We don’t think so
Yet many mainstream hot chocolates contain potassium carbonate, an alkalising agent also used in soap production.
Here's why it's there.
Potassium carbonate is used to create Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It neutralises cocoa’s natural acidity, raises the pH, darkens the colour and softens bitterness. It also helps powder dissolve more easily in milk or water.
In other words, it makes cocoa more uniform. More predictable. Easier to mass produce.
Convenient for manufacturers.
But when you neutralise cocoa’s natural acidity, you also flatten some of the complexity that makes great chocolate… great.
Big Chocolate…
For decades, large-scale producers have relied on alkalised powders to standardise flavour and remove the sharp edges of cocoa. Raise the pH. Smooth it out. Make it dissolve instantly.
The result? A drink that’s consistent, but rarely exceptional.
Introducing Liquid Velvet: A New Era of Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate has long been a comfort staple, familiar, cosy, dependable. But familiar doesn’t have to mean forgettable.
At GNAW, we believe even the most nostalgic treats deserve to be elevated. That belief has led us to our most indulgent launch yet: Hot Chocolate Flakes crafted from premium single origin Colombian cocoa.
This is not your average powder. This is liquid velvet in a cup.
Crafted in Britain using the finest Fino de Aroma cocoa beans, our new hot chocolate flakes are designed for those who expect more from their moments of indulgence.
Every sip is smooth, luxurious and deeply satisfying, like being wrapped in a cashmere blanket on a cold day.
At the heart of this new range is single origin Colombian cocoa, sourced for both quality and integrity. We use Fino de Aroma cocoa beans, a rare classification representing 8% of the highest-quality cocoa in the world. The result is depth of flavour you simply can’t achieve with mass-produced powders.
Our flakes melt slowly and evenly, creating a silky texture and a more authentic chocolate experience, because great hot chocolate should taste like real chocolate, not sugar and additives.
Four Distinct Flavours. One Luxurious Experience.
The range launches with four carefully developed products, each offering a unique take on indulgence, while maintaining the same premium standard across the board. All products are packed in 250g bags, ideal for retail shelves and gifting alike.
Decadent Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes – 70% Cocoa
Bold, intense and unapologetically chocolatey.
This is hot chocolate for true cocoa lovers. Made with 70% cocoa, it delivers deep, intense cocoa flavour with beautifully balanced bittersweet notes. Rich without being overwhelming, this product is perfect for people who appreciate dark chocolate’s complexity and depth.
A sophisticated choice, and a standout premium offering.
Smooth Milk Hot Chocolate Flakes – 40% Cocoa
Comforting, classic and irresistibly smooth.
Our Smooth Milk Hot Chocolate is perfectly balanced, combining rich cocoa with creamy sweetness and a lingering, indulgent finish. It’s familiar enough to appeal to a wide audience, yet elevated enough to stand apart from standard milk hot chocolate products.
This is everyday indulgence, done properly.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Flakes – 36% Cocoa
Sweet, creamy and expertly balanced.
This flavour brings together creamy caramel notes, a gentle sweetness and a touch of sea salt to create a beautifully rounded profile. The salt enhances the cocoa and caramel rather than overpowering it, resulting in a smooth, luxurious cup that feels indulgent but never sickly.
Perfect for customers looking for a modern twist on a classic favourite.
Matcha Hot Chocolate Flakes – 40% Cocoa
Where indulgence meets energy.
Our Matcha Hot Chocolate Flakes combine premium cocoa with Japanese shade-grown matcha, stone ground to preserve flavour and nutrients. High in antioxidants and amino acids, this SKU offers a gentle energy boost without the crash. An indulgent treat that feels both comforting and uplifting.
Perfectly balanced and unlike anything else on the market, this is a true point of difference for retailers.
Clean Ingredients, Honest Chocolate
Every product in the range is:
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Free from artificial flavours
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Free from preservatives
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Free from palm oil
What you get instead is honest, high-quality chocolate made with care.
Ethically Sourced, Responsibly Made
Good chocolate should do good too. That’s why ethical sourcing sits at the core of everything we do. Our cocoa is responsibly sourced, supporting sustainable farming practices and better livelihoods for growers.
All our hot chocolate flakes are crafted in Britain, at our factory in Norwich, which runs on solar energy. From bean to bag, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact while delivering exceptional quality.
A Smart Choice for Retailers
Beyond taste and ethics, this range makes strong commercial sense.
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0% VAT in the UK
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High-margin premium product
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Growing demand for indulgent, at-home luxury
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Distinctive flakes format that stands out on shelf
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Four SKUs catering to classic, indulgent and wellness-led consumers
Whether positioned as an everyday luxury or a gifting essential, this range delivers on both desirability and profitability.
Hot Chocolate, like no other
This launch marks a new chapter for GNAW hot chocolate, one that prioritises flavour, texture, ethics and experience.
Because when chocolate is this good, it deserves to be savoured.
