Hot chocolate

Hot chocolate is a warm, comforting beverage made by dissolving cocoa powder or melted chocolate in hot milk or water, often sweetened and sometimes flavored with vanilla or spices. It originated in Mesoamerica, where the Aztecs and Mayans consumed a bitter, frothy cacao drink, before evolving into the sweet, creamy version popular in Europe and North America today.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Hot chocolate is typically high in carbohydrates from added sugars and fat from milk or cream, with a moderate amount of protein if made with dairy. A standard 8-ounce serving can range from 150 to 300 calories, providing some calcium and antioxidants from cocoa.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	190 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	25 g
Sodium	120 mg
Calcium	280 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Vitamin D	2.5 mcg
Vitamin B12	0.8 mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.4 mg
Copper	0.1 mg
Magnesium	30 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, hot chocolate has been linked to luxury and celebration, with variations like the thick 'champurrado' in Mexico or the 'cioccolata calda' in Italy. Nutritionally, cocoa contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that may support heart health, though many commercial mixes offset this with high sugar content.