Travellers comparing sugar content
If sugar content is a key factor in your purchase, distinguish between reduced-sugar chocolate drink powder and unsweetened cocoa. The first is still a sweetened mix; with the second, you make the drink your own.
Who is this choice for?
Travellers checking ingredients and allergens
Read the label on the specific product before choosing a recipe. Banania, for example, states that its Original powder contains wheat, barley and malted wheat, and may contain traces of milk and soya.
Travellers planning to make their drink at the airport
Powder is only useful if you can get a liquid and find a container at the airport. For hand luggage, Paris Aéroport points out that each airline sets its own weight and size limits.
What should you check before buying?
For a meal at the airport, start with the type of drink you want, then check its ingredients and whether you’ll actually be able to prepare it during your journey.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | Compare the sugar content per 100 g and the ingredients list for the product you choose. Unsweetened cocoa and a ‘reduced sugar’ powder need to be measured differently. | If I want to decide how much sugar goes into my drink, I need to distinguish between an already-sweetened recipe and unsweetened cocoa. Around 38% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the product you’re buying, including any warnings about possible traces. | If certain ingredients aren’t suitable for me, the recipe’s composition comes before its taste or format. This would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Transport and preparation | Check the container size, your airline’s baggage rules, and whether you’ll have access to a liquid and a container at your destination. | If I want to make my drink during the journey, I need to be able to carry the powder and mix it when I’m ready. Nearly 37% of consumers would choose it first for convenience. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing powder with a ready-to-drink beverage
Chocolate drink powder on its own isn’t enough to make a drink for a meal at the airport: you’ll need to mix it with a liquid in a container.
Before buying, work out where you’ll be able to get these, and follow the preparation instructions for the product you choose.
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Assuming ‘reduced sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
According to Poulain, Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres contains 52 g of sugars per 100 g, and sugar is still the first ingredient on the list. It’s not the same recipe as unsweetened cocoa.
Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and consider how much powder you’ll use in your drink.
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Relying on the Nutri-Score instead of reading the label
The Ministry of Health states that the Nutri-Score cannot be made mandatory under the European framework it refers to. If displayed, it doesn’t provide details of the product’s ingredients or allergens on its own.
Also check the ingredients list, allergen information and nutritional values for the product you’re buying.
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Assuming the same hand-luggage rules apply to all powders
Baggage rules depend on the airline, which may apply additional restrictions. The product’s format alone doesn’t mean you’re allowed to take it with you.
Check the guidance from your airline and departure airport for your journey, including any connecting flights.
Brands to compare
Poulain
Poulain offers, among other products, Grand Arôme classique and Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres: two cocoa-based powders with different recipes.
- According to Poulain, Grand Arôme classique contains 32% cocoa, compared with 47% in Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres.
- The Moins de Sucres version contains 52 g of sugars per 100 g, compared with 67 g in the classic recipe, but sugar is still its first ingredient.
Nesquik
Nesquik offers chocolate drink powders in several sizes.
- The Carrefour product listing for the 1 kg size states that it contains 23% low-fat cocoa powder.
- This recipe also lists sugar as its first ingredient and contains soya lecithin. Check the label on the specific size you’re buying.
Banania
Banania Original is a chocolate drink powder made with ingredients including cocoa and cereals.
- Banania lists wheat, barley and malted wheat flours in this recipe, setting it apart from a simple cocoa powder.
- These cereals contain gluten, so the recipe isn’t suitable for anyone who needs to avoid it. The manufacturer also warns that it may contain traces of milk and soya.
Carrefour Classic’
Carrefour Classic’ includes a chocolate drink powder. Check the label on the specific size you’re considering.
- The Carrefour product listing for the 400 g size gives the added sugars per 100 g, making it possible to compare recipes on the same basis.
- The listing warns that the product may contain traces of milk. Check the packaging before buying if this information matters to you.
Marque Repère / EQUADOR (E.Leclerc)
EQUADOR offers unsweetened cocoa, which is different from chocolate drink powders that are already sweetened.
- The E.Leclerc product listing states that its 250 g unsweetened cocoa contains 0.9 g of sugars per 100 g.
- You’ll need to choose and measure the liquid yourself, as well as add sugar if you want it, to make the drink you prefer.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the French levy on sugary drinks apply to dry chocolate drink powder?
The presence of sugar in a dry powder alone isn’t enough to establish whether this levy applies. Article 1613 ter of the General Tax Code, published by Légifrance, covers drinks and liquid drink preparations under the conditions it specifies. A product’s tax classification cannot be determined by its sugar content alone.
Is the Nutri-Score compulsory on chocolate drink powders in France?
No. According to the Ministry of Health, the European framework referred to does not allow this graphic label to be made compulsory. If it appears on a product, you can consider it alongside the ingredients list and nutrition information. Its absence alone isn’t a reason to rule out a powder.
What should you check before taking chocolate drink powder in your hand luggage?
Check the rules for your journey with your airline and departure airport rather than assuming you’re allowed to carry the powder. Paris Aéroport points out that each airline sets its own baggage rules. You’ll also need to work out separately how you’ll get a liquid and a container to prepare your drink.