Chocolate Turkish Delight Varieties
Crack the thin chocolate shell and underneath sits the soft give of the lokum, then usually the crunch of pistachio or hazelnut — the first bite of chocolate lokum is exactly this layered experience. Chocolate lokum is a kind of Turkish delight coated in milk or dark chocolate on the outside, or with chocolate added to the filling, and the depth of the chocolate gives it a more filling, premium character than classic lokum. Among the more than 450 lokum varieties under the Turkobaba name, the chocolate kinds are among the best-loved gifts and special-occasion treats.
1. Milk and Dark Coating
The first distinction in chocolate lokum is the type of chocolate used. The cocoa content of the coating sets both the level of sweetness and the audience the product is aimed at:
- Milk-chocolate-coated lokum — A sweeter, softer classic that appeals to a wide audience. Thanks to the milk powder it gives a creamy feel on the palate; it is the favorite of children and anyone with a sweet tooth. It is the most-preferred option alongside tea and for general treats.
- Dark-chocolate-coated lokum — More intense and less sugary. The high cocoa content balances the sweetness of the lokum, even enriching it with a slight cocoa bitterness; it goes very well with coffee and appeals to an adult palate. For anyone looking to limit sugar, it is a more balanced option than milk.
The chocolate-coated honey-pistachio double lokum, which combines a chocolate coating with a double filling, is a filling example of this group.
2. Pistachio and Hazelnut Filled Chocolate Lokum
After the coating, the second deciding factor is the nut filling inside:
- Pistachio-filled chocolate lokum — The aroma of Antep pistachio meets chocolate; it is the most classic and most sought-after combination. The slightly salty, oily character of the pistachio balances the sweetness of the chocolate for a rounded flavor.
- Hazelnut-filled chocolate lokum — The sweet, rounded aroma of Black Sea hazelnut suits chocolate well and offers a softer flavor profile. Because the chocolate-hazelnut duo is loved worldwide, this kind is a safe choice for offering to guests from abroad.
The whole-pistachio caramel chocolate-hazelnut rolled lokum, which brings pistachio, chocolate, hazelnut and caramel together in one product, stands out for anyone after a layered taste. To see all the pistachio kinds, take a look at our guide to pistachio Turkish delight varieties.
3. Caramel Premium Chocolate Lokum
Caramel chocolate lokum adds a caramel note alongside the chocolate and nut filling. The lightly burnt-sugar aroma and flowing texture of the caramel place a third layer between the chocolate and the nut; the result is a rich experience in which several flavors are felt in turn in a single piece. This is a sweet, intense premium line; it is favored especially for special occasions, corporate gifts and showy treat presentations, because it leaves a "special" impression both visually and on the palate. Double kinds such as the honey-pistachio double lokum, which also adds a honey aroma, give an even more filling experience when combined with a chocolate coating. For anyone after a layered taste, the caramel premium line can be considered the top step of chocolate lokum.
When Is Chocolate Lokum the Right Choice?
Let us line up the chocolate lokum kinds by flavor profile and recommended use:
| Kind | Flavor profile | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Milk coating | Sweet, soft | General treats, alongside tea |
| Dark coating | Intense, less sugary | Alongside coffee, adult palate |
| Pistachio filled | Classic, aromatic | Gifting, treats |
| Hazelnut filled | Sweet, rounded | General treats |
| Caramel premium | Sweet-intense, layered | Special occasions, premium gifts |
- Looking for a gift: pistachio-filled milk-chocolate-coated or caramel premium.
- Alongside coffee: dark-chocolate-coated.
- Special-occasion treat: caramel chocolate-hazelnut rolled.
For a broader comparison, see the guide to types of Turkish delight, and for fruity and rose-flavored alternatives, take a look at our guide to flavored Turkish delight varieties.
How Is Chocolate Lokum Stored?
Because it contains chocolate, chocolate lokum is a little more delicate than classic lokum. The best way to store it is to keep the product in a cool, dry place out of direct sun, in a sealed container; the ideal temperature is around 18-20 °C. In very warm spots the chocolate softens and sticks. The fridge, on the other hand, is not a good solution either: the cold both hardens the lokum's texture and causes a whitish layer known as "bloom" to form on the chocolate surface. That whiteness is harmless but spoils the look and texture. So a cool pantry, cupboard or air-conditioned room is the most suitable place to store it. With opened packs, closing the product so no air gets in is important for preserving the aroma.
What Sets Chocolate Lokum Apart From Other Kinds?
Although chocolate lokum shares the same sugar base as classic lokum, it diverges noticeably as an experience. Where classic lokum is a light, jelly-like and fresh treat, the chocolate coating gives it a more filling, "sweet dish" character. That is why chocolate kinds are often eaten on their own like a mini dessert; classic lokum, by contrast, is eaten a few at a time alongside tea. The fat content of the chocolate also changes the lokum's shelf life and storage conditions. These differences make chocolate lokum stand out especially in the gifting and premium-treat category. To see at a glance which lokum suits which occasion, you can use the guide to types of Turkish delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chocolate Turkish delight?
Chocolate lokum is a kind of Turkish delight coated in milk or dark chocolate on the outside, or with chocolate added to the filling; inside it usually has a pistachio or hazelnut filling.
Is milk or dark chocolate lokum better?
Milk-chocolate lokum is sweeter and softer and appeals to a wide audience; dark-chocolate lokum offers a more intense, less sugary taste and goes well with coffee. The choice depends on your palate.
When is chocolate lokum the right choice?
Chocolate lokum is favored especially for gifting, special-occasion treats and premium presentations; the depth of the chocolate gives the lokum a more filling character.
What is caramel chocolate lokum like?
Caramel chocolate lokum carries a caramel note alongside the chocolate and hazelnut filling; it is a sweet, intense premium line and is favored for special occasions.
How should chocolate lokum be stored?
Chocolate lokum is kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sun, in a sealed container. The ideal temperature is around 18-20 °C. In a very warm spot the chocolate softens; in the fridge the lokum hardens and the chocolate surface can bloom (turn white). For this reason a cool pantry or cupboard is preferable to the fridge.
