For an individual cup
If you want to make just one cup, the chocolate pyramid from Leonidas is a portion designed to be melted in 200 ml of milk. You’ll need to have milk ready and heat it.
Who are these formats for?
For controlling what you add
If you’d rather choose how much sugar to add yourself, unsweetened cocoa is one option. The pure cocoa products featured by Carrefour and Auchan need to be combined with other ingredients to make a drink.
For making several afternoon treats
A tub of powder lets you measure out the amount you want for each cup. Recipes vary, though, so check the ingredients and allergens for the product you choose, particularly among Banania and Nesquik products.
What should you look for at teatime?
First, choose the preparation method that suits you, then compare the ingredients in each product and the amount you’ll actually use.
Chocolate pyramid to melt
Worth considering: for an individual cup made with hot milk.
Bear in mind: the Leonidas pyramid dissolves in 200 ml of milk; it isn’t used like an infusion sachet.
Drinking chocolate powder
Worth considering: if you want to measure out the amount of powder yourself for each afternoon treat.
Compare: recipes can contain different proportions of sugar, cocoa and other ingredients.
Unsweetened cocoa
Worth considering: if you want to decide what goes into your drink.
Bear in mind: cocoa on its own isn’t a ready-to-make milky or sweetened drink.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving and preparation | Individual format or powder to measure out; the amount of milk required and the preparation method. | I want to make just one cup without measuring powder, but I need to know whether the chocolate dissolves in milk. Around 40% of consumers prioritise the serving and preparation. |
| Sugars and ingredients | Sugars per 100 g, the amount used per cup and the ingredients list; values for the prepared drink where provided. | For my afternoon treat, I’d rather choose the ingredients myself than rely on the product name alone. Around 40% of consumers put controlling sugars and ingredients first. |
| Taste and personalisation | Cocoa percentage where stated, other ingredients and preparation options. | I’d like to adjust my recipe rather than have the same ingredients in my cup every time. This is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Mistaking a chocolate pyramid for an infusion sachet
The pyramid from Leonidas is a chocolate filled with ganache, designed to be melted in milk. Buying it based on the word “pyramid” alone could mean you end up with a different preparation method from the one you expected.
Read the instructions and check how much milk you’ll need before choosing this format.
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Choosing by Nutri-Score alone
In France, displaying Nutri-Score is voluntary, according to Santé publique France. Whether or not it appears on the packaging, it doesn’t replace checking the ingredients and nutritional information.
Compare products in the same category, taking the serving you consume into account. Use the logo as additional information when it appears on the packaging.
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Confusing unsweetened cocoa with drinking chocolate powder
The ingredients aren’t interchangeable: Carrefour’s cocoa powder has no added sugars, while its Classic’ powder contains added sugar. Milk and any other ingredients also affect the prepared drink.
Check the ingredients list and sugars per 100 g, then check how much powder is recommended for your cup.
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Relying on general recipe information for allergens
Banania Original contains wheat and barley, among other ingredients; other products may list soya or possible traces of allergens. Ingredients vary from one product to another.
If you need to avoid an ingredient, check the label on the item you buy.
Brands and ranges to know
Leonidas
The brand offers a chocolate pyramid filled with ganache for making hot chocolate.
- The suggested preparation uses one pyramid and 200 ml of milk per cup.
- It’s chocolate to melt, not a pyramid-shaped infusion sachet.
Nesquik
The Nesquik drinking chocolate powder featured by Carrefour offers another way to make a drink for teatime.
- This product contains 23% low-fat cocoa.
- Sugar is the first ingredient on the list, which also mentions soya lecithin.
Poulain
Grand Arôme and Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres have different ingredients.
- Carrefour’s product information for Grand Arôme states 32% low-fat cocoa; for Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres, it states at least 47% cocoa.
- These percentages apply to their respective products. Check the sugars and allergen information for the product you choose, too.
Banania
The Original powder combines cocoa and cereals, making it different from pure cocoa.
- Banania states that Original contains 19% heavily defatted cocoa and 12% cereals.
- The recipe contains wheat and barley, among other ingredients; the brand also mentions possible traces of milk and soya.
Carrefour
Classic’ and Carrefour Original let you compare sweetened drinking chocolate powder with cocoa that has no added sugars.
- Carrefour describes its Original cocoa as cocoa powder with no added sugars.
- The Classic’ product information states 77,355 g of added sugars per 100 g; check the exact product and allergen information.
Auchan
The products featured include both unsweetened cocoa and sweetened drinking chocolate powder.
- Auchan describes its unsweetened product as 100% cocoa powder.
- Its Chocolat intense powder contains sugar and at least 32% cocoa; possible traces of allergens vary by product.
EQUADOR / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
Pur Cacao Non Sucré is an option if you want to make your own drink.
- E.Leclerc’s product information lists cocoa powder and acidity regulator E501.
- Check availability with your local E.Leclerc store before planning to buy it.
Hot chocolate sachets on Joybuy
This product is suited to making an afternoon treat with individual sachets. Empty and mix the contents of the sachets; they aren’t a substitute for a chocolate pyramid to melt or a pyramid-shaped infusion sachet.
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DAMTUH Pokémon Sugar Free hot chocolate, 10 sachets of 20 g
The individual sachets are handy for making a cup at teatime. Check the packaging for preparation instructions, sugars and allergens before use; the name “Sugar Free” doesn’t replace this information.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutri-Score required on hot chocolate in France?
No. According to Santé publique France, producers display Nutri-Score voluntarily. If it appears, use it alongside the ingredients and nutritional information, but don’t automatically rule out a product without the logo.
Is a chocolate pyramid prepared like an infusion?
Not the pyramid from Leonidas: this chocolate filled with ganache is melted in 200 ml of milk. If you’re specifically looking for an infusion sachet, check the product’s preparation instructions before buying.
How can I compare the sugars in hot chocolate made with milk?
Start by comparing the sugars and ingredients in the powders per 100 g, then take account of how much you add to your cup. If values are given for a prepared serving, check the amount and type of milk used in the calculation.
Which allergens should I check in these products?
It depends on the product. Banania Original contains wheat and barley, among other ingredients, while the Nesquik product featured by Carrefour lists soya; other products may mention traces of allergens. Always check the information on the packaging you buy.