During the holidays we take the opportunity to do outdoor activities with the family. Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, tobogganing, cycling on snow promise a lot of effort to breathe deeply. What could be more soothing than a hot chocolate to warm us up while providing a good portion of indulgence? Of all the offers in the supermarket, which ones are the best?
OUR ANALYSIS
We analyzed 25 hot chocolate mixes and standardized the serving size to 25g (about 2 tbsp depending on the variety).
The nutritional values vary per serving:
- 20 to 112 calories
- From 5 to 21 grams of sugar
- 0.4 to 2.6 g fat (0.2 to 2.5 g saturated fat)
- From 0 to 184 mg sodium
NOTE: Values shown reflect powder only. If we add 25 g of powder (average of all analyzed products) to a cup of milk (2% mg), we get a drink that provides 223 calories, 10.5 g of which are protein, 6.4 g of lipids, 29.5 g of sugar (including some lactose) and 199 mg sodium. A hot drink that is comforting and all in all provides some nutritional value. Although it contains sugar, this drink is great after outdoor physical exertion!
The best choice
Chocolate, Creation Delicia
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
This hot chocolate takes first place because it has the least sugar (5g) and calories (20 calories) of the test bench. Its fat content (1 g, of which 0.5 g saturated fat) is below the average of the analyzed products. It’s also one of the lowest-sodium (20 mg) on the dyno. Also, the ingredients list is short and simple. In short, this product has it all.
Classic Dark Hot Chocolate, Camino
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
Despite a higher sugar (16 g) and calorie content (91 calories) than our previous choices, these values are lower than the average of the analyzed products. It’s also low in saturated fat (0.4g) and among the lowest in sodium (23mg) on the bench. The ingredient list is short, but sugar tops the list.
Sweet Cocoa Powder, 1848 Poulain
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
This product is the second lowest in sugar (12g) and calories (83 calories) on the test bench. It also stands out from the rest for its lack of salt (0 mg 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
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
This option is one of the lowest sugar (13 g) on the test bench. The nutritional values, ie content of lipids (0.8 g), saturated fatty acids (0.5 g) and sodium (42 mg), are all below the average of the products analyzed. However, we are disappointed by 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 Nestlé’s Carnation Light hot chocolate seems interesting at first glance in terms of its calorie (87) and fat (0.4g), saturated fat (0.2g) and moderate sugar (15g) content, lose it all scores for its high sodium content (183 mg) and the fact that it contains sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame potassium).
The worst decisions
Rich creamy clove and marshmallow clove, Nestlé
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
Since sugar is the first ingredient among the ingredients and the presence of palm kernel oil and several additives is indicated, these products lose the most points. They have slightly more saturated fat and sodium than average. Their sugar content is 17 g.
Carnation range (Aero S’mores, Turtles, After Eight), Nestlé
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
Of these three options, Turtles and After Eight are the least interesting. Their saturated fat and sodium content is above average and they provide 17 g of sugar. The presence of palm kernel oil and several additives is also disappointing. The Aero S’mores is slightly less sweet (16g) and less salty (110mg).
The hot chocolate with the highest sugar content
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
Photo provided by Isabelle Huot
The hottest chocolates with the highest sugar content are Selection Chocolate Mix (21g), President’s Choice Chocolate Mix (21g) and Selection Hot Chocolate Mix (20g). Too bad, because they contain no palm oil and therefore have a below-average saturated fat content.
Thanks to Elizabeth Simboli, Nutrition Intern, for her invaluable collaboration.
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