shutterstock

Top 100 English Confectioneries

Last updated on October 21, 2026

Best English Confectioneries

01

Firetree Chocolate

5.0 ·

Firetree Chocolate, based in Peterborough, England, specializes in single-estate, luxury chocolate sourced from volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean and Madagascar. The company focuses on producing high-quality chocolate using rare cocoa beans, emphasizing distinctive tasting notes in each of its products.

Firetree Chocolate is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and direct relationships with cocoa farmers.

Awards
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2024, 2020, 2019)
02

Åkessons's Organic

5.0 ·

Åkesson’s Organic is a brand led by Bertil Åkesson, built on family-owned cacao plantations in Madagascar, Brazil, and Indonesia. The most renowned is the plantation in the Sambirano Valley in the Ambanja region of Madagascar, where cacao is cultivated alongside spices such as pepper.

This approach supports biodiversity and shapes the distinctive aromatic profile of the beans. The company was registered in London in 2013, which today serves as its administrative and commercial headquarters.

The chocolates are always single-origin, with each bar reflecting the terroir of its cacao - from the fruity and tangy notes of Madagascan varieties to the deeper, earthier tones of Brazilian cacao. The range includes dark and white chocolates, as well as varieties enhanced with spices such as black or pink pepper, which highlight the uniqueness and diversity of the terroir. Åkesson’s Organic is recognized for combining authentic flavor with clearly defined origins and a consistent respect for nature and local communities.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011)
International Chocolate Awards - Gold (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
03

Eponine Patisserie

5.0 ·

Eponine Patisserie, based in North West England, specializes in crafting high-quality chocolates and patisserie products. This artisan producer has received multiple awards for their confections, highlighting their commitment to excellence in the field of fine chocolate and desserts.

They use fine ingredients and innovative techniques to create unique flavor profiles.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2021, 2018, 2016)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016)
04

Manilife

5.0 ·

​Manilife is a UK-based company renowned for its high-quality peanut butter products. Their offerings are crafted from high-oleic peanuts, known for their rich flavor and health benefits.​

Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2022)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024, 2023, 2022)
05

Lauden

5.0 ·

Lauden Chocolate, based in Leeds, is known for producing high-quality, artisan chocolates. The company sources premium ingredients from around the world to create unique flavor combinations.

Their chocolate range includes single-origin bars and luxury filled chocolates.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2018, 2017, 2011)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2023)
06

Paul Wayne Gregory

5.0 ·

Paul Wayne Gregory is a British artisan chocolatier and premium chocolate brand founded by award-winning chocolatier Paul Wayne Gregory. Built around the philosophy that exceptional chocolate should combine craftsmanship, creativity, and indulgence, the brand has earned recognition for its handcrafted chocolates, pralines, truffles, and bespoke confectionery creations.

Before establishing his own business, Paul Wayne Gregory developed his culinary expertise as a chef and pastry professional, working in respected establishments across the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. His transition into fine chocolate making led to the creation of a brand known for combining traditional chocolate-making techniques with innovative flavor pairings and artistic presentation.

The company produces its chocolates in small batches using carefully selected ingredients and high-quality cocoa. Many of its products have received national and international awards, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

Paul Wayne Gregory is particularly known for creating visually striking chocolates that balance sophisticated flavors with meticulous craftsmanship. Over the years, he has collaborated with luxury brands, renowned chefs, and high-profile events, further strengthening his reputation within the premium confectionery sector.

Today, the brand continues to focus on artisanal production, offering a range of elegant chocolate products designed for consumers seeking exceptional quality and distinctive taste experiences.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2011, 2009, 2006)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2009, 2008, 2006)
07

Dormouse Chocolates

5.0 ·

Dormouse Chocolates is an independent bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Manchester, founded in 2014 by Isobel Carse. The brand is known for its small-batch, handcrafted chocolates, complete transparency in sourcing, and strong ethical commitment to cacao growers.

Their range includes dark, milk, and white chocolates, often labeled as single origin or single estate, with the region and cacao percentage clearly indicated. Dormouse pays particular attention to experimental flavor combinations - from classic varieties to collaborations with tea brands such as Cha-ology, blending cacao with matcha or houjicha tea.

Their studio at Deansgate Mews in Manchester serves as both a workshop and a tasting space, allowing visitors to experience the chocolate-making process firsthand. Today, Dormouse Chocolates is recognized as a pioneer of the British bean-to-bar movement and a model of authentic artisanal craftsmanship in the contemporary chocolate industry.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017)
International Chocolate Awards - Silver (2025)
08

Duffy's Chocolate

5.0 ·

Duffy's Chocolate is a distinguished craft chocolatemaker based in Grimsby, England, founded by Duffy Sheardown in 2008. The company is renowned for being one of the few in the UK that imports and roasts its own cocoa beans to create single-origin chocolate bars.

Duffy's Chocolate emphasizes direct trade, sourcing high-quality beans directly from farmers, which ensures fair prices and supports sustainable agriculture. Each chocolate bar is meticulously crafted, showcasing the unique flavors and characteristics of the regions from which the cocoa beans are sourced.

The company offers a variety of unique flavors, including bars infused with locally inspired ingredients, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and quality.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2016, 2013, 2011)
Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean (2011)
09

Thorntons

5.0 ·

Thorntons is a chocolate company established in 1911 in Sheffield, England, by Joseph William Thornton. It specializes in the production of chocolate, toffee, and other confectionery products.

Thorntons operates both its own branded retail stores and an accompanying online store, catering to a broad range of chocolate lovers. In 2015, the company was acquired by Ferrero, an Italian confectionery giant.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2011)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2009)
10

Winchester Cocoa Company

5.0 ·

Winchester Cocoa Company is a British maker of handcrafted chocolate based in Winchester, Hampshire, renowned for combining artisanal precision, authenticity, and high-quality ingredients. The brand was founded on the belief that chocolate should be honest, ethically produced, and made from raw materials with transparent origins.

Its production relies on carefully selected cacao beans from sustainable sources, most often from Central and South America, following fair-trade principles and supporting smallholder farmers. Winchester Cocoa Company stands out for its single-origin chocolate bars, elegant praline collections, and luxurious gift assortments that reflect a blend of British tradition and modern craftsmanship.

Each batch is produced in small quantities, entirely by hand, using only natural ingredients - organic milk, real fruit juices, nuts, and carefully chosen spices, with no artificial additives. Special attention is given to the balance of flavor, texture, and finish, giving every chocolate a distinctive depth and character.

Thanks to this approach, Winchester Cocoa Company has earned its place on the British gourmet scene as a luxury yet approachable brand, designed for those who appreciate pure, authentic, and artisan-crafted chocolate.

Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold (2021, 2016, 2015)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver (2023, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016)

Best English Confectionery Types

01

Rum ball

3.2 ·

Rum balls are a type of confection that is flavored with chocolate and rum. They are typically made from a mixture of crushed cookies or cake crumbs, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk or corn syrup, and rum. The ingredients are mixed and formed into a dough, then shaped into small balls. The balls are often coated with chocolate sprinkles, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar, adding texture and sweetness. The alcohol content of the rum provides a distinct flavor, but it's usually mild enough to be enjoyed by most adults. The rum can also be substituted with rum flavoring for a non-alcoholic version. Rum balls probably originate from England but are popular around the world, especially during the holiday season. They can be found in various European cuisines, as well as in Australia and North America. The combination of rich chocolate flavor with a hint of rum makes them a favorite treat for many, and they're often packaged in decorative boxes as gifts or served at festive gatherings.

02

Marie biscuit

3.1 ·

A Marie biscuit is a type of sweet, round biscuit similar to a rich tea biscuit, known by various names such as María, Mariebon, and Marietta. It is made with wheat flour, sugar, palm or sunflower oil, and vanilla flavoring. Created by London bakery Peek Freans in 1874 to commemorate the marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, it became popular in Europe, particularly in Portugal and Spain. Nowadays, however, it's produced in nearly a quarter of the world. Marie biscuits are versatile, often used in desserts, eaten plain with tea, or enjoyed in various regional recipes.

03

Kendal mint cake

3.0 ·

Kendal mint cake is a traditional confectionery originating from Kendal in Cumbria. This glucose-based, peppermint-flavored bar has a grainy texture and high content of sugar. The so-called “cakes” are usually made with a combination of water, sugar, glucose, and peppermint oil. The mixture is constantly stirred while it cooks, and it’s then poured into molds and left to set before it’s cut up into individual bars. These minty bars are a favorite of walkers, hikers, and mountain climbers in the United Kingdom, and the first Kendal mint cake was made in 1869 by Joseph Wiper. There are three main types of Kendal mint cakes: white, brown, and chocolate-covered.

04

Pontefract cakes

2.9 ·

Pontefract cakes are a symbol of Yorkshire – licorice cakes that are shaped into treacle-colored coins. A local legend says that they're among the oldest in the world. The first mention of both Pontefract and licorice was in the 1500s, and in 1750, there were 47 licorice growers in Pontefract, where the rich loamy soil and deep topsoil make perfect conditions for growing licorice. The Dunhill family rented a piece of land in the Pontefract Castle to grow licorice, and George Dunhill, a chemist, claims that he made the first licorice confectionery in 1760 by adding sugar. By the 1920s, Pontefract had at least 10 licorice-producing factories, and in 2004, there was even a Licorice Festival with a live fashion show where all the clothes were made from licorice. The unique Pontefract cakes are still stamped with an image of the Castle, and nowadays they can be found in many different varieties, from sweet ones to the sharp, almost peppery ones.

About this Ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable.

TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews. The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.

What People Say

Similar Lists