Cadbury Instant Hot Chocolate Drink, 400 g

Product Information

Though you may be most familiar with the simple just-add-water variety of hot chocolate, there are many different types of mixes out there, all of which yield slightly different beverages. In addition to milk chocolate varieties, there are also dark and white hot chocolates, plus flavored options like Lake Champlain Chocolates’ Mocha Hot Chocolate. Sometimes, you may even see a cocoa percentage listed. This is a helpful piece of information that lets you know how much of the product is actually "cocoa mass," as opposed to other added ingredients (sugar, vanilla, etc.). So if a product is labeled 70 percent dark chocolate, that means its cocoa mass is 70 percent, and 30 percent of the product is made up of other ingredients. Generally, the more cocoa mass, the richer the beverage. Preparation Photograph by Victoria Jane, Food Styling by Rosanna Anil The Skating Rink Dupe: Nestlé Mini Marshmallows Rich Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix

Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate Mix - Snack Girl Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate Mix - Snack Girl

Actually, it really depends on your personal preference, says Gemma Whitaker, marketing director for Whitaker’s Chocolates. While hot chocolate mix provides a consistent and easy-to-prepare option, cocoa powder allows for flexibility in sweetness and flavor, she explains. “For convenience, go with the mix, but for a customizable experience, cocoa powder is your best bet.” The choice of liquid plays a pivotal role,” says Whitaker. “Milk, be it whole or semi-skimmed, or even alternatives like almond or oat, enhances the richness of hot chocolate.” It contributes to a creamy texture, deepens the flavor, and adds nutritional value like calcium and protein. Exactly which type you use depends on personal preference and any dietary restrictions, but in general, whole milk will yield a creamier, richer beverage.Like all food products, it pays to scan the ingredient list of any hot chocolate mix in question. This is especially important for anyone with food allergies or sensitivities, but generally speaking, is a good process to make you more informed about what you’re consuming. Ideally, you want to see a short, concise list of ingredients. As ingredient lists grow, they tend to contain more additives and artificial flavors. Even if the hot chocolate mix you’re considering isn’t flavored or doesn’t come with a special addition like marshmallows, you can still mix things up. When mixing up hot chocolate, spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and even cayenne can add special flair. Coffee and extracts like almond or even orange add a special spin, too. Or, opt to add your favorite alcohol—Bailey’s is a winner here—to whip up a unique adults-only treat. FAQs Does hot chocolate mix expire? verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Known for its exceptionally high-quality baking chocolate chips, it’s no surprise that Guittard now offers a drinking chocolate mix so good that it tops our list. When heated with milk, the unique formula makes an ultra-chocolatey, smooth, rich drink that’s non-GMO, peanut-free, and gluten-free to suit a range of dietary concerns. Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer who covers food and kitchen-related content for lifestyle brands, including The Spruce Eats. She received her culinary degree from The French Culinary Institute (now the Institute of Culinary Education) in New York City and is a former RealSimple.com editor with extensive experience testing and writing about kitchen products and appliances.