NEW: 32% HOT CHOCOLATE POWDER
Introducing the 32% Hot Chocolate Powder, the latest addition to our Islands trade range.
The 32% Hot Chocolate Powder is our FIRST multi-use Hot Chocolate product, suitable for both bean-to-cup machines AND barista made methods.
Identifying the growing trend toward automation and vending machines, we decided to explore the hot chocolate offerings in this market. We were shocked at what we found.
The majority of vending-friendly hot chocolate powders available contained alarmingly low levels of cocoa, with some as little as 6%. To make up for this lack of cocoa, artificial flavours and thickeners are often added alongside extremely high sugar content. Convinced there must be a better way, we set to work developing an Islands Chocolate alternative.
Alongside our in-house Development Kitchen, we worked closely with FoodBuzz Consulting to craft this new recipe. Having spoken with our top machine partners and customers who already used bean-to-cup machines, we identified issues with consistency for sites which used both automated and barista made methods, particularly when creating non-dairy alternatives. The low cocoa content of the vending-friendly hot chocolates available made them largely unpalatable for barista made drinks.
Our challenge was establishing the highest cocoa content possible, without sacrificing on the flow-rate for the bean-to-cup machines. Through multiple trials of sugars, cocoa content and anti-caking methods, we found our eureka moment at 32%.
The resulting hot chocolate is deliciously sweet and well balanced with honey and caramel notes, a smooth rich cocoa flavour with minimal acidity, a hint of salt and final notes of creamy macadamia nut. If we do say so ourselves, this flavour is unrivaled in the bean-to-cup market.
With such developed and delicious flavour, this recipe is equally prized at barista only sites too. We’ve observed a wider UK preference for the 32% - 34% cocoa mark on hot chocolates, generally expected in national chains. It’s no surprise then, that this recipe was instantly snapped up by one the UK’s premium cafe groups, with 50 sites nationwide.
We’re predicting this to be one of our top selling products for 2025. Now available to purchase through our trade ordering portal. For samples, sales and further information, please contact sale@islandschocolate.com.
