Neuhaus: Inventor of the Belgian Praline

Neuhaus is an icon of Belgian chocolate tradition. The story begins in 1857, when Jean Neuhaus opened a shop in Brussels' Galerie de la Reine, where the original Neuhaus boutique can still be found today. As a pharmacist, he came up with the idea of coating medicine in a layer of chocolate to make its bitter taste more bearable. In 1912, his grandson Jean Neuhaus Jr. took things a step further: he replaced the medicine with delicious fillings, inventing the Belgian praline as we know it today. A few years later, in 1915, Louise Agostini, wife of Jean Neuhaus Jr., designed the ballotin: the elegant box that protects pralines and has since become inseparable from Belgian chocolate tradition. Even today, all Neuhaus pralines and truffles are still made in Belgium. Discover the chocolate from the inventor of the Belgian praline and order your favourite Neuhaus creations at Chocolate Nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions about Neuhaus?

Answers to the questions customers ask us most often — if you don’t see yours, feel free to get in touch.

Why is Neuhaus so well known?

Neuhaus is regarded as the inventor of the Belgian praline: in 1912, founder Jean Neuhaus's grandson was the first to fill chocolate with a creamy filling.

Since when has Neuhaus existed?

Neuhaus was founded in 1857 by Swiss pharmacist Jean Neuhaus, who opened a boutique in Brussels' Galerie de la Reine.

What is a ballotin?

A ballotin is the elegant gift box for pralines, designed in 1915 by Louise Agostini, wife of Jean Neuhaus Jr.

Is Neuhaus chocolate still made in Belgium?

Yes, all Neuhaus pralines and truffles are still produced entirely in Belgium.