The flavor: This mix from Starbucks is surprisingly chocolatey—by far the richest of the brands we tried. Is that a positive? “Flavor is good, texture is bad,” Fegan concluded, citing a certain powderiness. Goldstein had nothing nice to say: “It tastes like bitter milk water.” But Laperruque liked the depth of flavor, especially when we made it with milk (what the packaging suggests). “Toasty and roasty,” she said. Overall, it’s a good option for dark chocolate lovers but needs some heft.
Photograph by Victoria Jane, Food Styling by Rosanna Anil
The Runner-Up: Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate with Marshmallows Hot Cocoa Mix
The ingredients: This classic brand makes its hot chocolate using sugar and corn syrup, cocoa, hydrogenated coconut oil, dry milk, salt, dipotassium phosphate, and natural flavor. As well as mono and diglycerides, which help oil and water blend, and modified whey, to enhance flavor and texture.
The flavor: A definite crowd favorite and clear second. “Yum!” said Laperruque. This hot chocolate was miles ahead of most: It’s not too sweet, not too bitter, decently creamy, and almost fruity. “Like a chocolate orange,” said Stone. Admittedly, it was a little artificial too. “But that’s part of the point, right?” said Laperruque. Stone had just one complaint: “Where are the marshmallows? Hello?” Though this blend did come with a spattering of dehydrated little sugar pillows, they melted as soon as they arrived.
Photograph by Victoria Jane, Food Styling by Rosanna Anil
The Standout: Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
The ingredients: Ghirardelli uses a bunch of the expected ingredients, such as cocoa, dry milk, and various sweeteners. But the iconic brand also brings some big hitters to the game: Silicon dioxide prevents clumping, and sodium citrate and soy lecithin help emulsify and enhance flavor. It’s also the only hot chocolate mix that features whole chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
The flavor: The clear crowd favorite. The texture was in a league of its own: “Silky,” said Goldstein, but not in a fake way. The flavor was rich and chocolatey, without being too dark or bitter. “And the smell is also spot on,” said Sontag. Stone, who was staring longingly into his empty mug at the time, wasn’t ready for it to end: “I would have seconds, actually.”
