Trader Joe's Peppermint Hot Chocolate — Premium Bittersweet Real Chocolate Shavings with Natural Peppermint Flavor, 8 Servings (8 oz / 227g)

Trader Joe's Peppermint Hot Chocolate is made from real bittersweet chocolate shavings — not instant cocoa powder — delivering a rich, deeply chocolatey hot cocoa experience with bright, refreshing natural peppermint flavor. The fine chocolate shavings melt smoothly into hot milk or water, creating a creamy, indulgent mint-chocolate drink that tastes like a premium café peppermint mocha at home. No artificial flavors. 8 oz (227g), approximately 8 servings at 3 tbsp (28g) per serving, 140 calories per serving.

Real Chocolate Shavings vs. Instant Cocoa Powder — Why It Matters

• Real Chocolate Shavings — The Key Difference — Most commercial hot chocolate mixes use cocoa powder — a dry, defatted powder that has had most of its cocoa butter removed during processing. Trader Joe's Peppermint Hot Chocolate uses real bittersweet chocolate shavings made from chocolate liquor and cocoa butter — the same ingredients as premium eating chocolate. The result is a richer, creamier, more complex chocolate flavor with a silkier mouthfeel that cocoa powder alone cannot replicate.
• Bittersweet Chocolate Profile — Bittersweet chocolate contains a higher percentage of cacao solids (typically 60–72% cacao) than semi-sweet or milk chocolate, delivering a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor with less sugar. The bittersweet base balances the sweetness of the peppermint and cane sugar for a sophisticated, not-too-sweet hot chocolate.
• Natural Peppermint Flavor — The peppermint flavor comes from natural peppermint extract — derived from Mentha × piperita (peppermint plant) — not synthetic menthol or artificial peppermint flavoring. Natural peppermint delivers a brighter, more nuanced cool-mint character than artificial alternatives.
• Key Ingredients — Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Cane Sugar, Natural Peppermint & Vanilla Flavor, Coconut Oil, Soy Lecithin (emulsifier). No artificial synthetic flavors or harsh additives.

How to Prepare — 4 Ways

• Classic hot peppermint cocoa: Stir 3 tbsp (28g) into ¾ cup (180mL) hot milk or hot water until fully dissolved. Top with whipped cream and a candy cane for the full holiday experience.
• Richer hot chocolate: Use hot whole milk instead of water and add an extra ½ tbsp of shavings for a thicker, creamier, café-style hot chocolate.
• Peppermint mocha: Stir 2 tbsp shavings into ½ cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee, then top with steamed milk for a homemade peppermint mocha.
• Iced peppermint chocolate: Blend 3–4 tbsp shavings with ½ cup cold milk and ice cubes until smooth for a thick, frosty iced peppermint chocolate drink.
• Dessert topping: Sprinkle dry shavings over ice cream, whipped cream, brownies, or cookies for a mint-chocolate garnish.

Who This Product Is For

• Hot chocolate enthusiasts — those who want real chocolate depth rather than the thin, powdery taste of instant cocoa mixes.
• Holiday and seasonal drink makers — peppermint hot chocolate is a quintessential Christmas and winter beverage; this mix delivers café-quality results at home.
• Peppermint mocha lovers — a fraction of the cost of Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, made at home with real chocolate.
• Dessert decorators — the chocolate shavings double as a premium dessert topping for ice cream, cakes, and baked goods.
• Families — a cozy, crowd-pleasing warm drink for all ages during cold weather months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it use artificial peppermint flavor?
No. The peppermint flavor is derived from natural peppermint extract (Mentha × piperita) — no synthetic menthol or artificial peppermint flavoring. The full ingredient list contains no artificial synthetic flavor additives.

How many servings are in one tin?
Approximately 8 servings per 8 oz (227g) tin, at 3 tbsp (28g) per serving. Each serving is 140 calories.

What is the difference between this and regular hot cocoa powder?
Regular hot cocoa powder is made from defatted cocoa powder — most of the cocoa butter has been removed. This product uses real bittersweet chocolate shavings made from chocolate liquor and cocoa butter — the same ingredients as premium eating chocolate — producing a richer, creamier, more complex flavor and silkier mouthfeel.

Can I make iced chocolate with it?
Yes. Blend 3–4 tbsp of shavings with ½ cup cold milk and ice cubes in a blender until smooth for a thick, frosty iced peppermint chocolate drink.

How should I store it?
Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid temperatures above 75°F (24°C) to prevent the chocolate shavings from melting or clumping. Does not require refrigeration.

Does it contain dairy?
The mix itself contains soy lecithin and coconut oil but check the packaging for dairy content — the chocolate shavings may contain milk depending on the specific formulation. Contains soy and coconut allergens; check packaging for full allergen information.

Nutrition & Product Specifications

• Net Weight: 8 oz (227g)
• Serving Size: 3 tbsp (28g)
• Calories per Serving: 140
• Servings per Container: ~8
• Key Ingredients: Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Cane Sugar, Natural Peppermint & Vanilla Flavor, Coconut Oil, Soy Lecithin
• Free From: Artificial flavors, artificial colors
• Allergens: Contains Soy, Coconut; check packaging for milk/dairy
• Storage: Cool, dry place; avoid heat above 75°F (24°C)
• Brand: Trader Joe's