A Which? taste test has named Hotel Chocolat's Classic 70% Hot Chocolate Flakes as the best hot chocolate available in UK supermarkets, scoring 71% in a blind comparison of more than 500 cups.
The consumer champions brought together a panel of 68 hot chocolate fans, who blind-tasted each product in a private booth without knowing whether they were trying a supermarket own-brand or a more expensive option. Products were ranked on flavour, aroma, appearance and texture, with final scores weighted at 50% flavour, 20% aroma, 15% appearance and 15% mouthfeel.
Top-scoring hot chocolates
The winning Hotel Chocolat Classic 70% Hot Chocolate Flakes, priced at £9.95 for 280g, was described as a "luxurious" and "great-tasting drink" and scored highly across categories including taste and mouthfeel.
Two products shared second place with a score of 69%: the M&S Belgian 70% Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes (£6 for 250g) and Melt 70% Dark Hot Chocolate (£12.99 for 250g).
Full ranking of the best products
- Hotel Chocolat Classic 70% Hot Chocolate Flakes, £9.95 for 280g
- M&S Belgian 70% Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes, £6 for 250g / Melt Dark Hot Chocolate, £12.99 for 250g
- Chococo 70% Madagascar Origin Hot Chocolate Flakes, £14.50 for 200g
- Knoops 72% Extra Dark Chocolate Flakes, £13.50 for 250g
- Kokoa Collection Dominican Republic Flakes 70%, £9.50 for 175g
- Cocoa Canopy Super Dark Hot Chocolate Melting Beads, £5.95 for 225g
- Islands 75% Dark Chocolate Buttons, £11 for 200g
The Chococo 70% Madagascar Origin Hot Chocolate Flakes are the most expensive on the list, but their flavour was described as "really nice".
Tips for making hot chocolate at home
Experts have also shared ways to make hot chocolate at home. Dervis Bayram, a freeze-dried sweets expert at Crunchie Munchies, suggests using peanut butter to enhance the drink.
"If you're after something a bit more indulgent, try stirring in a spoonful of peanut butter," he said. "It makes the drink thicker and gives you that really nice combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Start with a small spoonful and add more if needed. You don't want to completely lose the chocolate flavour."
