Cocoa & Hot Drinks

How to Buy The Best Hot Cocoa and Cappuccino Mix: Buying Guide

What's your favorite flavor—mocha, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, caramel, or peppermint? Topped with French vanilla creamer, powdered sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract? No matter how you serve your warm drink, there's nothing better than a cup of the best hot chocolate or cappuccino for feeling cozy on a cool day.

What is hot cocoa?

Hot cocoa is a warm chocolatey drink that is made from a hot chocolate mix or homemade hot chocolate recipe to be mixed with hot water, hot milk (can substitute almond milk or coconut milk), or whole milk warmed up at medium heat, and topped with whipped cream, if that's your preference.

It's a drink that can be prepared for a total time that's a matter of minutes from a stovetop with a medium saucepan, microwave, a slow cooker, or an instant coffee maker like a Keurig. Nothing warms the soul and tastes absolutely divine during the holidays or when the weather catches a chill like a mug of hot cocoa.

Are hot chocolate and hot cocoa the same thing?

The two may taste similar, but there are some differences when it comes to the ingredients and how the drinks are prepared. Hot chocolate is typically created by melting down chocolate and mixing it with milk. This makes the drink very chocolatey and thick. Hot cocoa consists of cocoa powder mixed with sugar or an artificial sweetener and requires little prep—you're just adding hot water.

Traditionally the thinner hot cocoa is much sweeter than hot chocolate because of the addition of sugar or other artificial sweeteners. For those who want the flavor of chocolate without all of the sugar, hot cocoa can be made sugar free. To give both drinks an added kick, marshmallows can be sprinkled on top. Just remember that the sugar, chocolate, and milk can add up for those watching what you eat (and drink).

What is cappuccino?

Cappuccino, which comes in flavored varieties like mocha cappuccino, is a hot drink that has an espresso coffee base and can be flavored with chocolate. This coffee-based beverage is steamed with milk and can be flavored with French vanilla, chocolate, or other flavor add-ins.

Cappuccino can be made in a cappuccino machine or purchased as an instant cappuccino mix that can be brewed at home through the use of a coffee machine like a Keurig or in a microwave by just adding water and served in your favorite coffee mugs. Instant cappuccino is a great alternative to hot chocolate as it has fewer calories and is also gluten free.

Can you buy hot cocoa in bulk?

Yes, you can buy hot cocoa in bulk and Sam's Club and SamsClub.com make it easy to do so—at exclusive members-only prices. If you need to stock up for your office or home, Sam's Club offers many different brands and flavors in bulk. Hot cocoa is offered in canisters so that you can scoop out as much or as little cocoa you choose.

Sam's Club also offers packages of hot cocoa packets in single servings so all you need to do to enjoy some creamy, chocolatey goodness is to simply add hot water or warm milk or pop the single-serve pod into your single-serve instant coffee machine like a Keurig.

Can you buy cappuccino in bulk?

Looking for an alternative to your boring cup instant coffee purchase or your expensive lattes? Sam's Club offers cappuccino lovers the opportunity to purchase cappuccino at special members-only pricing, so you can drink as much or as little cappuccino you want, anytime you want.

It's sold in pound bags for high usage areas like restaurants as well as in single-serve packets. You can drop the single-serving pods into your coffee maker or mix the single-serve packets with hot water in your microwave and enjoy this delicious European treat in no time.

Why buy hot cocoa?

Hot cocoa is a tasty alternative to tea, coffee, and cappuccino when you crave something warm and sweet and don't need the extra jolt of caffeine. It's simple to make and is always tasty to drink. Plus, hot cocoa mixes that don't contain milk products are vegan. Hot cocoa is also gluten free.

Why buy cappuccino?

If you want a creamy and frothy beverage flavored with French vanilla or dark chocolate and the added the touch of caffeine, cappuccino is the perfect drink. Use instant cappuccino mix and you can have a hot cappuccino any time of the day, plus cappuccino can fit into most diets as it's gluten free and can be vegan (as long as the mix contains no dairy).

Where can you buy hot cocoa?

For the best value and selection, Sam's Club and SamsClub.com have everything you need. Sam's Club offers countless name brand instant hot cocoa mixes including Nestle, Swiss Miss, Land O' Lakes, and Starbucks. Also available is Sam's Club's own Member's Mark brand that always delivers in taste and value.

Where can you buy your cappuccino?

Sam's Club makes it easy to buy as much as or as few cappuccino mixes and single-serve portions as you need, at the best value with members-only pricing. When you buy your cappuccino from Sam's Club you can buy your cappuccino in powder form in bulk or instant single-serve packets or pods. Coffee-like goodness in flavors like hazelnut, chocolate, and French Vanilla, and more—can easily be found at Sam's Club.

What Different Types of Hot Cocoa and Cappuccino Mixes Are There?

Depending on your needs and taste, Sam's Club offers instant hot cocoa and cappuccino single-serve packets, pods, and canisters where you can use as much or as little as you like. For cappuccino you can also choose from a selection of blended iced coffee mixes for when you want cold cappuccino any time of the day.

What Sizes of Hot Cocoa and Cappuccino Mix Can I Choose?

You can choose from single-serve packets or pods, or in bag and canister form when you can use as much as you like depending on tastes and needs. To keep things interesting, Sam's Club also offers variety packs that include different flavors not normally offered elsewhere.

What to Consider When Buying Hot Cocoa and Cappuccino Mix?

When purchasing hot cocoa and cappuccino mixes, it's important to remember that cappuccino is a coffee-based drink so it includes caffeine. Hot cocoa is made of chocolate, which does have some elements of caffeine as well, but not as much as cappuccino. Also, depending on your preference and time and supplies available, you may want to choose hot cocoa and cappuccino mix that can be made easily by just adding water. It's easy and simple to make hot cocoa and cappuccino with milk, but you have to make sure you always have fresh milk available.

What Brands of Hot Cocoa and Cappuccino Mix Does Sam's Club Sell?

Sam's Club offers countless name-brand instant hot cocoa mixes, including Nestle, Swiss Miss, Caffe D'Vita, Land O' Lakes, and Starbucks. Also available is Sam's Club's own Member's Mark brand that always delivers in taste and value.

FAQ: Hot Cocoa and Cappuccino Mix

How many calories in hot cocoa?

One cup has about 194 calories, which increases when using milk instead of water.

Does hot cocoa have caffeine?

Yes, because chocolate contains caffeine.

Does cappuccino have caffeine?

Yes.

Is hot cocoa bad for you?

No, it's not as long as you drink it in moderation.

How do you make hot cocoa mix?

It's always best to read the directions that are included on the packet, box, or can of the mix. Most recipes will direct you to mix the hot cocoa with hot water or warm milk, which can be prepared in a microwave or on the stove. If it's a single-serve pod, you can simply insert it into a Keurig.

Is hot cocoa vegan?

It can be as long as you use water instead of milk when preparing it.

How long do I microwave milk for hot cocoa?

Depending on your microwave, about 60 seconds.

Is hot cocoa gluten free?

Yes.

Does hot cocoa have dairy?

Yes, when mixing it with milk. To avoid using dairy, make sure to heat your hot cocoa with hot water. It won't be as creamy, but it will still have the chocolatey cocoa flavor.