Hot chocolate / cocoa, dry mix, made with water
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A convenient, shelf-stable powder that transforms hot water into a warm, sweet, and comforting chocolate beverage. The texture is typically smooth and slightly powdery, with a rich cocoa flavor balanced by noticeable sweetness. Nutritionally, it's a light treat, providing a quick source of carbohydrates for energy with minimal fat and protein.
Calorie split: 7% protein · 84% carbs · 9% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People cherish it for its instant comfort and nostalgic warmth, often evoking childhood memories. Its versatility makes it a beloved base for customizing with spices, marshmallows, or a splash of milk.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content can lead to a rapid blood-sugar spike and subsequent crash, offering little satiety. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese) and practice portion control by using a smaller mug.
Key benefits
- Quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Low in fat and protein
- Shelf-stable and convenient
- Provides a mood-boosting ritual
- Contains small amounts of minerals from cocoa
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first known chocolate beverage was a bitter, frothy drink consumed by the Maya and Aztec peoples, often flavored with chili peppers instead of sugar.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 86.7 g |
| Energy | 54.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.90 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.54 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 11.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.50 g |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 20.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.16 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 42.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 96.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 71.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.20 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.08 mg |
| Niacin | 0.08 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 1.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.05 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 2.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 43.0 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.32 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.15 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.16 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.18 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.18 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Milk, chocolate beverage, hot cocoa, homemade — USDA does not publish this profile for Hot chocolate / cocoa.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.10 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.17 g |
| Leucine | 0.30 g |
| Lysine | 0.21 g |
| Methionine | 0.08 g |
| Cystine | 0.10 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.15 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.14 g |
| Valine | 0.20 g |
| Arginine | 0.10 g |
| Histidine | 0.07 g |
| Alanine | 0.10 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.28 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.72 g |
| Glycine | 0.06 g |
| Proline | 0.34 g |
| Serine | 0.18 g |
FAQ
Is hot cocoa mix the same as hot chocolate mix?
Not always. 'Hot cocoa' is made from cocoa powder, while 'hot chocolate' can be made from melted chocolate, resulting in a richer, more fatty drink. Dry mixes are often labeled interchangeably.
Can I make it with milk instead of water?
Absolutely. Using milk (dairy or plant-based) will create a creamier, richer, and more nutritious beverage, adding protein and fat which can help balance the sugar.
Why does my mix sometimes clump?
Clumping is caused by the powder absorbing moisture. To prevent it, add a small amount of cold water to make a smooth paste first, then gradually stir in the hot liquid.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.54 kcal/g · 7% calories from protein · 0.5 g fiber · 8.8 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.74 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.