Our latest collab product with Happy Way ambassador and friend Sophie Guidolin, SOPHIE + HAPPY WAY SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY, is set to take the stress out of your day and add some soul-warming flavour to your bedtime routine. 

It’s been awhile since we’ve partnered with Soph—our first collaboration, the best-selling Banana Bread Protein Mix, has become a household favourite and a staple in every kitchen pantry, and we’re sure that this one is bound to be no different. 

Take it from Sophie…

‘I find that hot chocolate is a really wholesome way to bring the family together and also relax and unwind at night. Typically, sugar-loaded chocolate before bed is not great for the mind or body, so having something that provides a delicious flavour and is nutritious for the whole family is incredible’.

To educate you on all things hot choccy, we’re here to educate and empower you with a breakdown of all the ingredients including their features and benefits, plus we’re sharing our favourite ways to add our Sophie + Happy Way Sleep Tight Hot Choccy into your day-to-day. 

So, get cosy, get ready to drift into dreamland and sleep tight the Happy way!

IS THERE WHEY PROTEIN IN OUR SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY?

Much like our protein powders at Happy Way, our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy is available in both dairy-based and vegan-friendly formulas, so it can be enjoyed by everyone no matter their dietary needs or preferences. However, unlike our whey protein powders, our whey Sleep Tight Hot Choccy doesn’t, in fact, contain whey protein concentrate.

You will find a very small percentage of whey in the Skim Milk Powder ingredient in our dairy formula, and it can range anywhere from 2-5% as a rough estimate. Being that the Skim Milk Powder ingredient is included in the Sleep Tight Hot Choccy formula at 18%, and on the basis that it contains 5% whey, please see the below macro breakdown.

• Per 100 g = 900 mg whey
• Per 10 g serving = 90 mg whey

We always want to be transparent at Happy Way and understand that this may cause some confusion amongst our customers, so to avoid this, we’ll be updating our packaging in the near future and changing it to Sleep Tight Hot Choccy Dairy. 

If you have any further questions about this, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Happiness team.

IS SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY SUITABLE FOR KIDS?

We’re passionate about creating all-natural products that are filled with goodness and wholesome ingredients that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy is no exception. 

Made with 100% natural ingredients and a herbal blend that helps to calm and soothe, our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy is without any artificial nasties like preservatives or flavours and also has no artificial sugars that can often act as a stimulant. 

Whilst we consider our Sophie + Happy Way Sleep Tight Hot Choccy safe for children under 15 years, we always suggest checking the ingredient list and consulting with a healthcare professional should you have questions or concerns. We worked hard with Sophie, who is a dedicated mama herself, to create something that she was confident to enjoy with her own children and that could offer benefits to everyone. 

‘It was important to me to develop something with all-natural ingredients and no artificial flavours or sugars as sugar-loaded hot choc before bed is not a great idea nutritionally at any age. With the added calming benefits of chamomile, dandelion and passion flower, it’s a great addition to any nighttime routine, and I love snuggling up and sharing it with my kids.’ - Sophie Guidolin

As always, please feel free to contact our Customer Happiness team should you have any further questions, or alternatively, seek advice from a healthcare professional to answer any specific concerns surrounding the suitability of ingredients. 

WAYS TO USE SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY

HOT CHOCCY

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tsp (10 g) Sleep Tight Hot Choccy, dairy or vegan
• 200 ml hot water or milk of choice
• Marshmallows (optional)

METHOD

1. In a mug, add two heaped teaspoons of Sleep Tight Hot Choccy and pour in hot water or your milk of choice. 
2. Stir well, add marshmallows on top (if you wish) and enjoy! 

HOT CHOCCY MUG CAKE

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CAKE

• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar 
• 1/4 cup Sleep Tight Hot Choccy, dairy or vegan
• 1/4 tsp baking powder 
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk or dark chocolate chips 
• Pinch of salt

FOR THE TOPPINGS

• Whipped cream
• Happy Way Organic Cacao Powder
• Marshmallows

METHOD

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, Sleep Tight Hot Choccy, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
2. Add in hot water, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir together well, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Pour into a large microwave-safe mug and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
4. Heat on high for 1 minute, then use a toothpick to check if it's cooked inside (if it comes out mostly clean, your mug cake is ready!). If it's still too moist on the inside, heat for an additional 15 seconds, then check again—a few crumbs or bits of chocolate chips are ok. Repeat until your mug cake is cooked through.
5. Allow your cake to cool for a few minutes, then add your favourite toppings and enjoy while it's still warm. We used whipped cream, a dusting of cacao and marshmallows!

INGREDIENTS & BENEFITS

IN BOTH…

COCOA POWDER

Cocoa powder is known for delivering a rich, indulgent chocolate flavour, and it’s one of the ingredients that make our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy so delicious. Originating from the cacao bean, like cacao powder, the difference between the two is that cocoa goes through more processing and is roasted at higher temperatures.

Whilst this may be the case, cocoa powder that has no added sweeteners or preservatives (like ours in our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy) still contains powerful antioxidants, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health. Cocoa powder is also a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium and can enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

ORGANIC CACAO

Organic cacao is the purest form of chocolate, retaining its natural nutrients and flavours, being that it has gone through less processing than cocoa powder. It’s a rich source of antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which help fight free radicals and protect the body against oxidative stress. Organic cacao is also high in dietary fibre, iron, magnesium, and other minerals that support cardiovascular health, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.

MCT POWDER

MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are naturally occurring fatty acids that are digested at a rapid rate and quickly converted into energy by the body. Most commonly sourced from coconuts like coconut flour, the MCT oil we use is extracted from coconut oil and combined with a carrier powder to make MCT powder. MCT oil has little to no flavour or smell, making it a great ingredient to mix with foods, drinks or even to use in cooking. 

MCTs provide a readily available fuel source, making them an excellent choice for sustained energy and mental clarity. They have also been associated with improved weight management, increased satiety, good gut, blood and heart health and enhanced cognitive function.

To learn more about MCT's read our blog, 'What are MCT's and what are the benefits?'.

ACACIA GUM

Acacia gum, also known as gum arabic, is a natural gum sourced from the sap of the Acacia tree. In our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy, acacia gum acts as a natural emulsifier and thickening agent, improving the texture and mouthfeel. It helps to create a smooth, velvety consistency, preventing any separation or clumping of ingredients. Acacia gum is also a prebiotic fibre, which means it can promote a healthy gut microbiome and support digestive health.

MAGNESIUM CITRATE

​​We include magnesium citrate in our hot chocolate for its numerous health benefits. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body. Magnesium citrate is a highly absorbable form that supports muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes relaxation and a night of restful sleep. It also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth and supporting cardiovascular health.

XANTHAN GUM

Xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of sugars. In our hot choccy, xanthan gum acts as a thickening agent and stabiliser, giving it a smooth and consistent texture, helping prevent separation or the settling of ingredients. It has been approved as a food additive, and whilst there is no limit to how much xanthan gum particular foods can contain, it’s important to understand that it’s a soluble fibre, which our bodies can’t break down or absorb any calories or nutrients from. 

The sugars in which xanthan gum is created can be sourced from both animal and plant-based ingredients. Whey is a product that is often used for the production of xanthan gum as well as vegan-friendly options such as sugar cane, corn starch, sugar beet and soy. Xanthan gum can help with regularity and keep you feeling full for longer periods.

For more information on xanthan gum, read our blog 'What you need to know about xanthan gum'.

GUAR GUM

Guar gum is derived from the guar bean and is another natural thickening and stabilising agent used in our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy. It improves the texture and viscosity, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency. Guar gum is a soluble fibre that can aid in digestion and promote satiety. It has also been associated with regulating blood sugar levels and supporting heart health.

CHAMOMILE 

Chamomile is a herb that adds soothing and calming properties to our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy. Packed with antioxidants, it’s sourced from the flowers of the chamomile plant and has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and relieve stress. Chamomile is known for its potential to aid in digestion, support sleep quality, and provide antioxidant protection, and can also benefit blood and heart health. 

DANDELION

Dandelion adds a unique touch to our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy with its earthy and slightly bitter flavour. Dandelion is a great source of antioxidants and is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and potassium. It has been traditionally used to support liver health, aid digestion, and promote overall well-being and is also believed to help reduce inflammation, support blood health and boost the immune system.

PASSION FLOWER

Passion flower rounds out the herbal blend in our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy and is a vine flowering plant that contributes to the calming benefits of our hot choc. The plant's leaves and stems are used for their relaxation properties, and it has often been used as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and stress. It may help promote restful sleep and improve mood by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that induces relaxation.

CINNAMON 

Sourced from the bark of cinnamon trees, cinnamon is known to be an aromatic spice adding a hint of flavour to our hot choccy. For centuries it’s been celebrated for its medicinal properties, as it contains powerful antioxidants and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower cholesterol. Additionally, cinnamon has a warming effect on the body and adds a comforting element to our hot choccy too—perfect before bedtime!

L-GLYCINE

L-glycine is a non-essential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body and found in protein-rich foods. It’s an important building block for proteins and plays a role in numerous physiological processes. In our hot choccy, L-glycine contributes to overall well-being and relaxation. It has been associated with improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and enhanced cognitive function.

ZINC GLUCONATE

Zinc is an essential mineral that’s involved in various processes in the body and is required from our diet to maintain optimal health and well-being. Zinc gluconate, a supplement form of zinc, is often recommended to support those with a zinc deficiency, as zinc plays a critical role in cell growth and is required for our sense of taste and smell to work correctly. It supports immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Zinc also acts as an antioxidant, protecting against cellular damage. It may contribute to healthy skin, improved cognition, and hormonal balance.

STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES

Steviol glycosides are natural compounds extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant. Like our other products, steviol glycosides provide a natural, sweet flavour to our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy without adding calories or raising blood sugar levels. Steviol glycosides have a high sweetness intensity—it’s considered 200-300 times sweeter than sugar—but because of its low-calorie content, it makes a healthy choice for those looking to lose weight. and are considered safe for consumption. They are an excellent alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners.

THAUMATIN

Thaumatin is a protein derived from the Katemfe fruit, native to West Africa and is a natural sweetener that adds a subtle sweetness to our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy without the calories or blood sugar spike associated with traditional sweeteners. With a very concentrated level of sweetness (2000-3000 times sweeter than sugar), thaumatin is considered a protein, not a carbohydrate like many other sweeteners, and is often used (in minimal quantities) to balance out the flavour profile in many foods, providing a flavour that builds gradually rather than being too intense. 

For more information on thaumatin, read our blog, 'What exactly is thaumatin?'.

IN OUR DAIRY SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY…

SKIM MILK POWDER

Skim milk powder is made by removing the fat from milk and drying the remaining milk solids. It contributes to the creamy texture of our hot chocolate without excessive calories. Skim milk powder is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, supporting muscle growth, bone health, and overall nutritional balance.

IN OUR VEGAN SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY…

COCONUT MILK

We use coconut milk in our hot chocolate to add a rich and creamy flavour. Coconut milk is made from the grated meat of mature coconuts and is a popular plant-based alternative to dairy milk. It provides a source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which may have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. It adds a touch of tropical indulgence to our hot chocolate while catering to those with dairy sensitivities or dietary preferences.

So, that’s the breakdown of our new Sophie + Way Sleep Tight Hot Choccy. 

As always, if you have any further questions, please reach out to our Customer Happiness team, who are always willing to help and support you on your health and wellness journey. 

If you haven’t already, make sure you add a stash of this new nighttime essential to your cart on your next Happy haul and get ready to experience your best sleep ever!