Hot chocolate is a beloved winter drink that warms you up on cold days. But not all hot chocolate is created equal. For the ultimate hot chocolate experience, you need to use an authentic French brand. The French have perfected the art of creating smooth, creamy, and rich hot chocolate. When selecting a French hot chocolate brand, you’ll want to consider factors like ingredients, taste, price, and availability. This article will explore some of the top French hot chocolate brands to help you find the perfect one for your tastes.
What Makes French Hot Chocolate Special?
There are a few key factors that set French hot chocolate apart from other types:
- High-quality cocoa – The cocoa used in French hot chocolate is usually of a higher quality and cocoa content than your average cocoa powder. This results in a richer chocolate flavor.
- Silky texture – French hot chocolate often contains milk or cream, resulting in a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
- Complex flavor – The best French hot chocolate has depth and complexity of chocolate flavor, without being overly sweet.
- Special ingredients – French hot chocolate frequently contains special ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to provide aroma and extra flavor nuances.
Many French chocolate makers also have generations of experience preparing hot chocolate from secret family recipes. All of these factors add up to an exceptional hot chocolate experience you can’t find anywhere else!
Factors to Consider When Selecting a French Hot Chocolate Brand
Here are some key things to take into account when picking your perfect French hot chocolate:
- Ingredients – Look for brands that use high-quality cocoa powder, whole milk or cream, and natural flavorings like vanilla, cinnamon, etc. Avoid hot chocolates with lots of thickeners, artificial flavors, or excessive sweeteners.
- Cocoa percentage – Higher percentage cocoa delivers more intense chocolate flavor. French hot chocolate often has over 50% cocoa.
- Flavors – Classic French hot chocolate has a pure chocolate taste. But some brands offer flavored options like orange, mint, or salted caramel if you want variety.
- Sweetness – French hot chocolate tends to be less sweet than other versions. But determine your taste preferences for sugar levels.
- Price – Quality hot chocolate can get pricey. Decide how much you’re willing to pay for a premium product.
- Availability – Check where each brand is sold to find ones accessible to you. Some may only be available from specialty shops.
Taking stock of these factors will help you zero in on the ideal French hot chocolate for your drinking pleasure.
Reviews of the Top French Hot Chocolate Brands
Here is an overview of some of the very best French hot chocolate brands to help you choose:
Valor Chocolates
About: Valor Chocolates is an artisanal chocolate company based in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France. They make single-origin hot chocolate mixes using cocoa from different terroirs.
Key Features:
- 65% cocoa for intense chocolate flavor
- No sugar added
- Cocoa beans from single origins like Ecuador, Madagascar, Tanzania
- Also offer flavored options like vanilla, orange, and mint
Taste: Deep, complex chocolate flavor. More bitter than sweet.
Price: $15 for a 8.8 oz tin
Where to Buy: Directly from their website valor-chocolates.com and some specialty gourmet shops.
Van Houten
About: Historic Dutch chocolate brand that has been making cocoa products since 1815. Their hot chocolate mixes are now produced in France.
Key Features:
- Made with 65% cocoa
- Includes French Beurre d’Isigny butter
- Natural vanilla flavor
- No preservatives or additives
Taste: Rich, buttery, and velvety. Prominent vanilla notes.
Price: $9.99 for a 8.8 oz tin
Where to Buy: Online such as Amazon.com and some gourmet markets.
Dammann Frères
About: Dammann Frères is a venerable French tea company that has been operating since 1692. They also produce gourmet hot chocolate.
Key Features:
- Contains 70% cocoa
- Made with cocoa from Ghana
- Slightly sweetened
- Flavored options include mint, orange, and praline
Taste: Strong, smooth chocolate taste with medium sweetness.
Price: $12.50 for a 5.3 oz tin
Where to Buy: Their website dammann.fr ships internationally and it’s carried at select specialty food stores.
Charles Chocolates
About: Charles Chocolates is an artisanal chocolate shop in Paris that has been operating since the 1970s.
Key Features:
- Made with 62% dark chocolate
- Includes cocoa butter for creaminess
- Flavored options include salted caramel, orange, and chili pepper
- Gluten-free and no preservatives
Taste: Deep, rich chocolate flavor balanced by natural sweetness.
Price: $18 for an 8.8 oz tin
Where to Buy: Their parisian shop ships internationally and also on amazon.com.
Voisin
About: Voisin is a Parisian chocolate shop opened in 1903. They are known for their artisanal hot chocolate.
Key Features:
- Made with 66% dark chocolate
- Includes cacao butter
- Natural cane sugar
- Hint of vanilla
Taste: Intense chocolate flavor, moderately sweet.
Price: $16 for a 8.8 oz tin
Where to Buy: Online at voisin.fr and specialty French food stores.
Jacques Genin
About: Jacques Genin is a famed Parisian chocolate maker known for his inventive creations.
Key Features:
- Uses 72% dark chocolate
- Includes cacao butter and milk powder
- Well-balanced with less sweetness
- Unique flavor options like sesame-miso and smoked chili
Taste: Subtle, nuanced chocolate flavor with depth.
Price: $22 for a 8.8 oz tin
Where to Buy: Online at jacquesgenin.com and select gourmet retailers.
How to Prepare French Hot Chocolate
One of the keys to making French hot chocolate taste its best is using the proper technique. Follow these steps for authentic results:
- Heat whole milk, half & half, or cream on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming but not boiling.
- Add chunks of good quality dark chocolate like bittersweet or semisweet and whisk gently until completely melted and incorporated.
- Whisk in your French hot chocolate mix starting with 2-3 tablespoons. Adjust to taste depending on your preferred level of richness.
- Heat the mixture together over low heat for a few minutes, whisking frequently, until frothy and hot but not scalding.
- Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with extras like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, or marshmallows.
Savor every luxurious sip of your authentic French-style hot chocolate!
Conclusion
French hot chocolate is in a league of its own thanks to high-quality cocoa, rich dairy, and specialized preparation. Brands like Valor Chocolates, Van Houten, Dammann Frères, Charles Chocolates, Voisin, and Jacques Genin offer an authentic French hot chocolate experience you can recreate at home. Savoring a steaming cup of velvety French hot chocolate is a winter indulgence worth treating yourself to this season.
Try a few different brands to discover your favorites and find your perfect French cocoa companion on cold winter days. With so many exquisite options, you can enjoy a different hot chocolate masterpiece every day of the week!