We test the best hot chocolate drinks

CHOCS goes to enjoy a mouthwatering beer to banish the January blues.

Market for hot chocolate It’s booming, says Martyn James, consumer expert at Resolver.

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But which brand is the best cocoa?

Lynsey Hope offers her views on best-selling brands, rating each brand out of ten.

M&S Fairtrade Chocolate drink – 8/10

£2 for 250g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 16p
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 5¼ teaspoons (21g)

MIXED with milk, this looks very creamy and luxurious and has a nutty chocolate flavor.

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The only downside is that I find it quite difficult to mix all the clumps.

Despite stirring for what seems like ages, there were still a few lumps when I started drinking it.

Clipper Serious Velvety Instant Hot Chocolate – 2/10

£3.15 for 350g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 25p
• Calories: 106
• Sugar: 5 teaspoons (19.7g)

ONE of the most expensive I’ve tried, more expensive than brands like Cadbury.

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But it’s simply not worth the high price tag.

If you’re watching your calories, you should also know that this one contains a high amount of sugar at 19.7g per cup.

Drink Sainsbury’s Chocolate – 8/10

£1.50 for 300g

EVERY TEA:

Cost: 9p
Calories: 166
Sugar: 5½ teaspoons (22.7g)

LOVELY hot chocolate from Sainsbury’s, which warmed me up after a particularly cold and wet study session.

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This is a bit high in sugar and calories, but it’s totally worth it. Yummy.

Aldi Choceur Instant Hot Chocolate – 9/10

99p for 400g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 7p
• Calories: 115
• Sugar: 4¼ teaspoons (17g)

MINE top value option less than a third the price of some of the higher end brands.

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Mix with water and it’s much lower in calories and sugar.

Its flavor doesn’t quite match the award-winning brands but it is a delicious and ideal choice if you need a cheaper way to get your choc fix.

Galaxy Drink Chocolate – 10/10

£2.99 for 500g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 27p
• Calories: 168
• Sugar: 6 teaspoons (22.8g)

JUST one sip and you will have a delicious cup of chocolate.

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It’s a lovely flavor and tastes just as good as many of you buy from cafes or coffee shops.

It’s more expensive than other places but if you don’t really mind spending a bit more, this is a great choice that is sure to please.

Starbucks Signature 42% Hot Chocolate Cocoa – 6/10

£4.25 for 330g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 28p
• Calories: 186
• Sugar: 5½ teaspoons (22.3g)

DELICIOUS HEALTHY, this has a nutty chocolate flavor that’s rich but not overwhelming.

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But you should add four large scoops per cup, so you won’t get as many servings per box, which means it’s pricey.

It’s also the best fattening I’ve tried.

Cadbury Oreo Instant Hot Chocolate – 7/10

£2.99 for 260g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 29p
• Calories: 114
• Sugar: 4¼ teaspoons (17g)

I FIND this one which is pretty sweet, although my kids were absolutely delighted when they saw it and both loved the taste.

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Mixing with hot water isn’t the worst way for you, but be warned, there’s still 17g of sugar per serving.

Optional Belgian Chocolate Drink – 1/10

£3 for 220g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 15p
• Calories: 40
• Sugar: 1½ teaspoon (5.7g)

THIS has the least sugar and calories of any hot chocolate we tested, but it’s made with sweeteners that give it an overly sweet, disappointing taste.

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If you’re on a diet, I recommend saving 40 calories on things that are worth consuming.

Tesco Chocolate Drink – 7/10

£1.60 for 400g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 11p
• Calories: 107
• Sugar: 4 teaspoons (16g)

I ENJOYED this.

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It has a pretty strong flavor that surprises me considering that it’s one of the healthiest and best value options I’ve tested.

I will definitely repurchase this for a quick chocolate fix.

Cadbury Original Hot Chocolate – 9/10

£2.50 for 400g

EVERY TEA:

• Cost: 18p
• Calories: 168
• Sugar: 6 teaspoons (23g)

THIS Cadbury product is easy to put together and really hits the spot, delivering a great taste.

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Working with 18p per serving, it’s also reasonably good value.

Definitely one of my favorites and I will be adding it to my weekly shopping spree.