The Best Hot Chocolate
If happiness could be delivered in a cup, we're sure it would taste just like chocolate. Whether you're treating yourself to an indulgent moment alone or sharing creamy comforts with friends and family, it's never a bad idea to have a tin of hot cocoa stashed in the cupboard. And it's not just a reliable way to deliver a silky smooth sip when you need it — depending on the contents, it can also be a versatile ingredient for baking and more. Read on to discover some of our favorite hot chocolate options.
What to Look For
Ultimately your tastebuds will be the best judge of which cup comes out on top, but there are a few things to consider when shopping for hot chocolate online. We suggest taking note of the total number of servings, whether it contains any common allergens like dairy or soy, and whether it can be brewed with milk, water, or both. Those criteria helped us sift out some of the weaker options on the market and land on a few standout picks. Our overall favorite comes from Ghiradelli in the form of a great-value tub. If you’re looking for an organic option, Whole Foods’ 365 line offers the perfect pick. One thing we really love about it is that it tastes great when mixed with hot water. So put the kettle on and get ready to dive into our list of the best hot chocolates.
Ghiradelli Sweet Ground Chocolate And Cocoa
Home grown
Treat your tastebuds to a sip of the West Coast’s finest with this generous 3-pound tub of delicious cocoa. This homegrown drinking chocolate traces its San Franciscan roots back centuries, and Ghiradelli channels this vast expertise to provide a taste that’s simultaneously familiar and unique. And it doesn’t end with plain cocoa — this flagship range introduces a bunch of varieties, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and vanilla.
Pros:
- Airtight plastic lid keeps the contents fresh
- One container lasts a long time
- Can also be used for baking
Cons:
- Contains soy
365 By Whole Foods Market Organic Hot Cocoa
The good stuff
You won’t just be doing your bit for the planet with this premium organic blend from Whole Foods’ 365 line — you can also enjoy the taste of cream-of-the-crop cocoa in the process. This 12-ounce tub contains enough powder for a dozen servings, or enough to get you underway with most home baking projects.
Pros:
- Recyclable container
- Mixes with hot water as well as milk
- Just 100 calories per serving
Cons:
- Oversized container is only half full
Two Rivers Chocolate Hot Cocoa Pods
Taste the difference
Variety is the spice of life, and this diverse bundle from Two Rivers is jam-packed with delicious adventures for intrepid palates. With 20 different blended flavors inside, there’ll always be a new discovery awaiting you, and you can pick and choose to your heart’s content until you find your favorite. Simply load them up in your reusable filter cup and you’ll be ready to deliver a steaming cup at the press of a button.
Pros:
- Individual pods make serving simple
- Bundles of different quantities are also available
- Compatible with most pod-friendly coffee brewers
Cons:
- Contains artificial sweeteners
Castle Kitchen Double Dutch Dark Chocolate Premium Mix
Don't have a cow
Whether you’re doing without milk for health reasons or as a pledge to cruelty-free consumption, this delicious blend from Castle Kitchen will deliver the creamy, chocolatey goodness you seek without the dairy. With just seven ingredients inside, this recipe keeps things simple, allowing you to enjoy the bold natural flavors in their pure glory. And at just 110 calories per serving, you won’t have to feel guilty when indulging in its warm embrace.
Pros:
- This dairy-free mix tastes great when brewed with water
- Gluten-free formulation
- Choose between a range of delicious flavor combinations
Cons:
- Fairly expensive, but well worth the quality in our eyes
Nomu On-The-Go Hot Chocolate Packets
One for the road
Don’t trust your local cafe to deliver the goods when it comes to hot chocolate? No worries — these on-the-go sachets from Nomu will let you take matters into your own hands. Each handy single-serving container will brew a comforting mug of cocoa with just hot water, so all you need on hand is a kettle and you’ll be good to go. Their compact design can be easily tucked inside your bag for a welcome treat when the moment strikes.
Pros:
- Can also be stirred with cold milk for a refreshing alternative
- No artificial flavorings
- Single-serving pouches mean you don’t have to measure powder
Cons:
- Contains dairy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use milk to make hot chocolate?
Each chocolate connoisseur will have their own preferences when it comes to the perfect brew, but milk isn’t essential. Many products contain thickening agents or dairy with the idea that they’ll be brewed with water instead of milk. If you want to maximize creaminess without dairy, try mixing your hot chocolate powder with a sweet plant-based alternative like oat or rice milk.
What’s the difference between cocoa and hot chocolate?
Though subtly different in appearance, these two powders can yield beverages with wildly different textures and flavor profiles. Traditionally, cocoa is made using cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, while hot chocolate is made from melted chocolate. Nowadays, the terms are often used interchangeably, and many powders branded as hot chocolate will use a blended cocoa recipe that sits somewhere in the middle.
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