Chocolate Beer: The Premium Trend Redefining Craft Beer
There are still those who dismiss chocolate beer as a marketing gimmick. They are wrong. According to a report by Spherical Insights and Consulting published in August 2026, the global market is projected to grow from $199.46 billion in 2025 to $393.69 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 7.04%.
Chocolate beer represents something deeper than a simple flavor innovation. It is proof that beer has completed its transformation from a popular beverage into a lifestyle product, with the same premiumization potential already achieved by wine and whiskey.
At Maltese.beer, we have selected some of the finest expressions of this style.
The Best Examples to Buy Now
Chocolate Porter - Birra Perugia
A Porter that takes chocolate seriously. Made with roasted and ground Ariba National cacao beans, it offers aromas of coffee, dark chocolate, and bitter cocoa, with a balanced body and a long, dry finish. Perfect with chocolate desserts, blue cheeses, or braised meats.
Spaghetti Western - Brewfist x Prairie Artisan Ales
An Imperial Chocolate Coffee Stout created through a collaboration between Brewfist and the legendary Prairie Artisan Ales of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dense and pitch-black, with the aroma of green coffee opening onto notes of cocoa and espresso bitterness. A contemplative beer for collectors.
Coal Wars - Busa dei Briganti
An American Dark Ale from the Euganean Hills, with notes of barley coffee, bitter chocolate, and smoky mesquite nuances. Full and rounded on the palate, with sweet chocolate chip cookie flavors balanced by a bitter, roasty finish.
Explore the Entire Craft Dark Beer Collection
Why the Market Is Exploding
The figures in the Spherical Insights report reflect structural rather than cyclical growth:
- North America (~$1.2 billion, CAGR 6–7%): craft beer culture and the dessert beer trend dominate.
- Europe (~$900 million, CAGR 5–6%): Belgian and German breweries are incorporating cocoa into their rich ales, focusing on tradition and craftsmanship.
- Asia-Pacific (~$600 million, CAGR 7–8%): chocolate beer is positioned as a fusion of Western indulgence and local creativity.
- India (~$150 million, CAGR 8–9%): the boom in microbreweries in Pune and Bangalore is driving experimentation with chocolate draught beer.
Three Segments, One Direction: Premium
- Chocolate Stout and Porter: the heart of the segment. Rich, dessert-like beers with complex aromatic profiles, such as Birra Perugia’s Chocolate Porter and Brewfist’s Spaghetti Western.
- Chocolate Lager and Ale: lighter, more approachable options for those trying the style for the first time.
- Seasonal and Special Editions: limited releases tied to holidays or events. They create anticipation and exclusivity. Coal Wars is a perfect example.
Indulgence with a Conscience: The Role of Sustainability
The premium trend is intertwined with sustainability. The most advanced breweries highlight ethically sourced cocoa, organic ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and experimentation with AI brewing. This is not just marketing: it is a response to the expectations of younger consumers, who want indulgence without the guilt.
Seasonal Positioning: Why It Works
One of the most effective strategies is the seasonal launch. A brewery releasing a Valentine Chocolate Stout in limited-edition packaging is not selling just a beer: it is selling romance, exclusivity, and an occasion. The logic is the same as that used by major luxury brands: perceived scarcity + storytelling + genuine quality = brand loyalty.
Conclusion: It Is Not a Trend, It Is a Category
With a global market projected to approach $400 billion by 2035, chocolate beer is part of a structural movement toward premiumization in drinking. At Maltese.beer, we have already made the selection for you:
- Chocolate Porter - Birra Perugia - Ariba National cacao, a distinctive Italian Porter
- Spaghetti Western - Brewfist x Prairie - Imperial Chocolate Coffee Stout, a legendary collaboration
- Coal Wars - Busa dei Briganti - American Dark Ale, chocolate and smokiness from the Euganean Hills
