Lindt Excellence
Lindt Excellence – Dark Chocolate Bars, Cocoa Percentages and Distinctive Flavours
Lindt Excellence is the chocolate range for people who want to explore cocoa flavour in greater detail. Best known for its slim dark chocolate bars, clean snap and carefully judged cocoa percentages, the collection ranges from approachable 70% dark chocolate to intense 85%, 90%, 99% and 100% cocoa recipes.
The range is not limited to plain dark chocolate. Lindt Excellence bars can also bring cocoa together with pistachio, orange, raspberry, mint, chilli, caramel, sea salt and roasted nuts. Creamier milk and white chocolate varieties provide sweeter alternatives for those who appreciate the format but prefer a gentler flavour.
Browse our wider Lindt collection for more chocolate bars, Lindor truffles, gift boxes and seasonal favourites, or visit our Lindt brand guide to explore the chocolatier’s different ranges.
What Is Lindt Excellence?
Lindt Excellence is a collection of slim chocolate bars designed to emphasise cocoa character, flavour balance and a smooth melt. Each bar is divided into thin squares that break with a crisp snap before softening gradually on the palate.
This thinner format is particularly well suited to dark chocolate. It allows a small piece to melt evenly, revealing flavours that may include roasted cocoa, fruit, gentle acidity, bitterness, caramel and warm spice.
Depending on current availability, the Lindt Excellence range may include:
- 70% cocoa dark chocolate
- 85% cocoa dark chocolate
- 90% cocoa dark chocolate
- 99% and 100% cocoa bars
- Extra Creamy milk chocolate
- White chocolate
- Orange Intense dark chocolate
- Raspberry Intense dark chocolate
- Mint Intense dark chocolate
- Dark chocolate with chilli
- Dark chocolate with sea salt
- Caramel and sea salt chocolate
- Pistachio dark chocolate
- Hazelnut and almond varieties
Flavours, cocoa percentages and pack sizes can change, so check the current collection and individual product packaging for the exact recipe available.
Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate
Lindt Dark Chocolate forms the heart of the Excellence range. These bars allow chocolate lovers to select a cocoa percentage that matches their preferred balance of sweetness, bitterness and intensity.
The percentage shown on a chocolate wrapper represents the proportion of ingredients derived from cocoa, which can include cocoa mass, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. A higher number normally means a stronger cocoa flavour and less room in the recipe for sugar, although sweetness and texture also depend on the precise formulation.
Customers exploring high-cocoa chocolate can also browse our broader Dark Chocolate collection for bars and treats from other recognised chocolate ranges.
Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate
Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate is a sensible introduction to higher-cocoa chocolate. It provides noticeable cocoa depth while retaining enough sweetness to remain approachable, making it suitable for customers moving from milk chocolate towards darker recipes.
The Lindt Excellence Dark 70% Cocoa Chocolate Bar works particularly well as an after-dinner chocolate, an accompaniment to coffee or a darker counterpoint within a mixed chocolate hamper.
Choose 70% cocoa if you want:
- A clear dark chocolate flavour
- Balanced bitterness and sweetness
- A smooth introduction to high-cocoa chocolate
- A versatile bar for eating or sharing
- Dark chocolate that pairs easily with coffee and fruit
Lindt Excellence 85% Dark Chocolate
Lindt Excellence 85% has a more pronounced cocoa profile and considerably less sweetness than a typical milk chocolate bar. It is richer, more robust and best enjoyed slowly, allowing each square to soften before the deeper cocoa notes develop.
The Lindt Excellence Dark 85% Cocoa Chocolate Bar is well suited to established dark chocolate enthusiasts and anyone who prefers a cleaner, less sugary finish.
Compared with 70% chocolate, an 85% bar will normally taste:
- More cocoa-led
- Less sweet
- More roasted and aromatic
- Slightly firmer in texture
- Longer and more intense in the finish
Lindt Excellence 90%, 99% and 100% Cocoa
Lindt Excellence 90% Dark Chocolate moves firmly into intense cocoa territory. Sweetness becomes a supporting feature rather than the main event, allowing roasted, earthy and naturally bitter cocoa characteristics to dominate.
Bars containing 99% or 100% cocoa are more specialised. They offer very little sweetness and are better suited to experienced dark chocolate lovers, structured tasting sessions or recipes where an uncompromising cocoa flavour is required.
A higher percentage is not automatically “better”. The right choice depends on personal preference:
- 70% cocoa: balanced, accessible and gently sweet.
- 85% cocoa: rich, robust and noticeably less sweet.
- 90% cocoa: intense, dry and strongly cocoa-led.
- 99% cocoa: powerful with minimal sweetness.
- 100% cocoa: uncompromising cocoa intensity without added sugar.
Anyone trying very high-cocoa chocolate for the first time may find it easier to begin with 70% or 85% before progressing towards the strongest bars.
Lindt Excellence Milk Extra Creamy Chocolate
Not every Lindt Excellence bar is intensely dark. The Lindt Excellence Milk Extra Creamy Chocolate Bar offers a smoother and sweeter alternative, combining mellow cocoa flavour with a pronounced creamy finish.
This variety suits customers who enjoy the elegant Excellence format but prefer milk chocolate to high-cocoa dark bars. It also provides useful contrast in a tasting selection containing stronger 70%, 85% or 90% chocolate.
Lindt Excellence Pistachio Dark Chocolate
Pistachio introduces gently roasted, nutty and slightly savoury notes to dark chocolate. Its distinctive flavour softens the cocoa intensity without turning the bar into an excessively sweet filled chocolate.
The Lindt Excellence Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bar is a strong choice for anyone who wants more character and texture than a plain bar. It works particularly well in gifts because pistachio feels familiar enough to enjoy but distinctive enough to make the selection interesting.
Browse our wider Lindt Pistachio collection for more pistachio-flavoured chocolate, truffles and gift-ready treats.
Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt
A carefully controlled amount of salt can sharpen cocoa flavour, soften perceived bitterness and add a subtle savoury contrast. The aim is not to make the chocolate taste overtly salty, but to make its existing flavours feel clearer and more complete.
The Lindt Excellence Dark Sea Salt Chocolate Bar combines smooth dark chocolate with delicate salt crystals. It is particularly enjoyable after dinner or alongside espresso, where the roasted coffee and cocoa flavours reinforce one another.
Caramel and Sea Salt Chocolate
Caramel and salt create a different style of balance. Crisp caramel pieces introduce buttery sweetness, while sea salt prevents the flavour from becoming too rich.
The Lindt Excellence Dark Caramel and Sea Salt Chocolate Bar offers several textures in one square: smooth dark chocolate, crisp caramel and a delicate salty finish.
This variety is an excellent bridge between plain dark chocolate and sweeter confectionery. It retains the cocoa depth associated with Excellence while adding enough caramel to appeal to those who do not want an entirely austere bar.
Orange, Raspberry and Fruit-Flavoured Excellence Bars
Fruit provides brightness and acidity that can lift dark chocolate. Orange is particularly effective because its aromatic citrus oils complement cocoa, while raspberry introduces sharper berry notes and a lighter finish.
Popular fruit-inspired varieties can include:
- Orange Intense: dark chocolate with bright citrus flavour and, depending on the recipe, almond pieces.
- Raspberry Intense: dark chocolate balanced by tart raspberry notes.
- Fruit and nut recipes: dried fruit sweetness with contrasting roasted nuts.
These bars are ideal for customers who find plain high-cocoa chocolate too severe but still want something less sweet than conventional milk chocolate.
Mint and Chilli Dark Chocolate
Mint and chilli approach dark chocolate from opposite directions. Mint adds a cool, clean finish, making the chocolate particularly suitable for after-dinner enjoyment. Chilli develops more gradually, beginning with cocoa before introducing gentle warmth.
Lindt Excellence Mint Intense is a good choice for fans of traditional mint chocolate, while a chilli dark chocolate bar offers a more adventurous flavour without requiring a heavy filling.
Both styles demonstrate how a relatively small additional flavour can change the experience of dark chocolate while allowing cocoa to remain central.
How to Taste Lindt Excellence Chocolate
Dark chocolate rewards a slightly slower approach than an ordinary snack bar. Begin by allowing the chocolate to reach room temperature. Break off a square and notice the snap, then allow it to soften on the tongue before chewing.
During a tasting, consider:
- The initial cocoa aroma
- The level of sweetness
- Roasted, fruity or earthy notes
- The smoothness of the melt
- Any acidity or bitterness
- The length and character of the finish
If comparing several bars, begin with milk chocolate or the lowest cocoa percentage. Progress gradually towards stronger dark chocolate so that the most intense bar does not overwhelm the subtler varieties.
Drinks to Pair with Lindt Excellence
Lindt Excellence bars can be enjoyed alone, but a carefully chosen drink can reveal different elements of the chocolate.
- 70% dark chocolate: pair with black coffee, Assam tea or cappuccino.
- 85% dark chocolate: enjoy with espresso or unsweetened black tea.
- 90% and higher: try with water or a simple coffee that will not mask the cocoa.
- Orange Intense: pair with Earl Grey or black coffee.
- Mint Intense: enjoy after dinner with coffee.
- Sea salt chocolate: pair with espresso or Americano.
- Extra Creamy milk chocolate: serve with tea, latte or hot chocolate.
- Pistachio dark chocolate: try with coffee or lightly brewed mint tea.
Water is useful between varieties during a tasting because it clears the palate without adding another flavour.
Lindt Excellence Chocolate Gifts
Lindt Excellence bars make thoughtful gifts because individual flavours can be matched to the recipient. A dark chocolate enthusiast may appreciate a progression through 70%, 85% and 90% cocoa, while somebody who enjoys variety may prefer pistachio, orange, sea salt and caramel.
Browse our Lindt Chocolate Gifts for more bars, truffles and gift-ready selections. For a more generous present, Lindt Chocolate Hampers can combine Excellence bars with Lindor truffles, pralines and assorted chocolate boxes.
Lindt Excellence is particularly suitable for:
- Birthday chocolate gifts
- Christmas presents and stocking fillers
- Thank-you gifts
- Dinner invitations
- Father’s Day and Mother’s Day
- Chocolate tasting selections
- Office and client gifts
- After-dinner chocolate hampers
Our wider Chocolate Gifts collection offers even more options for recipients who enjoy a mixture of brands and chocolate styles.
Create a Lindt Excellence Tasting Collection
A well-planned tasting selection does not need dozens of bars. A smaller group with clear contrasts will usually produce a more interesting experience.
Consider combining:
- Extra Creamy milk chocolate
- 70% dark chocolate
- 85% dark chocolate
- 90% dark chocolate
- Dark chocolate with sea salt
- Pistachio dark chocolate
- Orange or raspberry chocolate
- Caramel and sea salt chocolate
Arrange the bars from sweetest to most intense. Break them into small pieces and keep the wrappers nearby so everyone can compare cocoa percentages, ingredients and tasting notes.
Using Lindt Excellence in Baking and Desserts
Plain Excellence dark chocolate can be used in brownies, cakes, ganache, sauces and chocolate-dipped fruit. Choosing the right cocoa percentage allows you to control the intensity and sweetness of the finished dessert.
A 70% bar is versatile enough for most recipes, while 85% or stronger chocolate can create a more intense result and may require adjustments elsewhere in the recipe. Flavoured bars containing fruit, salt, caramel or nuts can also be used, but their additional ingredients will change the final texture and flavour.
Possible uses include:
- Dark chocolate brownies
- Chocolate ganache
- Chocolate tart fillings
- Cheesecake decoration
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Ice cream toppings
- After-dinner dessert boards
- Shaved chocolate over coffee or hot chocolate
Is Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate Healthy?
Cocoa percentage alone does not make a chocolate bar a health product. Higher-cocoa dark chocolate generally contains less sugar than milk chocolate, but it remains energy-dense and can contain significant fat.
Anyone monitoring calories, sugar or specific nutrients should use the nutrition panel on the exact bar and consider the stated serving size. Lindt Excellence is best treated as chocolate to be enjoyed in a portion appropriate to the individual’s diet.
Ingredients, Allergens and Dietary Requirements
Ingredients vary across the Lindt Excellence range. Milk and white varieties contain dairy, while pistachio, hazelnut and almond recipes contain nuts. Flavoured bars may introduce further ingredients such as fruit, caramel, wheat, barley or soya.
Some high-cocoa dark chocolate recipes may be made without animal-derived ingredients, but that does not mean every Excellence bar is vegan. Manufacturing environments may also handle milk and other allergens.
Customers looking for specifically labelled alternatives can explore our Vegan Chocolate and Dairy Free Chocolate collections.
Always check the current wrapper for ingredients, allergen warnings and dietary information. Do not assume the suitability of one Lindt Excellence bar applies to the entire range.
How to Store Lindt Excellence Bars
Keep Lindt Excellence in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, moisture and strong odours. A stable cupboard away from ovens and radiators is generally suitable.
Refrigeration is not normally necessary in moderate conditions and may reduce the chocolate’s aroma. During particularly warm weather, place the sealed bar inside an airtight container before chilling it, then allow it to return gradually towards room temperature before opening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lindt Excellence
What is Lindt Excellence chocolate?
Lindt Excellence is a range of slim chocolate bars featuring different cocoa percentages and flavours. It is best known for dark chocolate bars ranging from accessible 70% cocoa to highly intense 99% and 100% cocoa recipes.
Which Lindt Excellence bar should I try first?
Choose 70% cocoa if you are new to dark chocolate. Select 85% if you already enjoy strong cocoa flavour, or try Extra Creamy milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
What is the difference between Lindt Excellence 70% and 85%?
The 70% bar is sweeter and more approachable. The 85% bar has greater cocoa intensity, less sweetness and a longer, more robust finish.
Is Lindt Excellence 90% very bitter?
It is significantly less sweet and more cocoa-led than 70% or 85% chocolate. Whether it tastes excessively bitter depends on personal preference and previous experience with high-cocoa bars.
Is Lindt Excellence dark chocolate vegan?
Suitability varies by product and market. Some high-cocoa recipes may not use animal-derived ingredients, but milk cross-contact warnings can still apply. Check the current wrapper for vegan labelling and complete allergen information.
Is Lindt Excellence gluten free?
Some bars may not contain gluten ingredients, while particular flavours can contain wheat, barley or other gluten-containing ingredients. Customers with coeliac disease or an allergy must check each product separately.
Does Lindt Excellence contain nuts?
Pistachio, hazelnut and almond varieties contain nuts, while other bars may carry cross-contact warnings. Read the current allergen statement before purchasing for anyone with a nut allergy.
What size is a Lindt Excellence bar?
Many varieties are commonly sold as 100g bars, but weights can vary according to the product and market. Check the individual listing for the exact pack size.
Can Lindt Excellence be added to a chocolate hamper?
Yes. Different cocoa percentages and flavoured bars make it easy to add contrast to chocolate hampers, gift boxes and tasting selections.
Buy Lindt Excellence Online
Whether you prefer balanced 70% dark chocolate, robust 85% cocoa, intense 90% bars, creamy milk chocolate or distinctive pistachio, orange, mint and sea salt flavours, Lindt Excellence offers a considered approach to chocolate tasting.
Explore our wider range of Lindt Chocolate Bars, browse more branded Chocolate Bars or discover our complete collection of Chocolate at Sweets Shop.
