Family brunch hosts
You’re making several mugs at once and want an easy-to-plan serving size, as well as a packet that suits how often you host brunch.
Who is this choice for?
Those keeping an eye on sugar
You want to compare the nutritional information for different powders, or start with unsweetened cocoa so you can decide for yourself what to add.
Households checking for allergens
Before serving your guests, check the exact recipe, including any mentions of soya, milk or cereals containing gluten.
What should you look for?
To make around 2 litres, start with the serving instructions on the packet, then choose a recipe and amount of powder that suit the brunches you actually plan to host.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to serve | The amount of powder per mug and how much milk you’ll need. For a Banania recipe, Auchan recommends 15 g of powder for 20 cl of milk: ten mugs would therefore take around 150 g of powder and 2 litres of milk. | If I’m serving everyone, I want to prepare enough without guessing the amount for each mug. This is the top priority for around 36% of the consumers concerned. |
| Sugars and recipe | The “of which sugars” figure, compared on the same basis (per 100 g of powder or per 100 ml of drink), as well as the ingredients. “Less sugar” does not mean “sugar-free”. | When choosing between a pre-sweetened powder and cocoa I can measure out myself, I want to know what’s in the drink I’m serving. Around 29% of consumers put this choice at the heart of their purchase. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list and allergen information for the variety you’re buying, including any possible traces and added cereals. | When guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I check the powder before making the drinks. This comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Packet size | The net weight, how often you host brunch and the storage instructions after opening. | If I only make hot chocolate now and then, I’d rather choose a packet I can use up. For around 14% of consumers, choosing the right pack size is the main criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the Nutri-Score alone
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that displaying the Nutri-Score is voluntary. Whether or not it appears on the pack, it doesn’t replace the product’s nutritional information.
To compare two powders, check the “of which sugars” figure on the same basis, as well as the ingredients list. Use the Nutri-Score as an additional guide when it appears on the packaging.
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Confusing the weight of the powder with the volume of drink
A 1 kg packet doesn’t make 1 litre of hot chocolate. The amount of drink you can prepare depends on the recipe’s recommended serving size and the milk you use.
Before choosing a pack size, work out how many mugs you can make using the packet instructions.
A large packet that’s been opened may go unused if you don’t host brunch often; follow the storage instructions.
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Assuming all powders contain the same allergens
Recipes vary: the Joybuy listings for Banania Original and Nesquik Original 300 g mention different ingredients or possible traces of allergens.
Check the packaging for the variety you’re serving, including any information about possible traces.
Brands to know when comparing recipes
Nesquik
Chocolate drink powders available in several sizes, including a 1 kg packet listed by Carrefour.
- You can choose a pack size to suit how often you make it.
- The Joybuy listing for Nesquik Original 300 g mentions soya and possible traces of milk. Check the variety you’re buying.
Poulain
The Grand Arôme range includes a 450 g powder and a 400 g “Less Sugar” variety.
- The Carrefour listing for the “Less Sugar” variety states that it contains at least 47% cocoa.
- This doesn’t mean it’s “sugar-free”. Compare the sugar content and ingredients for the specific product.
Banania
A chocolate drink powder made with cocoa, cereals, banana and honey, available in sizes including 400 g and 1 kg.
- The 1 kg size could suit regular preparation if your guests enjoy this recipe.
- The listings checked mention wheat and barley. Check the allergens and nutritional information on the packet you choose.
Carrefour Classic'
A supermarket own-brand chocolate drink powder, available in sizes including 400 g.
- The Carrefour listing for this product states that it contains 21% low-fat cocoa.
- This composition shouldn’t be assumed to apply to all Carrefour powders; the 400 g listing also mentions possible traces of milk.
Marque Repère (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc’s range includes different types of products, such as P’tit Deli instant drink powder in 1 kg and Equador unsweetened pure cocoa in 250 g.
- These two types of product let you compare an instant drink mix with cocoa you measure out yourself.
- Their recipes aren’t interchangeable: check the serving instructions and label for each product.
Chocolate drink powders on Joybuy
These powders, in packets ranging from 400 g to 1 kg, are worth considering for brunch hot chocolate. Their recipes and pack sizes vary, so check the serving instructions for each one before working out how many mugs you can make.
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Van Houten VH2, 34% cocoa powder, 1 kg
This 1 kg packet could suit a household that makes hot chocolate regularly.
To prepare around 2 litres, check the recommended amount per mug. Also check the ingredients and allergens before serving your guests.
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Bananina Original, chocolate drink powder, 1 kg
The 1 kg size could be an option for regular brunches if your guests enjoy this recipe.
Before serving, check the packaging for cereals, allergens and the serving instructions for this specific product. Don’t use the instructions for another powder.
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Benco Original, chocolate granules, 800 g
This 800 g packet could suit you if you want enough powder for several batches.
Compare its sugar content with other recipes, and check the serving instructions and allergens on the packaging.
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Benco Less Sugar, chocolate granules, 400 g
This 400 g size could suit an occasional brunch rather than stocking up on a large amount.
“Less Sugar” is part of the variety’s name. Compare the “of which sugars” figure on the label and check the serving instructions before deciding how much to make.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nutri-Score compulsory on hot chocolate powder?
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, displaying it remains voluntary in France. For most pre-packed foods, the nutrition declaration shows values per 100 g or 100 ml, so the absence of a Nutri-Score isn’t enough to assess whether a powder complies with regulations or what it contains.
How much powder should I use for around 2 litres of hot chocolate?
It depends on the serving instructions for the recipe you choose. As a guide for Banania specifically, Auchan recommends 15 g of powder for 20 cl of milk: ten mugs would take around 150 g of powder and 2 litres of milk. Check the instructions if you buy a different product.
Which allergens should I check before serving guests?
Read the information for the exact product, as it varies between recipes. The Joybuy listing for Nesquik Original 300 g mentions soya and possible traces of milk; the listing for Banania Original 400 g mentions wheat and barley containing gluten.
Does unsweetened pure cocoa make a sugar-free mug?
Not necessarily. Powder made from 100% cocoa has no sugar added to the powder, but the contents of your mug also depend on the milk and other ingredients you use. Check the ingredients of your chosen cocoa and the complete drink.