Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate: What's the Difference? (2024)

As someone who uses a chocolate bar whenever I run out of cocoa powder while baking, I'm by no means a star baker or a well versed chocolatier. To me, cocoa and chocolate are pretty much the same thing in different forms, and it wasn't until recently that I became curious about the differences between hot cocoa vs hot chocolate. Withcold weatherfast approaching Vancouver, I figured now would be a good time to investigate these two drinks so I know which to order in the future.

Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate

Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate: What's the Difference? (1)

The terms hot chocolate and hot cocoa are rather universal. Especially in the States, there's no legal definitionfor hot chocolate or hot cocoa, meaning people can call these types of chocolate beverages whichever they want.Wherever you travel to, hot chocolate and hot cocoa will pretty much get you the same thing.

If they're not different, why bother using two different terms? As it turns out, there isa slight difference between the two drinks, but few people take these differences into account when typing out café menus.

Historically, hot cocoa, as the name suggests, is made from cocoa powder,sugar, and milk. It's thinner than hot chocolate and isn't as rich (but is much sweeter thanks to the added sugar).

Similar logic can be applied to hot chocolate as well. As the name of the drink suggests, hot chocolateis basically melted chocolate mixed with either hot water or milk. Hot chocolate has better flavor and a thicker texture, and there's usually no sugar added to it since the chocolate itself has sugar in it.

So what should I drink?

Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate: What's the Difference? (2)

Deciding which beverage to order all comes down to your personal preferences. If you have a major sweet tooth, hot cocoa might be the better option. But if you're someone who enjoys richer flavors, hot chocolate is the better choice. Although hot cocoa is the sweeter drink, both hot chocolate and hot cocoa are full of sugar, so neither is really healthier than the other.

The more you know about hot cocoa vs hot chocolate, the better off you are. If you're interested in making one yourself to prepare you for the winter, this rich hot cocoa recipeonly needs three ingredients and will warm you up.If you want to make the most delicious hot chocolate, this French hot chocolate recipe is a good place to start.

Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate: What's the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate: What's the Difference? ›

Hot cocoa uses cocoa powder and sugar, like in the packets from the store. But to make hot chocolate, you melt chopped-up pieces of chocolate bar. The rich cocoa butter makes a thicker, smoother drink – and it goes great with marshmallows, too. Wee ones: A mini-marshmallow can fit on the tip of your finger.

What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa? ›

Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

Which is healthier, cocoa or hot chocolate? ›

Warming chocolate drinks are undoubtedly one of winter's greatest pleasures, but if you're drinking a highly processed hot chocolate, you simply aren't reaping the same health benefits as you could be with cacao. Not only is cacao more satisfying and fulfilling, it's also far better for you and the planet!

Do Americans say hot chocolate or hot cocoa? ›

Image of two cups of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, with a pair of spoons and a ceramic chocolate pot. Hershey's cookbooklet, 1937. In the United States, the terms "hot chocolate" and "hot cocoa" are used pretty interchangeably, but they aren't quite the same thing!

What's the difference between cocoa and chocolate? ›

Cocoa and chocolate are both made from the beans of the cocoa pod. They are difference in the step of extracting, and the components inside are not the same. Chocolate is the fermentation of cocoa beans to produce microorganisms and accelerate many nutrients in cocoa beans for maximum efficiency.

Which is better, drinking chocolate or cocoa? ›

Drinking chocolate is made in both dark and milk chocolate varieties, making it easier to buy a healthy option. Drinking Chocolate is a richer drink than hot cocoa, but is more satisfying, fulfilling and is also better for you!

What is true hot chocolate? ›

True HOT CHOCOLATE is a nutritionally rich collagen drink with a simple, all-natural ingredient profile. Quick and easy to prepare, HOT CHOCOLATE boasts a 60% protein content of 10.3g in every serve.

Is hot chocolate good for blood pressure? ›

Cocoa contains a variety of chemicals, including antioxidants called flavonoids. It's not clear how these might work in the body, but they appear to relax the blood vessels. This could lead to lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and blockage of blood vessels.

What does drinking hot chocolate do to your body? ›

The abundant antioxidants in cocoa, primarily flavonoids, contribute to cardiovascular well-being, enhancing blood flow and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These compounds also show the potential to fortify cognitive function and lift mood, offering a holistic approach to health.

Is hot cocoa better with milk or water? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

What is a fancy name for hot chocolate? ›

Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved or melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener. It is often garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Which is better for you, coffee or hot chocolate? ›

Overall, while both chocolate and coffee can be enjoyed in moderation, hot chocolate may offer more satisfying and potentially heart-healthy benefits. However, if you need a quick caffeine fix, coffee may be the better option.

Is cocoa stronger than coffee? ›

One serving of snacking cacao contains about half the caffeine of a brewed cup of coffee. In addition, cacao also contains about ten times more Theobromine than it does caffeine. Theobromine has a positive effect on both our mood and state of alertness with fewer side effects than caffeine.

Is cocoa just hot chocolate? ›

Ingredients: Hot chocolate gets its deep, chocolatey flavor from the base of thick, melted chocolate. Warm liquids like water, milk, or cream are added to make the drink liquid. Hot cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa, sugar, and added flavorings.

Why use cocoa powder instead of chocolate? ›

Cocoa powder has a more intense flavour than baking chocolate, less fat, and, in most cases, no sugar.

Why do people call hot chocolate hot cocoa? ›

Terminology. A distinction is sometimes made between "hot cocoa", made from cocoa powder (ground cacao beans from which much of the cocoa butter has been removed), and "hot chocolate", made directly from bar chocolate, which already contains cocoa, sugar, and cocoa butter.

Which is sweeter hot cocoa or hot chocolate? ›

Hot chocolate is often less sweet than hot cocoa since the drink typically has no added sugar.

Is hot chocolate and cocoa powder the same thing? ›

In short, you can use hot chocolate powder as a cocoa powder substitute in a pinch, but you may not experience the depth of flavour you want. Because most brands of hot chocolate powder include sugar or sweetener, you may wish to reduce the amount of sugar you add to your baking recipe.

Is hot cocoa just hot chocolate milk? ›

Essentially, yes. Hot chocolate can be a mix of cane sugar, cocoa powder, and/or melted chocolate. Chocolate milk can also be made up of the same ingredients. Chocolate milk is known to be a little sweeter and hot chocolate is known to be a little richer.

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