both Emeline and The Ryder Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.

Deb Paquette

Owner and chef of etch in Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee.

Vera Stewart

A Georgia-based cookbook author and cooking show host.

Andres Kaifer

Chef and owner of Customshop and Emmy Lou's in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Joe Nierstedt

Owner of Katsubo in Charleston, South Carolina.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's pure nostalgia for me. It was the box my parents always brought home, and even now it feels like one of those timeless gifts that never misses. There's something comforting about it: familiar flavors, a little variety, and that classic charm that brings you right back to being a kid sneaking one more piece than you were supposed to.”

— Daniel Dalton, Area Executive Chef (southernliving.com)

“A well-rounded mix of flavors and textures and a little bit nutty—like the best Southerners tend to be, right? I love seeing the different seasonal and experimental products that come out of the Goo Goo kitchen right down the street from my restaurant, but their original cluster has been around for more than 100 years for a reason.”

— Deb Paquette, Owner and Chef (southernliving.com)

“The variety pack is my go-to when it comes to gifting chocolate. I skip over the Valentine's Day-branded chocolates because oftentimes they're overpriced and don't include the best flavors or premium-tasting chocolate. The Tony's Chocolonely variety pack is a beautiful presentation—no wrapping required—and each bar tastes great.”

— Vera Stewart, Cookbook Author and Cooking Show Host (southernliving.com)

“My favorite chocolate that I buy often (not just Valentine's Day) is Tony's Chocolonely Everything Bar. It's milk chocolate with caramel, pretzel, almond, nougat, and sea salt. It's sweet, crunchy, and awesome, having everything I would want in one chocolate bar. We always have a bar in our chocolate box at the house.”

— Andres Kaifer, Chef and Owner (southernliving.com)

“Lindt is honestly just really good chocolate. We keep it in the fridge and it's one of those things where you break off a piece and immediately want another. It's smooth, it melts right, and it doesn't have that weird waxy or overly sweet taste a lot of store-bought chocolate has. What sets it apart is how fine and creamy it is—you can tell it's been mixed and refined really well.”

— Joe Nierstedt, Owner (southernliving.com)

The takeaway

Southern chefs have a deep appreciation for quality chocolate, whether it's a nostalgic favorite or a premium artisanal brand. Their recommendations showcase the diverse range of chocolate options available, as well as the personal and regional preferences that make the perfect Valentine's Day gift.