Van Houten Cocoa and Chocolate Beverages

Van Houten is a Dutch cocoa brand with a history dating back to the early 19th century. The product line includes both cocoa powder and various instant chocolate beverages, including VH10, VH12, VH15, Temptation, Dark Dream, and Milk Fairtrade Dream.

The different varieties range from mild milk chocolate drinks to products with a more intense cocoa flavor. Various package sizes are also available for home use and for larger consumers.

Van Houten: Dutch Cocoa History

The history of Van Houten began in Amsterdam. In 1806, Casparus Van Houten opened a shop there selling coffee and spices, and in 1815, he began producing cocoa and chocolate under the Van Houten name.

A major development followed in 1828, when Van Houten patented the hydraulic cocoa press. This allowed a large portion of the cocoa butter to be pressed out of the cocoa mass, which significantly changed the production of cocoa powder.

In 1846, under Coenraad Van Houten, the so-called Dutching process was patented. In this process, cocoa is treated with alkaline salts, which alters its flavor, color, and solubility, among other things. These developments have played a significant role in the history of cocoa powder as we know it today.

Van Houten Cocoa Powder

In addition to instant chocolate drinks, you’ll find Van Houten Cocoa Powder 250 grams. It’s important to note this separately: pure cocoa powder is different from the blended instant chocolate drinks in the VH series.

Depending on the recipe, cocoa powder can be used for hot cocoa, desserts, and baking recipes, for example.

Van Houten VH15

Van Houten VH15 is an instant milk chocolate drink containing 16% cocoa. Van Houten describes VH15 as a classic, creamy chocolate drink that combines milk and cocoa with a balanced sweetness.

The product line includes VH15 in various package sizes, including 1 kg and a larger package for more intensive use.

Van Houten VH10

Van Houten VH10 is an instant chocolate drink with a smooth and milky character. This variety is available in various package sizes, including 1 kg and bulk packaging.

VH10 is intended for making hot chocolate. Always follow the instructions on the package for dosage and preparation.

Van Houten VH12

Van Houten VH12 contains 13% cocoa and offers a more distinct cocoa flavor. Van Houten positions VH12 as a chocolate drink with a medium cocoa flavor.

VH12 is also available in various package sizes.

Van Houten Temptation

Van Houten Temptation contains 21% cocoa, making it one of the varieties in the line with a higher cocoa content.

This instant chocolate drink is intended for those seeking a more pronounced and fuller cocoa flavor than that found in the milder milk chocolate drinks. Temptation is available in 1 kg packages and in bulk.

Van Houten Dark Dream and Milk Fairtrade Dream

The product line also includes Van Houten Dark Dream and Van Houten Milk Fairtrade Dream, both of which are instant chocolate drinks.

Dark Dream is designed for a darker chocolate profile. Milk Fairtrade Dream, on the other hand, offers a milder milk chocolate flavor and carries the Fairtrade label.

Van Houten Chocolate Drink in Sachets

For individual servings, you’ll also find Van Houten VH6 Choco Drink in sachets. This allows you to prepare a single serving of chocolate drink at a time without having to measure out portions from a large package.

Van Houten and Barry Callebaut

Since 1998, Van Houten’s vending operations have been part of Barry Callebaut. Within Barry Callebaut, Van Houten is still marketed as a separate cocoa brand.

Van Houten also notes that, since 2018, its chocolate drinks have been made with 100% sustainably sourced cocoa.

Which Van Houten cocoa will you choose?

For recipes where you determine the composition yourself, you can choose Van Houten cocoa powder. If you want an instant chocolate drink, there are several options.

VH10 and VH15 are designed for a milder and creamier chocolate profile. VH12 offers more cocoa character, and Temptation contains a higher percentage of cocoa at 21%. Additionally, there’s Dark Dream for a darker chocolate profile and Milk Fairtrade Dream for a milk chocolate drink with the Fairtrade seal.

Order Van Houten cocoa online

Discover the current selection of Van Houten cocoa and chocolate drinks, ranging from cocoa powder and VH10, VH12, and VH15 to Temptation, Dark Dream, Milk Fairtrade Dream, and individually packaged chocolate drinks.