If you want a drink that’s already sweetened
You want to mix a chocolate drink powder with milk without having to add and measure out sugar separately.
Who are these powders for?
If you want to choose how much sugar goes in your cup
You compare the nutritional values of different recipes, or prefer to start with unsweetened cocoa so you can decide what to add.
If you want to explore more cocoa-rich recipes
You check the stated cocoa percentage, while also making sure you know whether the powder contains sugar.
What should you look for first?
To compare powders, start with the ingredients and the values per 100 g. When making your drink, then check how much powder you use and what liquid you add. A value given per cup or mug may include the milk.
| What to look at | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars in the drink | The ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g of powder, then the prepared serving, taking into account how much powder you use and the milk. | If you want to decide how much sugar to add to your cup, both the powder’s ingredients and the finished drink matter. Around 42% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
| Easy preparation | The instructions and the amount of powder recommended per cup; for cupboard storage, check the container and how it closes. | When serving a drink during a night in front of the TV, you may prefer a sweetened mix that needs no extra measuring. This simplicity would be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Cocoa flavour and customisation | The cocoa percentage, if stated, and where sugar appears in the ingredients list. | If you want a stronger cocoa flavour or a drink you can customise yourself, you’ll want to distinguish sweetened powder from unsweetened cocoa. Around 25% of consumers would put this option first. |
Which common mix-ups should you avoid?
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Assuming a Nutri-Score label is compulsory
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that displaying a Nutri-Score is voluntary. The DGCCRF says that prepacked food must carry a nutrition declaration, subject to the applicable exceptions.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, particularly the sugars, and don’t rule out a tin simply because it doesn’t display a Nutri-Score.
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Comparing dry powder with a prepared drink
Values given per cup or mug may include the nutritional content of the milk used in the recipe. In that case, they don’t describe the powder on its own.
First compare powders on the same per-100 g basis, then check how much powder and what type of milk you’ll use for the drink you’re serving.
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Judging sugar content by the cocoa percentage alone
According to Chocolat Poulain, its 1848 product contains 50% cocoa, but also contains sugar; the stated prepared drink contains 17 g of sugars. So the cocoa percentage is no substitute for checking the nutritional information.
Read the ingredients, cocoa percentage and ‘of which sugars’ value together for the product you’re considering.
Brands to know
These examples refer to specific products, not every recipe from each brand or necessarily to products in the Joybuy selection below.
Nesquik
The brand offers, among other products, a classic mix and a ‘Less Sugar’ version.
- Product information published by Auchan gives the prepared classic recipe as containing 20.1 g of sugars per 210 ml, and the prepared ‘Less Sugar’ recipe as containing 13.3 g per 210 ml.
- To understand these values per drink, also check the amount of powder and milk specified for each recipe.
Poulain
The 1848 product is an example of a sweetened powder with a stated cocoa percentage.
- Chocolat Poulain states that this product contains 50% cocoa.
- It also contains sugar; the prepared drink shown by the brand contains 17 g of sugars.
Banania
Banania Original chocolate powder is described as a mix for making a drink with milk.
- Banania states that a mug made with 15 g of powder and 200 ml of semi-skimmed milk contains 20 g of sugars.
- This product contains wheat and gluten; if this is relevant to you, check the label on the tin you buy.
Carrefour
Carrefour Bio is an example of a sweetened mix with a clearly listed composition.
- Carrefour states that this product contains 68% organic cane sugar and 32% organic, heavily defatted cocoa.
- Check the relevant packaging for warnings about possible traces of allergens.
Marque Repère / P’TIT DELI (E.Leclerc)
The products listed by E.Leclerc include a sweetened instant mix and a low-fat cocoa powder.
- The 1 kg P’TIT DELI mix lists sugar and 21% low-fat cocoa; the Bio Village product reviewed is a low-fat cocoa powder.
- These are different product types and recipes, so compare their ingredients and nutritional values before choosing.
Auchan
The Intense and 100% Cocoa products offer two different ways to make a chocolate drink.
- Auchan states that its Intense chocolate powder contains at least 32% cocoa; the ingredients list for its 100% Cocoa product mentions cocoa powder.
- The Intense product contains sugar. The 100% Cocoa product information warns of possible traces of gluten, milk, eggs, soya and nuts.
Chocolate powders available on Joybuy
This selection includes chocolate powders for making a drink, including several sweetened recipes and a pack of individual sachets. If you want a resealable tin for cupboard storage, check the packaging of the product you’re interested in before ordering.
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Poulain Cocoa with Rich Flavor, 400 g
Worth considering if you’re looking for chocolate powder in a 400 g pack. Before choosing it for your drinks, compare the sugars and recommended serving size on the label; also check whether the container can be resealed after opening.
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Van Houten VH2, chocolate drink powder 34%, 1 kg
This 1 kg pack may appeal if you make chocolate drinks regularly. Check what the ‘34%’ refers to, along with the ingredients, any declared allergens and the type of container.
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Poulain Cocoa with Rich Flavor, 450 g
This 450 g version is for anyone comparing pack sizes of chocolate powder. Check the recipe and per-100 g values for this particular version rather than relying on those for the 400 g pack; also check how the container closes.
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DAMTUH Pokémon, hot chocolate, 10 sachets of 20 g
Individual sachets are handy if you prefer to make one cup at a time rather than scoop powder from a tin. This pack isn’t a substitute for a resealable jar; check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging before relying on any claims about sugar.
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Bananina Original, chocolate powder, 1 kg
This 1 kg pack may suit anyone who regularly makes chocolate drinks. Compare its ingredients and nutritional values with other sweetened recipes, then check the container and allergen warnings on the packaging. Don’t confuse it with a Banania product.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tin of chocolate powder automatically come under the ‘soda tax’?
No. Dry powder shouldn’t automatically be treated as a taxed drink. The legislation published on Légifrance covers drinks and liquid preparations for drinks under the conditions it sets out. A ready-to-drink product or liquid preparation should be considered according to its own circumstances.
Does the tin have to display a Nutri-Score?
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, displaying it remains voluntary in France. The DGCCRF says that prepacked food must carry a nutrition declaration, subject to the applicable exceptions. Check this information to compare, among other things, sugars per 100 g.
How should you compare sugars per 100 g and per cup?
Use the per-100 g values to compare powders, then look at the recipe for each cup. Before comparing two values for prepared drinks, take into account the amount of powder, the volume and the type of milk.
How should you store chocolate powder after opening?
Follow the instructions for the product you buy and check that its container can be properly resealed. Auchan’s product information for some chocolate powders and cocoa products recommends storing them away from heat and moisture.
Is 100% cocoa automatically suitable if you have an allergy?
No. Auchan’s 100% Cocoa product information warns of possible traces of gluten, milk, eggs, soya and nuts. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the product you actually buy. ‘100% cocoa’ alone doesn’t rule out the risk of traces.