There’s nothing like the delicious taste of Nesquik. It’s quick, easy, and convenient. But is Nesquik cocoa powder? Not really!
Nesquik is a chocolatey drink derived from several ingredients, while cocoa powder can be found in nature. Want to know more? Keep reading for more information about the differences between Nesquik and naturally-occurring cocoa powder.
Table of Contents
- About Cocoa Powder
- Can You Use Hot Chocolate Powder as Cocoa Powder?
- Learning About Nesquik
- What Is in Nesquik Chocolate Powder?
- Nesquik Vs Cocoa Powder
- Is Nesquik Chocolate Powder Healthy?
- Nesquik Chocolate Powder Uses
- FAQs
- Is Nesquik Cocoa Powder? Yes and No…
About Cocoa Powder
What Is Cocoa Powder?
Cocoa powder is the powder leftover from cacao beans after cocoa butter, the fatty component of the cacao bean, has been extracted. This dark brown powdery substance adds deep chocolate flavor to all sorts of desserts, drinks, and meals, making it a very versatile and essential ingredient to have in your kitchen.
Unlike other chocolate powders you may use, cocoa powder is not sweet. In fact, the flavor is often described as bitter and mute when consumed alone. When mixed with sugar or a natural sweetener such as honey or maple, however, cocoa powder begins to come alive.
The following recipes can include cocoa powder:
- Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Muffins
- Chocolate Frosting
- Brownies
- Hot Cocoa
- Chocolate Smoothies
Can You Use Hot Chocolate Powder as Cocoa Powder?
Using hot chocolate powder as cocoa powder can work in most cases, though the result will come out sweeter than you likely intended. Though this may sound like a good thing, it actually isn’t pleasant when a dessert tastes too sweet.
When adding hot chocolate powder to desserts as a substitute for cocoa powder, you’ll want to reduce whatever sweetener you are using by at least ¼. Doing so will help balance the flavor and keep your dessert from turning out too sweet.
If what you are making is savory and requires cocoa powder (as is the case with Chocolate Chili), then we would not suggest you use hot chocolate powder at all. Doing so will make the dish way too sweet and likely won’t be pleasant to the ones consuming it.
Is Cocoa Powder the Same as Chocolate Milk Mix?
No, it isn’t. Chocolate milk mix contains additives, while cocoa powder is a pure substance without any added flavorings, colorants, or sugar.
Remember that most chocolate milk mixes are sweet and that cocoa powder is not. Therefore, if you plan to use cocoa powder to replace your chocolate milk mix, you can do so, but you’ll have to follow a recipe that uses cocoa powder and follow the instructions listed there to get a sweeter flavor.
Typically, the steps for making chocolate milk or hot cocoa using cocoa powder will include heating the milk gently over stovetop, whisking in cocoa powder, and adding sugar to sweeten the concoction. Some recipes also call for vanilla extract to further enrich the flavor.
Can I Use Chocolate Milk Powder Instead of Cocoa Powder?
Again, if you are making something savory, we’d advise against using chocolate milk powder instead of cocoa powder. However, if you are making a sweeter dish, beverage, or dessert, you can make the substitution at a 1:1 ratio but you must lower the amount of sugar you add to the dish so that it doesn’t come out too cloyingly sweet.
Learning About Nesquik
What Is Nesquik?
Nesquik is a chocolatey powder that can be stirred in milk to make a quick and effortless drink that can be consumed either hot or cold. It does not require additional sugar, as the powder already comes with sugar, flavoring, and emulsifiers to give the perfect taste to your beverage.
To use Nesquik, you’ll simply combine two tablespoons of powdered chocolate to 8 fluid ounces of the beverage of your choice. Most people add Nesquik to milk or plant-based milk, however, you can also add it to water coffee, or any beverage you choose!
Nesquik was founded in 1948 by the Swiss company we know as Nestlé and continues to be enjoyed by many around the world to this day.
What Is in Nesquik Chocolate Powder?
Nesquik Chocolate Powder Ingredients
You may be surprised to know that Nesquik Chocolate Powder does not contain any artificial ingredients. Still, Nesquik isn’t the same as pure cocoa powder.
The following are the ingredients contained in Nesquik Chocolate Powder:
- Sugar
- Cocoa Processed With Alkali
- Soy Lecithin
- Carrageenan
- Salt
- Natural Flavoring
- Spices.
As you can see, Nesquik is high in sugar with it listed as the number one ingredient in the drink. As such, we recommend consuming Nesquik in moderation, especially for those trying to gain control of their weight.
Nesquik Vs Cocoa Powder
Is Nesquik Real Cocoa Powder?
Although Nesquik and cocoa powder might seem similar, they are actually quite different.
Remember that although Nesquik contains cocoa powder, it also contains various flavorings, additives, and emulsifiers. Nesquik can easily be stirred into milk for a ready-to-consume drink that requires no additional sugar or flavors.
Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is naturally-derived and contains nothing artificial. However, it cannot be simply mixed into milk to be enjoyed. Cocoa powder requires the addition of sweeteners and flavorings like vanilla extract to make it taste good.
Cocoa powder is a staple in many dessert recipes and is an excellent addition to your kitchen arsenal!
Is Nesquik Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
Nesquik isn’t unsweetened cocoa powder. However, it does contain cocoa powder.
In addition to cocoa powder, Nesquik also contains a variety of other ingredients. Therefore, Nesquik cannot be referred to as unsweetened cocoa powder, as it does contain sugar, emulsifiers, and other flavorings.
Is Nesquik Chocolate Powder Healthy?
Because the first ingredient listed in Nesquik is sugar, we cannot constitute Nesquik as being healthy. Nesquik purports its drink to be a suitable breakfast beverage for preparing young children for their day. However, at 12 grams of sugar per serving, we would not recommend offering your child Nesquik for breakfast first thing in the morning. Instead, you may wish to opt for a whole grain, fruit, and a good dose of protein (such as eggs and/or cheese) to keep your little one full and satiated until his or her next meal.
Although Nesquik contains a good amount of sugar per serving, it does not contain artificial ingredients. The ingredients in Nesquik include real cocoa, soy lecithin, sugar, carrageenan, natural flavoring, and spices. This is a major plus when it comes to Nesquik drinks because many powdered instant chocolate drinks contain artificial ingredients that help to improve the taste.
Comparatively, cocoa powder offers a lot more in terms of benefits than does Nesquik. The health benefits of cocoa powder are as follows:
- Contains No Fat or Sugar
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Shown to Improve Cognitive Health
- Contains Flavonoids to Protect Against Heart Disease
- Contains sundry Vitamins and Minerals including Selenium, Manganese, Copper, and Zinc
Nesquik Chocolate Powder Uses
Though Nesquik might not be as beneficial to your health as pure cocoa powder, it can certainly be consumed as a treat in moderation. There are many recipes that call for Nesquik that taste delicious and can serve as a satisfying treat. These include:
- “Cold” Hot Chocolate
- Warm Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Mug Cake
- Chocolate Milk Brownies
- Chocolate Milkshake
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- Brazilian Brigadeiro
- Chocolate Oatmeal
- Chcolate Mousse
Still want more? Check out this Nesquik Brownie recipe sure to make your mouth water!
Nesquik Chocolate Milk Brownies
- ½ Cup Sugar
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 ⅓ Cup Flour
- 1 ½ Cup Nesquik
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- ¾ Cup Melted Butter
- 2 Eggs
How to Make Nesquik Chocolate Milk Brownies
Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare pan
Prepare a 9×13 baking pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking oil.
Combine dry ingredients
Combine the first seven dry ingredients in a bowl.
Combine wet ingredients
Combine the vanilla, melted butter, and two eggs in a separate bowl. Do not overmix!
Pour together
Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well incorporated.
Pour in pan
Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared pan and place it in preheated oven.
Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
*Adapted From Southern Made Simple
FAQs
Is Nesquik cocoa powder?
Nesquik does contain cocoa powder, it cannot be referred to or utilized as cocoa powder in most instances. It has many additives and emulsifiers that make it not as natural as original cocoa powder.
Can Nesquik substitute cocoa powder?
You can use Nesquik on most desserts that require cocoa powder, as long as you ensure that you lower the amount of sugar. Nesquik already has sugar in its ingredients list. Take note that savory food will not be suitable candidates for using Nesquik.
Is Nesquik Cocoa Powder? Yes and No…
Is Nesquik cocoa powder? Not quite! Although Nesquik does contain cocoa powder it cannot be referred to or utilized as cocoa powder in most instances.
When you are wishing to substitute Nesquik for cocoa powder, always do so when it is appropriate. Remember that savory food will not be suitable candidates for using Nesquik as a cocoa powder substitute. However, most desserts can utilize Nesquik as cocoa powder, as long as you ensure that you lower the amount of sugar called for in the recipe by at least ¼ .
Nesquik is a delicious beverage, but the health benefits are slim, especially when stacked against its naturally-derived competitor. We recommend you consume Nesquik in moderation and pick up a container of cocoa powder the next time you’re out to take advantage of the added minerals and vitamins available in this chocolatey yet good-for-you option.
Cheers!
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