Not much can beat a hot chocolate as the seasons change, but which ranks best?
A hot chocolate is the ultimate cosy drink for me, and I decided to see what the high street has to offer, trying and comparing the beverage from Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Greggs, Caffè Nero and Hotel Chocolat.
While you might think a hot chocolate is the same anywhere you go, I was surprised to see just how much they vary from place to place.
While some were great options, there are some coffee shop chains I won’t be revisiting when I’m in need of a hot chocolate this autumn and winter.
I tried hot chocolates at Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Greggs, Caffè Nero and Hotel Chocolat
I tried all hot chocolates once, so my honest opinion is based on the drinks I was served on the day.
Here are my thoughts on each of the hot chocolates – see if you agree.
Costa Coffee
Price: £4.05 for a smallRating: 9/10
Costa Coffee offers a small hot chocolate for £4.05 (Image: Newsquest)
Costa Coffee is one of the many coffee shop chains that releases several versions of its hot chocolate to celebrate the change of seasons, but for full transparency and easy taste testing, I picked up the classic version.
A hot chocolate from this chain is exactly what I was looking for - a tasty drink with plenty of chocolatey taste to it, which surprisingly proved somewhat tricky to find.
It won’t be my last of the year from here, and I’m looking forward to tucking into its Christmas menu again.
While it’s a great choice, you’ll notice it dropped a point – here’s why.
I found the Costa Coffee hot chocolate to be slightly drying, making me thirsty after finishing it, so that’s where it drops its final point.
Caffè Nero
Price: £4.15Rating: 6/10
I'd happily drink Caffè Nero's hot chocolate again (Image: Newsquest)
Topped with plenty of foam, the hot chocolate from Caffè Nero was an interesting one.
I found it was less chocolatey and not as velvety as others I’ve tried.
However, I would happily drink it again if I were to be nearby and craving a hot drink.
Hotel Chocolat
Price: £4.60 (total after 20% discount)Rating: 7.5/10
Hotel Chocolat offers a decent regular hot chocolate (Image: Newsquest)
I’m lucky enough to live a few minutes’ drive from a Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Cafe and shop, so I knew I had to include this in the round-up.
If you’re looking for quality and velvety goodness, Hotel Chocolat is the place to go.
However, I really thought this hot chocolate would top the other high street options, and it didn’t.
While the regular flavour made for a tasty, rich hot chocolate, it was a bit too dark for me, so I’d perhaps have to choose the milky version next time.
The cafe offers some major plus points too – you can choose from a variety of flavours, and I could’ve easily indulged in many but needed to get the standard to compare fairly.
You can definitely taste the quality in this cuppa, and if you’re a member (it’s free to sign up) you get 20% off all drinks in-store!
Greggs
Price: £2.30Rating: 1/10
I wasn't a fan of Greggs' hot chocolate (Image: Newsquest)
I was really disappointed with the Greggs hot chocolate as it lacked any real flavour - there was more flavour coming from the paper takeaway cup than the drink itself.
It’s a cheaper option, and unfortunately I can see why.
Obviously, having only had one to taste test, it could be better if I were to try it again, but on first impressions, it didn’t impress, and I’d be reluctant to spend money on another since there are usually plenty of other options available.
Starbucks
Price: £4.10Rating: 7/10
Which high street hot chocolate is your favourite? (Image: Newsquest)
Starbucks’ hot chocolate had a thicker foam at the top compared to the Caffè Nero version and was fairly chocolatey but not quite as big on flavour as Costa Coffee’s.
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I wouldn’t say it was velvety, and it tasted quite basic, but I think it’s a solid enough choice for a hot chocolate when out and about.
To conclude, Costa Coffee's hot chocolate was the best, followed by Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, Caffe Nero and Greggs.
Where do you think you can get the best hot chocolate on the high street? Let us know in the comments below.