Last Updated: Apr 18, 2023 @ 2:25 pm.

What is the best pumpkin spice hot cocoa mix? To find out, we brewed up cups from eight different brands and then did a blind taste test. Which had the best pumpkin flavor? Was most creamy? Here are the winners.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. We don't take money or freebies from the brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported!

Finding the Best Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix

In our never-ending quest to find the best pumpkin spice drinks, today we land on that fall favorite: pumpkin spice hot cocoa!

As always, we think the best bet is to do a blind taste test. This follows two basic steps:

  1. Brew up pumpkin spice mix hot cocoa:

2. Start tasting!

Once you find your favorite pumpkin spice hot chocolate, you can use it to fill hot chocolate bombs or make delicious breakfast items like hot chocolate pancakes. It’s not just for sipping!

Good news: our staff of pumpkin spice enthusiasts were up to the task of narrowing down the best cocoa with a spicy difference! We tried several brands before deciding these are the best bets:

If you have someone in the family who prefers pumpkin spice  tea or chai, we review some delicious option as well!

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Best Pumpkin Flavor

Delicious blend
We loved this tried and true brand's pumpkin spice mix for true pumpkin flavor notes—and yes, it even beat out more expensive gourmet brands.
$4.97 ($0.45 / Ounce)

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Best Creamy Flavor

Smooth taste
The Dutch-processed cocoa is the star here—this mix is more creamy and subtle in flavor than others we tried. Also nice: natural cane sugar instead of corn syrup.
$13.99

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Best Budget-Friendly

Warm and rich
When you need more than just a few packets of cocoa, this is a good choice. Great pumpkin flavor and easy to make . . . at a price that doesn't break the bank.

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Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York TimesWall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

Hot Chocolate Pancake Recipe