As we begin winter, it’s natural to gravitate towards a nice cup of hot chocolate, the perfect sweet warmth on a frigid day. Typically, one might reach for an easy instant pack of Swiss Miss, a classic winter treat. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if there is one brand of instant hot cocoa that trumps the rest. So, I took it upon myself, along with my tasting partner, Franklin senior Lucia Gasca, to try six different brands of instant hot chocolate and determine which kind you must have this winter.
Trader Joe’s Organic Hot Cocoa Mix:
Starting off strong with the Trader Joe’s classic hot cocoa mix. This cocoa did not disappoint. Although having quite a dark color and taking a little bit of time to dissolve, this cocoa was really rich and had an elegant sweetness to it. This cocoa was unlike any cocoa I’ve had before, because it was almost as if it was dark chocolate rather than the usual milk chocolate. Gasca and I couldn’t help but go back for multiple sips due to the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate. We both gave it a 9/10.
Abuelita Mexican Style Instant Hot Chocolate Mix:
This cocoa has something special about it, with a cinnamon flavor that accompanies the chocolate to make a really nice blend of flavors. Right off the bat this cocoa had a very light color and smelled good due to the cinnamon component. Taste-wise it was very creamy and sweet, however, “[it’s] less chocolate-y because of the cinnamon,” Gasca commented. I, however, enjoyed the cinnamon flavor, as it was something I had never tried in a hot chocolate before. Gasca’s rating: 7/10–My rating: 8.5/10
Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate:
This is where things may get a little controversial. Personally when I think of instant cocoa, Swiss Miss is the brand that comes to mind. I figured since I have had quite a few cups of Swiss Miss in my day, I knew what to expect; however, I was met with a surprise. This mix was way too sweet, and was basically more sugar than chocolate. Although it dissolved the quickest, the consistency was thin, and somehow left a sticky residue in your mouth. It’s safe to say that we were disappointed by Swiss Miss. Our rating: 4/10
Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate With Marshmallows:
I was curious to see if mini marshmallows would make a difference between the two kinds of swiss miss. Unfortunately, the marshmallows dissolved instantly so we didn’t even get to try them. However, they did add a little more creaminess to the cocoa, and made it slightly thicker and more enjoyable to consume. Both kinds were way too sweet, and non-satisfactory. Our rating: 5/10
Trader Joe’s Salted Caramel Flavored Hot Cocoa:
Keep in mind that we are very dramatic, so take this with a grain of salt: never try this hot cocoa. Initially, there was a very strong smell, and it took forever to dissolve. Despite the offputting smell, we still took a sip. The salt in this cocoa punches you in the face, and the caramel chocolate taste hits you after. This flavor was way too sweet, and it is described in my notes as “actually disgusting.” Gasca and I were very let down because the other Trader Joe’s cocoa was so delicious, whereas this one was…something else. As we dramatically bashed this cocoa, Gasca concluded the taste test by saying “nothing could save this.” Our rating: 0/10
Hershey’s Hot Chocolate Bomb with Mini Marshmallows:
I’ve always been curious about hot chocolate bombs, so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to try one and see if they are worth the hype. This cocoa was definitely the most entertaining, and the anticipation for the bomb to pop open was exciting; until it wasn’t. It got very boring waiting for the bomb to dissolve, and when it did, it was anticlimactic. The mixture looked quite gross and grainy when dissolved. However, the marshmallows stayed intact the whole time, unlike the Swiss Miss. The taste is exactly like you are biting into a Hershey’s bar, but Gasca said she “probably wouldn’t take another sip of that.” Our rating: 3/10 (for the experience).
As you prepare for winter, make sure to add the Trader Joe’s Organic Hot Cocoa Mix and Abuelita Mexican Style Instant Hot Cocoa Mix to your shopping list for the perfect cozy drink. And don’t forget to stay warm!
