Families who check sugar first
If you often make hot chocolate, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g of powder before relying on the ‘lower sugar’ claim. The serving size and milk also affect the drink you make.
Who is this guide for?
Shoppers keeping an eye on fat
The figures per 100 g of powder let you compare dry recipes. For a prepared drink, remember to factor in the milk and the quantities given in the recipe, too.
Large families planning their supplies
A larger pack can mean fewer trips to restock, provided your family uses the powder before its best-before date. Check the net weight without losing sight of the ingredients.
Which criteria should you compare?
When choosing a powder for frequent servings, start with your priority: sugar or fat. Then compare how you’ll actually prepare it and choose a pack size that suits your family’s consumption.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars in the powder | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g across chocolate powders for mixing, then check how much powder you use per mug. | If I serve hot chocolate regularly, I want to know what’s in the powder rather than rely on a ‘lower sugar’ claim. Around 31% of consumers are said to put reducing sugar first. |
| Fat | Check the fat per 100 g of powder. For the drink, use the same amount of powder and the same type of milk when comparing. | If I’m mainly watching my fat intake, I don’t want to confuse the fat in the powder with the fat in a mug made with milk. This is said to be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Pack size and storage | Check the net weight, how often you’ll make hot chocolate and the best-before date. | When we regularly make several mugs, I look for a pack size my family can realistically finish. Around 25% of consumers are said to prioritise pack size. |
| Everyday preparation | Read the recommended serving size and preparation instructions before buying several packs. | If different people make the hot chocolate, I want to be able to follow the recommended serving size and choose a recipe my family will use. Ease of use is said to be the priority for around 19% of consumers. |
What should you avoid?
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Assuming ‘lower sugar’ means ‘low in sugar’
The claim compares a recipe with a specified reference; it doesn’t replace the figures in the nutrition information. The three ‘lower sugar’ powders featured by Auchan have different sugar contents.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, then check how much powder you actually use in each mug.
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Comparing dry powder directly with a prepared mug
The figures for a drink include milk and depend on the serving size. You can’t compare powders on their own if the mugs have been made with different amounts of powder or different types of milk.
First compare the powders per 100 g, then compare drinks made with the same amount of powder and type of milk.
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Rejecting a powder because it has no Nutri-Score
The French health ministry says that the European framework it describes does not allow this graphic label to be made compulsory. Its absence isn’t enough to judge the ingredients.
If a Nutri-Score appears on the packaging, read it alongside the ingredients list and nutrition information.
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Choosing a large pack without thinking about how much you’ll use
A larger pack doesn’t change the recipe and may be left unfinished if your family doesn’t use it regularly.
Start by checking the net weight, the amount per mug and the best-before date.
An unfinished pack can lead to waste.
Brands and ranges to know
NESQUIK
The range includes a 350 g tin of instant ‘Less Sugar’ powder.
- Auchan’s product listing gives the powder’s sugar content as 28,8 g and its fat content as 4,6 g per 100 g.
- The stated sugar reduction is a comparison per mug. The drink shown on the listing is made with semi-skimmed milk.
POULAIN
Grand Arôme is available in a 400 g ‘Less Sugar’ version, made with at least 47% cocoa.
- Auchan’s listing for this product specifies its cocoa content.
- The same listing gives the powder’s sugar content as 52 g and its fat content as 5,4 g per 100 g.
BENCO
The brand offers a 400 g tin of ‘Less Sugar’ chocolate granules.
- Auchan’s listing gives the powder’s fat content as 2,5 g per 100 g and shows a Nutri-Score A.
- The ‘lower sugar’ claim is comparative: the listing also gives the sugar content as 50 g per 100 g.
BANANIA
The range featured by Carrefour includes 400 g and 1 kg packs.
- These net weights cater for different rates of consumption.
- Check the nutrition information for the product you choose before comparing it with ‘lower sugar’ recipes.
CARREFOUR
The range featured by Carrefour includes Carrefour Classic’ chocolate powders and products from national brands.
- The range includes packs in sizes ranging from 400 g to 1 kg.
- Compare the ingredients and net weight of each product: pack size doesn’t tell you how much sugar or fat it contains.
E.Leclerc
The range featured by E.Leclerc includes Marque Repère chocolate powders and EQUADOR unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Several net weights are available, including 400 g, 450 g, 800 g and 1 kg.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate powder for mixing are different products. Compare their ingredients and nutrition information separately.
Chocolate powders on Joybuy
This selection includes a 400 g pack of BENCO ‘Less Sugar’ powder and two Original recipes in 800 g and 1 kg packs. If you serve hot chocolate regularly, first choose a recipe that suits your nutritional priorities, then check whether the pack size works for your family.
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BENCO Less Sugar granules 400 g
Worth considering if you’re comparing the fat content of ‘lower sugar’ chocolate powders first. Auchan’s listing for this product gives its fat content as 2,5 g and its sugar content as 50 g per 100 g of powder. The contents of your mug will also depend on the milk and serving size.
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BENCO Original granules 800 g
The 800 g pack could suit a family that often makes hot chocolate. This is the Original recipe, so if reducing sugar is your priority, compare its nutrition information with that of a ‘Less Sugar’ product.
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Bananina Original chocolate powder 1 kg
The 1 kg pack is for a family planning to use this Original recipe regularly. Check the sugar and fat content on the packaging before comparing it with a ‘Less Sugar’ powder, and check the best-before date before choosing this pack size.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutri-Score mandatory on hot chocolate powder in France?
No. The French health ministry says the European framework it describes does not allow this graphic label to be made compulsory. If it appears on a tin, read it alongside the ingredients list and nutrition information. Its absence isn’t enough to tell two recipes apart.
Why does the fat content shown for a mug differ from that of the powder?
A mug contains milk, whereas the figures per 100 g refer to the dry powder. Auchan’s listings for NESQUIK Less Sugar and BENCO Less Sugar also give figures for drinks made with semi-skimmed milk. These figures won’t apply as stated if you use a different type of milk or change the serving size.
How can I choose a pack size without buying too much for the family?
Estimate how many mugs your family actually makes, then compare that with the net weight, recommended serving size and best-before date. A large pack is only useful if you’ll finish it; pack size alone tells you nothing about the product’s ingredients.