Healthy Hot Chocolate

A healthy alterative to hot chocolate packets. And it’s easier! This recipe blends two types of milk, vanilla and a decadent melted candy (if you so wish). Now you can savor healthy hot chocolate every day!

Traditional Hot chocolate

Tis the season!! Is there anything cozier this time of year than a mug of hot chocolate lounging by the fire?

And while you may not always have the time to lounge, a warm mug of cocoa is memorable.

Not to mention– satisfies a sweet tooth.

As you know, traditional hot chocolate is known as a drink that has:

• melted chocolate
• heated milk
• a sweetener

While simple in nature, turns out that there’s a lot going on in one small mug. At least for everyday enjoyment.

Healthy Alternative to Hot Chocolate

A quick internet search for a healthier option always left me disappointed as well.

The recipes had common theme such as:

• requiring powders and sweeteners that I didn’t have
• requiring stove top preparation
• not super kid friendly

Or just didn’t sound that great.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Inspired by my favorite milk, this is a healthy homemade hot chocolate that blends rich milk chocolate with a delicate sweetness of vanilla. Fancy it up or keep it simple. It’s satisfying and fulfilling– so much to love here!

Why You’ll Love this Low Sugar Option

Packets are handy, no doubt. But this recipe simplifies traditional hot chocolate AND provides great nutrition. Here’s the highlights:

• Simple Ingredients— Uses every day, kid friendly ingredients that we already have on hand.
• Heats in Microwave— avoid the multi-steps, turn on the stovetop and simmer. This makes it a safer option in the kitchen with littles, too.
• Great Nutrition— less sugar, more protein and avoid artificial sweeteners/fillers found in packets.
• Absolutely Delicious–Tastes so decadent for such a simple recipe. And no undissolved particles of cocoa mix floating around 😉 We call this creamy and dreamy. Scroll below to find out why.

What ingredients do I need?

You can make this in as little of two ingredients (!!) but for the whole experience, use these:

• Chocolate Milk— I use Fairlife Chocolate milk. If you’re not familiar, it has less sugar and more protein than average chocolate milk. And added bonus–lactose free. The taste is unlike anything else. I literally think of Wendy’s frosty or dairy queen chocolate ice cream when drinking. It’s rich so it’s perfect here. Yes, a bit more expensive than standard chocolate milk, but so worth it. And we are mixing in it, so one bottle will last you awhile!
• Milk— regular milk or almond milk (unsweetened is my go-to). I do like the vanilla flavored here but no sweat, use your favorite, we can add vanilla in.
• Vanilla– You see me use this a lot because it’s such a simple way to sweeten up dishes and drinks. A warm, wintery addition to the mug, this softens the overall drink.
• Andes mint thin chocolates– so awesome. Drop one in and have it melt right into your warm drink infusing hints of mint and cream.
• Optional— whipped cream, additional candy to crush and sprinkle on top

Substitutions

• Use any kind of chocolate milk– while I recommend Fairlife, use what you have!
• Use your preferred milk–I’m a fan of almond milk, I use regular milk for my kids. Both are winners and we go back and forth
• Swap Andes Mint Thins for favorite candy or candy cane (candy cane Hershey kiss perhaps?!)
• Skip the candy– use a couple drops of peppermint extract instead for a fun hint of flavor
• You can use any candy or sprinkles to decorate top of hot chocolate

How to make Healthy Hot Chocolate

Pour, pour, stir and microwave! So easy! Follow these steps:

• Pour Almond milk in glass or mug
• Add Chocolate milk into glass or mug
• Add vanilla and give a little stir
• Microwave for 2-2.5 minutes, stirring halfway through
• Drop candy into mug (if desire)
• Pour milk mixture into mug
• Top with whipped cream and additional candy pieces
• YUM, ENJOY!

Tips and Tricks

This is far from complicated but here’s some helpful hints:

• Use a glass measuring cup like this one. You can mix up a big patch, microwave in the glass and then pour into the mug. It’s easy but also safe– no hot mug for young kiddos
• How cute are these little mugs?
• 1:1 ratio is a guideline here for mixing milk and chocolate milk. However, this milk is insanely rich, I can get away with more milk and less chocolate milk!

Is this healthy?

Typically, you can consider hot chocolate a dessert in a mug. And by dessert, I mean you exceed your sugar intake in just serving. High in sugar translates to high calorie, lower nutrition (as general rule)

While caloric intake is not my main focus and I’m all about you “sipping on the season,” this is such a great opportunity to maximize nutrition for my family.

This version is a great option everyone. Here’s why:

• Milk is a great source of calcium and nutrients. This can count towards your young child’s milk intake. Especially if they struggle with drinking plain milk. Perhaps this would entice them. I feel good saying yes to my kid’s favorite and knowing that I’m nurturing them well too.
• Serving of Protein— one cup has at least 5 grams of protein
• Less Sugar— Half the amount of a typical packet to be exact
• Need a dairy free hot chocolate recipe because of lactose? Use almond milk and Fairlife Choclate milk and this is a great lactose free cocoa.

Is it healthy to have hot chocolate every night?

For the reasons listed above, I say yes.

Anything in moderation, obviously. But the good outweighs the bad here. This is a huge benefit to this version versus your typical hot chocolate!

And did you know warm milk can help sleep?

Perfect nightcap for all to add to my better sleep tips.

Note: Skip the candy for less sugar.

Pour me a cup, please!

My pleasure to share this recipe with you. Please see below.

Looking for Similar Recipes?

if you’re looking for another mug full of goodness, please check out:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte

Full Heart

If this recipe made your day easier, healthier or more joyful, I’d love to know. Please leave a comment below. And as always, share the gift of easy with others. Please pour your friend a cup of healthier hot chocolate and tag me in it so I can see your creations. Thank you, friend!