Hot chocolate has been around since 500 B.C., back when people ground their own cocoa seeds and cornmeal in pursuit of a fun treat. Lacking the modern luxuries of microwaves and mixers, such an exemplary beverage had to be earned through grit, patience and precision. However, as the average attention span gets shorter and shorter each year, many people seek gratification in instant hot chocolate, which requires minimal time and effort to prepare. But do these mixes live up to their gourmet counterparts, or are they another cheap and easy winter cop-out?

(Ella Braig)

This mix describes itself as a “rich, velvety cocoa,” which proves to be true as it tastes like liquid fabric. Unsweetened, grainy and ironically more bitter than most of their coffees, Starbucks’ instant hot chocolate is an example of how name brand products aren’t always worth the cost.

(Ella Braig)

Nestle delivers on the creamy consistency, that’s for sure. In fact, even when it’s mixed in with water, the drink successfully passes as milk-based. Unfortunately, it’s overbearingly chocolatey. I swear, I could feel my back molars actively rotting as I sipped on this sugar water. Don’t settle for Nestle or your dentist will never forgive you.

(Ella Braig)

The downfall of many instant cocoa mixes can be attributed to an undissolved consistency. However, Swiss Miss’s blend is comparable to a successful pickup line in the sense that it’s smooth and just the right amount of sweet— a nearly perfect happy medium.