Hot chocolate's best in orange cups

Scientists reveal bizarre study finding

Oxford University researchers may have had some time on their hands before Christmas.

The prestigious establishment has found that hot chocolate tastes better when drunk out of an orange cup.

In taste tests, participants significantly favoured the same sample of drinking chocolate when it was served in orange or cream coloured cups, over white or red cups.

"There is no fixed rule stating that flavour and aroma are enhanced in a cup of a certain colour or shade," researcher Betina Piqueras-Fiszman said. "In reality this varies depending on the type of food, but the truth is that, as this effect occurs, more attention should be paid to the colour of the container as it has more potential than one could imagine."

As well as putting the likes of Cadburys and Green & Blacks on high alert, the researchers said the study, which was was published in the Journal of Sensory Studies, was significant because it helps to show how the brain responds to visual information.

We've found five orange drinking vessels for hardcore hot chocolate drinkers:

1. Simple and sturdy

Aptly named the Volcanic, Le Creuset's fiery coloured stoneware mug looks made for a steaming hot chocolate. Pass the marshmallows.

£8.25, johnlewis.com

2. Designer China

If you like your drinking chocolate out of something a little more fancy, this fine bone china Jasper Conran design for Wedgwood is perfect - as long as you don't stick it in the dishwasher.

£12.50, houseoffraser.so.uk

3. Kingsize

For when 250ml is just not enough, there's the jumbo mug, in Chocolate-enhancing vivid orange.

£24.52 for four, wayfair.co.uk

4. Quirky

It doesn't have a handle and we're not sure it's orange silicone sleeve would pass the Oxford University taste test but we love this Bodum porcelain Pavina mug.

£14.46 for two, Tesco.com