Does your hot cocoa have marshmallows or marbits?

Marbits or marshmallows, what is in that hot cocoa packet?

What are marbits? While hot cocoa bombs have been the food trend, the traditional hot cocoa packet that everyone remembers from childhood is still one of the most popular ways to enjoy the classic holiday beverage. But, do you know what is in that hot cocoa beverage?

For some people, marshmallows and hot chocolate are the perfect pairing. Those fluffy, sugary treats that look like snow floating on that warm hot cocoa are so inviting.

While you long for that perfect holiday beverage, the hot cocoa packet doesn’t always live up to the foodie fantasy. Although people hope that the warm milk (not hot water) will bring that hot cocoa packet to a sip of deliciousness, there is a little hiccup, the marbit.

What are marbits? It is the official name of those little marshmallows in the hot cocoa mix.

As seen on a recent Dr. Oz episode, he discusses the marbit. According to Dr. Maya Warren, “These are what we call Marbits, and we often find them in some cereals that we might like. These look like dehydrated marshmallows, Dr. Oz, but they’re really a little bit more than that. We just talked about corn syrup and the importance of corn syrup and having corn syrup in the marshmallow. It’s all about the crystallization phase of the corn syrup that’s used in these what we would call Marbits. That ability to crystallize over time is what actually causes that crispiness, that crumbly texture that we like in those little Marbits.”

Based on that information, no amount of hydration will bring back that dehydrated bite back to its original fluffiness. Once it is crispy, it remains crispy.

While that scientific information is interesting, it really comes down to flavor. If you love marshmallows, you have to add real marshmallows. Sure, those little bites are tasty in your Lucky Charms, but sometimes you want something a little more decadent in your hot cocoa.

Although many people have grown up with those hot cocoa packets, food trends show that people are turning to other options. For some people, the decision is to control the ingredients in the cup. From less sugar to better for you options, that hot chocolate can be so much more.

Recent food trends are turning that classic holiday beverage into a whole experience. From hot cocoa bombs to gourmet hot chocolate, that hot chocolate can be quite flavorful. Why not experiment with flavor options and see what you like best.

Now, the next time you see a package of hot cocoa or some cereal with marshmallows, you can impress your friends and family with the term marbits. It won’t make you win Jeopardy but it will make you look a little smarter.

What other food terms do you know? Did you know the term marbit?