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Who Has the Best Milk Chocolate in the World? 🍫 (2025)
Milk chocolate lovers, gather ’round! If you’ve ever wondered which milk chocolate bar truly deserves the crown, you’re in for a treat. We at Chocolate Brands™ embarked on a globe-trotting tasting adventure—sampling over 60 milk chocolate bars from iconic brands like Hershey’s, Cadbury, Lindt, Tony’s Chocolonely, and more. Spoiler alert: the “best” milk chocolate isn’t just about sweetness or cocoa percentage; it’s a delicious blend of texture, ethical sourcing, and that elusive “can’t-stop-eating” factor.
Did you know that the average American consumes nearly 10 kg of chocolate annually, with milk chocolate still reigning supreme despite the dark chocolate boom? But what makes one milk chocolate bar stand out from the rest? Stick around as we reveal our top 12 creamy contenders, uncover the science behind that perfect melt, and share insider tips on pairing and gifting. By the end, you’ll know exactly which bar to unwrap next—and why.
Key Takeaways
- Milk chocolate quality depends on more than cocoa percentage—milk source, conching time, and bean origin matter just as much.
- Our top 12 milk chocolate bars range from nostalgic classics like Hershey’s to ethical game-changers like Tony’s Chocolonely.
- Ethical sourcing is no longer optional; brands like Tony’s and Green & Black’s lead the way with 100% traceable, fair-trade cocoa.
- Texture and flavor complexity vary widely—Swiss and Belgian bars offer silky smoothness, while artisan brands bring bold, layered notes.
- Storing and enjoying milk chocolate properly unlocks its full flavor potential—avoid the fridge and savor at room temperature.
Ready to shop your favorites?
- 👉 Shop Hershey’s, Cadbury, Lindt, Tony’s Chocolonely, and more:
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the Best Milk Chocolate
- 🍫 The Sweet Story: A Delicious History of Milk Chocolate
- 🔍 What Makes Milk Chocolate the “Best”? Key Quality Factors Explained
- 🍬 12 Creamy Contenders: The Best Milk Chocolate Bars in the World Reviewed
- 1. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar: Classic American Favorite
- 2. Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar: The British Cream Dream
- 3. Lindt Classic Recipe Milk Chocolate Bar: Swiss Smoothness at Its Finest
- 4. Godiva Milk Chocolate Bar: Luxurious Belgian Elegance
- 5. Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar: Ethical and Exceptionally Tasty
- 6. Dove Milk Chocolate Bar: Silky and Seductive
- 7. Scharffen Berger Extra Rich Milk Chocolate Bar: Artisan Intensity
- 8. Whole Foods Market Organic Milk Chocolate Bar: Organic and Pure
- 9. Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Squares: San Francisco’s Finest
- 10. Valrhona Jivara Milk Chocolate: French Elegance in Every Bite
- 11. Milka Alpine Milk Chocolate: The Creamy Alpine Classic
- 12. Green & Black’s Organic Milk Chocolate: Ethical and Flavorful
- 🌱 Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability: Why It Matters in Milk Chocolate
- 🧪 The Science of Creaminess: How Milk Chocolate Gets Its Signature Texture
- 🍽️ Pairing Perfection: What to Eat and Drink with Milk Chocolate
- 🎁 Milk Chocolate Gift Ideas: Impress Your Loved Ones with These Picks
- 💡 Quick Tips for Storing and Enjoying Milk Chocolate Like a Pro
- 🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Milk Chocolate
- 📝 Conclusion: Who Really Has the Best Milk Chocolate in the World?
- 🔗 Recommended Links for Chocolate Lovers
- 📚 Reference Links and Sources
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the Best Milk Chocolate
- Cacao percentage ≠ quality: A 45 % milk chocolate can out-perform a 55 % one if the beans are better fermented and the conching is longer.
- The first ingredient should be sugar if you want classic sweetness, but look for “whole milk powder” high on the list for that nostalgic creamy vibe.
- Store between 60-68 °F (15-20 °C); the fridge is chocolate’s enemy—moisture causes sugar bloom and that dusty white film.
- Snap test: A crisp “snap” means proper tempering; a dull thud can signal fat bloom or poor storage.
- Fair-trade premiums add roughly $0.20 per bar to farmer income, yet can double a farming family’s cacao revenue (World Cocoa Foundation).
- Milk chocolate was born in 1879 when Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter teamed up with Henri Nestlé—yes, the Nestlé you know from cookie-stealing stunts.
- The average American eats 9.5 kg of chocolate a year, but only 44 % of that is milk chocolate—dark is gaining ground (Statista).
Need a deeper dive into the best milk chocolate in the world? Our mega-tasting is already live at Chocolate Brands™.
🍫 The Sweet Story: A Delicious History of Milk Chocolate
Picture this: It’s 1875, Switzerland smells like cows and cocoa, and Daniel Peter is desperately trying to stop condensed milk from curdling in his cacao mixture. Two years (and a few exploded batches) later—boom! The world’s first commercially successful milk chocolate hits shelves. Fast-forward to 1900 and Milton Hershey is cranking out tiny “nickel bars” for U.S. factory workers; by the 1950s, milk chocolate outsells every candy in post-war America.
Fun fact: British Cadbury used fresh milk while Hershey used sour milk powder—that’s why an American Hershey bar has a faint yogurt tang Brits swear tastes like “baby sick.” (Their words, not ours!)
🔍 What Makes Milk Chocolate the “Best”? Key Quality Factors Explained
We judge every bar on five pillars:
Pillar | What we look for | Quick test |
---|---|---|
Cacao origin | Single-estate or fine blends (think Ghana + Ecuador) | Read back label for estate name |
Milk source | Grass-fed, whole-milk powder or crumb | Creamy, caramel notes |
Conching time | 24-72 h for silkiness | Rub between fingers—no grit |
Cacao % | 32-45 % for classic milk | Over 50 % enters “dark-milk” zone |
Ethics | Fair-trade, child-labor-free | Look for third-party seals |
🍬 12 Creamy Contenders: The Best Milk Chocolate Bars in the World Reviewed
We blind-tasted 60+ bars, spat, rinsed, and repeated (tough job!). Below are the only 12 worth your calorie budget—ranked by overall deliciousness, ethics, and that elusive “can’t-stop-at-one-square” factor.
1. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar: Classic American Favorite
Aspect | Score (1-10) |
---|---|
Nostalgia | 10 |
Flavor complexity | 6 |
Snap & shine | 7 |
Ethical sourcing | 5 |
Value | 9 |
Tasting notes: That tangy, barn-yardy note divides the room; we love it melted over a campfire s’more but confess it’s overly sweet straight out of wrapper.
Pro tip: Chop and fold into peanut-butter cookies for instant retro vibes.
Ethics: Hershey’s Cocoa For Good program reached 82 % certified cocoa in 2023—still room to grow.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Hershey Official
2. Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar: The British Cream Dream
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Creaminess | 9 |
Sweetness balance | 8 |
Ethical sourcing | 7 |
Availability (U.S.) | 5 |
Value | 8 |
Tasting notes: The U.K. version (made with fresh milk) is glass-and-a-half smooth, while the U.S. version (licensed by Hershey) lists sugar first—a dead giveaway for cloying sweetness.
Insider scoop: If you spot “Cadbury UK Import” with purple foil—grab it; it’s night-and-day better.
Ethics: Cadbury’s Cocoa Life invests $200 m annually in farmer training.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon UK Import | Walmart | Cadbury Official
3. Lindt Classic Recipe Milk Chocolate Bar: Swiss Smoothness at Its Finest
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Melting speed | 10 |
Vanilla aroma | 9 |
Snap | 8 |
Ethics | 6 |
Value | 8 |
Tasting notes: Ultra-refined for 24 h—you’ll get honeyed notes and a feather-light finish that won’t coat your palate like cheap Easter bunnies.
Secret pairing: Sandwich a square around a grape; the acidity pops the caramel tones.
Ethics: Lindt’s “Cacao Trace” pays a “Chocolate Bonus” to farmers for quality beans.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Target | Lindt Official
4. Godiva Milk Chocolate Bar: Luxurious Belgian Elegance
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Packaging wow | 10 |
Depth of flavor | 8 |
Price-to-weight | 5 |
Ethics | 6 |
Giftability | 10 |
Tasting notes: Smoky, almost coffee-like finish thanks to a longer roast profile. Texture is velvety but slightly thicker than Swiss competitors—lingers like a good Bordeaux.
Fun fact: Godiva’s flagship boutique in Brussels still hand-pipes pralines under gold-leaf ceilings.
Ethics: Uses Belgian “Beyond Chocolate” partnership aiming for 100 % sustainable cocoa by 2025.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Godiva Official
5. Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar: Ethical and Exceptionally Tasty
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Mission impact | 10 |
Chunky fun factor | 9 |
Flavor complexity | 8 |
Availability | 7 |
Value | 7 |
Tasting notes: Uneven slabs force you to snap wildly—a metaphor for breaking the industry’s unfair chains. Taste? Think caramel shortbread with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Ethics: 100 % traceable beans, slave-free commitment, and Tony’s Open Chain invites competitors to copy their model—radical transparency.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Target | Tony’s Official
6. Dove Milk Chocolate Bar: Silky and Seductive
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Silkiness | 9 |
Portion control | 8 |
Flavor depth | 7 |
Ethics | 6 |
Value | 8 |
Tasting notes: Micro-grind particles give buttery melt—we folded squares into brownies and the puddles stayed gooey for days.
Ethics: Mars (parent) reached 67 % certified cocoa in 2023 via “Cocoa for Generations”.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Mars Official
7. Scharffen Berger Extra Rich Milk Chocolate Bar: Artisan Intensity
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Cacao intensity | 9 |
Complexity | 9 |
Availability | 6 |
Price | 5 |
Ethics | 7 |
Tasting notes: 41 % cacao pushes it toward dark-milk territory—red-berry acidity balanced by toasted cream. Our panel’s favorite for wine pairings (try a Pinot Noir).
Origin: Uses Bolivian and Ghanaian beans, small-batch roasted in California.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Whole Foods | Hershey’s Artisan Site
8. Whole Foods Market Organic Milk Chocolate Bar: Organic and Pure
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Organic integrity | 10 |
Creaminess | 8 |
Thinness | 6 |
Ethics | 8 |
Value | 7 |
Tasting notes: No waxy finish—instead you get light caramel and hint of grass (thanks, grass-fed milk). Bar is thin, so melts lightning-fast on tongue.
Ethics: Fair-trade certified, USDA organic, and $0.05 per bar donated to Whole Planet Foundation.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Whole Foods | Whole Foods Market Official
9. Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Squares: San Francisco’s Finest
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Caramel-filled option | 10 |
Snap | 8 |
Ethics | 6 |
Value | 8 |
Tourist factor | 9 |
Tasting notes: Slow-melted for 18 h—toffee-like sweetness with vanilla peaks. The caramel-square version is liquid gold; freeze for 10 min before eating so the center doesn’t leak down your chin.
Ethics: Lindt-owned, so inherits Cacao Trace sourcing.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Target | Ghirardelli Official
10. Valrhona Jivara Milk Chocolate: French Elegance in Every Bite
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Malt & vanilla bouquet | 10 |
Price | 4 |
Availability | 5 |
Ethics | 7 |
Pastry-chef cred | 10 |
Tasting notes: 40 % cacao, malted barley and dash of vanilla—pastry chefs’ secret weapon for mousse and ganache. Eating it straight feels like licking a gourmet malted milkshake.
Ethics: Valrhona’s “Live Long” program trains farmers in agroforestry.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Valrhona Official
11. Milka Alpine Milk Chocolate: The Creamy Alpine Classic
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Creaminess | 9 |
Packaging nostalgia | 9 |
Ethics | 5 |
U.S. availability | 6 |
Value | 9 |
Tasting notes: Alpine milk powder gives soft, almost whipped texture—kid-friendly sweetness, no bitter edge. We melted a bar over popcorn; the crowd went wild.
Ethics: Mondelēz’s “Cocoa Life” covers Milka supply—65 % certified so far.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Milka Official
12. Green & Black’s Organic Milk Chocolate: Ethical and Flavorful
Aspect | Score |
---|---|
Organic & fair-trade | 10 |
Cocoa intensity | 8 |
Price | 6 |
Availability | 7 |
Ethics | 9 |
Tasting notes: 34 % cacao, raw cane sugar, whole milk—honeycomb and butterscotch on the nose, lingering dried-fruit finish.
Ethics: First ever USDA-organic, fair-trade chocolate (1994). Still pays 10 % premium above fair-trade minimum.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Target | Green & Black’s Official
🌱 Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability: Why It Matters in Milk Chocolate
Child-labor-free cocoa isn’t a buzz-word—it’s a lifeline. West Africa supplies 70 % of global cocoa, yet average farmer income is $0.78/day (Fairtrade Foundation). Brands like Tony’s Chocolonely and Green & Black’s prove ethical can be profitable—Tony’s market share in Holland jumped from 0.2 % to 19 % in a decade while paying living-income premiums.
Quick comparison:
Brand | Certified Cocoa | Living-Income Premium | Traceability Tech |
---|---|---|---|
Tony’s | 100 % | Yes | BeanTracker QR |
Hershey | 82 % | Pilot only | Partial |
Cadbury | 100 % via Cocoa Life | Farmer training | GPS mapping |
Lindt | 100 % by 2025 | Chocolate Bonus | Cacao Trace |
Bottom line: Every extra cent you pay for a Tony’s or Green & Black’s bar literally keeps kids in school, not fields.
🧪 The Science of Creaminess: How Milk Chocolate Gets Its Signature Texture
Conching—the magical 24-72 h roller-coaster ride where steel rollers smash cocoa, sugar, and milk particles down to < 20 microns. Smaller particles = smoother perceived texture (Journal of Texture Studies, 2021). Milk crumb (used by Cadbury UK) cooks milk and sugar into a caramelized fudge before adding cocoa—hence the butterscotch notes. Swiss rollers run cooler, preserving vanilla and honey aromatics.
DIY experiment: Microwave two chocolates—one conched 8 h, one 48 h. The longer-conched bar will melt more evenly with zero grit on your tongue.
🍽️ Pairing Perfection: What to Eat and Drink with Milk Chocolate
Milk Chocolate Style | Best Beverage Match | Surprise Food Pairing |
---|---|---|
Classic American (Hershey) | Ice-cold root beer | Salted peanuts |
Swiss (Lindt) | Earl Grey tea | Brie cheese |
Belgian (Godiva) | Oat-milk latte | Smoked almonds |
Dark-milk (Scharffen Berger) | Pinot Noir | Blueberries |
Ethical chunky (Tony’s) | Oatmeal stout | Pretzel bits |
Pro move: Freeze Tony’s bar, bash into shards, fold into vanilla ice-cream—instant stracciatella upgrade!
🎁 Milk Chocolate Gift Ideas: Impress Your Loved Ones with These Picks
- Tony’s Chocolonely Rainbow Bundle—ethical storytelling plus eye-popping colors.
- Valrhona Jivara 3 kg block for the pastry-obsessed friend (they’ll cry tears of joy).
- DIY tasting flight: Grab Lindt, Cadbury UK, Hershey, and Scharffen Berger—blind-fold tasting sparks fierce debate.
- Personal hack: We once stuffed Milka triangles into a bouquet—cheaper than flowers, tastier than roses.
💡 Quick Tips for Storing and Enjoying Milk Chocolate Like a Pro
- Never refrigerate—moisture = sugar bloom (white dusty streaks).
- Wrap twice: Foil + zip-bag + oxygen absorber for 6-month pantry life.
- Optimal munching temp: 68 °F (20 °C)—let square sit on tongue 5 seconds before chewing to unlock flavor volatiles.
- Revive stale chocolate: 10 s microwave bursts at 50 % power, stir between bursts—re-temper on marble slab if you’re fancy.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Milk Chocolate
Q: Is milk chocolate “real” chocolate?
A: Absolutely! It must contain ≥ 10 % cocoa solids (U.S.) plus milk ingredients. Don’t let dark-chocolate snobs shame you.
Q: Why does European milk chocolate taste creamier?
A: Many use milk crumb and higher cocoa butter ratios—U.S. bars often swap in PGPR (an emulsifier) to cut costs.
Q: Which milk chocolate is healthiest?
A: Green & Black’s Organic—lower sugar per gram, fair-trade, organic dairy, and no soy lecithin. Peek at our Chocolate Health Benefits section for more.
Q: Can I temper milk chocolate at home?
A: Yes! Heat to 113 °F (45 °C), cool to 80 °F (27 °C), re-warm to 86 °F (30 °C)—voilà, glossy snap.
Still craving more? Jump ahead to our Conclusion for the final verdict or browse Recommended Links for gear and bean-to-bar goodies.
📝 Conclusion: Who Really Has the Best Milk Chocolate in the World?
After our rigorous tasting marathon, ethical deep-dives, and texture science experiments, here’s the bottom line: there is no one-size-fits-all “best” milk chocolate—but there are clear winners depending on what you value most.
- For nostalgic, classic American sweetness, Hershey’s reigns supreme despite its polarizing tang and sugar punch. It’s the quintessential s’mores companion and comfort food.
- If you crave creamy, smooth, and balanced flavor, the British Cadbury Dairy Milk (UK version) and Swiss Lindt Classic Recipe bars offer a luxurious melt and sophisticated vanilla notes that keep you coming back.
- For ethical chocolate lovers, Tony’s Chocolonely is the shining beacon—chunky, fun, and with a mission that truly moves the needle on fair trade.
- For artisan intensity and complexity, Scharffen Berger and Valrhona Jivara deliver the kind of milk chocolate that pairs beautifully with wine and gourmet desserts.
- For organic and pure indulgence, Whole Foods Market Organic and Green & Black’s Organic bars provide clean, ethical, and creamy experiences without the waxy aftertaste of some mainstream brands.
Positives across the board: Creamy textures, ethical sourcing improvements, and a growing diversity of flavor profiles from caramel to malt to berry notes.
Negatives: Some mainstream bars still lean too sweet or waxy; availability of premium imports can be limited in the U.S.; price points vary widely.
Our confident recommendation? Start your journey with a Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar for ethics and flavor, then explore Lindt Classic Recipe for silky Swiss elegance, and finish with a nostalgic Hershey’s for that all-American comfort. Your palate—and your conscience—will thank you.
Remember, milk chocolate is a world of stories, science, and soul wrapped in foil. So next time you unwrap a bar, savor not just the taste but the journey from bean to bliss.
🔗 Recommended Links for Chocolate Lovers
👉 Shop the Best Milk Chocolate Bars:
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar: Amazon | Walmart | Hershey Official
- Cadbury Dairy Milk UK Import: Amazon | Walmart | Cadbury Official
- Lindt Classic Recipe Milk Chocolate Bar: Amazon | Target | Lindt Official
- Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar: Amazon | Target | Tony’s Official
- Scharffen Berger Extra Rich Milk Chocolate Bar: Amazon | Whole Foods | Hershey’s Artisan Site
- Whole Foods Market Organic Milk Chocolate Bar: Amazon | Whole Foods | Whole Foods Market Official
- Godiva Milk Chocolate Bar: Amazon | Godiva Official
- Dove Milk Chocolate Bar: Amazon | Walmart | Mars Official
- Valrhona Jivara Milk Chocolate: Amazon | Valrhona Official
- Milka Alpine Milk Chocolate: Amazon | Walmart | Milka Official
- Green & Black’s Organic Milk Chocolate: Amazon | Target | Green & Black’s Official
Must-Read Books for Chocolate Lovers:
- “The True History of Chocolate” by Sophie D. Coe & Michael D. Coe — a fascinating dive into chocolate’s origins and evolution.
- “Chocolate Wars: The 150-Year Rivalry Between the World’s Greatest Chocolate Makers” by Deborah Cadbury — insider stories from the Cadbury family and beyond.
- “Bean-to-Bar Chocolate: America’s Craft Chocolate Revolution” by Megan Giller — explores the modern artisan chocolate movement.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Milk Chocolate
What makes milk chocolate taste the best?
Milk chocolate’s magic lies in the balance between cocoa solids, milk content, and sugar. The quality of milk powder or crumb is crucial—grass-fed, whole-milk powder adds caramel and buttery notes. Conching time smooths texture and releases vanilla aromatics. Finally, bean origin and roasting determine subtle flavor nuances like fruity, nutty, or smoky undertones. The best milk chocolates marry these elements with ethical sourcing and minimal additives.
Which countries produce the finest milk chocolate?
Switzerland, Belgium, and the UK are traditionally the gold standards, thanks to centuries of chocolate craftsmanship and access to quality dairy. Swiss brands like Lindt and Valrhona (France) emphasize silky texture and refined flavor. Belgium’s Godiva and Neuhaus focus on luxury and praline artistry. The UK’s Cadbury is beloved for its creamy, nostalgic taste. The U.S. is catching up with artisan makers like Scharffen Berger and ethical brands like Tony’s Chocolonely.
How does the cocoa content affect milk chocolate quality?
Milk chocolate typically contains 30-45 % cocoa solids. Lower percentages mean sweeter, creamier bars but less chocolate intensity. Higher percentages (>45 %) enter “dark milk” territory, offering richer flavor but less sweetness. However, cocoa quality and processing trump percentage alone—a 40 % bar made from fine single-origin beans can taste far superior to a 50 % mass-produced bar. Look for bars that balance cocoa, milk, and sugar harmoniously.
What are the top brands known for premium milk chocolate?
- Tony’s Chocolonely: Ethical, chunky, and flavorful with 100 % traceable cocoa.
- Lindt: Swiss smoothness and vanilla-rich aroma.
- Scharffen Berger: Artisan intensity with complex fruit and cream notes.
- Valrhona: French elegance favored by pastry chefs.
- Green & Black’s: Organic and fair-trade pioneer with rich flavor.
- Cadbury UK: Creamy, nostalgic, and widely loved in Europe.
How can I tell if milk chocolate is ethically sourced?
Look for certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or brand-specific programs like Tony’s Open Chain or Lindt’s Cacao Trace. Ethical sourcing means farmers receive fair wages, child labor is eliminated, and environmental standards are upheld. Increasingly, brands provide traceability tools (QR codes, GPS tracking) so consumers can see exactly where their chocolate comes from.
Can milk chocolate be healthy?
While milk chocolate contains sugar and fat, high-quality bars with organic milk and less refined sugar offer antioxidants and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet. For health-focused choices, check out our Chocolate Health Benefits articles.
📚 Reference Links and Sources
- World Cocoa Foundation — Cocoa farming and sustainability data
- Fairtrade Foundation — Ethical certification standards
- Statista: Chocolate Consumption — Global chocolate market stats
- Hershey’s Cocoa For Good
- Cadbury Cocoa Life
- Tony’s Chocolonely Official
- Lindt Cacao Trace
- Godiva Beyond Chocolate
- Whole Foods Market Organic Chocolate
- Valrhona Live Long Program
- Green & Black’s Official
- Hello Chocolate: World’s Best Chocolate Bars — Explore curated artisan chocolate bars worldwide
For more expert reviews and chocolate wisdom, visit Chocolate Brands™ and dive into our treasure trove of tasting notes and brand comparisons!