Luxury Hot Chocolate Brands Leave a Bitter Taste
As the winter chill sets in, the quest for the perfect cup of hot chocolate becomes a national priority. But with shelves groaning under the weight of options from boutique chocolatiers to supermarket own-brands, which one truly delivers? Consumer champion Which? took on the formidable task of sipping through more than 700 cups to find the definitive answer, with surprising results that challenge the assumption that a higher price means a better drink.
The Champion and The Value Contender
Emerging head and shoulders above the competition was Knoops 70% Extra Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes, which was awarded the coveted Best Buy title. A panel of 78 testers praised its perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and bitterness. Scoring highly for its flavour, aroma, and mouthfeel, the Knoops offering was also deemed one of the best-looking, with two-thirds of tasters stating the colour was 'just right'. Priced at £14.50 for a 250g can, it is a premium, but not the most expensive, choice.
However, the real story of the taste test was the triumph of value. Hot on the heels of the winner was the Tesco Finest Belgian 70% Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes. With an overall score of 70%, it was awarded the Great Value title. At just £5.75 for a 200g pack—less than half the price of many tested brands—it proves that a taste of luxury doesn't require a luxury budget. Testers commended its 'delicious flavour and satisfying mouthfeel', though some felt its appearance was slightly too dark.
Surprising Failures from Big Names
The investigation revealed that several high-profile and expensive brands failed to impress the discerning palates of the Which? panel. In a shocking turn, Hotel Chocolat's Classic 70% Hot Chocolate Flakes scored a meagre 60%. The main criticism was its lack of creaminess, which let down its overall mouthfeel.
Similarly, the most expensive product tested, Pump Street's 70% Drinking Chocolate West Papua at £15.50 for 200g, managed only a 65% score. Despite its aesthetic appeal, its flavour, aroma, and mouthfeel were judged to be merely average. At the very bottom of the ranking was Islands Chocolate 75% Dark Chocolate Buttons with a score of 59%, which testers found unpleasantly bitter.
How the Taste Test Worked
To ensure complete fairness, the Which? taste test was conducted under strict blind conditions. The 78 testers sampled the hot chocolates in private booths, with the order of tasting rotated to prevent bias. They judged each beverage on four key criteria: flavour (50%), aroma (20%), mouthfeel (15%), and appearance (15%). Specific attributes like sweetness, bitterness, and creaminess were all carefully rated, resulting in a comprehensive and reliable guide for consumers seeking the perfect winter warmer.
