Ghirardelli is one of the most well-known and beloved chocolate brands in the United States. Founded in 1852, Ghirardelli has been making high-quality chocolate products for over 150 years. Their chocolate bars, baking chips, and hot cocoa mixes can be found in grocery stores across the country. But when it comes to chocolate syrup, many people wonder – does Ghirardelli make their own brand of chocolate syrup? Or do they just focus on solid chocolate products? In this article, we’ll take a close look at Ghirardelli’s product lineup and see if chocolate syrup is included. We’ll also overview some key facts and history about the Ghirardelli brand.
About the Ghirardelli Brand
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was founded in 1852 by Italian immigrant Domenico Ghirardelli. The company was first located in Stockton, California where it operated as a general store and sold supplies to miners during the California Gold Rush. In 1893, the company relocated to San Francisco. Today, Ghirardelli’s headquarters and primary manufacturing facility are still located in San Francisco at Ghirardelli Square.
Ghirardelli is one of the few chocolate companies in the United States that controls every aspect of its chocolate manufacturing process, from cocoa bean to finished product. This allows them to maintain very high standards of quality control. Ghirardelli chocolate is known for its intense, smooth, and creamy flavor. Their proprietary chocolate recipes and manufacturing processes give their products a signature taste that chocolate lovers worldwide have come to recognize.
In addition to their chocolate bars and baking chips, Ghirardelli produces a range of chocolate-flavored products including hot cocoa, sundae syrups, chocolate sauces, and flavored ground coffee. The company has a long history of innovation when it comes to developing new chocolate products for consumers. Let’s take a closer look at whether chocolate syrup is one of the products made by Ghirardelli.
Does Ghirardelli Produce Chocolate Syrup?
After carefully reviewing Ghirardelli’s current product line, it appears that they do not manufacture their own brand of chocolate syrup at this time. The main chocolate products made by Ghirardelli include:
- Chocolate bars (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate)
- Baking chips (semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate)
- Hot cocoa mixes
- Ground chocolate (for cooking and baking)
- Chocolate sauce
- Specialty chocolates and confections
Noticeably absent from this lineup is a Ghirardelli branded chocolate syrup. The company produces high-quality chocolate sauces that can be used as sundae toppings or dessert drizzles. But for standard chocolate syrup, they appear to have no offerings.
Closest Match: Ghirardelli Chocolate Sauce
The closest product that Ghirardelli makes to chocolate syrup is their chocolate sauce. This premixed chocolate sauce comes in a squeeze bottle for easy pouring and drizzling. It is available in some grocery stores in the ice cream toppings aisle.
Ghirardelli’s chocolate sauce contains the same high-quality real chocolate that is used in all of their products. The ingredients include chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, and vanilla extract. The chocolate sauce provides rich chocolate flavor and silky smooth texture thanks to generous amounts of real cocoa butter. It can be used as a topping for ice cream sundaes, waffles, pancakes, fruits, and more.
While not a true syrup, Ghirardelli’s chocolate sauce is the closest match for anyone seeking a chocolate syrup-like product from the iconic Ghirardelli brand. The chocolate sauce mimics the flavor and pouring consistency of syrup without being quite as thin.
Why Doesn’t Ghirardelli Produce Chocolate Syrup?
Ghirardelli is best known for their chocolate bars, chips, and cocoa. So why haven’t they ventured into making chocolate syrup, given their brand recognition and chocolate expertise? There are a few possible reasons:
- They prefer to focus on solid chocolate products where they can highlight their signature flavor and chocolate-making craftsmanship.
- Chocolate syrup is a common, mainstream product that may not appeal to Ghirardelli’s image as a premium, gourmet chocolate brand.
- The well-established brands Hershey’s and Nestle dominate grocery store shelf space when it comes to chocolate syrups.
- Consumers may perceive syrup as an overly processed, low-value item that isn’t worth Ghirardelli investing in.
Additionally, Ghirardelli may feel that their Chocolate Sauce provides consumers with a high-quality chocolate topping experience, negating the need to produce traditional chocolate syrup. Ultimately, chocolate syrup may not align with Ghirardelli’s brand strategy and focus on artisanal chocolate products.
Popular Brands of Chocolate Syrup
Since Ghirardelli doesn’t currently produce chocolate syrup, what brands are leading the market in this product category? Here is an overview of some top chocolate syrup brands:
Hershey’s
Hershey’s is undoubtedly the most ubiquitous and well-known brand when it comes to chocolate syrup. Their standard chocolate syrup has been a staple in homes and ice cream shops for generations. It has a thin, pourable consistency and a pronounced milk chocolate flavor.
Nestle
Nestle is another giant in the chocolate syrup arena. Like Hershey’s, their standard chocolate syrup delivers classic chocolate and milk notes with a drizzling consistency. Nestle also produces specialty flavors like strawberry and caramel for added variety.
Smucker’s
Known for jams and peanut butter, Smucker’s also makes chocolate syrup along with other ice cream toppings. Their chocolate syrup comes in regular and low fat varieties.
Bosco
Bosco is a brand that specializes in syrups. Their chocolate syrup has a darker, richer chocolate taste compared to mainstream brands. Bosco also makes strawberry, caramel and other flavor syrups.
Torani
Torani serves the food service industry with flavors and syrups like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. Their syrups are commonly found at ice cream shops, coffee houses, and restaurants.
Santa Cruz Organic
For consumers looking for an organic option, Santa Cruz Organic makes a chocolate syrup sweetened with organic cane sugar. They also have organic caramel, strawberry and other syrups.
| Brand | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| Hershey’s | Classic milk chocolate flavor, widely available |
| Nestle | Rich chocolate taste, various sizes and flavors |
| Smucker’s | Regular and low fat options |
| Bosco | Darker, richer chocolate flavor |
| Torani | Popular commercial/retail brand |
| Santa Cruz Organic | Organic ingredients |
Purchasing Chocolate Syrup
Chocolate syrup can be purchased at any grocery store, usually in the baking aisle. It is typically sold in squeezable plastic bottles, ranging from around 12 oz to 64 oz. Popular brands like Hershey’s, Nestle, and Smucker’s will be readily available at most grocers. Specialty chocolate syrups like Santa Cruz Organic may be found at natural food stores or in the organic section of regular supermarkets.
Chocolate syrup bottles can also be purchased in bulk from online retailers like Amazon or webstaurant.com to get greater value for your money if you go through a lot of chocolate syrup. When stored properly, chocolate syrup can typically last for up to 2 years unopened or up to 6 months once opened.
Cost of Chocolate Syrup
The cost of chocolate syrup can range from about $1.50-$3.00 for a 12-16 oz bottle from conventional brands like Hershey’s. Larger bottles and organic brands will cost a few dollars more. At major retailers, you can often find chocolate syrup on sale for $1-2 per bottle. Buying in bulk online typically provides the best value per ounce.
Uses for Chocolate Syrup
Chocolate syrup has a multitude of culinary uses beyond just topping ice cream. Here are some ways to use chocolate syrup creatively:
- Drizzle over waffles, pancakes, French toast
- Add to milk or coffee for flavored drinks
- Make chocolate dipping sauce for fruit, pretzels, etc.
- Swirl into yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal
- Blend into smoothies, milkshakes
- Use in chocolate fondue
- Drizzle over cakes and brownies
- Flavor chocolate pudding
- Sweeten and add chocolate flavor to marinades and barbecue sauce
Chocolate syrup is a versatile pantry item to keep on hand for desserts, snacks, breakfasts, and creative recipes.
Make Your Own Chocolate Syrup
While buying ready-made chocolate syrup is certainly convenient, you can also easily make homemade chocolate syrup with just a few ingredients:
Simple Homemade Chocolate Syrup
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar. Gradually whisk in the water until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in salt and vanilla. Let cool completely before transferring to a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Store refrigerated.
This easy homemade syrup comes together with just 5 ingredients. You can control the consistency and sweetness to your liking. It provides a from-scratch chocolate flavor.
Rich Homemade Chocolate Syrup
For an extra decadent chocolate syrup:
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar. Heat the cream and milk just until steaming. Gradually whisk the hot cream mixture into the cocoa mixture until smooth. Return to saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often. Lower heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla. Cool completely before storing.
The addition of heavy cream gives this homemade syrup an ultra-rich, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor.
Sugar-Free Chocolate Syrup
Here is a sugar-free version using zero-calorie sweetener:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup Swerve or alternative sweetener
- 1/8 tsp stevia extract
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
In a small saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sweetener, and stevia extract. Gradually whisk in the water until no lumps remain. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow to boil for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla. Let cool completely before storing.
The sweetener blend gives this sugar-free syrup a taste similar to regular syrup, without all the sugar.
Making your own chocolate syrup at home not only saves money, it allows you to control the ingredients. You can create a healthier syrup by using less sugar, milk instead of cream, and natural cocoa. Or make an ultra rich and indulgent syrup for special occasions. The options are endless when you DIY!
Conclusion
Ghirardelli built its reputation over 170 years by making high quality chocolate. However, chocolate syrup is one product that hasn’t become part of their product portfolio. For a premixed chocolate topping from Ghirardelli, the closest option is their Chocolate Sauce. Otherwise, home cooks can easily prepare chocolate syrup from scratch. Brands like Hershey’s, Nestle, and Bosco lead the market for premade chocolate syrups that are widely available. With so many excellent options for premade and homemade chocolate syrup, dessert lovers have no shortage of ways to satisfy their chocolate cravings!
