Hot cocoa is a delicious, warm treat that brings comfort when the temperatures drop, but the cost can really add up if you're ordering it from coffee shops.
Luckily, there are tons of even more delicious and affordable options at your local grocery store, making it possible for you to indulge and avoid wasting money.
You can ensure quality ingredients and sample a variety of flavors from the comfort of your home. Here are 15 grocery store hot cocoa mixes that are better and more affordable than drinks from a coffee chain brand.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $14.97 (Walmart)
With its intense chocolate flavor, Ghirardelli is better than coffee chain drinks. This eight-ounce mix has chocolate chips and the perfect blend of vanilla, setting it apart from other options.
It's a premium option at most local grocery stores, so you can have a treat without paying coffee chain prices.
Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate with Marshmallows Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $2.99 (Meijer)
Swiss Miss is a classic hot cocoa option that provides a smooth, rich drink with marshmallows for a traditional winter treat. You can find it at Sam's Club and most other grocery stores.
Browse the other Swiss Miss flavors for a new flavor or opt for a sample pack with various options.
Beaumont Cocoa Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cups
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Price: $4.39 (Aldi)
Aldi has Beaumont hot cocoa cups that have a rich flavor and don't taste store-bought. You can get a quality drink without going over your budget or feeling guilty about the high cost of a drink at a coffee chain.
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Trader Joe's Organic Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $3.99 (Trader Joe's)
The Trader Joe's brand hot cocoa mix is organic, affordable, and delicious with a unique fan-loved flavor that sets it apart from other options.
It's a creamy treat that lets you have a gourmet experience at home.
Great Value Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $4.74 (Walmart)
Walmart's Great Value brand offers affordable and incredibly satisfying. It's a classic mix with a nostalgic flavor that everyone will enjoy.
This 27-ounce canister will last for a while or provide enough for a group, making it an inexpensive sweet treat.
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Private Selection Double Cocoa Hot Cocoa
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Price: $3.49 (Kroger)
If you're looking for an extra chocolatey option, Private Selection is the way to go. This hot cocoa has quality ingredients, including Belgian chocolate, that you won't feel bad about without sacrificing flavor.
Sam's Club Member's Mark Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $12.98 (Sam's Club)
Available in bulk, this option is perfect for providing a crowd with a delicious hot cocoa treat. It has enough for 48 cups of smooth, satisfying cocoa, ensuring comfort and warmth for everyone.
Mexican Style Hot Cocoa Melts
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Price: $4.99 (Trader Joe's)
Available at Trader Joe's, these Mexican-style hot cocoa melts are a delicious creamy option. They contain Mexican-style white chocolate with a little cinnamon, making for a luxurious flavor you won't find anywhere else.
Stephen's Gourmet S'mores Hot Cocoa
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Price: $16.99 (Walmart)
Stephen's cocoa is processed in Holland using extra fine sugar, so it's easy to mix for a quick, delicious treat at home.
You can find this 14-ounce container at Walmart, along with other sizes and flavors to set your cocoa experience apart.
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Hershey's Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $2.93 (Hy-Vee)
As a classic candy brand, you can count on Hershey's for a satisfying, delicious experience. The rich, chocolatey taste the brand is known for ensures a sweet treat on cold winter nights.
Cadbury Drinking Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $11.99 (Walmart)
Cadbury is common during the Easter or spring season, so you may not have known they have hot cocoa. This exciting find is a treat balanced with rich sweetness and chocolatey indulgence.
Land O'Lakes Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $3.99 (Walmart)
Land O' Lakes Hot Cocoa Mix comes in multiple flavors, including French vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and raspberry.
It's the perfect choice if you want something other than traditional cocoa, and it's way better than drinks from a coffee chain.
Nestle Rich Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa
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Price: $1.72 (Walmart)
Nestle's hot cocoa is perfect for cozy winter nights, with its nostalgic creamy texture and rich chocolate.
You can find it at many grocery stores, so it's a convenient option when you're in a pinch.
Cocoa Classics Cocoa Mix
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Price: $0.99 (Wegman's)
If you have a Wegmans near you, consider trying their chocolate supreme hot cocoa. It's a rich, creamy, chocolatey treat you won't regret indulging in when you're cold. Top it with tiny marshmallows for an extra special drink.
Good & Gather Hot Cocoa Mix
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Price: $5.49 (Target)
Target has its own brand of hot cocoa to provide a luxurious hot beverage experience at a more affordable price than chain coffee shops.
This option has double chocolate, and it's the ultimate indulgence of a creamy, rich, and sweet treat.
Bottom line
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These grocery store hot cocoa options are delicious, and you'll save money making them at home instead of buying a small cup out. You can likely find these options at your local grocery store to stock up and have them on hand for nights when you want a cozy, warm drink.
Hot cocoa isn't the only way to save money at the store. Many fast food or chain restaurant drinks and foods can also be replaced with something better at home, helping you stretch your restaurant budget even further.
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