1. Debrand’s (Fort Wayne/Indy)
Debrand chocolate is high-quality stuff. They have several locations throughout Fort Wayne and one Indianapolis location; their main location is on Auburn Road. At all locations, they serve up delicious chocolates, truffles, gelato, hot chocolate, and many other great creations, but the Auburn location lets you go behind the scenes on a short (30-45 min.) tour of their factory. Tours only cost $5, which is honestly less than what it would cost to consume the amount of items you get to sample. Plus, you get a coupon for $5 off a $10 purchase at the end of the tour. My favorite items here are the European hearts, salted peanut butter, dark chocolate truffle, and the caramel pretzel bar.
2. Good’s (Anderson)
Good’s in Anderson has been a staple of mine whenever I’m out hiking at Mounds State Park. Granted, I usually get ice cream when I do that, but their candy is very good too. They also have a great selection of fudge that has not steered me wrong yet! Most people talk about their caramels, turtles, and truffles, but they also have gourmet popcorn that sells very well. Though it may sound unusual, their chocolate covered potato chips are worth trying if you like the combo of sweet and salty.
3. South Bend Chocolate Company (South Bend/Mishawaka/Indy)
This company has multiple locations in the South Bend/Mishawaka area, but has a prime location in Monument Circle in Indy. Like many great chocolate stores, they offer a wide variety of chocolates and seasonal items too! They have several different candies and popcorn mixes that they cover in an orange pumpkin icing in the fall (including Oreos!), peppermint in the winter, and Easter colors in spring. They also serve good ice cream and some amazing hot chocolate! My favorite thing from here would be their peanut butter meltaways.
4. J. Edwards (Kokomo)
Unlike some of the other stores on this list, J. Edwards is a relatively new establishment. Their website boasts that they have over 60 different types of chocolate, and sugar free options are available as well. What this store offers that many others on this list don’t is a bakery section that gets all kinds of rave reviews. If you feel like shelling out $30-40 for a cake, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re thinking of cheaper fare, the cupcakes are apparently just as good. As far as the candy goes, their different caramels and creams sell the best.
5. Albanese (Merrilville)
This group is the one on the list that is actually not as well known for their chocolate, even though they have it. They’re known for their gummy candy best, which can even be found in grocery stores like Wal-Mart. I would say of the different gummy candies I’ve had, these are the best. They also offer free factory tours, complete with free samples! Viewers will be able to view the candy making process through 8 different windows and 3 videos. You may elect to take a self-guided tour or guided tour, though guided tours need to be scheduled in advance. Tours are open May-October and January-February.
6. Schimpff’s (Jeffersonville)
Schimpff’s is probably the least commercial of the different locations on the list so far. Visitors describe the lovely down-home feel it has and how customer service is incredible. They make their own chocolate and hard candy, and do demonstrations for customers to watch. Free samples abound too, which is always a plus. There is even a soup/sandwich deli as part of the store if you want to grab lunch while there. If you’re curious about the history of the place, there is also a small “museum” section. Their biggest sellers are their red hots and lemon drops.
7. The Best Chocolate in Town (Indy)
This store in downtown Indy offers all kinds of tasty chocolate and cookies. Reviewers all highlight the amazing selection of truffles, as well as their great taste. They certainly seem to be the #1 seller, but plenty of folks also talk about the coffee and ice cream, which are both from other local vendors. They also make something called a truffle pie, which has a consistency like chocolate mousse. The only downside according to reviews is that they don’t always keep their store stocked, so there are times where people come in to almost empty shelves.
8. Abbott’s Candies (Hagerstown)
Abbott’s operates out of a factory that is over 100 years old! Even though they make the usual chocolates, truffles, and fudge, their specialty is their caramel. The recipe hasn’t been changed in a long time, and whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it right. Abbott’s candy is sold all over the Indy area, but they do have a showroom at their factory site. Visitors can take a 30-40 minute (free) guided tour off the facility as well, with one tour time being 10am and the other being 1pm.
9. Lowery’s (Muncie)
Lowery’s has been operating for over 78 years, and they keep the “old-fashioned” way of creating their candy. They still make each of their candies by hand because the quality is better, and the customers agree! What their customers can’t agree on is which candy piece they like best. Reviewers on TripAdvisor and Yelp mention their caramels, turtles, fudge, chocolate creams, and a unique product of theirs called “dark secrets”. Another thing they highlight on their website is how they still use the best of ingredients, which does explain a higher price for their chocolates.
10. Schakolad Chocolate Factory (Indy/Plainfield)
This small chain has been in the Indy area for nearly 20 years, and though small, people can’t stop raving about them. Reviewers call attention to not only delicious chocolate, but to the great customer service and charming décor. An overwhelming favorite is the dark chocolate hot chocolate, which, like Debrand, uses liquid chocolate. The dark chocolate candies are also extremely popular. On their website, they highlight their custom chocolates and 3-D molds they can make for special occasions, as well as the gelato they serve there.
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