Nesquik milk is a popular chocolate flavored milk drink made by Nestle. It is sold as a ready-to-drink beverage, but many people also make it at home by mixing Nesquik powder with milk. A common question is whether you can heat up Nesquik milk after it has been prepared. The short answer is yes, you can safely heat up Nesquik milk, but there are some things to keep in mind.
Safety of heating Nesquik milk
Heating up pre-made Nesquik milk is generally safe. According to Nestle, Nesquik milk is pasteurized and shelf-stable, so heating it does not create any food safety issues. As long as the milk was stored properly in the refrigerator before heating, it will be safe to consume after being heated. The same food safety principles apply as when reheating regular milk. Just avoid letting the milk come to a boil or sit in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F for more than 2 hours.
Does heating change the taste?
Heating does change the taste of Nesquik milk slightly. Cold Nesquik milk tends to taste sweeter and more chocolatey. When heated, the chocolate flavor becomes more mellow and the drink loses some of its sweetness. The change in flavor is relatively subtle though. Many people enjoy drinking hot Nesquik as an alternative to hot chocolate made from cocoa powder.
Best practices for heating Nesquik milk
Here are some tips for best results when heating Nesquik milk:
- Heat it slowly. Quickly microwaving or boiling Nesquik can make the drink taste scorched.
- Heat it uncovered. Covering traps steam which can make the chocolate taste bland.
- Stir while heating. This helps prevent scalding or a “skin” forming.
- Do not overheat. Stop heating once the drink is hot but not scalding.
- Consider dilution. Heated Nesquik can taste very sweet. Some people prefer diluting it with water or regular milk after heating.
Making hot Nesquik from scratch
For best flavor, you may want to make hot Nesquik by heating milk and adding Nesquik powder:
- Heat milk in a small saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling.
- Add a few heaping spoonfuls of Nesquik powder and whisk briskly until dissolved.
- Froth the milk with a whisk or milk frother if desired.
- Pour hot Nesquik into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
This yields a richer chocolate taste than heating premixed Nesquik. Play around with the milk to powder ratio to reach your preferred chocolate intensity.
Serving suggestions
Try these fun ways to serve heated Nesquik milk:
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent treat.
- Spike with a shot of coffee liqueur for an adult hot cocoa cocktail.
- Swirl in chocolate or caramel sauce before heating.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes or mini marshmallows.
- Blend with ice after heating for a frothy hot chocolate frappe.
Storing and reheating leftover Nesquik
To store leftover Nesquik milk:
- Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in a covered container.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
- When reheating, heat slowly on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling.
The chocolate may settle a bit when stored, so stir or shake before reheating. Nesquik milk reheats well, retaining its creamy texture and chocolate flavor when properly stored.
Nutrition information
The nutrition facts for Nesquik milk depend on the amount of powder used. In general, an 8oz serving provides:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 130-160 |
Fat | 2.5-4g |
Carbs | 24-30g |
Protein | 8-10g |
Calcium | 30% DV |
Vitamin D | 25% DV |
Vitamin A | 10% DV |
Nesquik provides protein, calcium, vitamins D and A. It is lower in fat and higher in sugar compared to plain milk. Heating does not significantly change the nutritional value.
Cost effectiveness
Nesquik powder is more cost effective than buying ready-to-drink Nesquik milk. A 40oz tub of powder costs around $5 and makes 40 servings. Ready-to-drink bottles cost around $1 per 8oz serving. Making your own also allows you to control the strength and customize each serving.
Potential downsides
Potential downsides of heating Nesquik milk include:
- Higher in added sugar than plain milk – can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Easy to drink a lot and overload on calories.
- May curdle if boiled or overheated.
- Not as nutrient dense as plain milk.
- Heating can slightly change the flavor profile.
The Bottom Line
Heating up Nesquik chocolate milk is perfectly safe and changes the flavor minimally. For best results, heat slowly and stir often to prevent scalding. Hot Nesquik makes a cozy winter drink or an indulgent treat any time of year. Be mindful of portion sizes as it is high in added sugar. Making your own hot chocolate with Nesquik powder allows for easy customization.