If you're zeroing in on a product with "Pumpkin Spice" in the title and a big illustration of a pumpkin and cinnamon sticks on the packaging, then chances are you like the taste of pumpkin spice and want a fair amount of it in said product.
I'm not saying pumpkin spice can't be overdone, because it certainly can. There's a fine line between not quite enough pumpkin spice and WAY TOO MUCH—but I'll just tell you right now that this beverage errs on the side of "not enough pumpkin spice."
It's there, but it's very subtle—overshadowed by the taste of traditional hot cocoa. There's just a whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg, particularly at the finish. Even pumpkin spice-haters and people quite tired of the ubiquitous orange gourd and its complimentary seasonings could probably stand this warm, autumnal beverage.
A while back, my wife bought a bunch of fancy paper cups with plastic sippy lids and cardboard heat guard thingies so she could feel like she was having fancy coffee shop coffee even when it's normal instant stuff or, in this case, instant hot cocoa. Sonia made this pumpkin spice hot cocoa with milk, and it turned out to be high-quality, creamy, and overall pretty tasty.
No major complaints. It just doesn't taste that much like pumpkin spice.
I give this hot cocoa mix 7 out of 10 stars.
