To make a chocolate drink on the patio, choose 100% cocoa if you want to add your own sugar, or a sweetened chocolate powder if you’d rather mix it with milk. Compare the ingredients and sugars per 100 g, then check the closure on the exact product: resealable packaging doesn’t necessarily mean it comes in a jar.
If you’d like to make each drink your own, the Carrefour Original cocoa described by Carrefour France contains only cocoa powder and is labelled ‘no added sugars’. Also check the naturally occurring sugars and allergen information on the product you choose.
If the cocoa content is a key factor in your choice, Chocolat Poulain states that Grand Arôme contains 32% cocoa and 1848 contains 50%. Both powders also contain sugar, so the cocoa percentage is no substitute for checking the nutritional information.
On the patio, resealing the powder between servings is just as important as the recipe. Banania describes the packaging for its Original chocolate powder as easy to reseal. However, if you specifically want a jar, check the closure on the size you’re planning to buy.
First decide whether you want to customise your drink or use a recipe that’s already sweetened. Then choose a container to suit how you plan to serve it on the patio.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar control | Read the ingredients and check the sugars per 100 g of powder. Carrefour France describes its Original cocoa as containing cocoa only, with no added sugars. | I want to decide how much sugar to add to each cup rather than starting with an already sweetened powder. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this level of control over sugar. |
| Recipe and cocoa | Compare the stated cocoa content and the other ingredients: Chocolat Poulain states that Grand Arôme contains 32% cocoa and 1848 contains 50%; both recipes contain sugar. | When serving drinks to guests, I’m mainly looking for a recipe with ingredients that suit my tastes. Around 33% of consumers put the recipe first. |
| Outdoor serving | Check the container and closure for the exact product size. Banania describes the packaging for its Original powder as resealable, but that alone doesn’t tell you whether it comes in a jar. | If I’m serving several cups outdoors, I want to be able to reseal the powder quickly between servings. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a practical container. |
The Carrefour Original cocoa described by Carrefour France contains cocoa only. The Banania Original and Nesquik recipes reviewed already contain sugar and other ingredients, so you won’t use them in the same way if you want to customise your drink.
Before buying, decide whether you want a base to customise yourself or a sweetened recipe, then read the ingredients for the exact product.
According to the European Commission, simplified front-of-pack nutrition labelling is voluntary, while a nutrition declaration is generally required for prepacked foods. So the absence of a Nutri-Score isn’t enough to judge a hot chocolate powder.
When comparing powders, look at the sugars per 100 g, the ingredients and how much powder you’ll use.
Banania lists wheat and barley in its Original powder; the Nesquik product information reviewed mentions soya and possible traces of milk. Carrefour France lists several possible traces for the Original cocoa reviewed.
If this information matters to you or your guests, check the details on the packaging of the product you buy.
A ‘resealable’ label tells you that the packaging can be closed again, but not necessarily what it’s made of or whether it’s airtight. This matters if you’ll be keeping the powder near your drinks while serving.
Check the container and lid on the product details for the exact size. If an airtight jar is essential, make sure this is explicitly stated before you order.
For making a drink from unsweetened cocoa and adding sugar separately: Carrefour France describes its 250 g tin of Original cocoa as cocoa powder with no added sugars.
Chocolat Poulain states that Grand Arôme contains 32% cocoa and 1848 contains 50%, making it easy to compare two recipes from the brand.
Banania Original combines cocoa, cereals, banana and honey. The brand describes its packaging as easy to reseal for use over several servings.
The Nesquik product reviewed by Carrefour France is a sweetened chocolate powder containing 23% low-fat cocoa.
These Joybuy products are Nesquik and Poulain chocolate powders for making drinks. If you’re looking for a jar for the patio, check the container for each product before buying.
Image unavailable
A size to consider if you’re planning to make several drinks with milk. For serving on the patio, check the type of container and how it closes. To compare the sugars with another powder, use figures per 100 g of powder rather than figures for a prepared drink.
Image unavailable
This product is a good choice if you’re looking for chocolate powder to mix with milk in a 300 g size. The product details describe it as a tin, so check that this suits you if you want to serve directly from a jar. Soya and possible traces of milk are listed.
Image unavailable
This listing may suit hosts who need several units for making drinks with milk. Before buying, confirm whether the stated 300 g applies to each unit or to the whole pack, and check the type of container. Also check the packaging for information about soya and possible traces of milk.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prefer a cocoa-rich recipe for your drinks. This product contains sugar, so compare its sugars per 100 g of powder with those of other products you’re interested in. If resealing after opening is important on the patio, check the exact container.
Image unavailable
This 400 g size is another Poulain option for making a cocoa drink. It contains sugar, so check the nutritional information per 100 g of powder if you’re comparing it with the 450 g size. Check the container and closure separately for outdoor serving.
No. According to the European Commission, simplified front-of-pack nutrition labelling is voluntary under EU rules, while a nutrition declaration is generally required for prepacked foods. To compare two powders, check their nutritional information and ingredients even if one doesn’t carry a Nutri-Score.
The Bulletin officiel des finances publiques-Impôts describes a levy on non-alcoholic drinks containing added sugars. This description doesn’t automatically mean that dry hot chocolate powder is subject to it. To determine the tax treatment, you need to check the precise product category.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on each pack you buy. The products reviewed vary: Banania Original contains wheat and barley, the Nesquik product information reviewed lists soya, and Carrefour France states that its Original cocoa may contain several traces.
Reseal the container after each serving and avoid leaving the powder exposed to moisture. Banania describes the packaging for its Original powder as easy to reseal. If you need a jar, check that the product you buy comes in the right container and has the closure you’re looking for.