Frothy cocoa. It’s up there among the nicest things in life. Everybody loves its comforting sweetness and cozy warmth. You should always have a nice cup of hot chocolate on hand, whether you’re seeking for the best hot chocolate mix to offer to your young children or you just want to enjoy a cup to keep you warm throughout the winter.
Hernan Cortes, a 15th-century Spanish explorer, brought cocoa beans and the equipment needed to manufacture hot chocolate to Europe from his travels in Mexico, where the locals had been drinking a bitter, frigid, and spicy version of the beverage since 500 BC. When the chilies used in the traditional Mexican recipes of the drink were made hot and sweetened, hot chocolate suddenly became well-loved over the world, even though it didn’t become famous in London until the 1700s.
You can choose the perfect hot chocolate mix to suit your tastes from among the wide variety now available on store shelves. Indulge in topping your hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream. You may be lactose intolerant if you are also trying to reduce weight. We’re here to assist you in your search for the ideal hot chocolate mix, whatever form it may take.
Favorite Choice
The Swiss Miss Classics Milk Chocolate Premium Cocoa Mix is our top pick because of its low calories, smooth texture, and time-honored flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
Choose From the Budget
A great low-cost option is the Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate Pouch, which comes in a variety of flavors so you can stock your pantry with a wide range of choices.
10 Best Hot Chocolate Mixes
Swiss Miss Classics Milk Chocolate Premium Cocoa Mix
If you are watching your calorie intake, you will be happy to know that a 3-tablespoon serving of Swiss Miss Classics Milk Chocolate Premium Cocoa Mix only has 120 calories. The sugar content per serving is 15 grams, and the protein content is 1 grams.
Customers looking for a rich and velvety hot chocolate will love this product because it’s created with real milk. However, this could be a problem for vegans or those who have lactose intolerance.
A variety of methods exist for preparing the warm drink. The Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Mix calls for 2 tablespoons plus 6 ounces of hot (not boiling) water. After mixing the two, you should be able to enjoy your beverage. You can also use hot or warm milk instead of water. Hot chocolate can be decorated with whatever you like.
Alternatively, you might use a microwave oven. A microwave-safe mug should hold 3/4 cup of water, which should then be heated on high for 1 minute. Afterward, add 2 teaspoons of the chocolate mix powder and combine well.
Pros
- Super simple, it can be prepared in under a minute.
- Fit for use with either water or milk.
- Superb for both young and old.
Cons
- It’s not vegan-friendly and won’t work for those with lactose intolerance because it contains milk.
- There are 15 grams of sugar in this, which is a lot for some people.
- You need a microwave or a kettle if you want to make drinks at home.
Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate Pouch, Double Chocolate
This Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate Pouch is great to have on hand or to give as a present if you or a loved one enjoys a more robust chocolate flavor.
The hot chocolate in each pouch is made using a careful combination of deep-roasted cocoa beans and other, carefully chosen components, resulting in a beverage with a mature, rich flavor that is best suited for older palates. Furthermore, it has a perfectly balanced sweetness, so it is not sickeningly sweet but also not too bitter, further enhancing its luxurious flavor and texture.
The contents of the bag include a tasty combination of cocoa, sugar-free chocolate, and genuine vanilla. Sodium caseinate, another component, is a milk byproduct, thus anyone with lactose intolerance or who follow a vegan diet should avoid this product.
It is best to use hot milk and combine this with a couple of tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix; stir several times; and then enjoy. You can customize the flavor of your hot chocolate by adding or removing the mix.
It’s easy to make hot chocolate on the stovetop by warming 6 ounces of milk with around 2 teaspoons of the mix. Keep stirring this until the hot chocolate begins to steam, but stop short of bringing it to a boil.
A microwave oven can also be used. Put 6 ounces of milk into a microwave-safe mug or cup and heat it for about 1 and a half minutes on high, or until it reaches the desired temperature. Mix in 2 or more teaspoons of the hot chocolate mix when this is done. Add a layer of icing and your preferred candies on top, and you’re done!
Pros
- The microwave or stovetop are both acceptable methods of preparation.
- Easy to prepare and ready in as little as a minute and a half.
- Features a velvety texture and a flavor that’s sure to please the sophisticated palates of all the grownups.
Cons
- Only milk should be used in your hot chocolate preparations. There is a possibility that using water will yield varying outcomes.
- The product is not suitable for persons who are lactose intolerant or vegan because it contains sodium caseinate, a milk derivative.
Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa Mix, 30 Ounce Tin
Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa maintains the company’s worldwide reputation for excellence in hot chocolate by using a mix that has a variety of flavors that can satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Starbucks is able to make a good impact on the environment and the lives of cocoa farmers because the cocoa used in its hot chocolate mix is procured in an ethical manner.
Fantastic if you care about the environment and prefer to eat foods that don’t have an adverse effect on the planet, since they ensure the farm and community they obtain their cocoa beans from get the most out of the transaction to enhance their environment and communities.
The perfect harmony of sour and sweet makes this hot chocolate ideal for use in brownies. Toppings not included, the Classic Starbucks Hot Chocolate has 90 calories per drink. Many ingredients go into its creation, including sugar, alkalized cocoa powder, coconut oil, and nonfat dry milk.
The milk for this hot chocolate can be heated in a microwave for 2 minutes at high power. You can use two or more tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix, and whisk to combine.
Pros
- sustainable since it was obtained in a morally sound manner.
- The sweetness and sourness are nicely balanced.
- They’re great for making brownies in the oven.
- Quick and simple to prepare in a microwave.
Cons
- This product is not suitable for use with hot water.
- The powder itself contains dry milk, thus it is not suited for vegans or people who are lactose intolerant even if you may substitute soy or almond milk for the standard milk.
Land O Lakes Cocoa Classics, Chocolate Supreme Hot Cocoa Mix
There should be more than one flavor of hot chocolate. At other times, though, we want our hot chocolate to have a little something extra besides the traditional, creamy chocolate flavor.
If you’re the type to enjoy a wide range of selections, then you’ll love the Land O Lakes Cocoa Classic hot chocolate mixes.
Land O Lakes provides a wide variety of flavors, including the white chocolate-like Arctic White for people who are allergic to cocoa, the classic chocolate taste of Chocolate Supreme, and the extra-sweet Chocolate and Caramel for those with a serious sweet tooth.
You can’t go wrong with classic flavors, so we advise going with the Chocolate Supreme. Sugar, nonfat dry milk, whey, coconut oil, and alkali-processed cocoa are just some of the ingredients in this product. Because it utilizes the Dutched method of producing cocoa and uses real milk, it is delicious (meaning the chocolate is a more vibrant colour and tastes slightly milder compared to natural bitter cocoa).
Easy to prepare and boasting a low 140 calories per serving. A couple of tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix, plus as much hot water as you like, and stir until smooth.
Pros
- Comes in a wide variety of flavors, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy at your house.
- Each serving has only 140 calories.
- Is also a great addition to coffee for making your own mocha flavoring.
Cons
- Not everyone can tolerate the inclusion of nonfat dry milk.
- Different flavors’ packaging may look identical, leading to misunderstandings.
NESTLE Classic Rich Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
Nestle’s rich chocolate hot cocoa mix is 99.9 percent caffeine-free, making it an ideal late-night indulgence.
Simple to prepare in the microwave; for added indulgence, use hot milk in place of water. Notes of vanilla complement the deep chocolate flavor. The ingredients in this mug of cocoa have been certified as kosher.
The Nestle Cocoa Plan collaborates with UTZ to enhance the lives of cocoa farmers and the quality of their cocoa, and that’s where the beans for this blend come from. The International Cocoa Initiative and Nestle are collaborating closely to find alternatives to child labor in the cocoa industry.
The fifty individual packets are conveniently packaged in a dispenser box, so you won’t have to waste time measuring out your hot chocolate.
Pros
- Conveniently prepared with either water or milk
- disposable portions
- Storage container with a dispenser
- With a purity level of 99.9%, caffeine is nowhere to be found.
- Chocolate made from cocoa beans harvested in a sustainable manner
- Kosher
Cons
- As it is manufactured in a facility that also handles wheat, it is not safe for those following gluten-free diets.
- Packaged with corn syrup, sugar, and sucralose.
Equal Exchange Hot Cocoa Mix
The Equal Exchange Hot Cocoa is a product worth thinking about if you like baking and like to buy things that can be used in multiple ways.
Equal Exchange Hot Cocoa is available in a variety of flavors, including Dark Chocolate, Spicy, and Cocoa Mix, perfect for people who prefer a less sweet beverage.
This hot chocolate mix is prepared using soy, wheat, milk, and eggs and is made with Fair Trade organic sugar and milk. It is also made with high-quality Dutched process cocoa and is Fair Trade, USDA Certified Organic, Kosher, and uses dairy that is certified by the Orthodox Union.
Baking cookies and brownies with these hot cocoa mixes is a terrific idea, and you can also use them as an ingredient in milkshakes and smoothies. If you want to use the mix, all you have to do is add a few tablespoons to your batter or beverage and stir it up. Any liquid, including hot water or milk, can be used to make a satisfying cup of hot chocolate. Add 2 or more tablespoons to about 3/4 cup of boiling water or milk and whisk until dissolved.
Pros
- Composed of numerous organic and Fair Trade components.
- For those over the age of 21 who want their beverages without a cloying sweetness, it comes in a wide variety of flavors.
- Fits Jewish dietary laws and is acceptable to Jews.
Cons
- Unless you choose the Dark Chocolate flavor, it is not suited for vegetarians or those who are lactose intolerant.
- Children who want extra-sweet milk chocolate flavors may be disappointed with the hot chocolate mix.
GODIVA Chocolatier Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Canister
The majority of us who make an effort to eat healthily view hot chocolate as a “naughty drink” or indulgence. Those people will love the GODIVA Chocolatier Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa because it is prepared with all-natural components that won’t make us feel bad.
Sugar, cocoa, and milk chocolate (which consists of cocoa mass, cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, and dry milk) are examples of such substances. If you have a milk or soy allergy, you should not use this product.
With just 3 tablespoons per serving, this hot chocolate mix tastes as luxurious as velvet. If you’re looking for a low-cal hot cocoa that doesn’t taste like fake chocolate, but yet has a rich flavor, GODIVA hot cocoa is a great choice.
Three tablespoons of the powder should be added to a cup of hot milk, and the mixture should be thoroughly stirred. The flavor of your morning coffee might benefit from a tablespoon or two of this.
Pros
- Contains nothing artificial.
- The serving size is only one-third of a cup, and it only has 130 calories.
- A luxurious blend of deep flavor and smooth texture.
- Excellent for spicing up your coffee or other hot beverages.
Cons
- Potentially allergenic ingredients include soy and milk.
- Has a significant amount of sugar (22g) considering the average man needs 37.5g and a woman needs 25g per day.
Cadbury Drinking Chocolate
Cadbury chocolates are ubiquitous in the United Kingdom, making this hot chocolate a staple in many homes. This widespread acceptance has contributed to the hot chocolate mix’s status as a pantry staple for many families.
Add three heaping tablespoons of the powder to a cup of hot milk and swirl to combine. It’s up to you whether you want to heat your milk in the microwave or on the stove.
Sugar, chocolate, salt, artificial flavoring (vanillin), and wheat or soy may all be included in this 165-calorie beverage. While it may not be the best or most luxurious hot chocolate mix, it does bring back fond memories for many. It’s a delicious treat that can be stirred into coffee or made your own with your choice of toppings.
Pros
- Simple in preparation.
- Each dish has only 165 calories.
- Most households keep this family favorite on hand.
Cons
- lacks a selection of flavor options.
- Perfect for those who consume hot cocoa sometimes, but probably not for hot cocoa purists or specialists.
Serendipity 3 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Mix 18oz Canister
Though many people turn to hot chocolate on a chilly winter day, the desire to indulge in chocolate’s rich flavors persists all year round. If you’re looking for a refreshing take on hot chocolate, go no further than the Serendipity 3 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate mix.
The beverage is made by blending 14 different premium cocoas with milk and ice. Another fantastic choice for the summer, this beverage can be eaten with a spoon like dessert or sipped via a straw like a milkshake.
This frozen drink has 310 calories per serving and is made with sugar, nonfat dry milk, dextrose, and alkali-processed chocolate. Even though it’s not the healthiest choice, it’s a delicious dessert that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
New York’s Serendipity 3 restaurant has been around for a while, and it’s well-known for serving rich sweets whose flavors have been carefully preserved. Many customers at Serendipity 3 love this drink, and now that they can make it at home for much less, they can leave the restaurant feeling full and satisfied without breaking the bank.
It’s true that this product takes more effort and materials to produce. You may create it by combining sugar, non-fat milk powder, cocoa, and salt in a basin and stirring until smooth. Put the chocolate drink mix, milk, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. In a blender, combine the ingredients until they are mostly blended but still chunky. Once you’ve completed this step, pour the mixture into a cup or a large goblet and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Pros
- Creates a delicious dessert or drink that is heartier and more filling than standard hot chocolates.
- Good during the warmer months when you want something refreshing.
- You may make it even better by adding in your own special touches.
- A fan favorite at the renowned Serendipity 3 restaurant, the frozen hot chocolate is simple to recreate at home with the included hot chocolate mix.
Cons
- More time and work than regular mugs of hot chocolate.
- The drink requires additional, sometimes expensive ingredients, such as a mixer.
Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa | 3 lb. | Baking & Desserts
Ghirardelli’s sweet ground chocolate and cocoa gourmet powder is the top-selling cocoa powder in the United States and can be used in a variety of ways, such as a premium cocoa powder in hot drinks made with milk. This has a sweet flavor profile that is deep and complex.
This hot chocolate comes in a large 48 oz resealable canister, so you can always have a supply on hand, and it’s suitable for those who are lactose intolerant because it doesn’t include dairy. However, depending on where and how it’s processed, it can contain traces of milk or egg.
Pros
- Cacao and chocolate are a perfect pair.
- For baking and preparing hot chocolate.
- Flavor that is both intricate and satiating
- Protein-rich, dairy-free
- Extra-large canister of 48 ounces
Cons
- Hot milk is preferable to water when making this.
- As a hot beverage, it may take on a bitter flavor.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Hot Chocolate Mix
There are a few things to think about when purchasing a hot chocolate mix. Many criteria, including your own tastes and dietary restrictions as well as those of the recipient(s) of your chocolate mix purchase, will play a role in your final decision.
The original recipe for hot chocolate has been largely replaced since its inception. Once thought of as a chilly and bitter drink, the now-famous beverage has been known over the world for its warm and sweet flavor.
Many alternatives are available, each with its own unique nutritional profile, flavor profile, and method of production. In order to help you choose a hot chocolate mix that won’t let you down, we’ve compiled a short list of items to keep in mind.
Ingredients
The ingredients used in various hot chocolate mixes should be taken into serious consideration. If you have food allergies, this is of paramount importance. Unless otherwise stated, the majority of hot chocolate mixes contain milk and/or soy, making them inappropriate for vegans and people with lactose intolerance.
In addition to the chocolate powder, certain brands of hot chocolate may also include other ingredients such artificial sweeteners. Again, if you’re concerned about putting such things into your body, it’s best to go for a hot chocolate mix that’s more natural and organic rather than highly processed and artificial.
Looking at the company websites or the product description section on Amazon will quickly lead you to the list of ingredients for any given product.
How to Make the Drink
How a drink is prepared is also an important consideration. You should read the instructions carefully before buying hot chocolate mix if you plan on using any special kitchen equipment, such as a microwave, a stovetop pan, a kettle, or a blender, to prepare the beverage. Obviously, you don’t want to buy something that’s going to cause you extra hassle to produce.
Time required to prepare the beverage is another factor to think about. Those who are constantly on the go and who lack the luxury of time to spend preparing elaborate meals for their loved ones would be better served by a simple and fast alternative. Drinks that take more time and effort to prepare may be preferable if you appreciate spending time in the kitchen and trying out new recipes for cocktails and sweets.
This is also a great time to figure out whether any additional ingredients are required to achieve your desired level of drink flavor. Again, you can obtain this information online before purchasing any hot chocolate mix, and depending on your preferences, you may need milk, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
Flavors
The popularity of hot chocolate has grown to the point where manufacturers have created an entire industry devoted to selling various flavored versions of the beverage. If you prefer to sample new flavors and keep a wide selection of pantry staples on hand, this is a great option for you.
There are several intriguing flavors, such caramel, chili, and dark chocolate. Before making a purchase, though, you should consider who will be consuming the hot chocolate. Younger members of the family may not appreciate the complexity of more unusual chocolate flavors, preferring instead the familiar sweetness of milk chocolate.
Nutritional Factors
There are certain benefits to drinking hot chocolate, despite the fact that it is not a health food. You may receive some of the health advantages of dark chocolate by choosing a hot chocolate that contains a lot of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate, which is loaded with antioxidants, can help reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow. However, knowing what you are putting into your body is still crucial, so moderation with hot chocolate is still advised.
It’s possible to find a calcium-rich hot chocolate mix. Calcium has many additional health benefits outside only strengthening bones and teeth, so this is a win all around. As an alternative to buying a hot chocolate mix that doesn’t give the same calcium concentration, you may consider purchasing one with a lot of calcium in it if you have youngsters who enjoy drinking hot chocolate.
Additionally, chocolate has been shown to alleviate depression and improve happiness. For this reason, it’s important to think about the nutritional value of any hot chocolate mix that catches your eye.
Conclusion
If you have a wide variety of selections, it might be difficult and time-consuming to narrow down your choices to just one finest hot chocolate mix. With any luck, this post has shed some light on the factors you should weigh when purchasing a hot chocolate mix, and perhaps even introduced you to some novel options that pique your curiosity.
