Too much of a good thing is, of course, not good. But really, does that apply to a delicious cup of hot cocoa or hot chocolate?
We’re going to take a quick look at the caloric intake of variations of two beloved hot drinks.
For those watching their waistlines, we have broken down hot cocoa and hot chocolate nutritional content to give you an idea of the calories that are lurking in these drinks. We are also going to take a look at how you can reduce the calories by making a few adjustments in your choices.
Ever wonder how much caffeine is in hot chocolate?
Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate
Most of us refer to the beloved chocolate-y warm liquid beverage as “hot chocolate.” However, “hot cocoa” is the correct term. Hot cocoa is watery compared to “hot chocolate.”
Hot chocolate is, in fact, a densely thicker (pudding consistency) warm beverage that has been historically enjoyed in Spain. It is beginning to slowly catch on here in the U.S.
Calories in Variations of Hot Cocoa
It’s impossible to pin down a specific number of calories in a cup of hot cocoa because of the different ingredients and preparation manner. To give you an idea of calories, we have listed typical varieties of hot cocoa with calories.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
| Higher Calorie | Lower Calorie | Other Alternatives |
| Indulgently Creamy | Dry Mix with Powdered Milk | Adjust Recipes |
| ⅓ c. unsweetened cocoa powder ¾ c. sugar ⅓ c. boiling water 3 ½ c. whole milk ½ cup of half and half cream ¾ tsp. vanilla Yield: 4 servings | 10 c. dry whole milk powder 4 ¾ c. powdered sugar 1 ¾ c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 ¾ c. powdered non-dairy creamer Yields: 45 servings (⅓ of mix with ¾ c. of boiling water) | Replace whole milk with skim milk, almond milk, or coconut milk Use less sugar or sugar alternative Use Fat-Free half and half |
| Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 310 Total Fat 8.7 g Carbs 52.8 g Sugars: 48 g | Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 175 Total Fat: 2 g Carbs: 30.9 g Sugars: 29 g |
Packaged Hot Cocoa
| Higher Calorie | Lower Calorie | Lower Calorie | Better Alternative |
| Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate | Nestle Milk Chocolate | Swiss Miss No Sugar Added | Swiss Miss Reduced Calorie |
| Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 150 Total Fat: 2 g Carbs: 30 g Sugars: 25 g | Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 80 Total Fat: 2.5 g Carbs: 17 g Sugars: 10 g | Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 75 Total Fat: 1.5 g Carbs: 14 g Sugars: 9 g | Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 35 Total Fat: 0 g Carbs: 4 g Sugars: 3 g |
Be careful if you decide to add marshmallows: 1 normal size marshmallow has 100 calories and 24 carbs
K-Cup Hot Cocoa
| Higher Calorie | Lower Calorie | Better Alternative |
| Starbucks | Dunkin’ Donuts | Swiss Miss |
| Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 90 Total Fat: 3 g Carbs: 13 g Sugars: 13 g | Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 70 Total Fat: 3 g Carbs: 10 g Sugars: 7 g | Nutritional Info (per serving) Calories: 60 Total Fat: 2.5 g Carbs: 11 g Sugars: 5 g |
Coffeehouse Counter-Takeout Hot Cocoa
| Starbucks (8 oz) | Dunkin’ Original (medium size) |
| Calories: 230 Total Fat: 10 g Carbs: 28 g Sugars: 24 g | Calories: 330 Total Fat: 10 g Carbs: 59 g Sugars: 46 g |
| Better Alternative: Starbucks Packaged Hot Cocoa | Better Alternative: Dunkin Donuts K-Cup Hot Cocoa |
| Calories: 90 Total Fat: 3 g Carbs: 13 g Sugars: 13 g | Calories: 70 Total Fat: 3 g Carbs: 10 g Sugars: 7 g |
Calories in Hot Chocolate (drinking chocolate)
This European drinking chocolate is not something you’ll likely find low in calories due to the ingredients that go into making it. If you’re brave enough to turn a blind eye to the calories, fat, and carbs, you can check out Erin Clarke’s recipe that pays homage to Cafe Angelina in Paris.
Lower Calorie and Lower Carb
Paying attention to both calories and carbs is equally important in anything you consume. Although something may indicate a lower calorie count, it may be high in carbs, which is defeating.
For example, Starbucks offers a low-calorie version of its high-calorie hot cocoa. But look closely at the carbs.
| Higher Calorie, High Carb | Lower Calories, High Carb | Better Alternative |
| Starbucks Regular Hot Cocoa | Starbucks Skinny Hot Cocoa | Starbucks Packaged Hot Cocoa |
| Calories: 230 Total Fat: 10 g Carbs: 28 g Sugars: 24 g | Calories: 170 Total Fat: 1.5 g Carbs: 24 g Sugars: 17 g | Calories: 90 Total Fat: 3 g Carbs: 13 g Sugars: 13 g |
The Final “Sip”…
It’s evident that both packaged and K-Cup hot cocoas are lower in calories and carbs in comparison to counter-takeout options.
The final takeaway is if you are going to enjoy a handcrafted hot cocoa, you better count on a higher calorie and carb content. Some places will make you a packaged or K-Cup hot cocoa but it won’t be on their menu. It’s worth asking for!