Some of the best chocolate can be found in the East Bay: report 

The Latina-owned chocolate shop has handmade, organic and fair trade chocolates. “We use all natural ingredients, including natural color cocoa butter and edible mineral dust for decoration,” according to the store’s website.  

The chocolate store has a range of diverse truffles, including ube, lemon matcha, milk tea with mochi pearl, cinnamon ginger and more. Chocolate bars include rocky road, praline pecan, cafe con leche (milk chocolate infused with coffee), candied ginger and beyond.  

Vegan and gluten-free options are offered at Xocolate Bar. 

Xocolate Bar has two locations, one in Berkeley and the other in Oakland. The Berkeley shop began operation 17 years ago, and the Oakland shop was established in 2023.

USA Today said its findings were based on independent chocolate shops that offer a variety of delicious and distinctive chocolates made with premium ingredients and infused with unique flavors.