How to Tell Cocoa Powder from Hot Chocolate Mix

When a cake recipe calls for plain cocoa powder, look for a product with cocoa as its sole ingredient. Hot chocolate mixes are formulated for drinks. Depending on the mix, the ingredient list may also include sugar, milk powder or flavouring.

What to check at the shop

Turn the package around and start with the ingredients. If it lists cocoa and sugar, it’s a blend. Then read the directions. Check whether the powder is meant to be stirred into milk or water and how much the maker recommends per cup.

Match the powder to the recipe

For a cocoa cake, weigh out the plain cocoa specified in the recipe. The same weight of drink mix can contain a different amount of cocoa, and its added sugar can alter the batter. For a quick mug using a mix, start with the serving directions on the pack.

Common questions

Can you tell by the colour?

Colour alone is an unreliable guide. A dark powder can still be a drink mix. Check the ingredients instead.

Can you make a hot drink with plain cocoa?

Yes. For one mug of warm milk, first stir the cocoa into a small splash of the milk to make a smooth paste. Stir in the rest of the milk, then sweeten to taste.

Once you have plain cocoa, try it in this homemade cocoa cake.

Compare these ingredient lists from the makers Hershey’s and Cadbury.