Satisfy those late night chocolate cravings with a cup of low-calorie cocoa. If you enjoy whipped cream on your cocoa -- just remember to go light or fat free! Fitness magazine rated brands to see how they measured up and here are the per-cup results:
No Sugar Added with calcium and Marshmallows: 60 calories, 1 gram of fat and 30 percent RDA for calcium.
"Simply the best" said one taste tester.
Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets No Sugar Added:
60 calories, 7 grams of fa sugar, 7 gram of fat
Not supersweet, thsi pick is perfect if you prefer a milder cup of cocoa. Unlike many sugar free or low sugar alternatives, it doesn't leave you with an unpleasant after-taste. Each cup serves up nearly as much calcium as an 8-ounce glass of milk. And with only 1 gram of fat per serving and 7 grams of sugar (sweetened with sucralose AKA Splenda), there are a few calories left over for a few mini-marshmallows (not included).
Reduced calorie Milk Chocolate Flavor: 50 calories, 1 gram of fat, 10 percent RDA for calcium.
"Rich and chocolatey" declared most tasters.
70 calories, 0 grams of fat, 25 percent RDA for calcium.
Most tasters enjoyed the "rich, strong aroma" but left one taster with a somewhat bitter aftertaste.
No Sugar Added: 70 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 15 percent RDA for calcium.
This one was not very popular. One taster asked, "did you follow the instructions?" The complaint was it tasted too watered down.
*Calcium percentages are based on a 2,000 calorie a day diet.
Scharffen Berger Natural Cocoa Powder Sweetened:
95 calories, 10 grams of sugar, 3 grams fat
San Francisco-based Scharffen Berger is known worldwide for selling fabulous chocolate, and its sweetened cocoa powder delivers the same intense ultra-gourmet taste. With only 10 grams of sugar per serving, it's just sweet enough for an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, one cup has 10 percent of your daily iron - great for helping fight off winter colds. There's only one downside, though: It's the priciest of the picks.
365 Organic Hot Cocoa Mix Rich Chocolate Flavor:
110 calories, 22 grams sugar, 0 fat
Mix this Whole Foods house brand with water and it will taste as creamy as if you made it with milk. The creamy texture makes it taste like a high calorie milk cocoa. And its flavor - chocolate with a hint of vanilla - is a welcome change to the usual cup of hot chocolate. Plus, this zero-fat pick is sweetened with dehydrated cane juice, which has good for you nutrients like potassium and calcium.
Equal Exchange Organic Hot Cocoa Mix:
70 calories, 11 grams sugar, 0 fat
This low calorie cocoa's addictive rich flavor will hook the serious chocolate lover. And there's zero fat and only 11 grams of sugar. If you're looking to fill your mug with an eco-friendly choice, it's organic and fair-trade certified, so you can buy it with a clear conscience. BONUS: You can add a tablespoon of whipped cream and still stay under 100 calories a serving.
PS. Editors tip: If you love mocha, instead of plain water, use coffee to mix your cocoa with; instant mocha-cocoa and delicious! You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for a gourmet flair to any cup.
