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Hot Chocolate Calories
Creamy, sweet, hot beverage
In season: Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Hot Chocolate (200 g) has 160 calories. That works out to 80 calories per 100 g. It contains 25 g of carbs, 5.4 g of protein, 4.6 g of fat and 2.4 g of fiber. Its 0.5 µg of B12 covers 21% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 51 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
What is Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate is a sweet drink made by warming cocoa or melted chocolate with milk or water. Cacao drinks have roots in Mesoamerica, while the familiar sweet, often milk-based version took shape in Europe. At home, it can be made simply with cocoa, milk and sugar; melted chocolate gives it a richer, thicker body.
Smooth and creamy, with a deep chocolate flavour, it is especially popular in cold weather and may be topped with whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa. In many places it is served as a cosy café treat or made at home for an afternoon break. It is mainly a carbohydrate-containing drink, with some protein from milk. For a lighter cup, use less sugar, skip the cream or dilute the milk with water.
Hot Chocolate Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
80
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
12.5g
· 5% DV
Protein
2.7g
· 5% DV
Fat
2.3g
· 3% DV
Fiber
1.2g
· 4% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 61% · Protein 13% · Fat 26%
Hot Chocolate Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.13mg · 10% DV
B12
0.25µg · 10% DV
B5
0.35mg · 7% DV
Biotin
1.5µg · 5% DV
Minerals
Zinc
1mg · 9% DV
Phosphorus
55mg · 8% DV
Calcium
70mg · 7% DV
Iron
1mg · 6% DV
How Nutritious Is Hot Chocolate?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Hot Chocolate Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Hot Chocolate
To burn the 80 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Hot Chocolate Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Hot Chocolate Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Hot Chocolate Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Hot Chocolate Fat Profile
SATURATED
1.4g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.6g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.1g
Omega 6:3 ratio 9:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (9:1).
Compare Hot Chocolate
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Chocolate
Does hot chocolate contain caffeine?
Yes, hot chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine because cocoa naturally contains it. The amount varies with the type and quantity of chocolate or cocoa used, and it is usually less than in a cup of coffee.
What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?
Hot chocolate is generally made with melted chocolate, while hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder. Hot chocolate tends to taste richer and feel thicker, though recipes and product names sometimes use the terms interchangeably.
Can hot chocolate keep you awake?
It can affect sleep in people who are sensitive to cocoa’s caffeine or theobromine, especially when they drink it close to bedtime. If you notice it makes falling asleep harder, have hot chocolate earlier in the evening.
How do you make thick European-style hot chocolate?
Use chopped dark chocolate and warm milk, then stir gently until the chocolate melts and the drink thickens. For an especially thick texture, add more chocolate rather than boiling the mixture; high heat can make it grainy.
How do you stop hot chocolate from getting lumpy?
Whisk cocoa powder with a small splash of cold milk until smooth before adding the rest of the warm milk. If you are using solid chocolate, chop it finely so it melts evenly, and keep stirring over low heat.
Can you make hot chocolate in the microwave?
Yes, you can make hot chocolate in the microwave by heating milk in short intervals and stirring between them. Add chopped chocolate or a cocoa mixture and continue heating briefly until smooth; avoid letting the milk boil over.
What is the best chocolate to use for hot chocolate?
The best chocolate depends on how sweet and rich you want your drink. Dark chocolate gives hot chocolate a deeper, less sweet flavor, while milk chocolate makes it milder; adjust added sugar to suit the chocolate.
How long does homemade hot chocolate last in the fridge?
Homemade hot chocolate can be kept covered in the refrigerator and is best used within a few days. Reheat it gently on the stove, stirring frequently; add a splash of milk if it has thickened while chilling.
What can you put on top of hot chocolate?
Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa are classic hot chocolate toppings. Marshmallows and cinnamon are also popular; add toppings just before serving so they do not melt or dissolve too quickly.
Does hot chocolate hydrate you?
Yes, the milk or water in hot chocolate contributes fluid, so it counts toward hydration. However, it is usually sweetened and may contain cocoa stimulants, so plain water is a better everyday choice when you are thirsty.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.