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The best cocoa powder for hot chocolate

By Chocolate Drink Recipes editors · Updated · How we test

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Cocoa powder is the backbone of homemade hot chocolate. Higher-fat cocoas give a fuller, rounder cup; Dutch-process cocoa is darker and smoother.

The full list

1

Best overall

Ghirardelli 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for the best all-purpose cocoa for scratch hot chocolate

Deep, complex flavor; a test-kitchen favorite; natural or Dutched.

Type
Cocoa powder
Size
8 oz
Cost
about $1 per oz
Make with
Make from scratch
From $8Check price Full review
2

Best Dutch-process

Guittard Cocoa Rouge (Dutch-Process)

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.3 · Best for dark, smooth, reddish Dutch-process cocoa for rich drinking chocolate

Dark, smooth and full-bodied.

Type
Cocoa powder
Size
8 oz
Cost
about $1.60 per oz
Make with
Make from scratch
From $13Check price Full review
4

Best for Mexican hot chocolate

Nestlé Abuelita Mexican Chocolate Tablets

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.3 · Best for mexican hot chocolate and champurrado

Cinnamon-spiced tablets for whisking into milk.

Type
Mexican chocolate
Size
6 tablets (about 19 oz)
Cost
about 25¢ per oz
Make with
Melt into hot milk
From $5Check price Full review

Compared at a glance

CocoaOur ratingAboutTypeSizeStyle
Ghirardelli 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 4.4/5$8Cocoa powder8 ozNatural (Dutch version also available)
Guittard Cocoa Rouge (Dutch-Process) 4.3/5$13Cocoa powder8 ozDutch-process
Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened Cocoa 4.0/5$4.50Cocoa powder8 ozNatural
Nestlé Abuelita Mexican Chocolate Tablets 4.3/5$5Mexican chocolate6 tablets (about 19 oz)Cinnamon-spiced

Checked Oct 10, 2026. Details change: confirm on the provider’s site.

Natural vs Dutch-process

Natural cocoa is acidic, lighter in color and fruity-sharp. Dutch-process is treated with an alkali to neutralize acidity: it’s darker, smoother and mellower, usually the better pick for drinks. Full guide.

What to look for

  • Fat content: higher-fat cocoa (about 1 g per 5 g serving or more on the label) tastes richer.
  • “Unsweetened” and 100% cocoa: no sugar or milk powder.
  • Freshness: cocoa keeps for about 2 years sealed; store it airtight away from heat.

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