4 Healthy Ways to Build a Better Hot Chocolate at Home

Hot chocolate is a rich, warm beverage perfect for chilly nights, but it’s also high in added sugars and calories. Fortunately, it’s easy to make hot chocolate at home with a few healthy food swaps.

1. Use Cocoa Powder

When making your own healthy hot chocolate, ditch the storebought packets and start with real, unsweetened cocoa powder. It has a rich chocolatey taste without the added sugar and chemicals of processed versions. 

Cocoa is high in antioxidants and provides several health benefits. It contains polyphenols, antioxidants that help lower inflammation and improve heart health. Cocoa also contains flavonols, antioxidants that improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. 

Unsweetened cocoa powder has a bitter taste, so you will still need to add a sweetener to achieve the satisfying taste of hot chocolate. 

2. Choose Healthier Sweeteners

Most hot chocolate recipes call for white sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider the following sweeteners:

• Honey: Honey offers a sweet taste and provides powerful antioxidants. It also has antibacterial properties, which may help protect you against infection, and is known to relieve coughing. Use a drizzle of it in your hot chocolate. Remember that honey is not safe for infants under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism. 
• Stevia: Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener that comes from the stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) plant. It tastes much sweeter than white sugar but contains no sugar and is very low in calories. Stevia has an intensely sweet taste, so start with a small amount when adding it to hot chocolate.
• Monk fruit extract: Monk fruit extract is naturally calorie-free and does not contain carbohydrates. It may be a good choice for people with diabetes or those who need to consume carbs in moderation. Monk fruit is also rich in antioxidants.

3. Avoid Whole Milk

Hot chocolate can be prepared with milk or water. Whole milk is high in fat and calories, and water often results in a thin, watery hot chocolate. For healthier milk options that are rich and creamy, consider the following:

• Skim milk: Cow’s milk is a complete protein rich in several healthy nutrients. It is an excellent source of calcium, promoting healthy bones and teeth. It also provides vitamins and minerals to support cell growth and immune health. Opt for skim or 2% milk to reduce the fat and calories while keeping the health benefits. 
• Almond milk: For a vegan hot chocolate, try almond milk. It is very low in calories and lactose-free, making it a healthy option for those with lactose intolerance. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which may lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. It’s also a good source of calcium, and fortified versions provide more calcium than cow’s milk. However, it gives much less protein than cow’s milk.
• Soy milk: Soy milk is made from soybeans, which are rich in protein and healthy plant compounds. Drinking soy milk regularly may lower cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure. It is naturally low in saturated fat. Soy milk may cause digestive issues, including constipation and diarrhea, in some people. It also may not be safe for breast cancer survivors because of its effect on hormones. 

4. Be Mindful of Additions 

Once you’ve created your hot chocolate base with healthier cocoa powder, milk, and a sweetener of your choice, it’s time to add some fun toppings. For more flavor, consider adding a few drops of pure vanilla extract. To bring out the cocoa flavor, try sprinkling a pinch of kosher salt. Other healthy hot chocolate additions include:

• Cinnamon: For a rich flavor, simmer your milk with a cinnamon stick or cinnamon tea bag. Cinnamon tea provides a warm, spicy flavor and several health benefits. Consuming it regularly may reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. 
• Coconut oil: A spoonful of coconut oil adds a rich, creamy texture to your hot chocolate. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may help protect you from infection. 
• Protein powder: Protein powder provides protein from dairy (whey) or plant sources (pea, brown rice, bean, etc.). Consuming a protein-rich diet may help you maintain a healthy weight and retain muscle mass. Consider adding a scoop of chocolate protein powder to your hot chocolate for an extra boost. Just be sure to keep an eye on the sweeteners and other additives in your powder. 
• Cayenne: For a spicier hot chocolate, try a small pinch of cayenne. Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a plant compound that may reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. However, the amount of capsaicin in a pinch of cayenne may not be enough to produce health benefits. 

How to Make Healthier Hot Chocolate

Making homemade hot chocolate is a quick and simple process. Gather your ingredients, and warm your chosen milk on the stove until it’s just simmering. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sweetener, and any healthy additions. Once your drink is warm and creamy, pour it into mugs and serve.