CLEVELAND, Ohio -- ‘Tis the season for a steaming cup of hot cocoa!

The popular beverage is a hit with red-cheeked children fresh from playing in the snow and adults after engaging in winter activities such as skiing, ice skating or just clearing the driveway -- not to mention a go-to drink when cozying up at home on a cold winter night.

For National Hot Cocoa Day on Dec. 13, reporters Yadi Rodriguez and Brenda Cain sampled and ranked 61 varieties of hot chocolate mixes they found at Northeast Ohio grocery stores. Who knew there were so many of cocoa packets!

The 61 drinks were judged on taste, consistency, aroma and trueness to package description. Beware, not all hot cocoa packets are the same!

Prices range from $0.50 to $12.49. Calories per serving range from 25 to a whopping 190.

Check out the rankings and comments below to see how your favorite fared, or to find new favorites. Land O’Lakes Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix won the overall prize.

We followed each packet’s instructions for how much liquid and powder to use. Some mixes said to use milk, while some said hot water. And some mixes give you the option, according to your taste. We blended the packets calling for water with hot water. We used milk for mixes that called for milk or water. And we mixed a few of those brands with both milk and water to experience the difference it could make in the overall taste.

We were pleasantly surprised that our Nos. 1 and 2 cocoa mixes both call for water.

No. 61 Non-Dairy Chocolate, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $3.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 150 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 30g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Made with premium imported cocoa. Embrace every sip of non-dairy Swiss Miss. Made with cocoa and real nonfat coconut milk, our cocoa warms and delights with every mug. Whatever you’re warming up to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands.

Our thoughts: If you can get past the appearance -- it looks like muddy water -- this one is very chocolatey and extremely sweet. It is nothing more than drinking thinly-flavored chocolate water.

Buy it at Amazon $9.91 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $3.99 | Buy it at Target $3.99

No. 60 Fat Free Rich Milk Chocolate, Nestle

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $4.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 25 | Total Fat 0g | Carbs 4g | Sugar 4g

First ingredient: Dairy product solids (what the heck are those?!)

Box says: Fat free rich milk chocolate flavor hot cocoa mix. Made with real Nestle Cocoa. 99.9% caffeine free. Our sustainably-sourced cocoa beans produce a smooth and delicious hot cocoa ready in seconds. We look forward to being your hot cocoa of choice for your family traditions and memories for years to come.

Our thoughts: This mix has a decided artificial sweetness, regardless of whether we mixed it with water or milk. The kids will like the uber-sweetness, but adults will not appreciate the over-load!

No. 59 Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa, Beaumont

Where we bought it: Aldi

Price: $1.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 150 | Total Fat 2g | Carbs 34g | Sugar 28g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Milk chocolate flavored. Just add hot water or milk.

Our thoughts: Sugary sweet, but with a bitter aftertaste.

Buy it on Instacart $4.19 for 12 K cups

No. 58 Reduced Calorie Milk Chocolate, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $2.19

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 40 | Total Fat 0g | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g

First ingredient: Nonfat milk

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. Made with real cocoa and real nonfat milk, our cocoa warms and delights with every mug. Whatever you’re warming up to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Made with premium imported cocoa. No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.

Our thoughts: Thin on flavor, but very heavy on artificial sweetness. Rich chocolatey flavor, but the powder didn’t dissolve well.

Buy it at Amazon $14.99 for 16 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.29 | Buy it at Target $1.79

No. 57 Café Blends Mocha, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Dave’s Markets

Price: $4.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 150 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 28g | Sugar 21g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Change up your routine with a twist on the real Swiss Miss cocoa you know and love. With the perfect balance of imported cocoa and caffeine from real espresso, Swiss Miss Café Blends is the sweet pick-me-up you need, without the caffeine overload. It’s a rich, rejuvenating combination that will have you coming back for more. With the flavors of dark chocolate and smooth roasted espresso.

Our thoughts: Coffee lovers can rejoice over this one. The aroma and taste of coffee completely overpowers the chocolate -- and it also, sadly, is missing the hot cocoa elements of richness and creaminess.

Buy it at Amazon $4.38 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $3.99

No. 56 Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa, Starbucks

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Total Fat 3.5g | Carbs 21g | Sugar 17g

First ingredient: Cane sugar

Box says: Chocolatey, caramelly, buttery, salty. With every sip, this luscious combination of flavors will satisfy all your cravings. Rich cocoa with caramel notes and a dash of sea salt.

Our thoughts: Where is the salt!? Where is the caramel!? The package promised but didn’t deliver. No saltiness and a very, very slight caramel taste. Disappointing.

Buy it at Amazon $26.99 24 packs | Buy it at Giant Eagle $6.99

No. 55 Café Blends Caramel Macchiato, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $3.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 170 | Total Fat 3.5g | Carbs 32g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. With the perfect balance of imported cocoa and caffeine from real espresso coffee, Swiss Miss Café Blends is the sweet pick-me-up you need, without the caffeine overload. It’s a rich, rejuvenating combination that will have you coming back for more.

Our thoughts: If you love caramel macchiatos, you likely won’t be a fan of this mix. While you get a generous whiff of caramel aroma and taste, the coffee is more of an instant coffee flavor and tends to overwhelm the chocolate.

Buy it at Amazon $4.38 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $3.99

No. 54 Milk Chocolate, Meijer

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.59

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 21g | Sugar 19g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Milk chocolate flavored hot cocoa drink mix. Made with cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives.

Our thoughts: Watery and bitter with a sugary aftertaste. It took some work to get this powder to dissolve.

Buy it at Meijer $1.59

No. 53 Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Starbucks

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 2g | Carbs 23g | Sugar 17g

First ingredient: Cane sugar

Box says: Smooth, dark cocoa meets lively peppermint and falls head over heels. It’s a match made in your mug. Rich, velvety cocoa with a pinch of cool peppermint.

Our thoughts: A ”pinch” of peppermint is right. Barely detectable peppermint flavor with an artificial aftertaste that creeps up. It is velvety, however.

Buy it at Giant Eagle $6.99

No. 52 Classic Rich Milk Chocolate, Nestle

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $1.25

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Total Fat 2g | Carbs 15g | Sugar 12g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Over 100 years of chocolatey memories. Our sustainably-sourced cocoa beans produce a smooth and delicious hot cocoa ready in seconds. We look forward to being your hot cocoa of choice for your family traditions and memories for years to come.

Our thoughts: This mix was watery-tasting, even when made with milk, and was missing the chocolate flavor. Not sweet, creamy or rich. It did dissolve well.

Buy it at Amazon $8.90 for 36 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $1.25 | Buy it at Target $5.29 for 27.7 oz.

No. 51 Unicorn Marshmallows, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $2.19

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 190 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 39g | Sugar 32g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Hot cocoa mix made with real cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives and 99.9% caffeine free.

Our thoughts: The kids will love this one, though unicorn lovers will be disappointed! The marshmallows are not unicorn-shaped and they taste like the marshmallows found in Lucky Charms cereal. But if you like loads of sweet marshmallows in your cocoa, they can be found here. Note: Cain deducted points for the lack of unicorns in the mix!

Buy it at Amazon $10.70 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.29

No. 50 No Sugar Added Chocolate, Nesquik

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 40 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 8g | Sugar 3g

First ingredient: Reduced minerals whey

Box says: We have created Nesquik no sugar added just for you! The delicious taste you love with the nutrition of 10 essential vitamins and minerals when mixed with lowfat vitamin A & D milk.

Our thoughts: For those of us a certain age, you can take a trip back to your childhood with this perennial favorite. It brings with it a thick, rich chocolate flavor, but with a punch of saccharin aftertaste. The kids will enjoy this sweet treat, but more developed palates might be disappointed.

Buy it at Amazon $10.45 | Buy it at Target $4.99

No. 49 Marshmallow Hot Cocoa, Starbucks

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $5.89

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 2g | Carbs 22g | Sugar 16g

First ingredient: Cane sugar

Box says: Treat your inner child to a mug of creamy hot cocoa, topped with delightfully gooey marshmallows. Sweet marshmallows mixed with rich, velvety cocoa.

Our thoughts: Overly-rich chocolate taste, which was a tad bitter. Well populated with dehydrated, chewy marshmallows. We expected more from Starbucks.

Buy it at Amazon $14.79 for 10 oz. | Buy it at Giant Eagle $6.99 | Buy it at Target $6.99

No. 48 Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Good & Gather

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 25g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Smooth peppermint flavor with creamy, indulgent chocolate notes. No artificial flavors or sweeteners. Just add milk.

Our thoughts: Peppermint aroma and flavor is barely detectable. Try an Altoid or Peppermint Patty if you’re craving peppermint.

Buy it at Target $4.99

No. 47 Strawberry, Nesquik

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Total Fat 0g | Carbs 14g | Sugar 14g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Classic taste is back. No high fructose corn syrup. No artificial colors or sweeteners. Added colors from natural sources.

Our thoughts: Rodriguez shared this was the sweet treat she was allowed as a child, like the equivalent of getting sugary cereal on a shopping trip. For Cain, it was a new and “interesting” sensation. This is not your typical hot cocoa experience, but if you are looking to mix things up consider this one. Light, extremely sweet, with a mild strawberry flavor.

Buy it at Amazon $7.38 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $4.99 | Buy it on Instacart $5.49 |Buy it at Target $4.49

No. 46 Dark Chocolate, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 150 | Total Fat 3.5g | Carbs 28g | Sugar 21g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. Crafted with real cocoa and real nonfat milk, every mug of our indulgent collections gives you a moment to relax. Seize the moment you’ve been craving – you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Made with premium imported cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors.

Our thoughts: If you are a dark chocolate lover, you will like this one. Very dark, almost to the point of bitterness. The powder didn’t dissolve completely. Almost gave the appearance of a mocha rather than hot cocoa.

Buy it at Amazon $22.56 pack of 32 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $1.79 | Buy it at Target $1.79

No. 45 Marshmallow, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 160 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 34g | Sugar 27g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. Made with real cocoa and real nonfat milk, our cocoa warms and delights with every mug. Whatever you’re warming up to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Made with premium imported cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors.

Our thoughts: If you are going to call yourself Marshmallow Hot Cocoa, show us the marshmallows. Smooth and sweet but sadly, not enough marshmallows to satisfy or enhance the drink.

Buy it at Amazon $13.99 for 18 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $1.79 | Buy it at Target $1.79

No. 44 Organic Dark Hot Chocolate, Equal Exchange

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 150 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 30g | Sugar 21g

First ingredient: Organic cane sugar

Box says: Fairly traded and small farmer grown. Rich and extra decadent. This decadently rich Dark Hot Chocolate is crafted using organic cacao (cocoa beans) grown by farmer co-operatives in Peru, organic sugar cane from small-scale farmers in Paraguay, and ground dark chocolate for extra intensity. To indulge your taste buds, simply prepare with your choice of milk or milk substitute.

Our thoughts: Wow, there’s no doubt this is made with dark chocolate. It has that bitterness that only comes from pure cacao. It has a deep and rich cocoa flavor, but does give the milk a thick texture.

Buy it on Instacart $6.49 | Buy it at Target $6.99

No. 43 Mini Marshmallows Rich Milk Chocolate, Nestle

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $1.25

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Total Fat 1.5g | Carbs 15g | Sugar 12g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Over 100 years of chocolatey memories. Our sustainably-sourced cocoa beans produce a smooth and delicious hot cocoa ready in seconds. We look forward to being your hot cocoa of choice for your family traditions and memories for years to come.

Our thoughts: Another “where’s the marshmallows?” experience. The marshmallows are sweet and add a creaminess to the drink. Without them, this one would be just OK.

Buy it at Amazon $16.80 for 50 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $1.25

No. 42 Mocha and Chocolate, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Mocha and chocolate hot cocoa mix.

Our thoughts: There is more coffee than chocolate in this one. Once mixed, it looks and smells more like a cup of coffee than a mocha. More bitter than sweet, though the texture is creamy like you would expect a mocha to be.

Buy it at Amazon $14.51 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50 | Buy it on Instacart $0.99

No. 41 Mint, NibMor

Where we bought it: Dave’s Markets

Price: $1.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Total Fat 1g | Carbs 27g | Sugar 19g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Organic ethically traded and fair trade certified. Only four ingredients in each serving. Open and add to milk or coconut milk.

Our thoughts: Super mild in the mint flavor department at first sips, though it does creep up as an aftertaste. A bit artificial tasting.

Buy it at Amazon $14.98 pack of 6

No. 40 Milk Chocolate, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 160 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 34g | Sugar 28g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. Made with real cocoa and real nonfat milk, our cocoa warms and delights with every mug. Whatever you’re warming up to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Made with premium imported cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors.

Our thoughts: What you would expect from a cup of hot cocoa -- chocolatey, slightly sweet melted chocolate flavor that makes your feel like a warm hug.

Buy it at Amazon $9.45 for 50 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $1.79 | Buy it at Target $1.79

No. 39 Sea Salt Caramel, Good & Gather

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 25g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Hot cocoa mix with caramel, toffee and sea salt flavors. No artificial flavors or sweeteners. Just add milk.

Our thoughts: This salted caramel brings the salt, but left most of the caramel at home. It will remind you of those hard butterscotch candies your grandmother used to have in her purse.

Buy it at Target $4.99

No. 38 Mocha Hot Cocoa, Ghirardelli

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Total Fat 1g | Carbs 21g | Sugar 17g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: The rich and indulgent flavor of Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Mix blends the highest quality ingredients for a perfectly balanced hot cocoa experience.

Our thoughts: All the richness the Ghirardelli names signifies, with plenty of dark chocolate amid plenty of coffee flavor.

Buy it at Amazon $5.85 | Buy it on Instacart $5.49

No. 37 Double Chocolate, Good & Gather

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 25g | Sugar 21g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Creamy, rich and decadent chocolate flavor. No artificial flavors or sweeteners. Just add milk.

Our thoughts: Super dark and rich, though not as decadent as we expected after reading the box description. It offers somewhat of a creamy texture, though more watery that we would have liked.

Buy it at Target $4.99

No. 36 French Vanilla and Chocolate, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. French vanilla and chocolate hot cocoa mix. Artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: Quite pleasant on many levels -- smooth and creamy and a flavor reminiscent of skiing in the Alps, though the vanilla leaves a strong aftertaste.

Buy it at Amazon $13.04 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50 | Buy it on Instacart $0.99

No. 35 Dash of Salt Organic Drinking Chocolate, Numi

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $9.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 120 | Total Fat 8g | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g

First ingredient: Organic cocoa beans

Box says: Molten drinking chocolate with Himalayan salt 65% dark. Drink as a satisfying afternoon treat, in place of a chocolate bar. Uplift & indulge. Ethically sourced.

Our thoughts: When you open the package, the first thing you will notice are shavings of real dark chocolate, which -- when melted -- bring a creaminess to the concoction. The cocoa adds some pleasant bitterness to the drink. Sadly, we barely noted any of the Himalayan salt promised.

Buy it at Amazon $6.74

No. 34 Hazelnut and Chocolate, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Hazelnut & chocolate hot cocoa mix. Artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: Smooth and creamy, this offered a mild hazelnut flavor on first blush, but got stronger as it sat a while. It blended nicely with the chocolate. Sadly, it did not dissolve as well as the others from this maker.

Buy it at Amazon $13.49 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50 | Buy it on Instacart $0.99

No. 33 Marshmallow Lovers, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $2.19

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 190 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 39g | Sugar 33g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Made with premium imported cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors. A smile in every sip of Swiss Miss. Made with real cocoa and real nonfat milk with a fun twist of added marshmallows, our cocoa warms and delights with every mug. Whatever you’re warming up to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands.

Our thoughts: The first marshmallow hot cocoa mix that lives up to its name. Smooth and creamy, and not too sweet.

Buy it at Amazon $19.99 for 18 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.29 | Buy it at Target $2.19

No. 32 Raspberry and Chocolate, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Raspberry and chocolate hot cocoa mix. Artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: The raspberry aroma is hardly detectable when opened, but the raspberry taste was rich and sweet, though not overpowering. This is a good, creamy cocoa.

Buy it at Amazon $13.89 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50 | Buy it on Instacart $0.99

No. 31 Traditional Hot Chocolate, Lake Champlain Chocolates

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $12.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 1g | Carbs 24g | Sugar 21g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Experience the classic! Behold the irresistibly delicious taste of creamy milk chocolate with just a touch of sweetness. This is hot chocolate the way it’s meant to be – rich, full-bodied, and deeply satisfying. When it comes to your friends and family, quality matters. Treat them to irresistibly delicious hot chocolate crafted from only the best organic and Fair Trade Certified ingredients.

Our thoughts: Holy chocolate! This was almost too rich of a mix! If you love a good old-fashioned cocoa and the strong taste of dark chocolate, you will love this one.

Buy it at Amazon $16.34

No. 30 Hot Cocoa with Mini Marshmallows, Meijer

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.59

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 21g | Sugar 18g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Hot cocoa mix with mini marshmallows.

Our thoughts: Traditional hot cocoa flavor that is creamy and smooth, but could use a lot more marshmallows.

Buy it at Meijer $1.59

No. 29 No Sugar Added Milk Chocolate, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $2.19

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Total Fat 1.5g | Carbs 15g | Sugar 11g

First ingredient: Modified Whey

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. Made with real cocoa and real nonfat milk, our cocoa warms and delights with every mug. Whatever you’re warming up to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Made with premium imported cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors, or colors. No sugar added.

Our thoughts: No sugar added will turn some people off, but if you are looking to cut a few spoonfuls of sugar out of your diet you may want to try this one. It’s a good alternative, though not an amazing hot cocoa. It had a smooth chocolate flavor with just a hint of artificial aftertaste.

Buy it at Amazon $14.06 for 24 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.29

No. 28 Arctic White, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 160 | Total Fat 5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 19g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. White chocolate hot cocoa mix. Naturally and artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: If you’re a white chocolate fan give this a try. The flavor -- and the creaminess -- is very true to those white chocolate bunnies you get in your Easter basket. It’s very fragrant, as well.

Buy it at Amazon $12.73 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50 | Buy it on Instacart $0.99

No. 27 Milk Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows, Beaumont

Where we bought it: Aldi

Price: $1.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 150 | Total Fat 2g | Carbs 34g | Sugar 28g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Milk chocolate flavored hot cocoa with mini marshmallows.

Our thoughts: The “mini” in mini marshmallows doesn’t begin to describe the teeny, tiny marshmallows in these packets -- and there were not nearly enough of them. Still, the chocolate flavor was rich, even though a bit on the sweet side. It was hard to dissolve, leaving the drink with a grainy texture.

No. 26 Chocolate Supreme, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Chocolate Supreme hot cocoa mix.

Our thoughts: If you are dairy-free, this is the richest cocoa mix we tried that suggests using water rather than milk. The rich chocolate taste is smooth and slightly sweet, though sadly didn’t dissolve completely in the hottest of water.

Buy it at Amazon $13.10 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50

No. 25 Lucky Charms Marshmallows, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $2.19

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 180 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 37g | Sugar 31g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: The charms are no secret, it’s quite clear to see; their powers are what create the magicality. They swim in your mug, as awesome as can be. Combined with Swiss Miss Cocoa, filling hearts with glee.

Our thoughts: Your kids will love this cocoa, and so will the kid in you! Featuring the same Lucky Charms marshmallows -- flavors, bright colors and all -- from the cereal, they don’t disappoint. Bonus: the marshmallows come in their own packet for you to add just before drinking so they stay firm and creamy.

Buy it at Amazon $27.65 for 48 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.29 | Buy it at Target $2.19

No. 24 Traditional Drinking Chocolate, NibMor

Where we bought it: Dave’s Markets

Price: $1.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Total Fat 1g | Carbs 27g | Sugar 19g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Organic ethically traded and fair trade certified. Only four ingredients in each serving. Open and add to milk or coconut milk.

Our thoughts: The best of both worlds: This cocoa starts out with a rich, sweet milk chocolate flavor, but ends with the satisfying dark chocolate bitterness in a slight aftertaste.

Buy it at Amazon $12.25 pack of 6

No. 23 Organic Spicy Cocoa, Equal Exchange

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 130 | Total Fat 1g | Carbs 30g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Organic cane sugar

Box says: Fairly traded and small farmer grown. Spicy cocoa with chili and cinnamon. This is cocoa with a kick! Our fairly traded spicy hot cocoa is crafted using organic cacao (cocoa beans) grown by the farmers of CONACADO co-operatives in the Dominican Republic and organic sugar cane from small-scale farmers in Paraguay. Simply mix with hot milk to experience the ancient tradition of a deliciously spicy cocoa drink.

Our thoughts: Truth in advertising, this mix has all the flavors of the hot cocoa you get in Mexico. You can smell the spices as soon as you open the can. There is a rich cinnamon flavor coupled with the chocolate.

Buy it at Amazon $14.25 | Buy it on Instacart $6.49

No. 22 Chocolate, Nesquik

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Total Fat 0g | Carbs 14g | Sugar 12g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Classic taste is back. No high fructose corn syrup. No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

Our thoughts: This is the hot chocolate we all grew up with. Not as creamy, smooth and delicious as we remembered but makes a great cup of nostalgia. Like the package says, classic.

Buy it at Amazon $4.28 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $3.99 | Buy it on Instacart $5.59 | Buy it at Target $4.49

No. 21 Chocolate Moo-usse, Sillycow

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $5.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 85 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 22g | Sugar 20g

First ingredient: Natural cane sugar

Box says: Uniquely Vermont, naturally. Silliness by nature.

Our thoughts: If you are looking for a nice, silky smooth basic cup of cocoa, this one has your name written all over it. Not overly sweet or chocolatey -- just a good balance of great taste.

Buy it at Amazon $18.51 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $5.99

No. 20 Peppermint, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 160 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 34g | Sugar 27g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: A smile in every sip of Swiss Miss. Made with real cocoa and real nonfat milk with a fun twist of added marshmallows, our cocoa warms and delights with every mug. Whatever you’re warming you to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Made with premium imported cocoa peppermint flavored with other natural flavors. Peppermint with peppermint flavored marshmallows. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives and flavors.

Our thoughts: The peppermint smell hits you as soon as you open the packet, though, sadly, all of the mint flavor is in those tiny pink and white mini marshmallows. Once those are gone, so is the peppermint goodness. Luckily they don’t melt right away.

Buy it at Target $13.99 for 22 K cups

No. 19 Chocolate-Chocolate, Sillycow

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $5.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 22g | Sugar 20g

First ingredient: Natural cane sugar

Box says: Uniquely Vermont, naturally. Silliness by nature.

Our thoughts: A good basic cocoa -- it is smooth and chocolatey with a nice balanced flavor.

Buy it at Giant Eagle $5.99

No. 18 Simply Cocoa Milk Chocolate, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $1.15

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 0g | Carbs 22g | Sugar 20g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. Our simply cocoa mix is made with five simple ingredients, including delicious silky-smooth cocoa, to warm and delight you with every mug. Whatever you’re warming up to, know that you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Make with hot milk.

Our thoughts: This one smells more like baking cocoa, with a definite dark chocolate flavor. Mild, slightly sweet and chocolatey.

No. 17 S’mores, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. S’mores and chocolate hot cocoa mix. Naturally and artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: Just a hint of toasted marshmallow flavor with graham cracker undertones and mild chocolate. Just what you want to sip by the fire.

Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50

No. 16 Hot Cocoa Double Chocolate, Starbucks

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Total Fat 3g | Carbs 22g | Sugar 17g

First ingredient: Cane sugar

Box says: Have some chocolate with your chocolate. We mixed delicious cocoa with dark chocolate pieces that melt right in your cup.

Our thoughts: Super rich dark chocolate is the hallmark of this hot cocoa mix. Creamy, with just a touch of the bitterness that comes with a highly concentrated cocoa.

Buy it at Giant Eagle $6.99 | Buy it at Target $6.99

No. 15 Cinnamon and Chocolate, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Cinnamon and chocolate hot cocoa mix.

Our thoughts: You’ll know there is real cinnamon in the packet as soon as you tear it open because the aroma hits you right away. The spice is also a bit stronger than the chocolate, but it is still a satisfying, tasty cup. Our only problem was the cinnamon did not dissolve in the hot water, leaving the cocoa with a slightly grainy texture.

Buy it at Amazon $14.56 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50 | Buy it on Instacart $0.99

No. 14 Hot Cocoa with Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Ghirardelli

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Total Fat 2g | Carbs 23g | Sugar 19g

First Ingredient: Sugar

Box says: With semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir up some instant decadence with this velvety-smooth hot cocoa and savor the rich chocolate taste you expect from Ghirardelli. This harmonious blend brings together quality ingredients, including premium cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Our thoughts: We weren’t expecting to find real chocolate chips in the mix, but it’s sprinkled with tiny chips throughout. They melt nicely in the hot liquid to produce a very rich, smooth, chocolatey and creamy cup of cocoa.

No. 13 Rich Chocolate, Swiss Miss

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 160 | Total Fat 2g | Carbs 33g | Sugar 25g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Embrace every sip of Swiss Miss. Crafted with real cocoa and real nonfat milk, every mug of our indulgent collections gives you a moment to relax. Seize the moment you’ve been craving – you’ve got everything you need in the palms of your hands. Made with premium imported cocoa. No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors.

Our thoughts: The best of the Swiss Miss line, this mix produces a smooth, rich, chocolatey cup of cocoa that is very satisfying.

Buy it at Giant Eagle $1.79

No. 12 Caramel and Chocolate, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Caramel and chocolate hot cocoa mix. Artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: Even though it is mixed with water, this is one of the creamiest caramel cocoas we found. The chocolate-to-caramel ratio is perfectly balanced and you don’t miss out on either of the flavors.

Buy it at Amazon $14.09 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50

No. 11 Peppermint Chocolate, York

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.29

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Total Fat 1.5g | Carbs 19g | Sugar 17g

First Ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Made with real milk. Peppermint chocolate flavor hot cocoa mix. Add some delight to your day with the refreshing, uplifting flavor of York peppermint. This is hot cocoa like you’ve never experienced it before – rich, smooth and packed with peppermint personality.

Our thoughts: When you take a whiff of this cocoa, you get the sensation of unwrapping a York Peppermint Patty. The taste doesn’t disappoint: The minty flavor lingers, in a good way. The chocolate is just dark enough to satisfy.

Buy it at Amazon $13.66 for 12 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.69

No. 10 Touch of Chili Organic Drinking Chocolate, Numi

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $9.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 120 | Total Fat 8g | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g

First ingredient: Organic cocoa beans

Box says: Molten drinking chocolate with cayenne 65% dark. Drink as a satisfying afternoon treat, in place of a chocolate bar. Get fired up. Ethically sourced.

Our thoughts: This cup of cocoa is what you’d be served in South America. Rich, deep dark chocolate with a kick. There is plenty of lingering heat in this one that makes it a unique cocoa.

Buy it at Amazon $6.74

No. 9 Organic Hot Cocoa, Equal Exchange

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 130 | Total Fat 1g | Carbs 27g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Organic cane sugar

Box says: Made with nonfat milk. The best ingredients are grown by small farmers. This rich, chocolatey hot cocoa is crafted using organic cacao (cocoa beans) grown by the farmers of CONACADO co-operative in the Dominican Republic, organic sugar cane from small-scale farmers in Paraguay, and organic milk powder from Organic Valley dairy co-op in the U.S. It’s a fairly traded treat that’s easy to make – and easy to love.

Our thoughts: The addition of nonfat milk in this mix creates a thicker drink texture that allows the cocoa and cane sugar to shine. There is plenty to like in this not-too-sweet cocoa.

Buy it at Amazon $25.14 pack of 3 | Buy it on Instacart $6.49 | Buy it at Target $6.99

No. 8 Milk Chocolate, Hershey’s

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.29

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Total Fat 1.5g | Carbs 19g | Sugar 17g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Milk chocolate flavored, made with real milk. If happiness came in a mug, it would taste like this. Rich, smooth, and oh-so satisfying. From the classic brand you know and love, it’s pure cocoa pleasure.

Our thoughts: Hershey chocolate lovers will find plenty to love in this hot cocoa mix. It’s a lot like drinking one of their melted chocolate bars: rich and chocolatey. Tastes more candy than hot cocoa, but delicious nonetheless.

Buy it at Amazon $21.54 for 36 packets | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.69 | Buy it on Instacart $3.99 | Buy it at Target $2.99

No. 7 Salted Caramel, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Salted caramel and chocolate hot cocoa mix. Naturally and artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: Definitely the most tasty salted caramel cocoa we tasted -- even the ones made with milk. A rich caramel flavor base and just enough salt to put your taste buds on notice. Land O’Lakes nailed the formula on salted caramel instant hot cocoa.

Buy it at Amazon $9.50 pack of 6 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50

No. 6 Chocolate Truffle, Sillycow

Where we bought it: Dave’s Markets

Price: $8.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 23g

First ingredient: Natural cane sugar

Box says: Silliness by nature.

Our thoughts: When reviewing our notes from the tastings, both of us wrote “YUM!” Smooth and creamy and chocolatey, with just enough sweetness to make this a cup of cocoa adults and kids will all enjoy.

Buy it at Amazon $12.08

No. 5 Hot Cocoa Classic, Starbucks

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 22g | Sugar 17g

First ingredient: Cane sugar

Box says: Smooth, velvety cocoa with rich chocolate notes. Made with ethically sourced cocoa. Sip in the moment with a mug of hot cocoa happiness – creamy-smooth, chocolatey-rich and totally satisfying.

Our thoughts: We had to remind ourselves we were drinking hot cocoa from a powdered mix. This tasted just like the steamed milk and chocolate the barista makes inside Starbucks. Very creamy. Very chocolatey. This might be worth making a special trip to Starbucks, but then why, when you can get it from the supermarket.

Buy it at Amazon $24.95 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $6.99

No. 4 Double Chocolate, Ghirardelli

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Total Fat 1g | Carbs 22g | Sugar 19g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: The rich and indulgent flavor of Ghirardelli premium hot cocoa mix blends just the right amount of sugar, vanilla and high-quality chocolate for a perfectly balanced hot cocoa experience.

Our thoughts: Ghirardelli has managed to put one of their double chocolate truffles in a cup of hot cocoa. Its rich velvety chocolate is smooth and perfectly balanced between richness and sweetness.

Buy it at Amazon $4.59 | Buy it at Target $0.99 individual packet

No. 3 Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl, Sillycow

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $5.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Total Fat 0.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 23g

First Ingredient: Natural cane sugar

Box says: Uniquely Vermont, naturally. Silliness by nature.

Our thoughts: The marshmallow swirl definitely adds a smoothness and a richness to this chocolate, even though there is no visible marshmallow in the mix. This one offers a good balance of flavors. Save this bottle for the adults to enjoy a nice cup of “fancy” cocoa.

Buy it at Giant Eagle $5.99

No. 2 Mint and Chocolate, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Mint and chocolate hot cocoa mix. Naturally and artificially flavored.

Our thoughts: You can’t smell the mint until you pour hot water over the mix, only to have the minty goodness kick into overdrive and fill your kitchen. Nailed it on the mint/chocolate combo flavor. Perfect for a Christmas Eve treat!

Buy it at Amazon $14.99 pack of 12 | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50 | Buy it on Instacart $0.99

No. 1 Snickerdoodle, Land O’Lakes

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $0.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 140 | Total Fat 2.5g | Carbs 26g | Sugar 24g

First ingredient: Sugar

Box says: Where simple goodness begins. Chocolate hot cocoa mix, snickerdoodle flavor. Natural and artificial.

Our thoughts: All the taste of a snickerdoodle cookie without hours of mixing and baking. Delicious! Smells just like fresh-baked snickerdoodle cookies. Keep a pack of this in your purse, car, or desk drawer because you will never know when the craving will hit. Since it is made with water, you can have it anywhere....and it’s worth it.

Buy it at Amazon $24.99 for 14.8 oz. canister | Buy it at Giant Eagle $0.50

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