Dutch Bros Hot Cocoa: Flavors, Prices & Secret Menu Hacks
Hot cocoa at Dutch Bros isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. I’ve tried it on cold evenings with my kids, ordered it on road trips when I wasn’t in the mood for coffee, and even experimented with some of their secret menu hot cocoa flavors. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Dutch Bros Hot Cocoa so special, how much it costs, or which flavors are worth it, I’ll break it all down with my own stories, real customer favorites, and a few at-home hacks you won’t find anywhere else.
Does Dutch Bros Have Hot Cocoa?
Yes! Dutch Bros has hot cocoa on the menu year-round, not just during the holidays. It’s made with their signature exclusive chocolate milk, which gives it a richer, creamier flavor than the average powdered mix. My youngest calls it “liquid brownie in a cup,” and honestly, she’s not wrong.
If you’ve ever had a late-night craving for something warm, cozy, and non-caffeinated, this is where Dutch Bros shines. And yes, for parents asking, Dutch Bros hot cocoa does not have caffeine (unless you add espresso as a hack, which I’ll explain later).
Dutch Bros Hot Cocoa Price
One thing I love about Dutch Bros is that the hot cocoa price is affordable compared to their coffee-based drinks. Depending on location, here’s what I usually pay:
| Menu Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| White Chocolate Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small Kids | $3.95 $3.75 $3.45 $2.45 |
| Candy Cane Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small Kids | $3.95 $3.75 $3.45 $2.45 |
| Caramel Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small Kids | $3.95 $3.75 $3.45 $2.45 |
| Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small Kids | $3.95 $3.75 $3.45 $2.45 |
| SF Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small Kids | $3.95 $3.75 $3.45 $2.45 |
💡 Pro Tip:
Ask for it half-sweet if you want to cut the sugar for kids—or for yourself if you don’t like it too rich.
Dutch Bros Hot Cocoa Calories & Nutrition
Calories vary by size and add-ins, but here’s the ballpark:
| Menu Items | Size | Calories | Total fat | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Chocolate Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small | 710 590 470 | 24g 20g 15g | 99g 83g 68g | 23g 18g 14g |
| Candy Cane Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small | — | — | — | — |
| Caramel Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small | 740 520 500 | 27g 22g 18g | 97g 82g 66g | 21g 17g 12g |
| Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small | 700 580 460 | 24g 19g 15g | 99g 84g 68g | 21g 17g 12g |
| SF Hot Cocoa | Large Medium Small | 750 610 470 | 54g 42g 30g | 18g 14g 10g | 20g 16g 12g |
Add-ins like whipped cream, syrups, or chocolate drizzle can tack on 50–150 more calories.
⚡ Question I get often: Does Dutch Bros hot cocoa have caffeine?
Nope—unless you specifically ask for an espresso shot (which turns it into a “Mocha-style Cocoa”).
Best Dutch Bros Hot Cocoa Flavors (Tried & Tested)
I’ve personally tested quite a few (for research, of course 😉), and here are the standouts:
- Classic Dutch Cocoa: Simple, rich, and the base for all the magic.
- Candy Cane Cocoa (Holiday Special): My all-time favorite; peppermint syrup + whipped cream + crushed candy canes. Dutch Bros usually offers it in December, but you can secret menu it year-round if they have peppermint syrup.
- Hazelnut Truffle Hot Cocoa: Think Nutella vibes in a cup. This one is indulgent but sooo worth it.
- Banana Bread Hot Cocoa (Secret Menu): Chocolate + banana + brown sugar flavoring. I tried this on a road trip, and it legit tasted like fresh banana bread.
- Molten Lava Hot Cocoa (Secret Menu): Chocolate + cinnamon + extra drizzle. My friend swears by this one when she needs comfort in a cup.
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa: Lighter than the Candy Cane version, but still cozy.
👉 If you’re new, start with the Hazelnut Truffle Hot Cocoa it’s the one I always recommend to friends.
The Dutch Bros Secret Menu Hot Cocoa: What You Need to Know
Dutch Bros is famous for its wild secret menu, and yes, it applies to hot cocoa too. Baristas often know the names, but if not, just give them the flavor mix. A few I’ve personally ordered or heard customers rave about:
- Banana Bread Hot Cocoa – banana + chocolate + brown sugar.
- Molten Lava Cocoa – chocolate + cinnamon syrup.
- Double Chocolate Cocoa – extra chocolate drizzle inside the cup + whipped cream on top.
- Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa – yes, they can make it with sugar-free syrups if you ask!
💡 Pro Tip:
Don’t be shy. If you see a drink flavor on the coffee menu, you can usually ask for it in hot cocoa form.
My DIY Dutch Bros Hot Cocoa Recipe at Home
I can’t always drive to Dutch Bros, so I came up with a recipe that comes really close to the real deal:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk (or oat milk for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder (trust me on this)
- 2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 2 tbsp melted chocolate chips
- Whipped cream + chocolate drizzle
Steps:
- Heat milk in a saucepan until warm, not boiling.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and melted chocolate.
- Froth with a hand frother (Dutch Bros-style creaminess).
- Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
Optional: Add hazelnut syrup for a Hazelnut Truffle Cocoa hack or peppermint syrup for a Candy Cane Cocoa copycat.
Real-World Stories from the Cocoa Line
- I once ordered a half-sweet peppermint hot cocoa for my daughter, and the barista winked and said, “That’s my go-to after shifts.” She wasn’t wrong—it’s refreshing without being overpowering.
- On a cold morning, I saw a group of construction workers all order large hot cocoas instead of coffee. One told me, “Man, coffee shakes me up, but cocoa just keeps me warm and happy.” Dutch Bros really does cater to everyone.
- A friend swears by asking for a shot of espresso in her cocoa—“like grown-up chocolate milk.” I tried it, and it’s basically a mocha without the bitterness.
Final Thoughts: The Best Dutch Bros Cocoa for You
So, what’s the best Dutch Bros Hot Cocoa? If I had to rank:
- Hazelnut Truffle Cocoa (rich & indulgent)
- Candy Cane Cocoa (festive favorite)
- Banana Bread Cocoa (unique secret menu hack)
But honestly? Even the classic Dutch Cocoa is leagues ahead of anything powdered at home. Whether you’re treating the kids, looking for a non-coffee option, or just want to try a secret menu gem, Dutch Bros cocoa is worth the stop.