THE TOP CARAMELS OF THE YEAR
The Annual Caramel Awards:
Caramel has been delighting palates for centuries, its origins tracing back to early Arab confectioners who first discovered the magic of heating sugar into a rich, golden syrup. By the 17th century, European pastry makers—especially in France—were refining caramel into sauces, candies, and the early butter- and cream-based versions we recognize today. Pioneers of American confections like he Lancaster Caramel Company helped popularize caramel across the United States before chocolate-coated caramel confections became widespread. Over time, caramel became a global indulgence, evolving from simple cooked sugar to the silky, nuanced confections cherished around the world.
In this spirit of tradition and craft, we are proud to present the results of the Annual Caramel Awards Competition. The International Chocolate Salon’s awards for Best Caramels are determined by the combined votes of our distinguished Judging Panel, composed of national and regional magazine editors, newspaper and blog critics, topic experts, local chefs, and seasoned food authorities.
Together, they honor the most exceptional caramel makers—those who carry forward a delicious history with every batch of the finest in caramel artistry — a tribute to heritage, flavor, and the warm, indulgent tradition that each silky bite revives every time.
GOLD MEDAL CARAMEL
GOLD MEDAL CARAMEL
- Delaware North Australia Citrus desert
- Panache Chocolatier Smokey Nut Caramel
- Delysia Chocolatier Saffron Pistachio Creme Chocolate Truffle
- Delysia Chocolatier Caramelized Banana Rum Chocolate Truffle
- Chocolats Passion Thai Chile Caramel Chocolate
Chocolats Passion Thai Chile Caramel Chocolate
Crafted Caramel Bourbon & Pecan
Delysia Chocolatier Saffron Pistachio Creme Chocolate Truffle
SILVER MEDAL CARAMEL
SILVER MEDAL CARAMEL
- Panache Chocolatier Berry Passion Nut Caramel
- Crafted Caramel Bourbon & Pecan
- Panache Chocolatier Yuzu Passionfruit Caramel
- Lohcally Artisan Chocolates Caramel Cashew with Sea Salt Duo Truffle
- Delaware North Australia Mai Tai
- Lohcally Artisan Chocolates Honey Orange Caramel Solo Truffle
- Lohcally Artisan Chocolates Apple Cider Caramel Solo Truffle
Panache Chocolatier Yuzu Passionfruit Caramel
Lohcally Artisan Chocolates Caramel Cashew with Sea Salt Duo Truffle
BRONZE MEDAL CARAMEL
BRONZE MEDAL CARAMEL
- Chocolats Passion Hazelnut Java Chocolate (caramel based)
- Sinless Treats Chocolate Red Wine Velvet caramel
- Sinless Treats Chocolate Baileys Splash caramel
- Chocolats Passion Buckwheat Chocolate (caramel based)
- Delysia Chocolatier Old Bay Spiced Toffee Chocolate Truffle
Sinless Treats Chocolate Red Wine Velvet caramel
JUDGES' PERSONAL FAVORITES
- My favorite was the Crafted Caramel Bourbon and Pecan-- just a great classic caramel base with the perfect level of bourbon and a pecan-nuttiness.
Lohcally's Apple Cider Caramel Solo was also a surprise hit with its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. - 1st - Crafted Caramel Bourbon & Pecan - classic quality caramel that doesn't stick to your teeth. Great texture, balanced flavor, the pecan taste "blooms" the more you chew it. Delicious and buttery with the faint hint of a smooth bourbon.
2nd - LOHcally Artisan Choc Caramel Cashew Sea Salt - that crunch is addictive! Not too sweet, delicious balance.
3rd - Chocolats Passion Thai Chili Caramel - While I am not a fan of the thai chili, it was subtle enough to balance out the other flavors, which I absolutely loved, especially the lime leaves, toasted coconut, lemongrass and ginger! Nice texture without being too liquidy. - Delysia Saffron Pistachio Cream
- The Red Wine Velvet by Sinless was the winner.
- Tie between Delysia Old Bay and Chocolats Thai Chili.
- 1 - Delaware North Australia Citrus desert
2 - Delysia Chocolatier Saffron Pistachio Creme Chocolate Truffle
3 - Panache Chocolatier Smokey Nut Caramel" - Lohcally Artisan Chocolates Honey Orange Caramel Solo Truffle
JUDGES' COMMENTS
- Delysia never disappoints. Delaware North is a great addition to "Caramels" with unique flavors and tastes.
- For Panache The Berry Passion Nut makes me wish I had had it for Thanksgiving. The flavors made my mouth water.For Chocolate Passion the chili was just right amount of heat with distinctive lime overtones.
- For Delaware Notch The Citrus Deseret just melts in the mouth and leaves wonderful after taste. And for Sinless The Red Wine Velvet was such a delightful winner.
- While Delysia was my favorite brand overall, I'm not a big fan of banana, and couldn't detect the coconut flavor in the banana one.
- Chocolats Passion Thai Chili: Incredibly unique and balanced flavor and excellent quality chocolate, but gooey and hard to eat, it easily fell apart.
- Hazelnut Java: couldn't taste coffee enough.
- Delysia: Saffron Pistachio - balanced and impressive.
- Buckwheat Smoked: interesting texture but VERY Sweet and not that smoky.
- Crafted Caramel: Not tasting the bourbon flavor too much but good texture.
- Panache Smokey (spelled wrong) Nut: Like a grown up Snickers bar! Fun but not that smoky at first, then too much on the end.
- Panache BPNC: Combo not working for me, passionfruit and berry aren't meshing well.
- Crafted Caramel Bourbon & Pecan - the most "classic" and "traditional" of the entries with a soft, delectable bite and very fresh nuts. Exactly what I expect from a hand-crafted caramel. Superb!
- Lohcally Artisan Chocolates Caramel Cashew with Sea Salt Duo Truffle - Despite the use of gums and syrups, I enjoyed the balance and texture of the cashew sea salt.
- Panache Chocolatier Smokey Nut Caramel - The use of smoked salt and smoked ingredients was a trend this year. A little goes a long way and Panache nailed it with the Smokey Nut Caramel. Evocative of a romantic night by the fireplace.
- Sinless Treats - These are the best sugar free chocolates I've ever tasted. I received the pistachio caramel not the Heavenly Fruit caramel and would have ranked it among my best tasting. The use of several different alternative sweeteners is brilliant. Bravo!
- Delaware North Australia Citrus desert and North Australia Mai Tai - The pave de fruits centers are really very innovative, and the flavors are positively radiant. Who can resist gold powder decor? It's such an elegant touch.
- Delysia Chocolatier Saffron Pistachio Creme Chocolate Truffle - Saffron is such an extraordinary spice, one that can be elusive, and it is impeccably showcased in this truffle. Although I prefer dessert wine as liquid dessert, I would create a mirrored pairing with this truffle and a late harvest riesling with saffron characteristics.
- Chocolats Passion: Buckwheat is a very creative choice! I've never seen buckwheat used in candies before, and found it lusciously intriguing. Also Chocolats Passion: Thai chili is a rather divisive choice. Some love it in sweets, others hate it in sweets. Maybe the packaging should have a marking or notation telling consumers how "hot" the product is.