Households that often make a chocolatey afternoon snack
If you regularly serve one to an older person, the amount you buy should suit your household’s consumption and the storage instructions on the pack.
Who is this guide for?
People who pay attention to ingredients
Comparing the “of which sugars” figure per 100 g, the ingredients list and the amount used per cup helps you tell a sweetened drink mix from unsweetened cocoa.
Those supporting an older person who is eating less
Taste and how the afternoon snack fits into their overall diet matter too. Manger Bouger recommends speaking to a doctor if someone over 75 loses weight unintentionally.
What should you look for?
For a regular afternoon snack, start with how much is actually consumed, then look at the recipe and serving size. If appetite is declining, consider this choice as part of the person’s overall diet.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and consumption | Net weight of the pack and storage instructions after opening. | If I make this snack often, I want an amount my household can use without leaving an opened pack for a long time. Around 42% of consumers are said to prioritise a pack size that suits their needs. |
| Sugars and ingredients | The “of which sugars” figure per 100 g of powder and the ingredients list for the exact product. | To choose between a sweetened drink mix and unsweetened cocoa, I need to know the recipe and how much powder goes into my cup. Around 33% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
| Taste and appetite | Amount per cup, preparation method and the preferences of the person who will drink it. | When an older person is eating less, I first look for an afternoon snack they enjoy, rather than basing the choice on a single nutritional figure. Around 25% of consumers are said to put this need first. |
Things to bear in mind
-
Assuming a large pack is always the right choice
A 1 kg pack is a substantial amount if hot chocolate is only served occasionally or it’s difficult to follow the storage instructions.
Choose a pack size that suits your usual consumption and follow the storage instructions after opening.
-
Applying the drinks tax to a dry powder
Under Article 1613 ter published by Légifrance, in the version in force since 1 July 2026, the levy applies to drinks and liquid preparations for drinks. This definition does not cover dry chocolate powder that is mixed with liquid.
When comparing powders, look instead at their pack size, ingredients and nutritional information.
-
Relying on the Nutri-Score alone
The Ministry of Health states that Nutri-Score is voluntary. The European Commission highlights the requirement to provide nutrition information on prepacked foods.
Whether or not the logo appears on the pack, check the sugars per 100 g, ingredients, allergens and the amount used to make a cup.
-
Automatically choosing a reduced-sugar recipe if appetite declines
For an older person who is eating less or losing weight, Manger Bouger advises considering their diet as a whole rather than focusing on a single product.
If they are losing weight unintentionally, ask a doctor for advice before changing their diet for this reason.
Brands to know when comparing recipes
Carrefour Classic’
The range includes KaoMix in a 1 kg pack and another chocolate powder in an 800 g pack, according to the products listed by Carrefour.
- Two pack sizes let you choose an amount that suits how often you have an afternoon snack.
- Compare the ingredients and sugars on each pack: pack size doesn’t tell you about the recipe.
Marque Repère / P’tit Deli (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc lists a P’tit Deli instant chocolate drink mix in a 1 kg pack.
- This pack size may suit households that often make chocolate drinks.
- To assess the ingredients, check the nutritional information on the exact pack.
Banania
The 1 kg Banania drink mix described by Auchan combines cocoa, cereals, banana and honey.
- This combination makes it a distinct recipe from pure cocoa.
- Auchan’s product listing states that it contains 69 g of sugars per 100 g of powder and includes wheat and barley among the cereals.
Nesquik
The Nesquik product described by Auchan is a chocolate drink mix in a 1 kg pack.
- The pack size lets you make several afternoon snacks from one pack.
- Auchan’s listing for this product states that it contains 75.1 g of sugars per 100 g of powder and includes soya.
Poulain
The 680 g Grand Arôme product described by Auchan lists 47% low-fat cocoa powder among its ingredients.
- The cocoa content is specified for this product.
- This proportion doesn’t describe every Poulain recipe; compare the sugars and serving size of the product you choose too.
Auchan
The products described by Auchan include a sweetened Cao Kido drink mix in a 1 kg pack and unsweetened 100% cocoa in a 250 g pack.
- These two products give you the choice of a sweetened drink mix or a recipe whose sweetness you can adjust separately.
- The Cao Kido listing mentions soya lecithins; unsweetened cocoa doesn’t taste the same as a sweetened chocolate drink mix.
Chocolate powders available on Joybuy
This selection includes chocolate drink mixes in different sizes, including a multipack of smaller packs. You can compare their size and recipe with how often you have an afternoon snack and the preferences of the person drinking them.
Image unavailable
VAN HOUTEN VH2, cocoa powder 34%, 1 kg
This pack size may suit a household that regularly makes hot chocolate for an afternoon snack. Check the pack for ingredients, allergens and the amount of powder needed for each cup.
Image unavailable
Bananina Original, chocolate powder 1 kg
The 1 kg pack is for households that use this drink mix regularly. To choose based on the recipe, read the ingredients, allergens and sugars listed for this product; don’t confuse it with a Banania product.
Image unavailable
Nesquik Original, pack of 3 × 300 g
This multipack suits a household that would rather spread its consumption across three 300 g packs than open a large container. Compare the sugars per 100 g of powder and the serving size shown on the multipack packaging.
Image unavailable
BENCO Less Sugar, chocolate granules 400 g
The 400 g pack may suit less frequent consumption. Less Sugar is part of the product name; to compare its recipe with other powders, check the sugars per 100 g stated on each pack.
Image unavailable
Bananina Original, chocolate powder 400 g
This pack lets you choose Bananina Original in a 400 g size. To decide whether it’s right for the afternoon snack you have in mind, check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for this variant.
Frequently asked questions
Does the French drinks tax apply to a pack of dry hot chocolate powder?
No. Dry powder that needs to be mixed with liquid does not fall under the definition of drinks and liquid preparations for drinks in Article 1613 ter published by Légifrance, in the version in force since 1 July 2026. The powder’s sugar content is still worth checking in its nutrition declaration.
Is Nutri-Score compulsory on hot chocolate powder in France?
No. The Ministry of Health states that displaying it is voluntary; the European Commission distinguishes this logo from the nutrition information that must be provided for prepacked foods. Whether or not Nutri-Score appears, check the nutrition declaration and ingredients for the exact product.
Should you always choose the least sugary powder for an older person?
No. Sugar content alone isn’t enough to determine which afternoon snack is right for an older person. If their appetite is declining or they are losing weight unintentionally, Manger Bouger recommends speaking to a doctor and considering their diet as a whole.
How should you store a large pack after opening?
Follow the instructions on the pack and reseal it after use. The Auchan listings consulted for Nesquik and Poulain products recommend storing them in a cool, dry place or away from heat and moisture; check the instructions for the product you buy.