Supermarket own-label hot chocolate has outperformed premium brands in a blind taste test by consumer group Which?. Tesco Finest Belgian 70% Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes scored 70%, narrowly beating Hotel Chocolat and Pump Street, while costing less than half the price.
Priced at £5.75 for a 200g pack, Tesco’s offering was praised for its “brilliant taste on a budget” and silky texture. It outperformed Hotel Chocolat's 70% Hot Chocolate Flakes, which retail at £10.95 for 250g and were criticised for lacking creaminess.
The most expensive option, Pump Street 70% Drinking Chocolate Flakes West Papua at £15.50 for 200g, also failed to impress the panel. Meanwhile, Marks and Spencer’s Belgian 70% Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes were the cheapest at an undisclosed price but scored lower than Tesco.
The overall winner was Knoops 70% Extra Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes, costing £14.50 for 200g. Testers commended its aroma, flavour, and balance of creaminess, sweetness, and bitterness. Which? described it as a potential gift for hot chocolate enthusiasts.
