Let's be honest—most of us grew up thinking hot chocolate was just a packet of powder mixed with water. Sweet, sure. But not exactly soul-satisfying. At Mrs Potts, we've spent years perfecting something completely different: real hot chocolate made from actual chocolate, not cocoa powder. And once you've tried it, there's no going back.

If you've ever stood at our counter staring at the menu wondering what "58%" or "72%" actually means, you're not alone. Let's break down the beautiful world of chocolate percentages and help you find your perfect cup.

Understanding Chocolate Percentages

The percentage on chocolate tells you how much of it is actual cocoa (cocoa solids and cocoa butter) versus other ingredients like sugar and milk. Higher percentages mean more intense chocolate flavor and less sweetness. Lower percentages are creamier and sweeter. Neither is "better"—it's all about what you're in the mood for.

Our Blends: From Sweet to Intense

White 28%: The Gentle Hug

Technically, white chocolate isn't chocolate at all (no cocoa solids), but don't let that fool you. Our White 28% is smooth and silky with pure cocoa butter flavor, a rich dairy note, and a lingering vanilla finish. It's comfort in a cup—minimal sweetness, maximum creaminess. Perfect for when you want something indulgent but not intense.

Roasted White 28%: The Sophisticated Surprise

This one surprises people. We slowly roast white chocolate until the cocoa butter browns and the milk and sugar caramelize. The result? Deep, complex flavor with toasted nutty and caramel notes. It's like the sophisticated older sibling of regular white chocolate. If you think you don't like white chocolate, try this one.

Milk 32%: The Crowd Pleaser

Bold, rich, upfront chocolate flavor with subtle caramel notes, a hint of cinnamon, and a smooth finish. This is what most people picture when they think "really good hot chocolate." It's our most popular blend for a reason—balanced, familiar, but elevated beyond anything you'd make from a packet.

Classic 58%: The Mrs Potts Signature

Our signature blend uses the finest flavor beans to create a rich, robust chocolate flavor with distinct vanilla character. This is where you start getting serious about chocolate. It's less sweet than milk chocolate but still approachable, with deep flavor that lingers. This is the blend that made us fall in love with proper hot chocolate in the first place.

Dark 72%: For the Purists

Deep, rich, unsurpassed chocolate flavor. This is for those who want to really taste the chocolate, not just the sugar. It's intense but not bitter—our careful sourcing means even at 72%, there's complexity and smoothness. This is what we drink when we need to focus, to pause, to really be present.

Very Original 100%: The Adventure

Yes, 100%. No sugar at all. Just pure chocolate. The bitterness gives way to a subtle floral sweetness that surprises everyone who tries it. This isn't for everyday drinking (unless you're very dedicated), but it's an experience. We can make it sugar-free with alternative sweeteners or serve it as-is for the truly adventurous. It's a conversation starter, that's for sure.

How to Actually Taste Hot Chocolate

Here's a little secret from our baristas: you're not supposed to just gulp it down. Proper hot chocolate deserves a moment of your attention.

First, inhale. The aroma tells you so much about what you're about to experience. Then, take a small sip and let it coat your mouth. Notice the texture—is it silky? Velvety? How does the flavor develop? What do you taste first, and what lingers after you swallow?

We're not trying to be snobby here—it's just that when you slow down and actually pay attention, hot chocolate becomes a completely different experience. It's meditation in a mug.

Pairing Your Mood with Your Blend

Different blends suit different moments. Here's how we think about it:

  • Early morning, need gentle comfort: White or Roasted White
  • Afternoon pick-me-up: Milk or Classic
  • After dinner, want something rich: Dark
  • Cozy night in with a book: Classic or Dark
  • Having friends over who "don't really like hot chocolate": Roasted White or Milk
  • Feeling adventurous: Very Original

Seasonal Favorites

While our core blends are available year-round, we love playing with seasonal variations. Right now, you can try our S'mores Hot Chocolate—classic hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallow fluff and graham cracker. It's nostalgic, it's fun, and it pairs perfectly with autumn evenings.

We also make a Chocolate Chai that's become a bit of a cult favorite—our homemade brewed chocolate chai with warming spices. It's not on every menu board because we make it in small batches, but ask for it. Trust us.

Taking It Home

Can't make it to one of our stores as often as you'd like? We get it. That's why we created our Flaked Hot Chocolate range—the exact same chocolate we use in-store, ready for you to make at home. Just heat your milk (or oat milk, or whatever you prefer), add the flakes, whisk, and you've got the real deal.

Our regulars swear by keeping a jar of Classic 58% at home for weeknight self-care and a bag of Dark 72% for weekends. Some even make it part of their Sunday morning ritual—proper hot chocolate, a good book, and absolutely no rushing.

A Note on Quality

You might notice our hot chocolate costs a bit more than the chain coffee shops. Here's why: we use real chocolate, not powder. We source carefully. We make it properly. You're not paying for a drink—you're paying for quality ingredients, expert preparation, and an experience that's genuinely different.

Think of it less like buying a beverage and more like treating yourself to something that actually matters. In a world where everything moves too fast, sometimes you need a cup of something that forces you to slow down.

Final Thoughts

There's no "right" chocolate percentage or "wrong" way to enjoy hot chocolate. Some days you'll want the familiar comfort of Milk 32%. Other days you'll crave the intensity of Dark 72%. That's the beauty of having options.

Next time you're in, try something different from your usual. Ask our baristas for a recommendation based on your mood. We've tasted these blends hundreds of times, and we love helping people discover their new favorite.

Visit us at any of our Bath, Bristol, or Cardiff locations, or order our Flaked Hot Chocolate online to create your own Mrs Potts moment at home. Your perfect cup is waiting.