Beverages

Beverages, Cocoa mix, powder

FDC 174122serving (3 heaping tsp or 1 envelope) (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 12 · -17 vs Beverages median

Cocoa mix powder scores 12 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, placing it in the Low band at rank 38 of 60 in Beverages. It carries a notable 20% DV of magnesium and 15% DV of potassium per serving, drawn from the cocoa solids, while carbohydrate accounts for most of its 398 calories per 100 g in powder form.

A single envelope, about 28 g, is stirred into hot milk or water to make one mug of cocoa rather than eaten dry. The powder runs high in both sodium (504 mg per 100 g) and sugars (65.6 g per 100 g), so it reads more as a sweetened treat than an everyday drink, and beverages, Lemonade, powder, scores higher on density among the category's mixes.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around beverages, cocoa mix, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 6.7 g · 7%Carb 83.7 g · 84%Fat 4 g · 9%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories398 kcal20%
Total fat4 g5%
Saturated fat2.4 g12%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium504 mg22%
Carbohydrate84 g30%
Dietary fiber3.7 g13%
Sugars66 g
Protein6.7 g13%
Potassium712 mg15%
Calcium133 mg10%
Iron1.2 mg7%
Magnesium83 mg20%
Vitamin C0.2 mg0%
Vitamin A1 µg0%
Vitamin E0.19 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 174122

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Magnesium20% DV
Potassium15% DV
Dietary fiber13% DV
Protein13% DV
Calcium10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the beverages median

Nutrient density12 vs 29 median
Protein / 100 g6.7 vs 0.2 median
Fiber / 100 g3.7 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g504 vs 12 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Beverages, Lemonade, powderDensity 12 vs 12Beverages, chocolate syrupDensity 13 vs 12Lemonade, powder, prepared with waterDensity 14 vs 12

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Cocoa mix powder is the base for a mug of instant hot chocolate, a blend of cocoa powder, sugar, milk solids and sometimes mini marshmallow bits that only needs hot water or hot milk stirred in to become a warm, chocolatey drink. It's a cold-weather staple for mornings and after-school snacks, and the same powder can double as a shortcut ingredient in baking, stirred into batters or frostings when a quick chocolate flavor is needed without measuring out separate cocoa and sugar. One envelope or a few heaping teaspoons is the usual single-serving measure.

Per 100 g the mix runs 398 calories with 83.7 g carbohydrate and 65.6 g sugar, numbers that explain why only a small envelope is needed per mug rather than a generous scoop. It's also a source of a few minerals in this concentrated form, 20% of the daily value for magnesium, 15% for potassium, alongside 13% each for fiber and protein, respectable numbers for a drink mix rather than a whole food. Keep envelopes or the canister sealed in a dry pantry, since the powder absorbs moisture and clumps if left open, and stirring one envelope into hot milk rather than water makes a noticeably richer cup.

Frequently asked questions about beverages, cocoa mix

How many calories are in cocoa mix powder?

The dry mix has 398 calories per 100 g; a single envelope or a few heaping teaspoons makes one mug.

Is cocoa mix a good source of potassium?

It supplies about 15% of the daily value for potassium per 100 g, along with 20% for magnesium.

How do you make hot cocoa from the mix?

Stir one envelope or a few heaping teaspoons into hot water or hot milk until fully dissolved.

View the USDA source record