We looked at the Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa as a way to make a great cup of chocolate at home: flavor, richness and body, how easy it is to make, and value per cup.
What we like
- Rich milk-chocolate flavor
- Not overly sweet
- Easy to find
Watch out for
- Pricier than basic mixes
- Thinner if made with water
Key facts
| Typical price | $15 |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 packets (also sold in canisters) |
| Cost per unit | about $1.50 per packet |
| Type | Hot cocoa mix |
| Style | Milk chocolate |
| Make with | With milk |
Checked Oct 9, 2026 on the official site. Prices and terms change: confirm before you buy.
Recipes to try with it
Hot · MintPeppermint Hot Chocolate
435 cal 5 min
Hot · CaramelSalted Caramel Hot Chocolate
525 cal 5 min
Hot · ClassicHomemade Hot Chocolate (From Cocoa Powder)
290 cal 5 min
How it tastes
Tastes like a melted milk chocolate bar: sweet but balanced, with a hint of vanilla. A reliable premium supermarket pick.
How to make it best
Make it with whole milk rather than water for the creamiest cup, and whisk well. To make it richer, stir in ½ oz chopped dark chocolate; to cut the sweetness, add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa.
Price and value
About $15.00 for 10 packets (also sold in canisters) (about $1.50 per packet) when we checked in October 2026. Prices vary by store and season: winter sales are common.
Who should buy it
Best for: a balanced, crowd-pleasing milk-chocolate cup. The catch: pricier than basic mixes.
Our verdict
A great pick for: a balanced, crowd-pleasing milk-chocolate cup. The catch: pricier than basic mixes.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa with milk or water?
Milk makes it creamier and richer; this one is designed to be made with milk.
Tried Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa?
Reader notes
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Alternatives to Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Velvety and deeply chocolatey without being too sweet: the mix that tastes closest to melted dark chocolate. It’s pricey and often sells out in winter.
- Type
- Hot cocoa mix
- Size
- 14.5 oz tin
- Cost
- about $1.30 per oz
- Make with
- With milk
Semisweet and refined rather than sugary, with a slight mocha character and a smooth mouthfeel.
- Type
- Hot cocoa mix
- Size
- 6 packets
- Cost
- about $1 per packet
- Make with
- With milk
A cleaner-label version of the classic with no artificial preservatives. Silky flavor, though a bit thin.
- Type
- Hot cocoa mix
- Size
- 8 packets
- Cost
- about 50¢ per packet
- Make with
- With milk
The mix behind the New York café’s signature frozen drink. Intense dark chocolate with a light espresso-like finish.
- Type
- Frozen hot chocolate mix
- Size
- 1 canister
- Cost
- varies
- Make with
- Blend with milk and ice