Dedicated to helping small batch makers gain the confidence, skills, & creativity to craft the chocolate of their dreams.

learn about our online Bean to bar workshop

Like the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted.

The Next Batch is a 100% human-created school, informed, & inspired by a bean to bar chocolate maker’s real-life experiences.

“You’ve made an incredible impact on the craft chocolate scene around the world.”

~~Luke Owen Smith, freelance food journalist, Judge International Chocolate Awards Asia-Pacific

“I have been a chocolatier for over a decade. Making craft chocolate enticed and intimidated me. I never felt ready to try it. Then, one day, I was listening to Lauren's Well Tempered podcast where she chatted with you and I was so touched by your conversation. I felt like I was invited by a kindred spirit to meet chocolate in a new way. A more playful and poetic way. Thank you.”

~~Christy Farion

"Thank you for all your inspiration and amazing creations. You are a staple of the craft chocolate scene."

Fjak Chocolate, Norway
"Mackenzie is one of the most inspiring, kind, fun and knowledgeable persons I've ever known. This course is like no other and I enjoyed every second of it."

Michelle van Schaick, founder Faraway Garden Chocolate, Academy of Chocolate judge
"You made an incredible and indelible mark on my work and this community. Thank you for your passion and art, your skills, and generosity."

David Upchurch, chocolatier
"The Next Batch class is 100% what kept me going and made me feel better about taking a huge, risky leap forward. This year has taught me so much, and being a part of the Next Batch Community has been a huge part of it all. I learned so much that we just didn't do at _____, thanks to you, and I'm grateful for your time and willingness to help other chocolate makers pave their own way forward in the industry.

Elizabeth Gentry, founder Harvest Chocolate
"I would probably not still be making chocolate had it not been for Mackenzie and the Next Batch School. Her words of wisdom, patience, humility and willingness to repeat things she has already said make her a real life Yoda in my world."

Tyler Cagwin, founder Nostalgia Chocolates
"I have dared to take risks and experiment with flavors all because of you. Thank you for sharing your craft and wisdom."

EndeCacao
"I am on record saying that just one of the reasons I like her work is her fearless approach to flavor. Her work is just plain fun to eat--and always meticulously crafted."

Clay Gordon, Discover Choc and The Chocolate Life
“For years I’ve been telling people you are the most artistic chocolate maker I know of!”

—Lowe Bibby, creator of the Chocofiles worldwide tasting database
"By the end of Day one I knew I’d hit the chocolate jackpot.”

Estelle Tracy, chocolate sommelier, 37 Chocolates
"...truly a gamechanger."

Aaron Sylvester, Tri-Island Chocolate, and Grenada Chocolate Co

Inside our online Workshop: everything on the craft chocolate maker’s to-do list, with the methods + tools for small batch crafting success.

lean more

how to bring your chocolate goals to life

choosing equipment to fit your space and production needs

“You can either try to learn to make chocolate from random strangers here and there, OR you can learn how to make chocolate at the Next Batch with Mackenzie. She will be with you every step of the way.”

Dedicated to helping small batch makers gain the confidence, skills, & creativity to craft the chocolate of their dreams.

Like the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted.

The Next Batch is a 100% human-created school, informed, & inspired by a bean to bar chocolate maker’s real-life experiences.

“You’ve made an incredible impact on the craft chocolate scene around the world.”

~~Christy Farion

"Thank you for all your inspiration and amazing creations. You are a staple of the craft chocolate scene."

"Mackenzie is one of the most inspiring, kind, fun and knowledgeable persons I've ever known. This course is like no other and I enjoyed every second of it."

"You made an incredible and indelible mark on my work and this community. Thank you for your passion and art, your skills, and generosity."

"I would probably not still be making chocolate had it not been for Mackenzie and the Next Batch School. Her words of wisdom, patience, humility and willingness to repeat things she has already said make her a real life Yoda in my world."

"I have dared to take risks and experiment with flavors all because of you. Thank you for sharing your craft and wisdom."

"I am on record saying that just one of the reasons I like her work is her fearless approach to flavor. Her work is just plain fun to eat--and always meticulously crafted."

“For years I’ve been telling people you are the most artistic chocolate maker I know of!”

"By the end of Day one I knew I’d hit the chocolate jackpot.”

"...truly a gamechanger."

Inside our online Workshop: everything on the craft chocolate maker’s to-do list, with the methods + tools for small batch crafting success.

“You can either try to learn to make chocolate from random strangers here and there, OR you can learn how to make chocolate at the Next Batch with Mackenzie. She will be with you every step of the way.”

Sophia Rea, chocolate historian, Gastro Obscura instructor, and founder Projet Chocolat

slinging chocolate insights on instagram @thenextbatchschool

the Next Batch™