Options Hot Chocolate: Limited Edition Strawberry & More

Thank you to Charlotte who spotted this new Strawberry Options a few weeks back. It's taken me a while to find it but they are finally in stock in my local Sainsbury's. I like the fact that Options are constantly bringing out new flavours in their range, they always seem to have something new, My favourite was their coconut version which was released last year (see my review HERE). This new Strawberry flavour is a worthy new addition to the range and creates a very enjoyable hot chocolate - it smells like a strawberry fondant chocolate from a selection box and tastes just as sweet too. I would buy this Strawberry flavour again, but I won't be stocking up as much as I did with the Caribbean Coconut (I hoarded so many of those I still have some left!).

I also picked up a few other Options hot chocolates which are new to me; Choca Latte, Salted Caramel and Choc Praline. If you've tried any of these then I'd love to hear from you in the comments below! I will update this review with my thoughts once I've had a chance to try them all. I'm looking forward to the Salted Caramel next.

Grocery Gems Verdict: Options Strawberry Hot Chocolate

RATING: 7 out of 10.
Buy them again?: Yes.
Nutrition: 39 calories.
Purchased: Sainsbury's.
Price: £0.32p each.

Options Hot Chocolate: Limited Edition Jazzy Ginger & More

I recently reviewed Cadbury's new Wispa Hot Chocolate which has completely rekindled my interest in hot chocolate as an evening drink. As soon as Becca from The Sparkling Recoverer recommended the Options range and the Wicked White hot chocolate I knew I had to give it a try. Thank you Becca! When I went to have a look instore, I was surprised by just how many flavours there are including this Limited Edition Jazzy Ginger. I don't think I have ever tried a ginger hot chocolate before and I absolutely loved it. The ginger flavour is sweet rather than being too spicy, with a lovely warmth that builds as you drink. It's a delicious combination that works well with the chocolate.

The Wicked White chocolate drink is just as Becca described. It's very creamy (especially if you make it with milk or add a splash of milk) and has a smooth vanilla flavour. It really does taste of white chocolate and is great for anyone who likes sweet milky drinks.

I hadn't intended to buy so many varieties but there was no way I was leaving this Caribbean Coconut flavour behind on the shelf! I had no idea this even existed. Imagine getting a chocolate coconut treat for only 38 calories - heaven. I made this one with just water and it was still quite frothy and thick. If you've read this blog before you won't be surprised that I loved this.

Yes I did buy the Mint Madness too! At the time of buying (from Sainsbury's) these sachets were on a 7 for £1.50 deal, which is a fab price. I don't want sound repetitive but I really enjoyed the Mint Madness too - basically I liked all of them! It has just the right amount of mint flavour for the chocolate. I've also seen online that they also do a banana hot chocolate called Go Bananas, which I simply MUST find!

The chocolate flavour in all these drinks is very satisfying. It's described as Belgian Choc on the front, which doesn't really mean much, but it's a perfectly decent chocolate flavour. It's not as indulgent as the Wispa hot chocolate but it's much nicer than I was expecting for the calories. Of course, as these are low calories drinks, they all contain artificial sweeteners, but I didn't find they had a dominant aftertaste that you sometimes get with these kinds of drinks. They're great for anyone who is trying to reduce their calories, or reduce their sugar intake, but still enjoy a chocolate treat.

Grocery Gems Verdict: Options Hot Chocolate

Overall my favourite from the range was the Caribbean Coconut which I will definitely be buying again.

RATING: 8 out of 10.
Buy them again?: Definitely.
Nutrition: From 38 to 44 calories.
Purchased: Sainsburys.
Price: £0.36p per sachet or £2.79 per jar.