14 Best Hot Chocolate K-Cups To Try Today

There is nothing like sipping a hot chocolate at the end of a chilly day. However, heating and whisking some on the stove takes time and energy that I don’t always have.

With my fancy new Keurig brewer now taking pride of place in my kitchen, it got me thinking of what the best hot chocolate K-Cups are.

Brew yourself a hot cocoa K-Cup as I break down the best Keurig hot chocolate options I have tried so far.

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The 14 Best Hot Chocolate K-Cups For Delicious Flavor

1. Swiss Miss Milk

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I got more than a little excited when I saw Swiss Miss had made their own Swiss Miss hot chocolate K-Cups.

Swiss Miss has always been the go-to single-cup hot chocolate. This milk chocolate hot cocoa was a staple of so many childhoods and brings back such nostalgia with every cup.

It is super smooth and creamy with a light flavor, and I love that you can bulk order for family gatherings.

I will say that this affordable hot chocolate is not quite as good as the powder packets as it is a little weaker but still great.

If you are looking for a nostalgia hit year-round, Swiss Miss hot cocoa may be right for you.

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2. Starbucks Hot Cocoa

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Starbucks’ Keurig K-Cup packs are one of the most popular hot chocolate options.

I was a Starbucks hot chocolate fiend as a teenager and would always go ham when adding their cinnamon and cocoa powder.

This smooth and tasty mix is exactly like their coffee shop version and is a great option for those wanting a premium cocoa experience.

It mixes well and dispensed quickly, even on the 8 fl oz setting.

However, premium brands and ingredients mean premium prices - this mix is one of the more expensive ones on this list.

Still, this delicious drink is an excellent choice for Starbucks fans who don't mind indulging.

Related Article - Best Starbucks K-Cups

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3. Dunkin Donuts

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I have waxed poetic about my love for Dunkin multiple times here at Barista HQ, so you can imagine my excitement when I added a pack of their hot chocolate K-Cups to my basket.

This hot chocolate was rich and creamy with a smooth texture, all with kosher ingredients. Of course, Dunkin's choice to use recyclable pods gets a big plus from me as well.

That being said, a premium price tag is attached to these hot chocolate K-Cups. 

In fact, Dunkin’s ones are the second most expensive ones on this list.

They also contain dairy and nondairy elements, which is important to bear in mind if you are lactose intolerant.

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4. Mountain High Foods All Natural

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Recently, I have been trying to increase how much organic and natural food and drink I have each day.

So naturally, I was delighted to see an organic option in the hot chocolate K-Cups section.

Mountain High's milk chocolate has a creamy and rich flavor without the coconut oil, which is refreshing, and uses recyclable and BPA-free K-Cup pods.

I did find that this mix can clump, but giving the chocolate K-Cups a shake before inserting them seemed to do the trick (when I remember to do it).

This mix is also weak if you go over 6 fl oz, so you may need to double up.

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5. Crazy Cups Seasonal Premium

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If you are someone who loves variety or needs a novelty gift, Crazy Cups' K-Cup brewers variety pack is the perfect way to shake up your day.

I love the eclectic mix of flavors this pack comes with, including Salted Caramel Fudge, Red Velvet Revolution, Frosted Oatmeal Biscotti, and Peppermint Patty. 

Each K-Cup has 15 grams of quality cocoa and plenty of flavors packed in.

That being said, this pack is on the pricier side.

Not only that, but not all flavors are equal; some are weaker or less rich than others.

Overall, Crazy Cups’ hot chocolate K-Cups would make a great gift for anyone who would prefer different unique hot chocolate flavors than sticking to just one cup of hot chocolate.

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6. Grove Square

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Grove Square hot chocolate K-Cups are another affordable and creamy addition to this list.

Premium cocoa and added dried milk combine to make a smooth-tasting milk chocolate hot cocoa.

I loved its mellow flavor and low calories - all taste, no guilt. Plus, this pack is certified kosher for any Jewish guests, which is perfect for my friendship group.

That being said, this Grove Square hot cocoa mix is another one that is on the thin side when set to over 6 fl oz - you may want to double up on pods if big mugs are your thing.

Related Article - Best Keurig Coffee Maker

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7. Brooklyn Beans Mexican Hot Chocolate

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I love a spicy cup of hot cocoa on a cold day. I tried spiced hot chocolate for the first time while visiting Mexico and have been hooked ever since.

Brooklyn Beans’ hot chocolate K-Cups were a delight to have.

Premium cocoa beans and an intoxicating mix of cinnamon, chilies, and other spices blend well into a rich and flavorful cup of hot chocolate.

This mix is also gluten, peanut, and tree nut free, making it a great option for those on a gluten-free diet.

This was one of the best-tasting hot chocolate K-Cups I have tried so far.

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8. Victor Allen

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Victor Allen's hot chocolate K-Cups are a kosher and more affordable way to get a creamy chocolatey treat anytime.

I liked how mild this milk chocolate flavor was and that it is gluten-free, so I can still give some to my loved ones.

However, this is another case where going over a small cup means either getting watery or thin hot chocolate or doubling up for a rich and creamy large cup.

Overall, I love that this is an affordable gluten-free cocoa that is also kosher, but I wish you did not have to double up for larger servings.

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9. Junior Mints

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Anyone who knows me knows just how much of a mint chocolate fiend I am. So, you can imagine how excited I was to try Junior Mints hot chocolate.

I love how the dark chocolate flavor balances with the burst of refreshing peppermint - without the synthetic aftertaste.

This is a rich and smooth experience that matches some of the best hot chocolate K-Cups I have tried on this journey.

As delicious as this dark chocolate hot cocoa is, it is another premium brand with a premium price point - while not the most expensive on this list, Junior Mints’ hot cocoa K-Cups are certainly up there.

Also, it does not always mix well on the first pass, so I recommend giving a cursory shake before inserting it for a better chocolate flavor.

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10. Cafe Escapes Dark Chocolate K-Cups

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I know that dark chocolate hot chocolate is not for everyone; it carries this misconception that it is always bitter and not sweet enough.

However, I'm happy to report that Cafe Escapes' dark hot chocolate is not like that.

This gluten-free mix is sweet and not too bitter, providing a creamy and thick texture in smaller servings.

For those concerned about their diet, there is no trans fat in this smooth cup of K-Cup cocoa. It is also very easy to bulk order if dark chocolate hot cocoa is your thing.

That being said, this is the most expensive price-per-count pack on this list, making it very much an indulgence over a daily cup.

Related Article - Best Dark Roast K Cups

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11. Maud's Dark Hot Chocolate Loco

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Maud's natural hot chocolate is an excellent option for eco-conscious hot chocolate fans.

This dark K-Cup hot chocolate is made using solar-produced high-quality cocoa beans and all-natural ingredients.

This mix is also dairy free, which is great for lactose-intolerant folks. I loved the recyclable and BPA-free K-Cup pods, as well as the rich and smooth chocolate flavor.

Overall, I really enjoyed these mid-range hot chocolate pods and will buy them again.

I do wish that there were more varied pack size options to choose from for people who want to try a couple before bulk ordering.

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12. Martinson Singles Cup O’ Cocoa

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Martinson Singles Cup O Cocoa gives a smooth and mild milk chocolate flavor and a mellow sweetness that I enjoyed.

These affordable K-Cups are kosher and Rainforest Alliance Certified, which is fantastic. You can even recycle the pods and their fancy Flavormax filters.

It is worth bearing in mind that this hot chocolate K-Cup mix contains milk alongside real cocoa.

Overall, I appreciated the smooth and creamy taste of these and think they are another good choice for those with mellow taste buds.

However, I do think that they could be richer, but that may be a personal taste thing.

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13. Happy Belly Hot Cocoa Pods

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Happy Belly is a relatively new brand owned by Amazon looking to cash in on the hot chocolate K-Cup market.

With this in mind, it is not surprising that this is an Amazon’s Choice product.

These hot cocoa pods are affordable and give a sweet and mild milk chocolate hot cocoa taste with a creamy texture.

However, much like other cheaper K-Cup pods, it is weak and thin on higher servings, so consider doubling up. For a smooth velvet finish, add in real milk after brewing.

I would recommend getting Happy Belly's popular hot cocoa if you are looking for a classic hot chocolate from your Keurig coffee maker, but money is tight.

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14. Tootsie Roll Candy Flavored Cocoa

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If you love different kinds of delicious flavors, Tootsie Rolls' variety pack of candy-themed hot cocoa pods may be right for you.

It is so fun to have a range based on classic candy from my childhood, and these were another nostalgia pick for me.

All in all, you get Tootsie Roll, Junior Mints, Charleston Chew original and strawberry, and Sugar Babies-themed K-Cups.

This gluten-free hot cocoa surprised me; each was full-bodied and provided a velvety texture, all while smelling like their candy counterpart.

I was a little sad that the Sugar Babies K-Cups were not a caramel overload, but I did enjoy them and the Junior Mints the best.

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Comparing Hot Choc K Cups

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How To Choose The Best Hot Cocoa K-Cups (Buyer’s Guide)

Price Per Count

It can be hard to know if one box of Keurig K-Cup brewers’ hot chocolate is cheaper than another when they are different pack sizes and brands.

Try dividing the total pack number by the amount in the pack to get the price per count - it will help you get a better idea of what is affordable.

Nutrition Information

If you are conscious of your diet [1], I recommend checking the nutrition label for information regarding the number of calories, fat, and sugar per cup to find the best hot chocolate K-Cups for you.

Natural Vs Artificial Sugar

Many brands use artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners in their drinks.

This is not necessarily harmful, but if you would rather not have artificial flavorings in your cup of hot chocolate, I recommend finding an all-natural pack of hot chocolate pods instead. [2]

Cocoa Concentration

The higher the cocoa concentration, the better and more delicious cup.

It may also mean that the hot chocolate pods are darker and less sweet, but this often means that they are better quality.

Flavor Profile

Consider what flavor profile you want your ideal Keurig K-Cup hot chocolate to be.

• Do you prefer milk chocolate or dark?
• Do you want additional flavors like salted caramel, candy cane, or coffee?

Keurig is the Disney of coffee pod flavors. There is literally something for everyone.

Compatibility With Coffee Machine

Not all K-Cup pods are made equal.

Some out there were designed for the 1.0 Keurig machines, while others can be used regardless of the Keurig machine model you own.

Try to find the best K-Cup hot chocolate you can that fits in your coffee maker. [3]

Related Article - Keurig K Supreme Plus Review

Shelf Life

As a hot chocolate fan, I want to make sure that I am stocked up at all times.

After all, no one wants to be craving hot cocoa and find their packets are all out of date.

Try to find K-Cups with a long shelf-life so you are always prepared.

Related Articles:
Best Tea K-Cups
Best French Vanilla K-Cups
Best Cappuccino K-Cups

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Common Hot Chocolate K-Cup Questions

 How can you make hot chocolate K-cups taste better?

You can make your daily hot chocolate K-Cup better by getting experimental with it. Try adding new things like whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips or syrups, and see what you like. Alternatively, try doubling up if your coffee cup is on the larger side.

Can you use milk in a Keurig for hot chocolate?

We do not recommend that you use milk in Keurig K-Cup brewers for hot chocolate - unless you are frothing milk directly from the fridge and adding it to the already brewed cup. Putting milk in the reservoir instead of water will cause many problems and give poor results, no matter what hot chocolate K-Cup you use.

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Go With This Option

There are plenty of delicious single-serve hot cocoa K-Cups out there to try, and I definitely won't run out anytime soon.

Now that my pantry is overflowing with different types, I can confidently say that Swiss Miss hot cocoa, Brooklyn Beans, and Junior Mint were the best flavors for me on this list.

Give these flavors a try to find the right hot cocoa K-Cup for you.

Resources:

1. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eating-a-balanced-diet/
2. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/are-sweeteners-safe/
3. https://www.keurig.com/c/coffeemakers101?cm_sp=All-Hot-Brewers-_-Top-Nav-_-coffeemakers101