Starbucks Hot Cocoa (at Costco)

[canabiz]

I was in a local Costco over the weekend and saw rows of Starbucks Hot Cocoa, pretty big container for about $18.99. Has anyone here tried it? Noob question but is hot cocoa = hot chocolate or does it have different taste?

I am thinking of grabbing 1, will come in handy after I finish shoveling :-)

[bonterra]

I was in a local Costco over the weekend and saw rows of Starbucks Hot Cocoa, pretty big container for about $18.99. Has anyone here tried it? Noob question but is hot cocoa = hot chocolate or does it have different taste?

I am thinking of grabbing 1, will come in handy after I finish shoveling :-)

I've been buying it at Starbucks for a few winters. Really like it. It's a little less sweet than some brands of hot chocolate/cocoa blends.

I usually mix it into coffee for a mocha effect.

[jayt90]

I was in a local Costco over the weekend and saw rows of Starbucks Hot Cocoa, pretty big container for about $18.99. Has anyone here tried it? Noob question but is hot cocoa = hot chocolate or does it have different taste?

I am thinking of grabbing 1, will come in handy after I finish shoveling :-)

Like many current hot cocoa products, it is basically cocoa powder plus sugar. Starbucks has access to good cocoa powder, but not necessarily better than plain powder from Droste or even Hershey. My traditional way to prepare is to boil a paste of cocoa, sugar and water for a few seconds, then add milk and stir until ready. Starbucks method eliminates the paste step, but milk has to be added and brought to temp. Saves a step. Costs more. Definitely tates like hot chocolate, which is fussier still.