Italian Chocolate
Italian Chocolate: Hazelnut Country
Italy's contribution to chocolate is the hazelnut. Turin ran short of cocoa during the Napoleonic blockade, ground local Piedmont hazelnuts into what was left, and accidentally created gianduja — the nut-and-chocolate blend that later inspired everything from pralines to Nutella. Shop Italian chocolate bars, gianduiotti, and filled pralines, shipped from New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferrero Rocher made in Italy?
Yes. Ferrero was founded in Alba, in the Piedmont region, in 1946 — the same hazelnut country that produced gianduja. Ferrero Rocher pairs a whole hazelnut with wafer and chopped nuts, and Raffaello does the same with coconut and almond.
Why is Turin called Italy's chocolate capital?
Turin has been the centre of Italian chocolate since the 1600s, when the House of Savoy brought cocoa to the city. It industrialised chocolate early, gave the world gianduja during the Napoleonic cocoa shortage, and still hosts the historic houses that define Italian chocolate today.
Why is Piedmont known for hazelnuts?
The hills of Piedmont grow the Tonda Gentile variety, sold as Nocciola Piemonte IGP — a protected designation. It's valued for a round shape, thin skin, and concentrated flavour that survives roasting, which is why Turin's chocolatiers built an entire style around it.
Ingredients & nutritional facts
Information about ingredients and nutritional values are displayed here to reflect our current products. We recommend you to compare this information with the information on the packaging of the orders that you receive. Any variations will be due to potential transition periods, as a result of new information by the manufacturers.
