Maine Chocolatiers

Maine may not be Belgium or Switzerland, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t know its chocolate.

Across the state, Maine chocolatiers are working in little shops and decades-old factories. Some create Maine chocolate in traditional varieties, while others branch out with exotic fruits and ingredients including flowers. Here are some to visit:

Bixby & Co. has what it calls a ‘bean to bar chocolate factory’ right off the water in Rockland. You can visit the factory.

Byrne and Carlson, whose candies reflect American and French traditions, have locations in Kittery and across the water in Portsmouth, N.H.

Chocolats Passion, is in Portland with roots in France. Chocolatier Catherine Wiersema was born in France and now handcrafts a tantalizing menu of small-batch chocolates, made with organic ingredients, that is updated every fall.

Dean’s Sweets, at two locations in Portland, creates nut-free and holiday favorites.

Haven’s Candies has been making treats since 1915 and creates snacks in its factory in Westbrook. Check out the factory.

Len Libby Chocolatier is one of Scarborough’s oldest businesses and offers a number of different candies including Maine Needhams, Bangor taffy and Maine Wild Blueberry Clusters.

Monica’s Chocolates in the Downeast town of Lubec, offers everything from Orca-shaped candies to chocolate-dipped pears.

Ragged Coast Chocolates, which started in a tiny kitchen on Isle au Haut, is now based in the southern cities of Westbrook and Portland.

Wilbur’s of Maine, in Freeport, makes everything from traditional chocolate assortments to Maine Mud chocolate sauce. Tours are available.