Make this sugar free hot chocolate for a healthier, comforting winter drink on cozy winter nights after a busy day of playing in the snow. Easy to adapt to suit most diets, refined sugar free, and low calorie!
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Hot chocolate, or hot cocoa, is for many of us the ultimate winter beverage. Tea and coffee is great for most days, but when I want a cozy treat, I always make hot cocoa.
I have never liked making hot chocolate from a packet mix (too many preservatives and weird ingredients), and the hot chocolate from my childhood includes spoonfuls of sugar, heavy cream and whole milk. Neither seem to be particularly healthy options.
I am therefore so excited to share my healthy hot chocolate recipe, which is comforting and delicious, but a little lighter than the traditional version.
Why you'll love it
- This beverage is low fat, since we use a lighter milk alternative such as almond milk, oat milk or skim milk.
- It's also low sugar, and refined sugar free. A Starbucks hot chocolate contains 38 g sugar, while this is only 1 g per cup, or 3 g if you add the honey.
- Every cup is only 45 calories, which is much lower than the average. Feel free to have two!
- You only need three ingredients, and there's a good chance you already have them in your pantry.
- Hot chocolate is comforting and delicious. With this recipe you don't have to compromise your health to enjoy a warm cup or two.
- No strange ingredients. Hot chocolate packet mixes often contain a bunch of add ins and ingredients you don't know, and many sugar free recipes include uncommon ingredients.
Healthy hot chocolate ingredients
- Milk: Use a lighter milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or skim milk.
- Sweetener: Avoid adding sugar, and use a healthier sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or others. These all have beneficial qualities such as added vitamins and minerals, and are therefore a better alternative to refined sugar.
- Cocoa powder: Use the cocoa powder that you would use for baking. Don't use hot chocolate powder mixes, as these contain a lot of other ingredients such as milk powder and sugar, and have a much weaker chocolate flavor.
Instructions
Add the ingredients to a pot or sauce pan on medium heat. Whisk the ingredients together to combine.
Stir regularly, or continuously, for a few minutes, until the hot chocolate starts to gently simmer. Remove it from the heat immediately, and serve.
Hot chocolate should not be boiled. Instead, simply warm the ingredients until they reach the simmering point. At this point, you can also taste the chocolate beverage, and add any add-ins or sweetener to taste.
Top tips
- The hot chocolate only has to be warmed up. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but don't let it boil.
- Use cocoa powder, rather than a hot chocolate mix. The mixes contain a lot of other ingredients, and the flavor and nutritional value of the beverage will change.
Serving suggestions
I love to serve sugar free hot chocolate with a sweet treat or dessert. Browse my collection of dessert recipes, or try one of my favorites:
Variations
Vegan hot chocolate: Make sure to use a vegan milk alternative, such as oat milk or almond milk, and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey.
Add-ins: Add a dash of cinnamon, chili powder, peppermint extract, or caramel syrup for a delicious twist on the original recipe.
No sugar: For a completely sugar free recipe, omit the sweetener. You can use sugar free artificial sweeteners, which can often be found in the diet section of most large supermarkets.
Toppings: Top your hot chocolate with whatever you like. Marshmallows, dark chocolate shavings, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or mini cookies are common options.
Leftovers
You can store leftover hot choclate in a refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a microwave, or in a pot on the stove top, and serve it warm.
You can also enjoy cold hot chocolate - it's basically the same as chocolate milk!
Frequently asked questions
Although I wouldn't recommend drinking hot chocolate all the time, you can definitely enjoy the occasional cup of hot chocolate as a treat. Everything in moderation!
You might also like these recipes
- Ginger Turmeric Tea
- Hot Chocolate with Orange
- Hot Chocolate with Peppermint
- Star Anise Tea
- Hot Lemon and Ginger Drink
If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!
Recipe
Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups almond milk
- 3 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a pot or sauce pan on medium heat. Whisk the ingredients together to combine.
- Stir regularly, or continuously, for a few minutes, until the hot chocolate starts to gently simmer. Remove it from the heat immediately, and serve.
Video
Notes
- Adding the honey will increase the sugar per cup to 3g. Still a lot better than conventional hot chocolate!
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