Here are the best (and worst) hot chocolates

During the holidays, we take the opportunity to do outdoor activities with the family. Skiing, snowshoeing, skating, sledding, cycling on snow promise a great expenditure of energy while taking a breath of fresh air. What could be more comforting than a hot chocolate to warm us up while bringing a good dose of pleasure? Of all the choices offered in the supermarket, which are the best?

OUR ANALYSIS

We analyzed 25 hot chocolate mixes and standardized the serving size at 25g (about 2 tbsp depending on the variety).

Per serving, the nutritional values ​​vary:

• 20 to 112 calories
• From 5 to 21 g of sugars
• 0.4 to 2.6 g fat (0.2 to 2.5 g saturated fat)
• From 0 to 184 mg of sodium

NOTE: The values ​​presented reflect the powder only, if we put 25 g of powder (average of all the products analyzed) in a cup of milk (2% mg) we will obtain a drink that provides 223 calories, 10.5 g of protein , 6.4 g of lipids, 29.5 g of sugars (partly of which is lactose) and 199 mg of sodium. A hot drink that comforts and that, all in all, provides some nutritional value. Although it contains sugar, this drink is suitable after physical exertion in the open air!

The best choices

Chocodate, Creation Delicia

This hot chocolate comes in first place because it is the least rich in sugar (5 g) and calories (20 calories) of the test bench. Its fat content (1 g, including 0.5 g of saturated fat) is lower than the average for the products analysed. It is also one of the least rich in sodium (20 mg) of the test bench. Plus, the ingredient list is short and simple. In short, this product has it all.

Classic Dark Hot Chocolate, Camino

Despite a higher sugar (16 g) and calorie (91 calorie) content than our previous choices, these values ​​are lower than the average of the products analyzed. It’s also low in saturated fat (0.4 g) and among the lowest in sodium (23 mg) on ​​the test bench. The ingredient list is short, but sugar tops the list.

Sweet cocoa powder, 1848 Poulain

This product is the second lowest in sugar (12 g) and calories (83 calories) of the test bench. It also stands out from the others because of the absence of salt (0 mg of sodium). Its saturated fat content (0.8 g) is below average. The ingredient list is also very short and simple, with only 3 ingredients.

The compromise

Chocolate, Ovaltine

This option is one of the lowest in sugar (13 g) of the test bench. Its nutritional values, i.e. lipid (0.8 g), saturated fat (0.5 g) and sodium (42 mg) content, are also all lower than the average for the products analyzed. However, we are disappointed with the presence of glucose syrup and modified palm oil. The calorie content (100 calories) is above average.

Not so good…

Carnation Light Hot Chocolate, Nestlé

If at first glance Nestlé’s Carnation Light hot chocolate seems interesting in terms of its calorie (87) and fat (0.4 g) saturated fat (0.2 g) and moderate sugar (15 g) content, it loses all points for its high sodium content (183 mg) and the fact that it contains sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame-potassium).

The worst choices

Rich Creamy Carnation and Marshmallow Carnation, Nestlé

It is because sugar comes first among the ingredients and the presence of palm kernel oil and several additives are denoted that these products lose the most points. They have slightly more saturated fat and sodium than average. Their sugar content is 17 g.

Carnation Assortment (Aero S’mores, Turtles, After Eight), Nestlé

Of these three choices, Turtles and After Eight are the least interesting. Their saturated fat and sodium contents are higher than average and they provide 17 g of sugars. The presence of palm kernel oil and several additives is also disappointing. The Aero S’mores is a little less sweet (16 g) and less salty (110 mg).

The Highest Sugar Hot Chocolates

The hot chocolates highest in sugar are Selection Chocolate Mix (21 g), President’s Choice Chocolate Mix (21 g) and Selection Hot Chocolate Mix (20 g). Too bad, because they are devoid of palm oil and therefore have a lower than average saturated fat content.

Thanks to Elizabeth Simboli, nutrition intern, for her invaluable collaboration.