Yes, Carnation is a brand that makes hot chocolate mixes. Carnation was founded in 1899 and originally sold evaporated milk. Over the years, Carnation expanded into other dairy products, including hot chocolate mixes.
A Brief History of Carnation
Carnation was founded in 1899 in Washington state by Elbridge Amos Stuart. At the time, canned milk was a relatively new product. Stuart believed he could produce a higher quality evaporated milk by using a process that avoided overheating the milk. This resulted in milk that tasted better and stayed fresh longer.
In 1907, the company officially took on the name Carnation due to a company contest. The winning entry compared the milky white color of Carnation evaporated milk to the flower. The company’s first logo even included a Carnation flower.
Carnation was acquired by Nestlé in 1985 and remains one of Nestlé’s major brands today. The Carnation name adorns a wide variety of products including evaporated milk, coffee creamers, condensed milk, infant formula, and of course, hot chocolate.
When Did Carnation Start Making Hot Chocolate?
Carnation released its first instant hot cocoa mixes in the 1960s. The mixes provided a quick and easy way for people to make hot chocolate at home by just adding hot water or milk. This was much more convenient than melting chocolate bars or blocks of baking chocolate on the stove.
Early Carnation hot cocoa mixes included:
- Carnation Instant Hot Cocoa (released in 1961)
- Carnation Instant Breakfast (released in 1964)
- Carnation Good Start (released in 1966)
Carnation expanded their selection of instant cocoa over the years. By the 1990s, they offered mixes in different flavors including chocolate malt, chocolate mint, and double chocolate. Today, Carnation continues to sell a wide variety of hot chocolate mixes.
Carnation Hot Chocolate Mixes Today
Carnation currently sells these hot chocolate varieties:
- Original hot chocolate
- Sugar free hot chocolate
- Reduced sugar hot chocolate
- No-added sugar hot chocolate
- Extra creamy hot chocolate
- Milk chocolate hot chocolate
- Double chocolate hot chocolate
- Peppermint hot chocolate
- Salted caramel hot chocolate
- Pumpkin spice hot chocolate (seasonal)
The mixes come in single serving packets as well as canisters to make multiple servings. Carnation recommends using milk for the creamiest hot chocolate, but the mixes can also be prepared with water.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for one serving of original Carnation hot chocolate prepared with water:
| Calories | 100 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Protein | 1g |
Keep in mind nutrition can vary across different flavors and whether prepared with milk vs water.
How to Make Carnation Hot Chocolate
Making Carnation hot chocolate is quick and easy:
- Heat up 1 cup of milk (or water) on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in the contents of one packet of Carnation instant hot cocoa mix. For a richer chocolate flavor, use two packets.
- Mix well until the cocoa powder is dissolved.
- Enjoy your hot chocolate!
For an extra creamy hot chocolate, blend the hot chocolate with milk in a blender after heating. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or any other favorite hot chocolate toppings.
Conclusion
Carnation has been producing instant hot chocolate mixes since the 1960s. Today, they offer a wide selection of flavors and options including sugar free, reduced sugar, no sugar added, and extra creamy varieties. Carnation hot chocolate can be prepared with water or milk and topped with whipped cream or other toppings for a cozy and delicious treat.
