It’s a surefire way to spark joy.
For many fans, the drink also has a nostalgic factor that brings up childhood memories.
Hot chocolate and outdoor winter activities go hand in hand, and that coupling makes the drink special.
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Here’s a roundup of 10 fast-food chains that serve the best hot chocolate.
Customers can even choose to add tiny freeze-dried marshmallows to their eight-ounce cup.
The chainwantedto add a classic, kid-friendly option, perBusiness Insider.
In-N-Out/Facebook
In fact, In-N-Out served hot cocoa way back in the 1950s during its first years in business.
Sounds decadent, but it’s not too rich.
If you’re into lots of toppings and creamy vibes, this could be the one for you.
McDonald’s
Starbucks
Starbucks is the largest coffee chain in the country.
So, of course, thehot chocolateis on point.
The result is a rich, frothy drink with a great texture and a ton of fans nationwide.
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The best part about Starbucks is the ability to customize any drink.
Some fans add a pump of vanilla or hazelnut syrup for an extra special treat.
“This hot chocolate always seems like a real treat.
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It’s incredibly rich, almost like a ganache,” one reviewerwroteforTaste of Home.
Similar to In-N-Out, Krispy Kreme uses a Ghirardelli powder base with steamed 2% milk.
It’s then topped with whipped cream.
Tim Hortons/Facebook
The result is decadent, rich flavor in every sip, and an optimal balance of chocolate and sweetness.
“Great Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Doughnuts,” one reviewerwroteon TripAdvisor.
“In fact I find their hot chocolate to be superior to Starbucks.”
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Another reviewer noted that the chocolaty taste came throughit didn’t have a weak, artificial taste.
“A delicious hot chocolate,” one reviewerwroteon TripAdvisor.
In a taste test between Starbucks and Tims, one TikTokersaidTim Hortons' was hotter and had more flavor.
Panera Bread/Facebook
Of note: the doughnut chain also sells take-home tins of the powder for at-home enjoyment.
“I love our hot chocolate with a shot of espresso,” one reviewerpostedon Reddit.
“It’s still thick and ‘creamy’ to me even though it’s made with water.”
Caribou Coffee
Panera
Of all the drinks on this list, Panera’ssignature hot chocolateis perhaps the most unique offering.
It’s a sweet, decadent treat, and it leans a touchbittersweet.
“I found it to be a really excellent treat.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
It was a nice balance of chocolate, sweetness and milk,” onereviewernoted inTaste of Home.
It doesn’t sound like much, and the nonfat milk may give some drinkers pause.
18 of Your Favorite Hot Cocoa MixesRanked!
Costa
Costa Coffee’s hot chocolate is an artisanal treat, made with 2% milk.
