Nothing beats cuddling up with a mug of hot chocolate on a monsoon night while watching your favourite shows or those Amazon Prime movies you'd planned to watch over the weekend. Ordering in might not seem like the best choice because your drink could not stay as hot as you'd want. You can make your own from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, but having a quality hot chocolate mix on hand is quicker and easier, so you can satisfy cravings in a pinch and always be prepared if an unexpected rainy day hits.
The best hot chocolate mixes have plenty of actual chocolate flavour (versus just tasting sweet). Some have rich, intense flavour suited to an adult's palate, while other hot chocolate mixes are mild tasting and sure to please kids of all ages. We've reviewed lots of best-selling hot chocolate mixes for flavour, ease of preparation, and cost. Grab your favourite mug and some marshmallows or whipped cream.
And if you've run out of hot chocolate at home, this list of mixes is for you.
1. Swiss Miss 635937 Marshmallows Cocoa
A classic favourite, this Swiss Miss mix includes mini marshmallows that soften and then melt in the hot milk for a fun drink for all ages. The handy single-serve packets make it easy, since there’s no need to scoop or measure, and they mix with water so you can take a handful of packets camping or leave a few in the desk at work for an afternoon treat. This is a box of 50 packets, so there’s plenty for families and for sharing.
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2. Nestle Hot Chocolate Packets
Made with fat-free milk, this hot chocolate mix may be lower in calories, but it’s still satisfying. The Nestle hot chocolate mix can be mixed with water for its lowest-calorie version—which is also great for camping—but it can be made with the milk of your choice as well, whether that's soy, oat, or dairy milk, for a richer, creamier drink.
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3. Stephen's Gourmet Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
While sachets of hot chocolate are easy since they don't require measuring, this bulk option allows you to customise the amount of chocolate you put in each mug. Because it's milk chocolate, it won't be overpowering for youngsters, but it's delicious enough for adults. It also helps make a delicious mocha in the morning. You only need to add hot water, so carry a can to work for an afternoon snack or pack some for camping. White chocolate, cookies & cream, and salted caramel are among Stephen's hot chocolate mix choices, but the simple milk and dark chocolate tastes are perennial favourites.
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4. Hot Chocolate Nespresso Compatible Capsules
There are plenty of options for alternative drinks with Keurig machines, but Nespresso owners have fewer options. Fortunately, Nespresso owners can enjoy an easy cup of hot chocolate with these capsules from Podista. Just add water for rich sipping hot chocolate, or steamy, frothy milk can be added for a more traditional hot chocolate. The used pods are biodegradable, so they’re better for the environment.
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5. Abuelita Authentic Mexican Style Hot Chocolate Mix
The hint of cinnamon in this chocolate mix strikes the right balance for a perfect mug of Mexican hot chocolate where the spice complements the chocolate rather than overpowering it. Instead of a powder, like most other mixes, this one comes in solid tabs of chocolate that melt in hot milk. The disks can be broken into pieces for those who like a lighter chocolate flavor or simply want a smaller cup of hot cocoa.
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Whether you call it hot cocoa or hot chocolate, nothing feels quite as cozy as curling up with a mug of this nostalgic beverage.
