TOUR: Uncle Sam’s All-American Chocolate Factory [PHOTOS]

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Well, I know there are people out there who don’t but I’m for sure not one of them! I went to Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady and across the street for me to stare and dream about for 4 years is Uncle Sam’s All-American Chocolate Factory.

Recently, I was so lucky to have a personal tour with Deb at the Newton Plaza location. If you haven’t been in the store, aside from having delicious chocolate, you are missing out on probably one of the best smells I’ve ever experienced.

Uncle Sam’s has been in business since 1930 and has used the same ingredients, products and recipes since then. You may see some new flavors in their chocolate but that basic recipe is a classic. One of my favorite things to get is the buttercrunch (nuts, toffee & chocolate) which comes in milk chocolate, dark chocolate and sometimes white chocolate sold in 1 pound to 4 pound boxes. Once you have a piece, there’s no putting that box down.

What really blew my mind was the high cocoa chocolate! If you’ve ever had 85% cocoa chocolate from one of the larger National companies, it’s not very good, though “good for you,” it tastes like dirt. Take a taste of Uncle Sam’s high cocoa content & get back to me- well, after you eat a whole bunch of it! It’s SO much better!

I also had the chance to try their Galapagos Turtle (maple syrup caramel & pecan covered in rich Belgian chocolate). I love chocolate turtles but I’m used to buying them in the grocery store after they’ve been sitting on the shelves for months. The smooth caramel in Uncle Sam’s chocolate turtles have the perfect proportions of chocolate- don’t leave the store without one! Also, if you remember The Chocolate Gecko in Albany that’s no longer open, Uncle Sam’s now carries their products! I love spicy chocolate so I decided to go with the Hot Rat (Belgian chocolate mouse with a spicy habanero pepper, vanilla & cinnamon chocolate ganache. That was delicious, but super spicy so be warned before you pick one up.

Looking to get chocolate for a party? Or just want a chocolate mold of something? A dipped bottle? Anything you could possibly want in chocolate, they have it and if they don’t have it, they’ll try to get it for you. I’d list some of the molds they have but seriously, think of something you want in chocolate- they have it. It’s incredible! If you’re afraid (like I am) of spending all of your money on all the chocolate walking into the store because it looks so delicious, you can also order online! Otherwise, I’ll probably see you in the store! Take a look at what they have, which shape is your favorite?

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