They’re both delicious, but are they the same drink?
When the weather gets cold and dreary, I switch fromiced coffeesand teas to hot, sweet drinks.
A warm mug of hot chocolate topped with a lid of meltingmarshmallowsis my favorite way to cozy up.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Or is it hot cocoa?
The two drinks are decidedly different, even if we often use the two words interchangeably.
So what is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa, and when does it matter?
What Is Hot Chocolate?
Made from melting whole chocolate into milk or cream, hot chocolate is an ultra-decadent drink.
It is also sometime called drinking chocolate.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
What Is Hot Cocoa?
Popular premade mixes sold in tins or individual packets make hot cocoa an easy and accessible treat.
The powdered mixture typically contains cocoa, sugar, powdered milk, and flavoring.
Dump the contents into a mug with heated milk or water, and enjoy.
Topped with mini marshmallows or whipped cream, it is the perfect wintery treat.
What’s the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?
Since hot chocolate is made with whole chocolate, it has a thicker and richer consistency than hot cocoa.
Hot chocolate is often less sweet than hot cocoa since the drink typically has no added sugar.
