Yes, Options Offers a Vegan Hot Chocolate
For those who adhere to a vegan lifestyle or have dairy intolerances, the search for a satisfying and readily available hot chocolate mix can be challenging. Many people ask, "Do Options do a vegan hot chocolate?" The answer is a clear yes. The company has developed a specific product, the 'Options Vegan Belgian Hot Chocolate Drink,' which is certified suitable for vegans by the Vegan Society.
This is a significant development for the brand and consumers, as it provides a convenient and accessible option in the instant hot chocolate market. This vegan product is not just a modified version but a specially crafted recipe designed to deliver the classic Options taste using only plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients and Potential Allergens
While the Options Vegan hot chocolate is made with a plant-based recipe, it's crucial for consumers with severe allergies to carefully check the product information. According to the product details, it is "made to a vegan recipe but may contain traces of Milk". This is a common warning for products manufactured in a facility that also handles dairy products. The primary ingredients include fat-reduced cocoa powder, Belgian chocolate (made with sugar and cocoa mass), dried glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and oat flour for creaminess.
- Key Vegan Ingredients: The recipe uses fully hydrogenated coconut oil and refined coconut oil to create a rich, creamy texture without the need for dairy. The inclusion of oat flour also contributes to the smoothness of the drink.
- Sweeteners: The product uses a combination of sugars and sweeteners like Acesulfame K and Sucralose to achieve its flavor profile.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa: The cocoa used in the vegan hot chocolate is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, indicating sourcing that supports sustainable farming practices.
How to Prepare Your Options Vegan Hot Chocolate
Making a mug of Options Vegan hot chocolate is a straightforward process, providing a quick and easy way to enjoy a dairy-free treat. The instructions are simple and allow for customization based on your preference for richness.
- Prepare a mug: Add three teaspoons (11g) of the Options Vegan hot chocolate powder to your favorite mug.
- Add liquid: Pour in hot water for a classic preparation, or for a creamier, more decadent drink, mix with your preferred milk alternative until smooth. Oat milk is a popular choice for its creamy texture.
- Stir and enjoy: Stir continuously until the powder is fully dissolved and the drink is smooth. For an extra luxurious touch, you can top with vegan whipped cream or marshmallows.
Alternatives and Comparison
While Options provides a great instant vegan hot chocolate, it's not the only product on the market. Depending on your preferences for ingredients, preparation, and flavor, you might consider other brands or even making your own.
| Feature | Options Vegan | Hotel Chocolat Vegan Flakes | Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Instant Powder | Real Chocolate Flakes | DIY from scratch |
| Key Ingredients | Cocoa Powder, Oat Flour, Coconut Oil, Sweeteners | Cocoa Solids (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter), Sugar, Hazelnut Flour (for Nutmilk flavour) | Cocoa Powder, Plant Milk, Sugar/Sweetener |
| Preparation | Mix powder with hot water or milk alternative | Whisk flakes into hot milk alternative | Heat ingredients in a saucepan, whisking well |
| Allergen Note | May contain milk due to manufacturing | May contain traces of milk and other allergens due to factory environment | Fully controllable by ingredient choice |
| Pros | Very convenient, low-calorie, certified vegan | Richer, higher quality taste (real chocolate flakes), unique flavors available | Fully customizable, uses whole ingredients, no additives |
| Cons | Uses artificial sweeteners, may contain milk traces | Takes slightly longer to prepare, potential cross-contamination warning | Requires more preparation time, consistency may vary |
Popular Non-Options Vegan Hot Chocolate Alternatives
- Hotel Chocolat Vegan Range: Offers high-quality, rich vegan hot chocolate flakes in various flavours like Dark 70% and Nutmilk 45%.
- Green & Black's Organic Hot Chocolate: This product is organic and can be made vegan by simply using a dairy-free milk alternative.
- Vivo Life Raw Vegan Hot Chocolate: A premium option featuring adaptogenic mushrooms, marketed for health-conscious consumers.
- Homemade Hot Chocolate: Making your own allows for full control over ingredients. Using high-quality cocoa powder, a creamy plant-based milk (like oat or coconut), and your choice of sweetener (such as maple syrup) can result in a truly decadent drink. For more details, see the official Options Vegan product on the Hot Drink Company website for comparison.
Conclusion
In summary, when asking, "Do Options do a vegan hot chocolate?", the answer is definitively yes. Options has made a dedicated effort to provide a dairy-free and Vegan Society certified hot chocolate product for the market. It offers a low-calorie, convenient option for those seeking a quick and satisfying drink. However, consumers with severe milk allergies should be aware of the 'may contain traces of milk' warning due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. For those who prefer a richer taste or full control over ingredients, other quality vegan brands or homemade recipes present excellent alternatives. Ultimately, the availability of a dedicated vegan product from a popular brand like Options is a positive step for the growing plant-based market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Options vegan hot chocolate dairy-free?
Yes, the Options vegan hot chocolate is made with a 100% plant-based recipe and does not contain dairy ingredients. However, the manufacturer notes that it 'may contain traces of milk' due to the factory environment.
Is Options vegan hot chocolate gluten-free?
The ingredients list indicates the use of 'gluten-free oat flour', making it suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
What makes the Options vegan hot chocolate creamy without dairy?
The creamy texture is achieved by using a combination of fully hydrogenated coconut oil, refined coconut oil, and oat flour, which provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
How many calories are in the Options vegan hot chocolate?
When prepared with water, the Options vegan hot chocolate is a low-calorie drink, containing approximately 46-47 calories per serving (based on 11g powder).
Does Options vegan hot chocolate contain artificial sweeteners?
Yes, the product contains sweeteners such as Acesulfame K and Sucralose in addition to sugar.
Where can I buy Options vegan hot chocolate?
The product is available from various supermarkets and online retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Beelivery.
Is the Options vegan hot chocolate ethically sourced?
The cocoa used in the vegan hot chocolate is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, indicating that it comes from sustainable sources.
