The best chocolates for Valentine's Day 2018

Paul A Young Valentine's 2018 collection

Independent chocolatier Paul A Young is renowned for his experimental approach to flavours. For Valentine's, he has transformed some of the most romantic destinations, films and books into tempting sweet treats. The "Romeo and Juliet" brings a taste of Italy with a mix of marscarpone, limoncello and basil encased in dark chocolate, "Casablanca" recalls heady Moroccan nights with a prune puree and sea salted caramel spiced with ras el hanout, meanwhile Young pays tribute to novelist Dame Barbara Cartland with a playful combination of white chocolate, pink champagne and edible diamond.

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From £7 for four-piece box; paulayoung.co.uk

Pierre Marcolini Love Follies

The Belgian haute chocolaterie has drawn on classic Valentine's motifs for its romantic new collection. Encased within glistening, heart-shaped truffles are tried-and-tested combinations including pistachio praline, salted caramel and nougat praline, as well as tart and fruity chocolates filled with raspberry, lemon or passion fruit ganache. They come packaged in a variety of sizes from neat couple-sized boxes of two to decadent pyramids featuring 80 pieces.

From £4 for a two-piece box; marcolini.com

Prestat Pink Marc de Champagne mini-truffles

Truly indulge your loved one with these boozy truffles from Prestat. A classic part of its collection for good reason, each feature a rich whipped-cream, dark chocolate ganache infused with champagne, which is then enrobed in a pretty-in-pink white chocolate shell. For a finishing touch, it's presented in a quaint, heart-shaped box.

From £8.50 for 44g; prestat.co.uk

Godiva Valentine’s Day Luxury Heart Chocolate Assortment

This expansive assortment from traditional Belgian chocolatier Godiva comes with a wide-ranging array of flavours guaranteed to impress. The limited-edition truffles include strawberry and lemon, pistachio praline and caramel orange, featured alongside staples including the brand's signature milk white and dark Belgian chocolates.

£24; godivachocolates.co.uk

Venchi Romantic Red Heart Gift Box

This assortment comes packed with two different types of the Italian chocolate specialists most popular creations. The Cremini feature a layer of rich dark chocolate layered with almond paste sandwiched between two layers of dark Gianduja. Meanwhile inside the foil-wrapped hearts lies white and dark chocolate pralines.

£17; venchi.com