Organisers of a self-service buffet
When guests make their own drinks, sticks mean you don’t need to provide a shared scoop. The Nesquik box described by Colis Gastronomiques and POMONA EpiSaveurs contains 240 individual portions.
Who are these formats for?
People responsible for serving a group
If a team is preparing the drinks, it can compare sachets with larger packs based on the quantities to be served, the portioning required and the packaging to manage.
People who pay close attention to ingredients
When choosing drinks for your guests, compare the ingredients list, sugars per 100 g and allergen information for each specific product, rather than relying on the brand name alone.
What should guide your choice?
First decide whether guests will help themselves or a team will measure out the powder. Then check how much milk you’ll need and read the label of the product you choose.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving and portions | Number of portions, weight per stick and amount of milk stated for the product you choose. | For a self-service buffet, I want everyone to be able to make a portion without handling a shared pack. Around 42% of consumers put this need for self-service first. |
| Quantities and packaging | Amount per drink and how sachets will be collected, or how bulk powder will be stored after opening. | If a team is serving the drinks, I’d rather organise the portioning and limit individual packaging. Around 33% of consumers prioritise managing quantities and sachets. |
| Ingredients | Sugars per 100 g, ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product. | Before serving a group, I want to be able to check the recipe and any information relevant to guests with allergies. Ingredients are the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Things to bear in mind
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Don’t confuse the absence of a Nutri-Score with a lack of nutritional information
In France, displaying the Nutri-Score is voluntary, according to the Ministry of the Economy. The DGCCRF states that nutritional information is mandatory for most pre-packed foods, subject to applicable exceptions.
Compare sugars and other nutritional values per 100 g, then check the stated portion size. Use the Nutri-Score as additional information when it appears on the packaging.
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Don’t buy sticks without planning how to prepare the drinks
The 240 Nesquik sticks provide 240 portions, not 240 ready-to-serve drinks. POMONA EpiSaveurs states that each portion uses around 150 ml of milk; Colis Gastronomiques describes preparation with hot or cold milk.
Work out how much milk you’ll need using the instructions on the batch you buy, and make sure you have the equipment needed to serve the drinks.
Remember to plan how you’ll store and collect the used sachets, too.
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Don’t assume the ingredients in one product apply to an entire brand
Different pack sizes or recipes from the same brand may not have the same nutritional profile. Allergen information must also match the product you’re actually serving.
Keep the label or product information for the exact pack before deciding how much to buy for the party.
Brands to consider
Nesquik
Colis Gastronomiques and POMONA EpiSaveurs describe a box of 240 individual 13.5 g sticks, suited to serving drinks without having to measure out the powder on site.
- Each stick is an individual portion. Follow the milk preparation instructions for the product you buy.
- You’ll still need to collect the sachets, and should check the ingredients of the exact box before ordering.
Poulain
The 450 g Grand Arôme product listed on Joybuy is a pack that needs measuring, rather than a box of individual portions.
- The Joybuy product listing states that this specific product contains at least 32% cocoa.
- This information doesn’t apply to other Poulain recipes, and serving a group will require measuring the powder on site.
Banania
Carrefour lists, among other products, a 1 kg pack of Banania chocolate powder, which may suit a service where portions are measured out by hand.
- The 1 kg pack lets you organise service from one larger pack.
- Check the recipe, instructions and storage advice for the product you choose.
Carrefour Classic’
Carrefour also lists an 800 g pack of Carrefour Classic’ chocolate powder, another option that needs measuring when a team is serving the drinks.
- This pack avoids handing out individual sticks.
- Check the portion size and nutritional information on the exact product.
Bulk powders available on Joybuy
These 800 g to 1 kg packs are suited to a service where a team measures out the powder. They aren’t a one-for-one substitute for a box of 240 sticks.
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VAN HOUTEN VH2 cocoa powder, 1 kg
Worth considering if a team is making drinks from a 1 kg pack and measuring portions on site.
Before comparing its ingredients, check the cocoa content on the pack label: the information given for this product varies.
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Bananina Original chocolate powder, 1 kg
This 1 kg pack is suited to a service where a team measures out portions, rather than handing out sticks.
Check the stated portion size and allergen information on the packaging before deciding how much to prepare.
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BENCO Original chocolate granules, 800 g
This 800 g pack is another option for group service where portions are measured out on site.
Check the preparation instructions, recommended portion size and pack label before the event.
Frequently asked questions
Will a box of 240 sticks make 240 drinks?
Yes, with one stick per drink for the box of 240 13.5 g Nesquik portions described by POMONA EpiSaveurs and Colis Gastronomiques. The milk quantities differ between the product listings consulted, so work out how much you’ll need using the instructions for the batch you’re using.
Is the Nutri-Score compulsory on hot chocolate powder in France?
No. The Ministry of the Economy states that displaying it is voluntary. To compare products, also check the nutritional information per 100 g. According to the DGCCRF, this is mandatory for most pre-packed foods, subject to applicable exceptions.
Which allergens should you check before serving the drinks?
Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on each product you buy. Information on another chocolate powder doesn’t tell you what’s in the box or pack you’ll be serving.