We looked at the Starbucks 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
- Smooth and not too sweet
- Good value for the quality
Watch out for
- Could be more aromatic
- Availability varies by store
Key facts
| Typical price | $6 |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 packets |
| Cost per unit | about $1 per packet |
| Type | Hot cocoa mix |
| Style | Semisweet |
| 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
Semisweet and refined rather than sugary, with a slight mocha character and a smooth mouthfeel.
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 $6.00 for 6 packets (about $1 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 semisweet, mocha-leaning cup for coffee lovers. The catch: could be more aromatic.
Our verdict
A great pick for: a semisweet, mocha-leaning cup for coffee lovers. The catch: could be more aromatic.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa with milk or water?
Milk makes it creamier and richer; this one is designed to be made with milk.
Tried Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa?
Reader notes
Tried Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa? How does it taste, and what do you make with it? The first good one goes right here.
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Alternatives to Starbucks 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
A top pick in America’s Test Kitchen’s cocoa tasting for complex, layered chocolate flavor. Comes in natural and Dutch-process versions.
- Type
- Cocoa powder
- Size
- 8 oz
- Cost
- about $1 per oz
- Make with
- Make from scratch
Tastes like a melted milk chocolate bar: sweet but balanced, with a hint of vanilla. A reliable premium supermarket pick.
- Type
- Hot cocoa mix
- Size
- 10 packets (also sold in canisters)
- Cost
- about $1.50 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