Hot chocolate, the ultimate winter comfort drink, brings warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia all in one cup. From childhood snow days to cozy winter evenings, a steamy cup of hot chocolate has a special place in many hearts.
According to a 2022 YouGov poll, Americans declared hot chocolate as their favorite holiday drink, beating out other seasonal classics like eggnog and apple cider.
But not all hot chocolate is made equal, and with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide where to go for the best cup.
To help you navigate, we embarked on a taste test of hot chocolate from five major fast-food chains: Starbucks, Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, and Pret A Manger. The goal? To find the most indulgent and satisfying hot cocoa of them all.
Here’s how each cup fared, ranked from least favorite to our top pick.
Best Hot Chocolate: 5 Chains Reviewed
5. Pret A Manger
Nutrition (Per Small Serving):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbs: 29 g
- Sugar: 26 g
- Protein: 13 g
Price: $5
Pret A Manger is known for its fresh and healthy meals, but its hot chocolate didn’t live up to the brand’s usually high standards.
While Pret excels at sandwiches and salads, this drink was watery and lacked the rich, chocolaty flavor one hopes for. The light tan hue and chunks of dark chocolate floating in the drink were not very promising.
The Taste: The flavor was bland and left an unpleasant bitter aftertaste. It felt like it was missing both sweetness and richness. The steamed milk was present, but it didn’t elevate the drink.
The hot chocolate needs more cocoa, more sugar, or a better balance of ingredients to compete with the more indulgent cups from other chains.
4. McDonald’s McCafé Hot Chocolate
Nutrition (Per 1 Small Serving):
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbs: 51 g
- Sugar: 45 g
- Protein: 11 g
Price: $3.59
McDonald’s offers a wide array of hot drinks, and while its McCafé Hot Chocolate didn’t completely fail, it didn’t taste like traditional hot cocoa either. The appearance was pale, which immediately raised concerns, and the taste confirmed them.
The Taste: Surprisingly, McDonald’s hot chocolate tasted like a liquefied version of its chocolate soft serve. It was sweet, creamy, and nostalgic, but it lacked the rich, deep cocoa flavor that makes hot chocolate a classic.
It was a bit too sweet for those looking for a more traditional, chocolate-forward flavor. If you’re a fan of McDonald’s ice cream and don’t mind the sweetness, this might be up your alley, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark for authentic hot cocoa lovers.
3. Krispy Kreme Hot Chocolate
Nutrition (Per Small Serving):
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbs: 63 g
- Sugar: 39 g
- Protein: 15 g
Price: $2.99
Krispy Kreme, famous for its doughnuts, also offers a solid hot chocolate. For only $2.99, the Krispy Kreme hot cocoa stands out with its rich, velvety texture and deep cocoa flavor.
The Taste: This drink is made with Ghirardelli cocoa, and the premium chocolate shines through. It’s a thicker, more indulgent hot chocolate than some of the others on this list, with a rich and slightly bitter taste that balances the sweetness.
While it’s on the heavier side and might not be for everyone, those looking for a decadent treat will love Krispy Kreme’s take on this winter beverage.
2. Starbucks Hot Chocolate
Nutrition (Per 8-oz. Serving):
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbs: 21 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Protein: 6 g
Price: $4.65
Starbucks is known for its customizable drinks, and its hot chocolate is no exception. Made with steamed milk and chocolate syrup, this hot cocoa is a balanced option for those who don’t want something too rich or too sweet.
The Taste: The Starbucks hot chocolate offers a solid middle ground. It has a slightly bitter, dark chocolate note, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s warm and comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness.
If you want to personalize your hot chocolate, Starbucks is the place to go. You can choose from different types of milk, add extra chocolate syrup, or even top it with whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
1. Dunkin’ Hot Chocolate (Winner)
Nutrition (Per Small Serving):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Sugar: 32 g
- Protein: 2 g
Price: $4.73
Dunkin’ takes the crown with its traditional hot chocolate that perfectly balances sweetness and rich cocoa flavor. Its nostalgic taste reminds you of childhood snow days and cozy winter evenings by the fire.
The Taste: Dunkin’s hot chocolate is everything a classic cup of cocoa should be: creamy, chocolatey, and comforting. It’s sweet without being overpowering and has a rich, velvety texture that leaves you craving more.
It’s a perfect blend of flavors, and the addition of marshmallow-like undertones gives it a nice nostalgic twist. Dunkin’ wins this taste test because it delivers a flavorful and indulgent hot chocolate experience that feels just right, without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
Why Dunkin’ Wins
What sets Dunkin’s hot chocolate apart is its ability to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. While other chains either overcomplicate their drinks or fall short in flavor, Dunkin’ hits the mark with a straightforward but satisfying cup.
Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a cozy treat, Dunkin’ offers an affordable, delicious option that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Conclusion:
Dunkin’s hot chocolate takes the top spot for its perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and creamy sweetness, offering a nostalgic, comforting experience. While other chains like Starbucks and Krispy Kreme also deliver strong options, Dunkin’ excels with its classic, well-rounded taste.
Whether you’re seeking a simple, traditional hot chocolate or a quick, satisfying treat on the go, Dunkin’ proves to be the ultimate choice for hot cocoa lovers this winter season.
