#chilledcocoa

By Akan Peter Nsek

Let’s talk office snacks. We all hit that afternoon slump, usually around 3 p.m. when energy drops, concentration slips, and someone’s digging around the bottom of their drawer for forgotten biscuits.

It’s real.

And while many of us default to sugary fixes or caffeine overload, there’s another way. A smoother way. A colder way.

At Amel International Services Limited here in Nigeria, we’ve found that one of the most underestimated pick-me-ups is a chilled cocoa drink—especially when made with our Amel Susan cocoa powder. It’s comforting, versatile, and surprisingly energizing when served cold.

Even better? You can turn it into simple snack recipes that are office-friendly, budget-friendly, and mood-lifting.

Let me walk you through a few favorites.

1. Iced Cocoa with Honey and Cinnamon

Start with the basics. Mix 1–2 tablespoons of Amel Susan cocoa powder with a bit of warm water to dissolve it fully. Add cold milk (or plant-based milk), a drizzle of Amel Susan honey, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Shake it in a bottle or jar with ice.

That’s it. No blender, no hassle. It keeps well in a thermos and gives you that cool, slightly spicy chocolate vibe—without overwhelming sweetness.

Perfect for sipping between emails.

2. Cocoa-Custard Ice Pops (Make at Home, Bring to Work)

This one’s great for hot offices with fridge access.

Prepare a quick mix of Amel Susan cocoa powder, milk, and a bit of Amel Susan banana custard powder for thickness and flavor. Pour into ice-pop molds and freeze overnight.

In the morning, wrap one in foil and toss it into your lunch bag. By mid-afternoon, it’s slightly softened and perfect as a creamy cocoa snack-on-a-stick.

3. Choco-Banana Office Smoothie

If your workplace has a fridge or blender (or you prep at home), this one’s a hit.

1 ripe banana

2 tbsp Amel Susan cocoa powder

1 tbsp Amel Susan honey

1/2 cup milk

Ice

Blend and store in a small bottle. Shake before drinking. It’s filling, naturally sweet, and tastes like dessert without being overly indulgent.

Add a scoop of oats for extra fuel if your day is packed.

4. Cocoa Yogurt Dip with Crackers

Mix plain yogurt with cocoa powder and a touch of honey. Use it as a dip for plain crackers or fruit slices.

It feels fancy, but takes less than 2 minutes to prep. Plus, it gives that boost of protein and chocolate all in one bite.

Some of our staff here have adopted it as their go-to meeting snack—especially when back-to-back Zooms are involved.

Why It Matters

Small things like this—snacks, sips, shared recipes—can improve office life more than we realize. They create rituals. They give us something to look forward to.

At Amel International Services Limited, we’ve always believed that food doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. It just needs to fit into people’s real lives.

This thinking is part of what drives us. And perhaps part of the reason we’re honored to be nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London.

That event isn’t about corporate slogans—it’s about businesses making tangible impact. Quietly improving everyday routines. Creating opportunities from simple ideas.

We’re proud to carry this ethos forward, as a representative of Nigeria on a global stage.

Final Thought

So the next time your afternoon slows down, skip the vending machine. Open your fridge, or dig through that drawer again—this time with purpose. With cocoa powder in hand, you might just turn your office break into something a little more joyful.