About this deal
The products were tested in September 2022 by a large panel of consumers who regularly buy and consume hot chocolate. The make-up of the panel broadly represents the demographic profile of adults in the UK. Rich, smooth and utterly delectable, Clipper’s seriously velvety instant hot chocolate comes from the world’s largest Fairtrade tea brand, made by people who’ve been caring for people and planet since 1994. That’s why it uses only the finest ethically sourced Fairtrade cocoa and sugar to give farmers a fair deal while bringing you a spot of luxury.
This 70% cocoa Fairtrade hot chocolate made a great first impression on our tasters with its punchy chocolatey smell. This also came through in the taste, though almost half of them found the chocolate flavour too strong and not sweet enough. Clipper products are made with pure natural ingredients. We use only the highest-quality sources, add nothing artificial - no wonder they taste so good! Nothing beats cosying up under a blanket with a steaming mug of hot chocolate when the weather outside is freezing. Surprisingly, from a chocolate brand that has 53% cocoa solids and describes itself as 'THE chocolate drink', more than half the panel said the chocolate flavour was too weak. Although it didn't quite hit the heights of M&S, our tasters found plenty to like, with most rating the sweetness and creaminess as just right.
Twinings was our panel’s favourite powdered hot chocolate. The majority thought the chocolate flavour was spot on, with a lovely creamy texture and appetising deep brown colour. If an evening hot chocolate is more of a regular habit than a festive treat, powdered hot chocolate is typically cheaper and simpler to whip up. Our panel rated M&S 55% cocoa Belgian hot chocolate head and shoulders above the rest when it came to both texture and taste – it was deliciously creamy with just the right level of sweetness and a rich chocolatey flavour. Of all the solid hot chocolates we tested, this one contains the least calories, fat and sugar, so it's a good option if you're wanting to curb the Christmas excess.
The panelists rated the taste, mouthfeel, aroma and appearance of each product, and told us what they liked and disliked about each one. Asda Extra Special Fairtrade Indulgent Drinking Chocolate – 63%. Texture, specifically creaminess, was again the major issue for our panel. Though some tasters said they would prefer a sweeter and more chocolatey flavour, it's not bad if you're after the very cheapest. 92p per 100g. Available from Asda . Sloane's offering is certified vegan and gluten-free, so it could be a good choice if you don't want guests with dietary requirements to miss out on the fun. Tasters were less impressed with the other hot-chocolate powders we tested. Asda's version is the cheapest, but also came last overall.There were other issues, too – as well as an underwhelming appearance and aroma, the majority of the panel found this drink wasn't sweet or creamy enough for their taste.
Clipper products are made with pure ingredients and a clear conscience. We use only the highest-quality sources, add nothing artificial and strive to improve the welfare of the workers. No wonder Clipper tastes so good Our panel found huge differences between the best and worst, and M&S impressed us by beating the fancy chocolate brands to the top spot with it's more affordable yet delicious offering. Best Buy and Great Value: M&S Belgian Chocolate Flakes - 75%Clipper products are made with pure natural ingredients. We use only the highest-quality sources, add nothing artificial. No wonder they taste so good. This unique mix by NOMU is sugar-free, low-GI, and suitable for those on a keto diet, as it only contains20 calories per serving. It’s also super concentrated - only one spoonful of powder is needed to make yourself a tasty drink! Tips for living well - get the latest taste tests, food and health advice and insights straight to your inbox with our free monthly food & health newsletter.
Natural, fair and delicious: each divine hit of Clipper Fairtrade Hot Chocolate comes in a compact space saving 28g sachet, perfect for popping on your hotel, guesthouse, B&B or self-catering property welcome tray. We ran two hot-chocolate tests: one on hot chocolates made of solid chocolate flakes, such as Hotel Chocolat, Charbonnel & Walker and Cupsmith; and another of premium hot-chocolate powders, including brands such as Twinings and Lindt, as well as supermarket rivals.
Kokoa Collection's chocolate, which is suitable for vegans, contains the most sugar of all the solid hot chocolates in our test. Play around with toppings and flavours. Adding ginger or mint syrup will make your hot chocolate feel festive, as will garnishing with marshmallows, whipped cream or extra chocolate shavings on top. You can also sprinkle chocolate powder – or spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon – on top for a warming edge. Making the world a fairer place sip by sip. We have been working with Fairtrade since 1994 and today we are very proud to be the world’s largest Fairtrade tea brand.