Sweet Dreams Are Made of This: LA's Chocolate Salon Returns for Its 17th Delicious Year

Get ready to loosen your belts, chocolate lovers—the Los Angeles Chocolate Salon & Festival is back and better than ever! This isn't just any candy convention; it's a full-blown celebration of everything that makes your sweet tooth sing.

Mark your calendars for October 5, 2025 (10:00am-3:30pm at The Pasadena Center), because this year's lineup is absolutely drool-worthy. We're talking about a curated collection of the city's most talented chocolatiers, confectioners, and culinary wizards all under one roof.

The Sweet Squad

This year's roster reads like a who's who of chocolate royalty. Amano Artisan Chocolate brings their bean-to-bar mastery, while Mignon Chocolate serves up their signature European elegance. Letterpress Chocolate will be showcasing their stunning letterpress-inspired designs, and alberts petit sweets promises to deliver those Instagram-worthy treats we all secretly photograph before devouring.

But wait, there's more! The full lineup includes heavy hitters like Blue Canary Sweets, Kate's Single Batch Toffee, Rayluca Chocolate, Mission Chocolate, and Goufrais Southern California. Plus, some delightfully unexpected additions like By three bears jerky (because sometimes you need a little savory with your sweet) and Polar Beverages to wash it all down.

Not Your Average Tasting Event

What sets the LA Chocolate Salon apart from your run-of-the-mill food festival? It's all in the details. This isn't just about stuffing your face with samples (though let's be honest, that's definitely part of the fun). The event features educational sessions that'll turn you into a chocolate connoisseur faster than you can say "single origin cacao."

Peter Lee from COBA (the genius behind those coffee-chocolate fusion bars that have been taking over hiking trails and festival grounds) will be hosting "Creating Chocolate with Coffee" at 12:30pm. If you've ever wondered how to marry your two favorite caffeinated obsessions, this is your moment.

And at 1:15pm, Dr. Lee Scott Theisen—aka the Chocolate Guru—will lead a session on "Mass Market versus Bean to Bar." Spoiler alert: you'll never look at a grocery store candy bar the same way again.

Why LA Does Chocolate Best

With over 20,000 chocolate enthusiasts flocking to this event over the past 14 years, it's clear that Los Angeles has serious chocolate credentials. The city's diverse culinary landscape and adventurous food scene make it the perfect backdrop for this kind of artisanal celebration.

From the experimental flavor combinations you'll find at p.o.p. candy co. to the authentic Venezuelan cacao at Venecacao Chocolateria, this event showcases just how far the chocolate world has evolved beyond simple milk and dark varieties.

Your Golden Ticket Awaits

Advance tickets are already available at LAChocolateSalon.com/tickets, and trust us—this is one event where you don't want to show up hoping for walk-up availability. With 17 years of experience under their belt, the organizers know exactly how to create an experience that'll have you planning your return visit before you've even left the parking lot.

Whether you're a casual chocolate fan or someone who knows the difference between Madagascar and Ecuadorian cacao varieties, the LA Chocolate Salon promises something special. Just remember to pace yourself—with this many incredible vendors, your sweet tooth might be in for more than it bargained for.

Check out more information on their website at https://www.lachocolatesalon.com/

Yum,

Matthew Tropp | Food Journal Magazine