This time of year creates nostalgia and joy for most people, while others may feel grief for their lost loved ones or a sense of longing for something more. Although warm, cozy beverages like hot cocoa mix don’t solve those problems, they can help us warm up from the inside out, offering some comfort during the coldest and darkest part of the year. But there are so many choices, so which is the best?
The “Best” is Subjective
While “the best” is subjective, plenty of people, including food experts, have shared their thoughts on hot cocoa mix, disclosing their favorite. Here are some of the top brands that are sure to make an impactful and comforting addition to any holiday party or festivity.
The # 1 Hot Cocoa Mix is Sillycowfarms
Sillycow Farms was established in 2008 and prides itself on using fewer and more wholesome ingredients than other brands. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and sweet, whereas other brands may taste watered down. Furthermore, it comes in numerous flavors, including Java, pumpkin, and chocolate marshmallow.
2. Equal Exchange Hot Cocoa Mix
The runner-up for the top hot cocoa mix is the Equal Exchange. The brand is wholesome, while the product is rich and delicious. The company’s mission is to create a brighter future.
“To build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world,” according to the company’s about us page.
3. Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
Although Ghirardelli is one of the more expensive brands on this list, it offers rich, decadent, unique, and recognizable, high-quality ingredients. Moreover, the chocolate company comes from humble beginnings, has been around for over 100 years, and has become one of the world’s largest chocolate producers.
Company History
The founder, Domenico Ghirardelli, was born in Rapallo, Italy, and discovered a love of chocolate early on. In 1849, he came to America, settling in Stockton, California, and opened a general store before opening a second location in San Francisco, which became “ his first establishment in the city.”
4. Lake Champlain Hot Cocoa Mix
Lake Champlain is another popular warm beverage option that will liven up your holiday season. The “multigenerational” family business began in the early 1980s and has grown to offer nationwide shipping on high-quality and “100% fair trade” products like chocolates and hot cocoa mix. While the brand is also expensive, the passion for artisanal flavors and perfecting the craft shines through in every one of their eight hot cocoa mix flavors.
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5. Mindful Nutrition for Sleep and Relaxation
This hot cocoa mix, available in peppermint or classic, is a perfect beverage for unwinding after a long day. Each serving has 3 mg of melatonin to help you drift off easily and wake rested to take on the day. Additionally, Mindful Nutrition is noted as a small business on Amazon, meaning you’ll be helping to keep a household afloat while enjoying a soothing and warm cup of hot cocoa mix.
6. More Affordable Options
Trader Joe’s is known for its delicious snacks and pre-prepped meals but the grocery chain also carries hot cocoa mix and it’s surprisingly affordable. Trader Joe’s organic hot cocoa mix is ethically sourced and around $4 for a 1oz 10 pack, totaling 10 oz. While it’s affordable and high quality, some have noted that it tastes “watered down” and “short” in flavor.
7. Alternate Trader Joe’s Option
Trader Joe’s has a sipping chocolate that is rich, decadent, and full-flavored.
8. Great Value Hot Cocoa Mix
Unsurprisingly, the Great Value Walmart brand is the most affordable option on this list. However, it’s also one of the most popular among food experts. Some noted it was creamy and rich, while others appreciated the buttery notes. Either way, it’s around $5 for just over 27 oz and is available in original and “double chocolate.”
Alternatively, this product does have a larger ingredient list than other brands. While most of the ingredients are standard, Great Value uses corn syrup, so some may prefer to avoid it.
9. Classic Hot Cocoa Mix
Swiss Miss is one of the most well-known brands for hot cocoa mix, it’s been on the market since the early 1960s and was marketed as the first chocolate beverage that could be used with water, rather than traditionally using milk. The brand boasted the same rich, creamy, and chocolatey flavors and textures as other popular brands but more affordably and conveniently. Furthermore, each pack ranges from around $3-$10, depending on the number of servings per package. Experts note a sense of nostalgia and familiarity and a “silky” texture. In contrast, some felt Swiss Miss lacked texture, deeming it “thin.”
The Original isn’t Vegan
Another important detail to consider is the ingredients list. For instance, many previously mentioned brands like Trader Joe’s and Lake Champlain offer vegan options. Although Swiss Miss does have a similar option the original recipe consists of milk, making it a poor choice for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
10. Moonstruck Hot Cocoa Mix
This company, based in Portland, Oregon offers customers creamy and rich hot cocoa mixes with the promise of ethically sourced ingredients and a wholesome passion for the craft. Moreover, their tins are covered in stars, providing a cute and charming touch to any gift set this holiday season.
11. Hand and Homemade
Websites like Esty allow you to support small businesses and purchase decorative, personalized, and adorable hand or homemade products. Countless shops offer adorable, decorative, and high-quality hot cocoa mixes. Meanwhile, your purchase from a shop on Etsy will make a hugely positive impact on families and small business owners everywhere.
12. Most Costly Yet Delicious
Williams Sonoma is arguably the most costly brand. Therefore, it’s the lowest on the list but still worth mentioning for its delicious richness and full-flavored products.
An excellent hot cocoa mix can make any holiday event more memorable, comforting, and cozy. However, there are numerous options, so the possibilities are seemingly endless! Either way, add more depth to your holiday season with the delicious warm beverage while you’re cozied up with the people you love most.
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