Chocolate master names top store-bought dessert for sweet enthusiasts

In a recent article, Business Insider highlights that a world-renowned chocolate master shared his top picks for store-bought chocolates—just in time for the holiday season. 

Christophe Rull is a globally acclaimed chocolate master, a cast member of Netflix's Bake Squad, and the executive pastry chef at Los Angeles' iconic Hotel Bel-Air. With such credentials, we definitely trust his expertise when it comes to all things sweet.

Currently developing a chocolate programme at the hotel's new bakery, The Patisserie, Rull was happy to share his two favorite store-bought chocolate brands just in time for holiday shopping. With over 25 years of experience as a pastry chef, Rull has won two Food Network baking competitions—Halloween Wars and Holiday Wars—and starred in Bake Squad. He also represented the US at the 2021 World Chocolate Masters, known as the "World Cup" of chocolate artistry, where only 18 finalists are selected every three years.

Rull shared that one of his favorite store-bought chocolate brands is Läderach, which is currently led by 2018 World Chocolate Masters champion Elias Läderach, who made history as the first Swiss individual to win the prestigious title.

Founded in 1962, Läderach has been producing handcrafted Swiss chocolates and now operates 200 chocolateries globally, including in eight US states, as well as the UK, Canada, Europe, and Asia. For those without a Läderach chocolatier nearby, the brand's extensive range is available online.

Rull also swears by the chocolate brand of Jean-Marie Auboine. "He was my mentor for a few competitions about chocolate showpieces," Rull explained. "He's one of the top chocolatiers in the country for sure." Auboine, formerly the executive pastry chef at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami and the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, founded his own company in 2011.

"It started with two people," Rull recalled. "Now, he delivers to Costco and luxury hotels all over the US."

Located on the Las Vegas Strip, the 16,000-square-foot Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier offers a wide selection of chocolates, caramels, French macarons, and more, all of which can be purchased through the brand's website.

By Naila Huseynova