Inexpensive Chocolate Sources?

[lovkel]

I HAVE tried searching old posts, but I really haven't found what I am looking for.

I am trying to find sources for decent chocolate that I can buy in bulk but won't cost a freaking fortune. The best I've found is Albert Uster (http://www.auiswiss.com/). I can buy 5 kg packages of couverture coins for about $45 (with free S&H if the order is over $195).

Has anyone found any other sites that can compete with this? Bricks, coins, chips, etc doesn't matter all that much. For the most part, the chocolate goes into making cupcakes, frostings, and fillings. I got a great deal at Costco when they were selling 3lb packages of Ghirardelli chips for $10. I know this wasn't couverture chocolate, but it worked for my purposes.

Thanks!

[Baylee Chocolate Lady]

What do you buy and how much at a time?

[keychris]

$9/kg is pretty cheap - If I could find quality chocolate for that price, I'd grab it. Of course, I'm in Australia so it generally costs more, but the cheapest I can get Felchlin (my preferred brand) is $18/kg.

[Philip Le]

I am also interested in this. Also, how long, generally, doe couverture last in a pantry? I wouldn't mind paying five-hundred dollars for chocolate if I could keep it for a year without it spoiling. As for sources, I've heard of Chocosphere from E-gullet people.

[annachan]

I used to get good prices at Marque Foods (http://marquefoods.com/). It is wholesale only so you need a business license. That was several years back so I don't know about their prices now.

[Darienne]

In case there are any Canadians reading this: Ontario Walmarts carry a 400 g imported Belgian chocolate bar, $3.98 (CDN$), Waterbridge brand, 4 kinds I think, milk chocolate, 55% dark and 72%dark, one mixed with nuts(?). Hardly good couverture quality, but I use it for a variety of cooking purposes.

Walmarts in the USA does not carry this chocolate bar, but I seem to recall seeing some kind of thick not too impressive plain chocolate bar on the shelves.

In the USA I order Guittard from Bakers Cash & Carry in SLC but it's no better than your original quote.

[Milangal]

I found a decent deal through these guys:

http://wholesalemeltingchocolate.gostorego.com/

Pretty good customer service too. I got an email from him after I ordered to check on warm weather shipping and he was very nice!

[tikidoc]

I have used the Albert Uster "Orchid Line" chocolate and really like it, especially for the price. Take my recommendation with a grain of salt - I'm a relative newbie to making chocolates - but it is easy to work with and I really like the flavor of their dark chocolates. I'm not a fan of milk chocolate in general but theirs is as good as any to me and my husband, kids and friends love it. I have made stuff for friends with the white and they liked it (I really don't like white chocolate at all).

Also, not sure where you are but see if you have a local AU rep for your area. We have a rep that comes to my area once a month or so, and he drops off my orders at my office, so no shipping costs.

Jess

[jrshaul]

This is an extremely reasonable price. If one were to wish to purchase restaurant-sized quantities from AU, what would the pricing and shipping look like?

[tikidoc]

This is an extremely reasonable price. If one were to wish to purchase restaurant-sized quantities from AU, what would the pricing and shipping look like?

Why don't you just call them and find out?

http://www.auiswisscatalogue.com/Contact.html

[naguere]

As a consumer, why would I search for cheap chocolate, cheap Basmati rice or for that matter Vanilla ? (sub 'good value' for cheap if you like)

I man up and pay the price... Yum

This is my personal opinion and not directed at you lovkel !

[tikidoc]

As a consumer, why would I search for cheap chocolate, cheap Basmati rice or for that matter Vanilla ? (sub 'good value' for cheap if you like)

I man up and pay the price... Yum

This is my personal opinion and not directed at you lovkel !

I think the Albert Uster Imports couverture is quite good quality, at a very good price. While I agree that sometimes one must pay extra for quality, I also love to find a good bargain, and this chocolate qualifies in my book.

[naguere]

You got me.