Carrot Cake Hot Chocolate (Whittard) By @Cinabar

This is a new limited edition from Whittard, presumably released for the Easter season. Easter means bunnies, bunnies eat carrots, carrots become carrot cake… I might be overthinking that one. Either way, it is a new hot chocolate and I am always up for trying one.

The drink has a white chocolate base, and the powder itself is pale in colour. When I tried the blueberry version from Whittard, it looked white but turned lilac once hot milk was added. Sadly, no such magic here. The colour stayed the same when mixed, but the aroma more than made up for it, with plenty of warm, inviting spices.

It mixed easily into hot milk, and the first sip was a winner. The flavour genuinely captures carrot cake, with a smooth, comforting sweetness. The cinnamon really stands out, which I personally love, blending nicely with the white chocolate base.

I will admit to a strong cinnamon bias, as mentioned before, but this really was lovely. Rich, cosy, and exactly what you want in a mug at this time of year.

Absolutely delicious. Happy Easter.

Blueberry Cheesecake Hot Chocolate (Whittard) By @Cinabar

I really do have to say how much I love Whittard when it comes to their more unusual hot chocolate flavours. They’re always trying something different and there’s such a wide variety to choose from. Their latest release is this Blueberry Cheesecake Hot Chocolate, and I couldn’t wait to give it a try. It sounded like such an exciting flavour.

As it happens, we were having fruit and cream for dessert, so this paired quite nicely, although that’s not something I usually plan! Opening the tub, the powder had a sweet berry aroma and was mostly white in colour. Once mixed with hot milk, it turned a lovely lilac shade, which looked fantastic. I’m really glad I poured it into a glass mug as it showed off the colour perfectly.

Taste-wise, this is a sweet and soothing drink with a solid white chocolate base and plenty of fruity flavour. It’s surprisingly complex. It starts with a zingy blueberry hit, almost with a hint of lemon, before smoothing out into a creamy cheesecake flavour. Right at the end, you get a buttery biscuit note that really completes the experience.

It was an absolute delight. Whittard hot chocolates aren’t cheap, but they really do deliver on flavour. I’ll definitely be having this one again.

Romeo Coconut Hot Chocolate (Aldi) By @Cinabar

Romeo chocolate bars are Aldi’s own take on a coconut-covered chocolate bar. They are not officially linked to Bounty, but they are the go-to option for coconut chocolate in Aldi. Following on from that, we now have Romeo Coconut Hot Chocolate. This is an instant drink, so it is quick and easy to make, with eight sachets in the box.

I boiled the kettle and tried a sachet. The powder dissolved quickly without any lumps, which was a good start. I added a splash of milk to cool it slightly, mainly to avoid burning my tongue.

On the first sip, the flavour was impressive. There was plenty of chocolate, and the coconut did come through. However, the standout element was the sweetness. It is a hot chocolate, so sweetness is expected, but this felt a bit over the top. Even with a sweet tooth, it seemed like the balance was off. It would have been better if the focus had been more on the creamy coconut and chocolate rather than the sugar.

These are pleasant enough, but they do not quite hit the mark if you are looking for a richer, more balanced coconut hot chocolate.

Racer Hot Chocolate (Aldi) By @Cinabar

Racer is Aldi’s take on a Snickers style chocolate bar, packed with caramel, nougat and peanuts, so I was curious to see how that would translate into a hot chocolate.

This is a new instant version inspired by the bar, and there are a couple of other flavours in the range too. I picked up another one to try next week.

Preparation was simple, just hot water and a quick stir. It mixed well with only a few bubbles on top and, importantly, no lumps. The flavour is nicely sweet with a good chocolate base, backed up by a gentle hint of caramel and nut. It is not overpowering, but the inspiration is definitely there.

Overall, it is easy to drink and full of flavour, making it a solid and comforting option if you fancy something a bit different from a standard hot chocolate.

Ube Hot Chocolate (Costa) By @Cinabar

It had been a while since we had been in a Costa, but we stopped at one in a service station while heading back from a long day out. I really wanted a hot chocolate, but as someone who always goes for anything new, I asked what the Ube Hot Chocolate was flavoured with. The lady replied, “Ube.” I think I had worked that out, so I asked for clarification and she replied, “yam”. She said it in a way that made it sound as normal as orange or mint.

I decided not to ask what it tasted like for fear of her simply replying “yam, of course”. Instead I risked it and ordered it. I had the drink made in our own cups, so the purple colour is hard to see, but it is there under the cream.

I gave the drink a sip and really enjoyed the flavour. There was plenty of milky chocolate, but the additional flavour sits somewhere between vanilla and coconut. It was sweet, creamy, smooth, and had a slight edge that veered towards coconut or a very light nutty taste. I thought it made the drink super soothing. I love the colour too. Next time I am in a proper Costa I will make sure I get the drinkin a glass holder so I can see it in its full glory.

Gnaw - Sea-salt & Caramel Hot Chocolate on a stick [@Nli10]

 Even though it's been a little warmer this week its still firmly hot chocolate weather, and a good excuse to use the ones we've accumulated up.

This one was a little more interesting with layers and ingredients inside - and it's another vegan one so perfect for my oat milk.

Sea-salt & caramel are not really my ideal choices, but in a drink it sounds nice

Cosy evening please!

Stick & blob

Melted easy enough

Decent colours & aromas!

Makes a nice chocolate - maybe for a bigger mug, and maybe hotter than I'd have it in my lovely stone mug.

Not too salty and not too sweet from the caramel either - a nice surprise and great to sit and watch the curling with.

Pistachio Hot Chocolate (Whittard) By @Cinabar

I did not actually buy the Pistachio White Hot Chocolate as a full tub. I ordered the Mince Pie Hot Chocolate along with some tea, and this sachet arrived as a free sample with my order. No complaints there, because pistachio is absolutely having its moment right now, largely thanks to the Dubai chocolate craze, so it makes complete sense that Whittard have leaned into that trend.

The drink is made with milk, and I was impressed with how easily it mixed. It stirred smoothly with no lumps at all, which is always a good sign with powdered hot chocolates. Once made, it had a pale green colour that felt quite indulgent and different from the usual brown mugs of hot chocolate, making it feel a little more special.

Flavour wise, this is a sweet and creamy drink with a fairly mild pistachio taste. It is definitely recognisable as pistachio, but it is not overpowering or bitter. Instead, it leans into a soft, nutty creaminess that makes it very soothing to drink. The texture is rich and velvety, which gives it that comforting, premium feel Whittard usually do so well.

I can see this being a big hit with fans of pistachio and anyone who has been swept up in the Dubai chocolate trend. Personally, while I enjoyed it, I am glad I chose the Mince Pie Hot Chocolate as my main purchase. At this time of year, I am far more drawn to festive flavours and warming spices. That said, this is a lovely option, and I would happily drink it again, especially outside the Christmas season.

Mince Pie Flavour Hot Chocolate (Whittard) By @Cinabar

I am firmly back in my festive hot chocolate season, and this time I picked up a more premium option from Whittard. Their drinks do cost more than supermarket hot chocolates, but they also consistently offer interesting flavours and good quality. Whittard has a solid range available all year round, but this one is part of their Christmas selection and immediately caught my eye. This is the Mince Pie Flavour Hot Chocolate.

Opening the tub was a good start. It was pleasingly full, which always feels reassuring with premium products. The smell was instantly festive, with a warm mix of chocolate and Christmas spices rising out of the tub. Before making it, I checked the instructions, which recommend three teaspoons of powder per mug of milk, with the option to add more if you are feeling indulgent. I decided to stick close to the suggested amount but went with three and a half teaspoons, partly because my mugs are a decent size and partly because this felt like a drink that deserved it.

The powder blended into the hot milk easily, with no lumps or bits left behind. The first sip was exactly what I was hoping for. It is rich and chocolatey, but also fruity and gently spiced. There is a clear citrus note, similar to orange, alongside a raisin like sweetness that really does echo a classic mince pie filling. The spices round everything off without being overpowering.

At three and a half teaspoons, the strength was spot on. This is a proper Christmas in a mug hot chocolate, and one I would happily buy again if it returns next year.

Festive Gingerbread Flavour Hot Chocolate (Asda) By @Cinabar

I could not decide what hot chocolate to open tonight. It took longer than it should have, and the result is that there will probably be several hot chocolate reviews appearing here over the next week. After all that faffing, I settled on the Festive Gingerbread Flavour Hot Chocolate from Asda. It is one of their own brand options and it is designed to be made with hot milk, which already makes it feel a bit more indulgent.

I used three heaped teaspoons, poured over the hot milk and was pleased to see it blended smoothly straight away. No lumps, no gritty texture, nothing to fight against with the spoon. The drink looked rich and inviting, so I took a first sip and found it instantly comforting. The base is a soothing milk chocolate flavour, but the gingerbread twist is what makes it feel seasonal. It brings a sweet, treacle like warmth with it. The ginger is present but not fierce, more like the soft spice you get in a gingerbread biscuit rather than anything fiery. It adds character without overpowering the chocolate.

The drink is definitely on the sweet side, which suits me completely. If you prefer a strong ginger kick, this will feel gentle, but if you enjoy a cosy, pudding like hot chocolate, this fits the bill.

Next time I make it I plan to go all in with whipped cream, a mini gingerbread figure and maybe a few sprinkles for good measure. It feels like the sort of drink that deserves a bit of decoration. It is an easy festive treat and one I will happily have again.

Options White Choc Berry (Morrisons) By @Cinabar

I may have said this before but I love this time of year for all the interesting hot chocolates that appear on the shelves. I adore the stuff and I am always happy to find new flavours. This time I picked up a limited edition from Options called White Choc Berry. As it is an Options drink it is instant and made with boiling water rather than hot milk, so as soon as I got home I filled the kettle.

I opened the tub and peeled away the foil to reveal a white powdered hot chocolate. The photo above shows the carton before I even put any in the mug, so yes, it really was that low down already. This always irritates me. Either fill the tub properly or make the tub smaller. It feels like I am being led to believe there is more product than there is and I do not enjoy paying for air. It is one of my pet hates.

I added three teaspoons of the White Choc Berry mix into a mug and topped it up with freshly boiled water. It immediately went pink. I was not expecting that but the colour shifted to a rosy berry shade that made me smile. I am easily won over by a novelty. I will say that unlike many other Options varieties this one was a bit more difficult to stir and I could not get rid of all the little bits on top no matter how much I mixed it.

On tasting it I realised I was not entirely sure which berries they were aiming for. There was a hint of strawberry and maybe a little raspberry. It tasted lovely but I think they missed a trick by not leaning into Christmas cranberry on the packaging. The flavour was sweet and fruity, which suits me, and the white chocolate added a soft creamy undertone. It is very easy drinking and very pleasant even if it did feel like a surprisingly summery flavour for this time of year.

Galaxy Green Hot Chocolate (Home Bargains) By @Cinabar

When I grabbed this, I was convinced it was a Halloween special. The reality? It’s not flavoured, no mint, no pistachio, just plain white hot chocolate coloured green. Look closely at the packet and you’ll see… nothing spooky, nothing pumpkin-y, nothing hinting at a witch’s brew. So why green? Who knows. I’m rolling with it as a Halloween drink, even if I’m clearly stretching the theme.

This is instant hot chocolate, so it’s easy to make. I put four heaped teaspoons into my mug. The powder looked pale and a little boring, but the moment it hit the hot water, it transformed into a vibrant green drink. No lumps, easy to mix, very Instagram-ready… if only the tub itself matched the colour drama.

Taste-wise? Meh. The colour is fantastic, but the flavour is mild, white chocolatey, with a hint of… something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Flat? Slightly cardboard-ish? Honestly, just a little underwhelming. I suspect a bigger mug might need an extra spoon of powder, or a splash of syrup to save it. On its own, it’s green and cheerful, but it’s not exactly thrilling. Still, it’s a fun little Halloween experiment, if nothing else.

Black Forest Gateaux Hot Chocolate (Morrisons) By @Cinabar

Hot chocolate season is officially here, and I’m far too excited about it. Morrisons have brought out a few new flavours, and hiding among them is one of my retro favourites, Black Forest Gateaux Hot Chocolate.

This one’s made with hot milk, and the instructions say three teaspoons per cup. Naturally, I went slightly heaped. I let my trusty hot chocolate mixer do its thing, so it came out lovely and smooth. Honestly, that gadget earns its keep in my kitchen, I drink enough hot chocolate to justify it!

The first sip was full of rich chocolate flavour without being overly sweet. The cherry came through with that fruity, slightly almondy taste that gives it the proper Black Forest vibe.

It’s a really good drink, cosy, chocolatey and satisfying, but I’d have loved a bit more cherry punch. Just a touch more of that sweet-tart zing would have made it sing. Still, I’ll definitely be finishing the tub.

Options Winter Spice Hot Chocolate (Morrisons) By @Cinabar

I am so excited that hot chocolate season is here! I love seeing all the new flavours and, yes, I’ve already been told off by Spectre for buying too many. But if the cupboard still closes, there’s still room for more, right?

This one is made by Options, so it’s made with hot water rather than milk and is lower in calories than the milk-based versions. I was trying to work out if “Winter Spice” was just a code for pumpkin spice, extended to last through Christmas rather than only October, but honestly, I didn’t mind either way and happily took my new tub home.

Once home, I opened it, after struggling with the pull tab on the foil lid, which snapped (is that just me?). I tested the aroma first and could immediately smell the cinnamon (yay!) and, of course, lots of chocolate. When I added the hot water and mixed it, the aroma became even spicier and slightly fruity. A quick check of the back of the packet explained it: it’s a “Baked Apple and Cinnamon flavour instant hot chocolate drink”, much more specific than the front!

I gave it a sip, and as a lover of cinnamon, I was delighted. It’s chocolatey, spicy, and the apple adds a lovely fruity sweetness. It made me smile instantly and is such a comforting mix of warming flavours. It was so good that I’ve already added another tub to next week’s order, don’t tell Spectre!

Love Ya Honey Drinking Chocolate (Hotel Chocolat) By @Cinabar

Hotel Chocolat has introduced a new flavour to their drinking chocolate range: Love Ya Honey. It is a blend of chocolate, honey, and caramel, though I have to admit I am not a fan of the name. Something about it feels a bit tacky, especially given Hotel Chocolat’s usual premium image. That said, I suspect it was a Valentine’s Day release designed as a gift, which would explain the choice. Unfortunately, that also means it might be a limited edition.

I made my drink using my Velvetiser, which heats and stirs the milk for a smooth, easy mix. The result was absolutely delicious. It is a rich hot chocolate with a noticeable sweetness, and the honey adds a lovely twist to the smooth milk chocolate. I usually go for caramel-based options, but this was a refreshing change.

While I might not love the name, Love Ya Honey Drinking Chocolate more than makes up for it in flavour. If it sticks around, I would happily buy it again.

Poppets Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Bomb (Morrisons Daily) By @Cinabar

Near us, there’s a Morrisons Daily within walking distance, one of those smaller branches of the supermarket. I won’t pretend it’s particularly good for fresh produce, items like eggs and fruit are usually poorly stocked. However, when it comes to snacks, they’re definitely on the ball. I’m not sure what that says about the people in my town, but I’m with them on prioritising snacks!

I popped in, hoping to find one last loaf of bread tucked away, but no luck. As I resigned myself to the fact I’d need to visit a larger store, something on a promotional shelf caught my eye: a new Poppets Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Bomb. It wasn’t bread, but at least I’d found something worth buying.

At home, I heated a jug of milk in the microwave, it’s the quickest method, and placed the hot chocolate bomb in a mug. The key is ensuring the milk is hot enough to melt the chocolate without boiling over. 

I poured the milk over the bomb and watched as the chocolate began to dissolve. 

Then, just as it was softening, it suddenly burst, releasing a cascade of marshmallows. Brilliant! I’ll never get tired of this little spectacle.

I gave the drink a try, and the flavour was delightful. There was a perfect touch of salt paired with toffee, and the milk chocolate base made it a wonderfully sweet and indulgent drink. The marshmallows were a lovely addition, they looked great and added extra sweetness.

I was so pleased with the salted caramel version that I was glad I’d picked up the mint version too. The Poppets Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Bomb is sweet, soothing, and perfect for a cold night.

I may still be out of bread, but at least I’ve discovered a fantastic new hot chocolate treat.

Chocolate Squirty Cream (Asda) by @Cinabar

This is one of those seasonal products that really ought to be available all year round. Sadly, it’s likely your last chance to grab a can before it vanishes until December 2025. So, let’s talk about one of my absolute favourites for this festive period: Chocolate Squirty Cream from Asda.

This delightful can dispenses chocolate-flavoured cream that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It’s the perfect companion for all sorts of treats, we’ve enjoyed it on slices of Chocolate Yule Log, but my ultimate favourite is dolloping it generously on a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Not only does it look beautiful, but the flavour is just as impressive. The cream is rich with cocoa, not overly sweet, and decadently smooth.

I’ll definitely be stocking up on these cans before they’re gone. For those of us who savour hot chocolate all year round, this cream adds that little extra indulgence. Is there any better way to kick off the New Year than with a cosy mug of hot chocolate topped with chocolate cream, a good movie playing in the background, and the promise of more delicious moments ahead?

Happy New Year, everyone!

Baileys Squirty Cream (Morrisons) By @Cinabar

We are in the heart of hot chocolate season, a time for cosy indulgence. To be honest, I drink hot chocolate most of the year, but I officially declare Christmas and winter as hot chocolate season because the shops stock more varieties and flavours during this period.

One of the great things about this season is the range of flavoured creams available for topping. While browsing the chilled section at Morrisons, I came across this fabulous-looking Baileys Squirty Cream and couldn’t resist popping it into my basket.

Once home, I made a steaming mug of hot chocolate, leaving a reasonable gap at the top for decorating. I sprayed a generous swirl of the cream, then added some sprinkles for a festive touch. I think it turned out rather well, don’t you?

The cream itself is delightful. I found myself eating it straight off the spoon! It has a lovely hint of Baileys, sweet and creamy, without being overpowering. The Irish cream flavour blends beautifully with the silky texture, making it a perfect treat.

Spectre, always curious, decided to try some on his low-calorie ice cream for dessert. He was quite impressed with the results and even claimed it elevated his pudding.

This is one of those seasonal products that I know I’ll have to wait a year to see again, so I’ll definitely be picking up another can (or two!) to tide me over. Adding a touch of luxury to my cocoa has never been easier—or tastier.

Apple Strudel Flavour Hot Chocolate (Whittards) By @Cinabar

This was my second purchase from Whittards of hot chocolate, trying other new flavours. This one is Apple Strudel Flavour Hot Chocolate, and this extra tub will barely fit in the cupboard; I’ve had to push tubs in tightly to make it close. I need to finish some hot chocolate off before I buy any more; it is getting out of hand.

This is one of the drinks made with hot milk, and it is based on a white chocolate base instead of a milk chocolate. I heated up some milk and added four teaspoons. The drink looked creamy, and the aroma was lovely and fruity. I gave it a sip, and the flavour didn’t disappoint. The taste was complex; there was plenty of apple, lots of warming spices, and a really nice buttery pastry flavour. They really did capture the essence of an apple strudel surprisingly well, and this is such a nice soothing dink for the autumn. 

The problem is that Whittards hot chocolates are just some of the nicest ones available, and the variety keeps me going back for me. And that explains the problem I have not being able to shut the overfull cupboard with all my wonderful drinks in it. 

Horlicks Banoffee Pie (Horlicks Site) By @Cinabar

Does this count as a hot chocolate? It is a hot milky malty drink, so I think it doesn’t count? There is no chocolate flavour in it, but there is Banoffee. So in terms of me not buying any more hot chocolate, I think I’ve succeeded, if only on a technicality. 

A while back I purchased Cherry Bakewell Horlicks in Home Bargains, and I was taken aback about the curious flavour. The back of the tub mentioned that there was also Banoffee available, and I then had a hunt for that variety with no luck. I checked a lot of places and did a search online where the only stockist was Horlicks themselves, so I did an order, just to give it a try. 

This Horlicks Banoffee Pie edition is made with hot water and mixed up easily, with no lumps. I gave it a try, and the malty taste works so nice with the sweet banana. It gives the drink a wholesome banana milkshake taste but is hot. I absolutely loved it; it was sweet and comforting and fun too. I may have felt a bit desperate on my search, but I’m so glad the drink is as nice as it is, especially as I bought two tubs when I did the order. Heaven help me. I do have a hot drink problem; I need to stop ordering, but it is the season. 

Limited Edition Gingerbread Hot Chocolate (Whittards) By @Cinabar

I think my hot chocolate problem may be getting out of hand. I am running out of space in the Foodstuff finds cupboard. I can’t stop myself from buying a new tub if I see a new flavour, and I went into Whittards and I found two new flavours. Now I’m rethinking where to put the jar of coffee in the cupboard.

The only solution is to increase the amount of hot chocolate I drink to bring back balance, and I’m up for that challenge. The first new flavour I’m going to try is this Limited Edition Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. I heated up some milk and stirred in 3 teaspoons per mug. The powder dissolved easily, and the hot chocolate was a nice dark colour. I gave it a sip, and the flavour was rich chocolate and soft ginger. It was sweet, and the spice was present but not hot; instead, it was also a treacle-like flavour with the spice. This did recreate gingerbread, and it was a lovely warming drink for the autumn. I love Whittards hot drinks and can’t wait to try my other new tub too. I do have to finish a tub before I buy a new one, but that sounds like it shouldn’t be a problem now that the evenings are drawing in.