Posted by Southwest Beverages on 8/29/2016
 Interestingly, may people use the terms “hot cocoa” and “hot
chocolate” interchangeably and most people don’t think there is a difference.
While both beverages can be topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks,
peppermint sticks, sprinkles, or even orange slices, there are differences between
hot cocoa mix and hot chocolate.
The original recipe for hot cocoa came from the Aztec. The
beverage they drink was far heavier and much richer than we are accustomed to.
Cocoa beans grow in a pod in tropical climates, typically in Central America as
well as a few other places in the world. The process of making hot cocoa mix
begins by scoping them out of their pods, splitting the beans open and letting
them ferment and dry. The fermentation is what gives the cocoa the taste we
love. The fermented beans are then press under tremendous pressure so that the
fat (also called cocoa butter) is removed (the cocoa butter is then used for lotions
and creams). The cocoa power is then processed, which creates a rich chocolate
taste. Manufacturers then add additional ingredients to provide us with a hot
cocoa mix that is smooth and consistent and one that we have come to enjoy.
On the other hand, hot chocolate is made from chocolate
using either a bar, chips or morsels. This type of chocolate, also known as “Bakers
Chocolate”, contains very little fat and is not the typical milk chocolate you
and I are familiar with. This chocolate is far too bittersweet to eat by itself
since the fat remains in the chocolate and would create undoubtedly a very
sweet drink. The traditional hot chocolate as we have come to know it comes
from the French who mixed a heavy combination of milk, cream, sugar and
chocolate chips together and slowly heated it. The result, needless to say, is
a meal unto itself, often thick and syrupy.
What this all means is that hot cocoa mix is far better for
your health. It contains far lower sugar, calories and fat content and comes
packed with antioxidants, which research has shown can have a positive effect
on the heart and blood circulation. In fact, people who consume sweets at least
three times each month live nearly a year longer than people who avoid such delicacies
all together.
While people have their preference between hot chocolate and
hot cocoa mix, to me the choice is clear. I love hot cocoa mix, Sippity hot
cocoa mix to be specific.  Written by Bob Jenkins, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of
Southwest Beverages Bob has had the privilege of working for some of America's largest
and well run public and private companies, including Philip Morris, Canada Dry, Dr
Pepper, Cadbury Schweppes, Snapple Beverage Corporation, Tasker Capital Corp. and
The Water Club and River Cafe - two of New York's finest fine dining restaurants. He
has worked in various capacities as Finance Manager, Controller, Director of Finance,
Vice President Finance & Administration, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and
Treasurer. Bob holds a Masters of Business
Administration degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of
Science degree in accounting from the University of Arizona. Southwest Beverages is a manufacturer and marketer of two
brands of premium quality dry mix beverages: Sippity hot-cocoa mix and Kemosabe gourmet flavored coffee. All Southwest Beverages products are
uniquely blended flavors that contain all the ingredients necessary for you to enjoy the
ultimate hot beverage experience. Simply add water and stir-then sip, savor and
enjoy. For more information, please visit www.southwestbeverages.com. Sippity, Sippity Lite, Kemosabe, Kemosabe Lite, Southwest Beverages, It's A DRY Mix and Comfort In A Cup are each registered trademarks of Southwest Beverages. lnterested in writing a guest blog for Southwest Beverages? Send your topic idea to [email protected] All data and information
provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Southwest
Beverages
makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or
validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or
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