What does the percentage on a chocolate packaging label indicate?

The percentage on a chocolate packaging label indicates the total amount of cacao substance present in the chocolate. This percentage combines both cocoa solids and cocoa butter, which are derived from the cacao beans. A higher percentage indicates a richer chocolate flavor, with more pronounced cocoa notes, and typically less sugar compared to lower percentage chocolates. Understanding this percentage is crucial for consumers who are looking for a specific taste profile or health attributes, such as higher cocoa content, which is often associated with antioxidant benefits.

While options related to sugar content, milk solids, or added flavorings are relevant to chocolate composition, they are not what the percentage on the label signifies, which is strictly the total cacao substance.