How To Make Healthy Hot Chocolate | Elizabeth Rider (2024)

Healthy hot chocolate is here, and I think it’s even better than the classic.

Whoever said hot chocolate couldn’t be both indulgent AND healthy clearly never met this version.

In fact, this healthy hot chocolate recipe has a 5-star rating for a reason! One reader recently commented:

This recipe is so easy and makes a surprisingly amazing delicious hot cocoa. I had my reservations but I added two teaspoons of honey and a bit of vanilla extract and YUM! So great to stick with a healthy diet and get your chocolate fix!!!

~ Francine, recent blog comment

With the weather cooling down, hot chocolate is a classic warming treat that everyone loves. However, as delicious as regular hot chocolate might be, it’s typically filled with dairy, processed white sugar, and other artificial preservatives and additives. No thank you!

My homemade version is made with all-natural ingredients, natural sweetener, and is dairy-free, too. You can choose the type of nut milk (or oat milk) you use to create the best hot chocolate for you.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

• Unsweetened almond milk (or any unsweetened dairy-free milk of choice, like oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder, which is raw chocolate powder)
• Honey or maple syrup to sweeten it up (use a natural sweetener so you can control the quality and amount of sugar)
• Vanilla extract to give it a rich, gourmet flavor

It’s absolutely wonderful as is, but to make it even more special, you can add a big dollop of coconut whipped cream on top! Homemade coconut whipped cream is dairy-free/vegan and super easy to make, see my recipe and video tutorial for coconut whipped cream here.

How to Make Healthy Hot Chocolate

• Step 1: Heat the almond milk (or milk of your choice) on the stove over medium heat until hot but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
• Step 2: Add the cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add then whisk to combine (1-2 minutes).
• Step 3: Heat another 1-2 minutes and serve immediately.
• Optional: add a small dash of cinnamon and/or coconut whipped cream on top, then enjoy!

The full recipe and quantities are in the printable recipe card below, and you can watch me make this recipe in less than 5 minutes in this episode of Elizabeth Eats of Youtube!

If you want to get really fancy, sprinkle some cinnamon or dark chocolate shavings on top of the coconut whipped cream. Yum!

I sip healthy hot chocolate often in the cooler months for a warm and healthy treat. Not only does it taste great, but it makes me feel great too.

You can customize this recipe depending on what you have and which ingredients make your body feel the best. I usually use unsweetened almond milk, but I also love to switch up the flavors with oat milk or coconut milk.

More Healthy Hot Drinks You’ll Love:

• Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Latte (aka Golden Milk Recipe)
• Anti-Inflammatory Collagen Hot Chocolate Recipe
• Homemade Chai Tea Latte

Save on Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

I buy my cocoa powder and most pantry ingredients on Thrive Market—here’s a link for 40% off your first order. Thrive Market is a direct-to-consumer online grocer that has most of the brands you already buy. I find they have the best prices and high-quality ingredients. I use them often!

Skip the sugar overload and embrace warming bliss with this health-conscious hot chocolate recipe. Loved by over 150,000 people every year, Health Coach Elizabeth Rider’s version is rich, creamy, and guilt-free.

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