CHOCS away for an indulgent brew to banish the January blues.
The market for hot chocolate is booming, says Martyn James, consumer expert for Resolver.
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But which brand is the best cocoa go-to?
Lynsey Hope gives her views on best-selling brands, rating each out of ten.
M&S Fairtrade Drinking Chocolate – 8/10
£2 for 250g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 16p
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 5¼ tsp (21g)
MIXED with milk, this seemed very creamy and luxurious and had a lovely chocolatey flavour.
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The only downside was that I found it quite hard to mix out all the lumps.
Despite stirring for what seemed like ages, there were still a few lumps left when I started drinking it.
Clipper Seriously Velvety Instant Hot Chocolate – 2/10
£3.15 for 350g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 25p
- Calories: 106
- Sugar: 5 tsp (19.7g)
ONE of the most expensive I tried, costing more than brands such as Cadbury.
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But it’s simply not worth the high price tag.
If you’re watching your calories it’s also worth knowing that this one contains a high amount of sugar at 19.7g per cup.
Drinking Chocolate by Sainsbury’s – 8/10
£1.50 for 300g
PER CUP:
Cost: 9p
Calories: 166
Sugar: 5½ tsp (22.7g)
A LOVELY hot chocolate from Sainsbury’s, which warmed me up after a particularly cold and wet school run.
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This was a little high in sugar and calories, but it was totally worth it. Delicious.
Aldi Choceur Instant Hot Chocolate – 9/10
99p for 400g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 7p
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 4¼ tsp (17g)
MY top value option at less than a third of the price of some more luxury brands.
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Mix with water and it’s lower in calories and sugar than many.
Its flavour didn’t quite match up to the winning brands but it’s a tasty choice and ideal if you need a cheaper way to get your choc fix.
Galaxy Drinking Chocolate – 10/10
£2.99 for 500g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 27p
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 6 tsp (22.8g)
JUST one sip gives you a delicious chocolatey hit.
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It’s a lovely flavour and tastes as good as many you would buy from cafes or coffee shops.
It is pricier than others but if you don’t really mind spending a little more, this is an excellent choice that’s sure to please.
Starbucks Signature 42% Cocoa Hot Chocolate – 6/10
£4.25 for 330g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 28p
- Calories: 186
- Sugar: 5½ tsp (22.3g)
DELICIOUSLY indulgent, this has a lovely chocolatey flavour that tasted rich yet not too overwhelming.
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But you are advised to add four big scoops per cup, so you won’t get many servings per tin, meaning it is expensive.
It was also the most fattening I tried.
Cadbury Oreo Instant Hot Chocolate – 7/10
£2.99 for 260g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 29p
- Calories: 114
- Sugar: 4¼ tsp (17g)
I FOUND this quite sweet, though my kids were super excited when they saw it and both loved the taste.
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Mixed with hot water it’s not the worst one for you, but be warned, there is still 17g sugar per serving.
Options Belgian Chocolate Drink – 1/10
£3 for 220g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 15p
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 1½ tsp (5.7g)
THIS had the least sugar and calories of the hot chocolates we tested, but it is made with sweetener which gave it an overly sweet, disappointing flavour.
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If you are on a diet, I’d recommend you save the 40 calories for something worth consuming.
Tesco Drinking Chocolate – 7/10
£1.60 for 400g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 11p
- Calories: 107
- Sugar: 4 tsp (16g)
I ENJOYED this one.
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It tasted quite rich which surprised me considering that it was one of the best value and healthiest options that I put to the test.
I would certainly buy this again for a quick chocolate fix.
Cadbury Original Hot Chocolate – 9/10
£2.50 for 400g
PER CUP:
- Cost: 18p
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 6 tsp (23g)
THIS Cadbury offering was easy to mix and really hit the spot, delivering a lovely flavour.
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Working out at 18p per serving, it is also reasonably good value.
Definitely one of my favourites and I would add it to my weekly shopping again.
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