Homemade Organic Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe {A Perfect Gift For The Holidays}! (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in great value hot cocoa mix? ›

SUGAR, DAIRY PRODUCT SOLIDS, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), COCONUT OIL, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE SODIUM, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SODIUM CASEINATE, SILICON DIOXIDE (ANTI-CAKING AGENT), MALTODEXTRIN, MONO-AND DIGLYCERIDES, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, ...

A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. Coconut and almond extracts lend hot chocolate an Almond Joy-like taste, while vanilla adds dimension to the chocolate flavor. Peppermint extract instantly gives the drink a holiday flair.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-6 months. To make hot chocolate from the mix, add 4-6 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix to a mug and fill the rest of the way with about 1 cup of hot milk or hot water. Hot water works fine, but the hot chocolate won't be as creamy and rich.

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I've tried quite a few!)

*Choose the best quality chocolate you can, as the flavor really carries the drink. I love Guittard for a splurge, Ghirardelli, or Godiva, but the Trader Joe's Pound Plus 72% bar is quite good too. I do not recommend chocolate chips, as they contain stabilizers and do not melt as well.

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

Fruit and 100% Dark Chocolate Pairings

Because 100 percent dark chocolate can be bitter, it pairs best with fruits that are extra sweet. It helps neutralize very sweet fruits. Dark chocolate also pairs well with the sourness of passion fruit and the tanginess of citrus.

All you need to make hot chocolate at home is cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water.

If the hot chocolate powder has been stored in a cool, dry place and kept well-sealed, it is likely to last longer past its 'best before' date without spoiling. If in doubt, it's always safest to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming the product.

Why do you put cornstarch in hot chocolate mix? ›

Cornstarch prevents caking and also thickens the milk without adversely affecting flavor.

Sweet add-ins include marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel, flavored spreads, and maple syrup. To transform cocoa into a co*cktail, add flavored liqueurs or traditional spirits. Other unique ways to liven up hot chocolate include adding coffee, spices, and extracts.

The best type of milk for making hot chocolate is whole milk. This is because the higher fat content in whole milk creates a creamier and richer hot chocolate. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, almond milk or oat milk can also work well as they add a subtle nutty or oaty flavor to the hot chocolate.

Regular, moderate consumption of cocoa-rich hot chocolate can support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol. However, choosing high-quality cocoa, like the ones we use in our creations, is vital to reap the optimum benefits.

Warming chocolate drinks are undoubtedly one of winter's greatest pleasures, but if you're drinking a highly processed hot chocolate, you simply aren't reaping the same health benefits as you could be with cacao. Not only is cacao more satisfying and fulfilling, it's also far better for you and the planet!

Cocoa Powder: Hot chocolate starts with cocoa powder, which provides a chocolatey flavour. However, hot chocolate mix is distinct from plain cocoa powder, as it often contains added sugar, powdered milk, and sometimes additional flavourings like vanilla or spices.

Hot chocolate has been associated with improved mood and reduced stress levels due to its high cocoa content. The flavanols in cocoa have been linked to increased levels of serotonin, which helps to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. Additionally, theobromine in cocoa can help to reduce fatigue and improve alertness.

Hot cocoa is a hot, sweet drink made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Cocoa powder is derived from cocoa beans, which are dried, fermented, then roasted at a high temperature to sweeten the flavor.