Larger households preparing several litres
You’re happy to mix the drink when it’s time to serve and want a format you can measure out according to the number of people. 1 kg powders are available from brands including Banania, Nesquik and Poulain.
Who are these options for?
Shoppers keeping an eye on sugar
You want to compare the nutritional values per 100 g of powder or 100 ml of drink, then factor in the amount actually served. The ingredients list can also help you tell recipes apart.
Shoppers choosing by cocoa content
You’re looking for a clearly stated cocoa content and are happy to prepare the drink yourself. As an example for one specific product, Auchan states that Poulain Grand Arôme contains at least 32% cocoa.
What should you check before buying?
First decide whether you’d rather prepare the drink or open bottles that are ready to serve. When making a large batch, the weight of the powder alone won’t tell you the final volume: the quantity of powder and liquid both matter.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to serve | The recommended quantity of powder and liquid needed, or the combined volume of the bottles. | If I’m serving a large group, I want to make sure there’s enough to go round without confusing 1 kg of powder with 1 litre of prepared drink; around 40% of shoppers would make this their top priority. |
| Sugars and the label | The “of which sugars” figure on a like-for-like basis, the ingredients and the serving size. | Before making several servings, I want to know how much sugar the recipe contains; this would be the top priority for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Cocoa content | The cocoa percentage of the exact product and its preparation instructions. | If the chocolate flavour guides my choice, I look for a recipe with a stated cocoa content; around 20% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
| Allergens and storage | Any stated allergens and traces, followed by the storage instructions. | When serving several people in summer, I need to choose a recipe that suits their needs and store it as directed; around 10% of shoppers would make this their top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a family-size pack with a 3-litre bottle
A 1 kg tin of powder isn’t a ready-to-serve drink. To compare formats, Angelina offers 25 cl and 48 cl bottles, while Maison Dufoux offers a 75 cl bottle.
If you choose powder, use the recipe’s recommended quantity to plan how much to make. If you’d rather serve a ready-to-drink option, add up the bottle volumes and check the storage instructions.
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Assuming Nutri-Score is compulsory
The DGCCRF states that Nutri-Score is voluntary. Prepacked foods covered by the rules must still display a nutrition declaration, even if they don’t show Nutri-Score.
Read the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact product, whether or not it displays the logo.
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Judging sugar content by cocoa percentage alone
The cocoa percentage tells you one thing about the recipe, but it doesn’t replace the “of which sugars” figure, which is given for the powder or the prepared drink depending on the product.
Compare figures shown on the same basis, then factor in the quantities of powder and liquid used for each serving.
Brands to know
Nesquik
A chocolate-flavoured powder to mix with milk, available in formats including a 1 kg tin.
- Carrefour’s product listing for this particular option states that it contains 23% defatted cocoa powder.
- Its ingredients include sugar and soya lecithin, so check the label if you’re serving anyone who needs to avoid these.
Poulain
The range includes powders with different recipes and recommended quantities, including Super Poulain and Grand Arôme.
- Auchan recommends 15 g of Super Poulain per 200 ml of milk; Grand Arôme is stated to contain at least 32% cocoa.
- Don’t assume the recommended quantity, sugar content or allergen information is the same across different Poulain products.
Banania
Banania’s Original chocolate-flavoured powder is available in 250 g, 400 g and 1 kg packs.
- The choice of pack sizes makes it easier to pick the right amount for what you’re preparing.
- Original contains cereals including wheat and barley; check the allergen information before serving it to a group.
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour lists its KaoMix range among its 1 kg chocolate-flavoured powders.
- The 1 kg pack could be a practical choice if you’re making several batches.
- Check the ingredients, sugars and allergens on the specific product you choose, rather than relying on the range name alone.
E.Leclerc – P'tit Déli
An instant chocolate drink mix available in a 1 kg pack.
- E.Leclerc’s product listing states that this option contains 21% defatted cocoa powder.
- The recipe contains sugar and may contain traces of milk; don’t confuse it with unsweetened pure cocoa.
Powders and cocoa to prepare from Joybuy
These products are powders to prepare for several servings, not bottles of ready-to-drink hot chocolate. To make around 3 litres, check the recommended quantity and liquid needed for each product.
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VAN HOUTEN VH2, 34% chocolate powder, 1 kg
For making several servings with hot milk, rather than serving a drink that’s already bottled.
1 kg pack. The 34% refers to the variant: check the ingredients to distinguish the composition of the full powder from that of its chocolate component.
Check the recommended quantity to work out how much you’ll need for your desired volume, and look for information about milk and nuts.
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Suchard, instant hot chocolate, 20% cocoa, 1 kg
For preparing the drink with hot water when it’s time to serve.
The pack contains 1 kg, and the name of this variant states that it contains 20% cocoa.
To make around 3 litres, check how much water you’ll need based on the recommended amount per cup. Also check the information about milk, soya and cereals containing gluten.
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Bananina Original, chocolate-flavoured powder, 1 kg
For making several servings from a 1 kg pack of powder.
Check the recommended quantity before planning to make around 3 litres. To compare recipes, refer to the sugars and ingredients listed on the packaging for this exact product; don’t assume it has the same values as a Banania powder.
Check the allergen information before serving it to your group.
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VAN HOUTEN VH1F, 14.7% cocoa powder, 1 kg
For anyone who wants to prepare several servings of a cocoa drink themselves.
The pack contains 1 kg. For this VH1F variant, check the packaging to see what the 14.7% refers to before comparing its cocoa content or recipe with another powder.
Follow the product’s preparation instructions to work out the quantities needed for serving.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutri-Score compulsory on hot chocolate sold in France?
No. As the DGCCRF explains, Nutri-Score is voluntary. The nutrition declaration is still compulsory for prepacked foods covered by the rules, so compare the “of which sugars” figure even when there’s no logo.
Is a sweetened chocolate powder automatically subject to the tax on sugary drinks?
No, its sugar content alone isn’t enough to determine this. Article 1613 ter of the General Tax Code, published by Légifrance, covers drinks and liquid preparations for drinks. For a particular product, its form, composition and the conditions under which the law applies must all be considered.
Can a 1 kg tin make 3 litres of hot chocolate?
The weight of the tin alone doesn’t tell you how much drink it will make. Follow the recommended quantity for the product you choose: for example, Auchan recommends 15 g per 200 ml of milk for Super Poulain, compared with 20 g per 200 ml of hot milk for Grand Arôme.
What should you check before serving hot chocolate at a summer barbecue?
Before making the amount you need, check the allergens and storage instructions for the product you’ve chosen. For Super Poulain powder, Auchan says to store it away from heat and moisture; a ready-to-drink bottle should be stored according to its own instructions.