People keeping an eye on sugar
You regularly make a chocolate drink and want to compare the sugar content of the powder and the drink as served. A ‘less sugar’ claim is no substitute for checking the nutritional information.
Who is this guide for?
Households that often prepare an afternoon snack
You’re looking for a pack size that suits frequent preparation. The pack weight, stated number of servings, ease of measuring and storage instructions matter more than the apparent size of the box alone.
People who need to check allergens
You need to check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ statements before serving the drink. Information about soya and milk varies by recipe and product.
What should you compare?
To compare pack sizes, start by checking the actual number of sachets or how much powder you need for each cup. Then compare the recipes, taking into account the liquid and amount of powder used.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar and ingredients | The ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g of powder and, if shown on the pack, for the prepared drink; and the amount served. | If I regularly make a chocolate drink, I want to know the sugar content of the cup as served rather than rely on a claim on the pack; around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Pack size and measuring | The number of individual sachets or, for powder you measure out yourself, the net weight and stated number of servings. | When I prepare several afternoon snacks each week, I want a convenient pack without confusing servings with sachets; this would be the main requirement for around 29% of consumers. |
| Preparation and taste | The instructions, recommended liquid and amount of powder per cup. | I want to be able to make a cup that the person drinking it will enjoy, without making snack time complicated; around 21% of consumers would put preparation and taste first when choosing. |
| Allergens | The ingredients and allergen statements on the exact pack. | If certain ingredients need to be avoided, I need to be able to check the recipe before serving the drink; this would be the top criterion for around 14% of consumers. |
Common misunderstandings to avoid
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Confusing the stated number of servings with individual sachets
Auchan’s listing for the 960 g Nesquik pouch states that it makes 74 servings, but also says it does not contain individual sachets. These details describe two different things.
If you’re specifically looking for 80 pre-portioned sachets, check that the number of sachets is stated on the listing or shown clearly in a photo of the pack.
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Assuming ‘less sugar’ means sugar-free
Carrefour’s listing for Poulain Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres 400 g includes sugar in the ingredients list. So the recipe name alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in the drink as served.
Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure and take into account the amount of powder and liquid used to make each cup.
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Overlooking differences in allergens between recipes
Joybuy’s listing for Nesquik Original 300 g states that it contains soya and may contain traces of milk; Carrefour’s listing for Poulain Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres 400 g says it may contain milk and soya.
Check the ingredients and allergen statements on the pack of the exact product you’re serving.
Brands to compare
Nesquik
The range includes cocoa drink powders in various pack sizes. Don’t assume that information about one product applies to other sizes.
- Auchan states that the 960 g pouch makes 74 servings, giving you a guide to the stated serving size for this product.
- This pouch does not contain individual sachets. Joybuy’s listing for Nesquik Original 300 g states that it contains soya and may contain traces of milk; check the information for the pack you’re buying.
Poulain
The brand offers several cocoa drink powder recipes, including Grand Arôme and Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres.
- According to Carrefour’s listing, the 400 g tin of Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres contains at least 47% cocoa.
- This product contains sugar and may contain milk and soya. Don’t assume its ingredients are the same as those in other Poulain recipes.
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour’s range includes Carrefour Classic' cocoa drink powders in different pack sizes, including an 800 g product.
- The different pack sizes make it easier to find a weight that suits how often you prepare afternoon snacks.
- Check the recipe, allergens and whether the pack contains sachets each time: the weight alone doesn’t tell you how many pre-portioned sachets it includes.
Powders and sachets available on Joybuy
These Joybuy products include a pack of 10 sachets and several powders to compare for a regular afternoon snack. If you specifically need 80 individual sachets, check the pack details for the product you’re considering before buying.
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DAMTUH Pokemon, 10 x 20 g sachets
If you prefer to measure out the powder using a sachet, this pack contains 10 sachets of 20 g each, not 80. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before choosing it for someone with dietary restrictions; the recipe name alone can’t tell you whether it’s suitable for a medical diet.
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NESTLÉ NESQUIK, cocoa drink powder 800 g
This 800 g pack could be a good option if you prepare afternoon snacks regularly and are happy to measure the powder for each cup. If you need pre-portioned servings, check the pack details. To compare sugar content, use the same preparation method for the other recipes.
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BENCO Less Sugar, chocolate granules 400 g
When comparing a recipe labelled Less Sugar with other powders for afternoon snacks, check the nutritional information rather than relying on the name alone. The pack contains 400 g; check the amount needed per cup, the ingredients and the pack details if you need individual sachets.
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POULAIN rich-tasting cocoa, 400 g
This 400 g tin gives you another Poulain recipe to compare for drinks made to order. Don’t assume it has the same characteristics as Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres: check the nutritional values, allergens and preparation instructions on the pack you’ve chosen.
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VAN HOUTEN VH1F 14.7%, cocoa powder 1 kg
This 1 kg pack is for anyone who wants to make and measure out drinks regularly using cocoa powder. Check how much you need per cup and how to store it after opening; the pack weight doesn’t correspond to a number of individual sachets.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nutri-Score compulsory on a box of hot chocolate powder?
No. Santé publique France says that producers can choose whether to display the Nutri-Score. Check the product’s nutritional information even if the logo isn’t on the pack.
Is hot chocolate powder automatically subject to France’s tax on sugary drinks?
No, you can’t tell from the ‘hot chocolate powder’ category alone. The legislation published by Légifrance applies to drinks and liquid preparations for drinks; it doesn’t establish how a particular dry powder is treated. If this matters for your purchase, check the position for the product in question.
How should you store a large pack after opening?
Follow the instructions on the pack you’ve bought and reseal it after each use if directed. For an 800 g or 1 kg pack, also think about how often you’ll actually prepare it before choosing the size.
Are all the cocoa drink powders mentioned allergen-free?
No. Joybuy’s listing for Nesquik Original 300 g states that it contains soya and may contain traces of milk; Carrefour’s listing for Poulain Grand Arôme Moins de Sucres 400 g says it may contain milk and soya. Read the information on the exact pack before serving the drink.