People were drinking chocolate as early as 500 BC. Granted the chocolate in their cups was far different from the hot chocolate we are familiar with now. Today’s version is much sweeter and typically includes milk. Since the introduction of hot cocoa bombs, the popularity of this classic hot beverage has, well, exploded! Pun intended.
We’re not telling you to jump on the hot cocoa bomb band wagon (although that has proven to be a successful product for many candy makers), but if you aren't currently offering hot cocoa mix to consumers, you could be missing out on a sweet sales opportunity. This week, we’re sharing tips for creating your own brand of gourmet hot cocoa mix (including packaging ideas) and a few creative flavors which could be applied to your packaged hot cocoa mix or inside hot cocoa bombs.
Creating
Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix
To
start, consider crafting a hot cocoa blend that mirrors or complements the
flavor notes of the chocolate used in your signature chocolate products. Naturally,
your customers will expect a familiar chocolate flavor experience they likely have become accustom to with your chocolate confections. Contact your chocolate supplier to
source a cocoa powder that is similar to your chocolate and ask for recommendations.
Some chocolate suppliers have their own variety of sweetened cocoa powder for hot chocolate, but if not, you will have to add sugar (keep reading for more details). Don’t
fret if you aren’t able to match it exactly, you might consider adding
chocolate shavings to your mix to achieve a closer flavor profile. If you do
add chocolate shavings, make sure to note this on your packaging and in your
product description as it will be seen as added value by consumers.
To make your own gourmet hot cocoa mix, all you need is the unsweetened cocoa powder of your choice, a lot of sugar and a little salt. Experiment to find your perfect blend, but we recommend starting with 1 cup of granulated sugar to every ½ to ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus ½ teaspoon of salt.
Some recipes call for the addition of powdered milk; however, consider how this may exclude those with dairy allergies and sensitivities. If you do leave out milk powder, direct customers to only use your hot cocoa mix with milk or their favorite dairy alternative (not water) or they will not achieve the desired results (water + chocolate = never a good mix). This will also ensure their cup of hot cocoa from you, tastes at least 10 times better than most hot cocoa mixes on the market.
Photo credit (clockwise): Dandelion Chocolate, Graham’s Fine Chocolates, Pioneer Woman, Kakao Chocolate
Packaging
Hot Cocoa Mix
Anyone
familiar with hot cocoa mix from the grocery store is used to the individual
portions in an aluminum foil packet. Premium or creative packaging can help
sell your gourmet product for you. No matter how you package it, do so it a way
that communicates the quality of your product.
Resealable
Bags
Resealable
bags with a label allow hot cocoa lovers to make as much or as little hot cocoa
as they’d like and seal it for freshness.
Tins
Tins
are a classic vessel for packaging hot cocoa and certainly convey a
high-end look and feel.
Glass
Jars
Glass
jars play communicate a sense of craftsmanship with the added benefit of
allowing the consumer to see the contents. This is an especially great option
for mixes with inclusions like chocolate shavings or chunks, marshmallows and
etc.
Creative
Containers
Let
your creativity lead the way with all the fun packaging options out there! We
like how RCI Member Kakao Chocolate of Maplewood, MO uses Chinese food takeout
containers to package their hot cocoa mix. Each box is tied with a colored
ribbon designating the variety of hot cocoa mix enclosed. See pictured above.
Hot Cocoa Flavor Ideas
It’s
hard to beat the original, but if you’re looking to pump up the flavor in your
packaged hot cocoa mix or inside your hot cocoa bombs, here’s some ideas.
Double
Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Simply
add chocolate shavings or chocolate chips to transform your original hot cocoa
to double chocolate.
Peppermint
Hot Cocoa
Take
this classic flavor to the next level by adding crushed peppermints and pairing
it with a couple mint meltaways or patties either in the package or packaged
separately.
Peanut
Butter Cup Hot Cocoa
Appeal
to peanut butter lovers by adding peanut butter chips or shavings of peanut
butter confectioners coating to your hot cocoa mix for a crunchy, melty surprise.
Chai
Spice Hot Cocoa
Sipping
a cup of hot cocoa mixed with chai spices is as cozy as wrapping yourself in a
warm and fuzzy blanket. Check out
this recipe.
Marshmallow
Hot Cocoa
If
you make your own marshmallow, this is a great opportunity to add value to your
product. We like how RCI Member Graham’s Fine Chocolates gives online shoppers
the option to buy their hot cocoa tin and homemade marshmallows together or separately—so
if you want to add an extra bag of homemade marshmallows you can.
Creating
your own gourmet hot cocoa mix is a great add because it’s super easy to make and ship
(it doesn’t melt—hey-oh!), it makes for a great gift and, well, it’s hot
cocoa! Cheers to hot cocoa season! Tag us on Facebook @retailconfectioners and
share a photo of your gourmet hot cocoa!
Crave more? Click here to
subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight
to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer
to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and
marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for
even more sweet inspiration.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business.
