Mediocre chocolate priced for royalty Stopped here with a young child a few months ago; man behind the counter was visibly impatient while we decided, even though we were the only customers. Left with a small box of chocolates priced at $75, plus a seemingly mandatory tip for the gruff worker who collected the pieces from the display case. Chocolates were of mixed quality (this is no doubt subjective, but I've sampled many chocolatiers); certainly not special enough to justify the extravagant premium. I get that running a small business is really challenging, but the price to quality ratio was not justifiable. read more

Bought a chocolate bar from the Campbell farmers market. $20 for 4oz (was more like 3oz) of mediocre chocolate... Chocolate tasted dusty and like they don't clean their machines and reuse chocolate. Super disappointed and will not be back. Also the person that sold it to me, older woman, was very snooty and arrogant. I'll support elsewhere read more

Ashby Confections - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Scotts Valley, California

I bought a package of 2 "Tortoises" at New Leaf market today . I bought these for my wife who makes them at home - She won't buy candy of ANY kind if she can make it herself , BETTER. She LOVED these! She said it is probably the roasted pecans under the caramel AND not too much chocolate on top - the perfect balance - NOT heavy on any one ingredient. Maybe on a special occasion I will get another one - they were, indeed , expensive but really good! So GLAD to know Ashby is local!! read more

Amazing chocolate! They hosted a vendor booth at our quilt show this weekend and I am sold. I am a die hard lover of Fran's dark chocolate salted caramels and I bought the same from Ashby's for a side by side comparison. Ashby's held their own and I will buy local from now on! The Dubai chocolate bar was also phenomenal. read more

I really wanted to give Ashby 4-5 stars... but I just couldn't. Here are the top two reasons why... 1) Her chocolate is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE 2) She doesn't display her prices at events. Look, I get that it's handcrafted, artisan chocolate wherein she's using high quality organic ingredients... BUT... is it worth $82/lb???? No. My husband and I were shocked when we purchased some of her candy at a holiday event in Felton this weekend. She had a beautiful display of all her chocolates... but NO PRICES. We figured how expensive could it be??? It's chocolate for goodness sake. This is what we bought: 1 - 4oz bag Peppermint Bark 1 - 4oz bag of Candied Hazelnut Dragees 1 - 4oz Chocolate Almond Toffee Bar Cost........ $62!! (for 12oz) That's $5.17/oz. That works out to be $83 a pound!! What the heck?!?! That's unheard of! And we've purchased very high end chocolate from all over the world (Belgium, France, Germany, England, New Zealand, etc.) and NOBODY is anywhere close to this price per pound. My husband and I were both so shocked! It was fairly crowded at this event, and there were people standing right behind us waiting to try samples and get up to her table, and we were too embarrassed to ask her for an itemized breakdown... so we just paid her and walked away stunned. As soon as we got outside we both looked at each other and said "WTF!?!? This is the most expensive chocolate we've ever purchased! This is crazy!" I mean See's Candies is only $30/lb (and they have great chocolate). And I know that they can produce at large volumes and don't use organic ingredients (which keeps the costs down) but $53 more per pound????? I don't think so. There were others out in front making comments about how expensive her chocolate was. Don't get me wrong... is her chocolate good? YES! Is it $83/lb good? NO! NOTE TO SELLER/OWNER: Please post your prices for the consumer to see BEFORE you stick all of the chocolate into the bag, hand it to the customer, and THEN tell them the price. That's just shady and not a great way to conduct business. Also, whoever you had working at the booth on Saturday in Felton, is not very friendly or approachable. She had no personality. Which just added onto the bad experience. read more

What a talent the best chocolate place in the Bay Area Anyone need to try this chocolate one time in life

These chocolates are very expensive for the size of them. I got 8 truffles at $3.25 each. I got the vanilla, which just tasted like powdered sugar and water, like a royal icing but missing the vanilla flavoring. The local honey one was very bitter and you get the honey flavor on the aftertaste. The vegan coconut carmel was tasty but salty. The heart was a soft salty carmel. I know these are "artesian" but Godiva is better. read more

Ashby Confections - Honey, vanilla, coconut carmel, soft carmel. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Scotts Valley, California

The best chocolates and candies!! I love their Vegan Tortoises and their sour fruit strips. Their chocolates are also SOY-FREE.

We stopped at Ashby Confections while visiting the Capitola Art & Wine Festival today. We're tasting some of these treats now after dinner and I just have to tell you, the dark chocolate turtle with pecans is delicious! The dark chocolate peanut butter (cup?) is so good! We have more but for now I better not over-do my desert though it's definitely taking self control read more

Ashby Confections - Little fruit gummy squares- delicious - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Scotts Valley, California

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Jennifer Ashby's confections rival some of the finest in the world. I have had fine chocolates all over Europe and the USA, and the quality of Ashby's chocolates rivals any of them. Far better than Godiva, and better even than another local brand who advertises as one of the "world's ten best." Jennifer treats chocolate the way others might treat fine wines. Every creation is a unique treat. Not only do they thrill the palate, they are also visually stunning. Who paints their creations with gold leaf anymore? And the fillings are just as varied and excellent. In addition to her fine chocolates, she also makes other wonderful candies such as her sublime pâte de fruits. I have never had anything from Ashby Confections that has not been an absolute delight. p.s. I am attaching a photo my wife took of an Ashby Valentine's Day assortment. Unfortunately, I ate a couple of pieces before she got the chance to snap the photo. And the photo does not do it justice! read more

Ashby Confections - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Scotts Valley, California

I am in shocked by how gross each flavor was. It looks great but the taste of about 10 different flavors was all gross !!!! Literally while eating I was saying is this a gag gift. Like let's take spoiled gross things and put chocolate around it and make it look great while the taste will be gross. read more

Where to start...my siblings are locals so I like coming to Ashby when I visit. This business has a high rating for many reasons: -Business owner is HANDS ON, friendly, and she buys and incorporates local ingredients for many of her candies. -EVERY piece of candy I've eaten from here has been high quality, fresh, delicious, and creative flavors (ghost pepper caramel??!!). -Large variety, great gift wrapping options and service. Chocolates or sour candies from here would make a wonderful gift for anyone, or treat yourself! You can get them loose or you can pack a box and they will put ribbons on it for you. They used to be closed on Sundays but according to their website, they're now closed on Mondays instead. Great news for me! Conveniently located near the freeway. Service: 5/5 Food Quality: 5/5 Food Taste: 5/5 Atmosphere: 4.5/5 read more

Amazing! We were craving chocolate after lunch at the Cambodian restaurant. We were walking to Scotts Valley Market and then realized this gem was here. This isn't food, this is Art in the form of chocolate and confections. This is the real deal. Thank you for sharing your work! read more

Yummy truffles and caramels! They carry some unique flavors and I appreciate that they are truly ganache-filled truffles, not bonbons. Great as a special gift for yourself or someone else. $3/truffle. I think box sizes start at 5-6 pieces, then 10-piece, then something bigger. Extra points for using fair trade chocolate. read more

I recently tried Ashby confections for Christmas and am hooked! This amazing women makes the best sour candies and fine chocolates I think I've ever had. I am someone who loves sour candy but never eats it because of the high fructose corn syrup, my mom finally found me a sour candy by Ashby that has less then five ingredients, gluten free and vegan! I must say I love this women and she will forever have me as a customer:) I feel like a little kid every time I eat her hand crafted chocolates! My favorite are the salted caramels w dark chocolate covering:) If you want one of a kind hand crafted and locally owned treats go see her! I also want to mention your supporting a local female business, which to me is a no brainer! Thank your for taking such care in your craft read more

I was given the milk chocolate "Tortoises and they were divine! I will definitely be looking their other baked goods! Bravo!!

This place is incredible. One of my vendors sent me a little thank you thank included a couple of Ashby chocolates. They were so good I had to venture out and see what they had to offer. We have been back number of times for treats for our house and for family and friends and have enjoyed them every time. Each visit we have been greeted with friendly and knowledgable staff. Oh and the caramel pecan tortoises are to die for! read more

I love Ashby's sweets and I love that they are local and have only the best ingredients. I especially love the Turtle (pecans, caramel and chocolate). I consider myself a Turtle expert. I've tried dozens. I get them at home and when we travel. And Ashby turtles are hands-down THE BEST. Perfect proportion of nuts to carmel to chocolate. Perfect gooey sweet caramel. Delicious large pecans. Thanks Ashby. read more

Anyone remember what's it like to be a 6 year old walking into Disneyland for the first time? That's how my heart felt when I discovered this bay area gem. I had just finished eating at the gross Mexican place in the center. Disappointed from my meal, mouth still tasting like old refried beans... I started to pull away when I saw a big sign that said "Chocolate Store." I was game. I pulled over, parked and walked into my dream. Thanks to Ashby, I know what Willy Wonka's factory would smell like (minus the oompa loompas). We were greeted by a very nice lady who said "I just cut up our samples board." There aren't many other phrases I wanted to hear at that moment. We tried the sour candies, the smores chocolates, bark, white chocolate, and even the amazing key lime pie chocolate. The lady I previously mentioned, just happened to be Ashby. She (and her staff) were unbelievable friendly. Not just that, they were EXCITED about all the chocolate. When I saw something amazing... they would be just as excited as I was. So the chocolate/candies are beyond amazing The owner/staff is fun and friendly AND... what I thought was awesome... is the DESIGN of all the candies. These aren't just make some chocolate and sell it type deal here. Ashby puts time and care into her confections... then time and care into the presentations. I wish I had taken pictures of the crazy/awesome art work on the chocolate... guess I'll have to go back. Oh yah... and this is pretty important, everything is made from real, non processed ingredients. The sour candies are made with REAL FRUIT (BANANA sour strips are the best). THANK YOU ASHBY FOR SHARING YOUR CONFECTIONS! read more

This is a confection store that you must try! The handmade candies are amazing! My very favorite is the dark chocolate caramel with ghost peppers...YUMMMY If you need a perfect gift---for yourself or others---treat yourself to Ashby's!! read more

I travel around the world for work. I like to find the best chocolate in each city and bring some home for my wife. Of all the places I've gotten chocolate, Ashbey's is one of the best. Absolutely amazing chocolates, good selection and fantastic service. read more

I was fortunate to meet Jennifer and get introduced to her lovely chocolate creations at a Valentine's Day Dinner gathering. I was able to try the pure bitter chocolate truffle and some of the infused chocolate bites. Not only are they sweetly decadent, I really enjoyed the detail of how they are decorated/crafted. Now, will plan to make a pit stop at her shop in Scott's Valley each time I head over the hill to the coast from Silicon Valley. read more

I love things that come in little boxes... The 4 pack of Ashby Chocolates is the perfect little gift. I love that you can hand select the pieces you want to include in the box. Their chocolates are made without preservatives and delicious! read more

Love this place. My man and I love to go there when we have a sweet tooth. The chocolate is so good and the combos are out of this world. Like chocolate and poprocks! Also you can get the best Sunday there over the summer! My favorite are the handmade tortoise candy! Yummy!!! read more

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I know chocolate....have had some of the best in the world. Jennifer makes some of the best confections i have ever tasted. Scotts Valley is lucky to have a world class chocolatier makjng unique and creative confections. Her caramel is perfect. The molded confections are perfectly glossy and without flaws...super careful work. read more

OMG! So I finally tried Ashby's Confections by buying one of their Dark Chocolate "Turtles" at New Leaf, and let me tell you, those were the best "Turtles" I've ever experienced! I've had many, but this one took it to a different level. It set the bar high! read more

Jen and her team did our holiday corporate gifts this year. We have received tremendous feedback from our clients!

My sister Karen found Ashby Confections and has been gracious enough to send me some of their handmade chocolates. All I can say is decadence perfection. After a difficult week, a surprise package arrived in the mail - a little box of handmade vanilla & chocolate Easter eggs that looks like little pieces of art and incredibly delicious, elegantly wrapped in beautiful boxes. You can taste these chocolates are made of high quality ingredients. Love my treasured little treats. read more

be careful buying chocolate or anything of ASHBY confections, the lady that sells you the candy at the farmers market on Saturday's at the college of San Mateo adds at list $10.00 for each box of chocolate, brittle or candied fruit you buy. when we got home and check the prices with the prices that are posted on the website we felt disappointed and robed read more

Got some caramels delivered door to door as my fiance had just been through a rough spot. This place is the BEST! Jen was so nice and accommodating. If you're in the area and love confections go see Jen and her amazing shop! read more

Jen at Ashby is an amazing supporter! She made beautiful chocolates for the high school drama performance last fall. Recently she made 100 beautiful, individually wrapped chocolate treats for 100 nurses for Nurses Week. Her chocolates and candy are made from fair trade and local ingredients. Every thing in her shop tastes magical. Any time I need a gift for someone, she is the first place I go. And every Mothers Day, birthday, etc, my husband knows to get me the Monterey Bay Sea Salt Caramels!!! Thank you Jen for being consistently amazing! read more

OMG. I thought I had tried hot chocolate, but the Hot Chocolate Royale blows every other hot cocoa attempt out of the water. Maybe it is the fluffy-slow-to-melt-homemade marshmallow or the authentic organic whipped cream atop the perfectly blended cocoa. Or did I forget to mention that it is then topped with drizzled melted chocolate and a yummy chocolate curl? Swoon!!! And while you are sipping on that, the eye candy (excuse the pun) will leave your mouth watering for more. Awesome shop, awesome and super friendly owner. Definitely a new hangout spot for sure!!! read more

Hard to believe such an exceptional chocolate shop is in Scotts Valley. I routinely order very expensive boutique chocolate from San Francisco, New York, and Europe, but now I also make a weekly stop at Ashby for Jennifer's wonderful creations. Her dark rocky road made with housemade marshmallows has converted several rocky road-haters, including myself. The agave tortoises are so good that even someone that dislikes caramel loves them. Everything in the shop is fresh and beautiful, and you can tell how much care goes into everything they make. I love the local fresh ingredients that she uses - taste the dark chocolate orange truffle and you can taste real orange! And the peanut butter cups have this awesome extra crunch from crushed graham crackers, they're delicious. The bars are solid and substantial, a great value, and even better is that you can make up a custom bar with whatever you want in it and they'll make it for you. How cool is that? I love the quality of her chocolate and the unusual things she comes up with - you never know what crazy wonderful thing she'll have when you stop by, sometimes a once-only experiment or a new favorite that sticks around. Jennifer is very responsive to requests and she and her staff will go out of their way to make a customer happy. This particular customer is VERY happy every time I go in! read more

I just moved to Scott's valley and by chance discovered this choclatier. Jennifer is a passionate craftsman of fine confections. I have lived in Paris . And this is the closest in quality that I have come upon in the states. Go try some today! read more

Some of the better chocolate I've had in quite awhile. Highly recommend this place. My personal bar is based on the quality of their Dark chocolate. read more

Ashby Confections makes chocolates that look so elegant, one never would expect such outstanding flavor. I know they use natural ingredients and often locally grown organic fruit for their bon-bon fillings. It really comes through in the flavor. Excellent work. read more

Jennifer and Courtney - what wonderful hardworking ladies! I used to work in the plaza and would spend way too much money here. Their chocolates are divine and so worth the cost. Wish I were still in the area and could pop in like I used to. Keep doing what you're doing! P.S. The hot cocoa shop in downtown Santa Cruz is also heavenly. They have a gift for concocting such decadent treats. LOVE! read more

Liquid Toffee - sounds like a potion from Harry Potter! Get some - buy one or two or a dozen: they are scrumptious and melt in your mouth! I wish I had more! read more

Delicious chocolate, wonderful ingredients and mostly locally sourced! Friendly, helpful, fun place to be!!! Great place to pick up a little gift. read more

We discovered Ashby Confections last night !! What a great find!!! My husband and I are chocoholics ( isn't everyone? ) and were amazed at how tasty and rich these creations are!!! We had finished dinner at Jia Tellas and strolled down to take a peak since it is so close. Jennifer greeted us with samples and a smile. It is so cozy and nice we sat down and continued to have various delicious!!!! confections and the most amazing sundae EVER !! She uses organic ice cream, homemade fudge sauce, super good homemade whip cream and it is topped with pieces of pecan heaven!! So GOOD!! Everything was so good we kept trying more even though we were stuffed from gorging at dinner. My friend is vegan and was so happy to be able to join us for dessert because Jennifer has vegan chocolate . I sampled the vegan cherry chocolate and it was rich and tasty. This shop is ever bit as good as Saratoga Chocolate and much more affordable!!! It is the PERFECT place to stop after dinner for a very satisfying, delicious dessert !!! We will make it our routine after dinner at Jia Tellas ( which we frequent often) and it will be our Chocolate Shoppe of choice from now on for special occasions as well as when we just want to relax and enjoy a bit of heaven. read more