Ghirardelli Premium Indulgence Hot Cocoa Mix, 1.5 oz (Pack of 15)

Pricey but the richest flavor going!

The best hot chocolate mix ever!

It is a delicious cocoa specially when prepared with milk.

First off, I have a kidney stone which has yet to be removed from my body. (make of that what you will) To prevent future stones I know I am supposed to follow the low oxalate diet religiously. Not really a problem…EXCEPT anyone with stones or kidney disease should avoid CHOCOLATE. I’m a long time chocoholic and so this decree seems just cruel and unfair. Some do say we can’t expect to be infallible but just make adjustments and have “everything in moderation.” But each person is different so where does one draw the line? All that being said, I decided to try one of these packaged mixes for the occasional “naughty” indulgence. In the past I used almond milk almost daily, mixing that with plain baking cocoa and nondairy coffee creamer, then a bit of sweetener. When I learned of the kidney stone, I learned that almonds can cause stones. So, almond milk was out, forever. What is more, nondairy coffee creamer is full of chemicals and artificial ingredients so I have dropped that too. On top of this, I am lactose intolerant ( hence the dependence on almond milk ) so I cannot go back to cows milk. What to do?? In general, coconut powder makes a decent coffee creamer substitute, if you don’t mind everything tasting like coconut. After trying these Ghirardelli packets, I decided to experiment a bit to make a larger serving with a taste that isn’t overwhelming. I didn’t want to use 2 packets at the same time for that reason, these are a bit strong tasting, plus they are pricey. Anyway, along with the contents of 1 packet, I now use 2 teaspoons of plain baking cocoa, and about 3 Tbsp of coconut powder, whisked to get rid of any lumps. Then over this I pour at least 18 oz of hot water, and mix carefully. NOT BAD! Not the same as my old favorite recipe, but pretty good. Maybe a naughty indulgence, but hey, we are all human with willpower that might be lacking…

So creamy made with milk, especially in my Gevi hot chocolate maker.

Best ever

Very much prefer this flavor over their double chocolate (red packets) and premium with semi sweet chocolate (blue packet). Had all 3 and tried water and milk as a medium. Premium with semisweet is straight up bland. At least for me. Double chocolate, as the name indicates, is RIIIICH. This one is a very palatable in-between.

My wife who prefers Tea and Cocoa over coffee has discovered this hot chocolate and rates this top of the bunch. We enjoy cruising, and since she is never sure what cocoa the cruise line has, she now packs this as an 'essential' so she always gets the quality and flavor she prefers. The serving size is just right for morning and afternoon refreshments. It now appears on our packing list for all vacations!