When that icy cold hits, there’s nothing like a mug of hot cocoa, and even if you’re on the healthy eating train, this low calorie hot chocolate will not break the caloric bank. Ready in less than 5 minutes!
This recipe was originally published in January 2019. It has been updated for content and photos.
There’s something warming and nostalgic about hot chocolate and kids and adults can both agree that winter is the time for this rich, hot drink.
Of course, it doesn’t always line up with our healthy eating goals, so I’ve made a low calorie hot chocolate version that can be enjoyed on a wholesome diet.
Ingredients + Substitutions
All you need is a handful of ingredients.
- Milk: I like unsweetened almond milk as its low in calories, but feel free to use the milk you prefer or normally use.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened raw cocoa powder to keep the sugar content low.
- Vanilla: While optional, it adds a nice flavour to your hot chocolate, so I do recommend using it. Make sure to use pure vanilla and not the artificial stuff.
- Maple syrup: I like the maple flavour and the fact that it’s unrefined, but you may use any sweetener in its place. Date syrup, or even granulated sugar work fine, if you prefer.
- Salt: While optoinal, I find the pinch of salt actually helps bring out the sweetness of the hot chocolate, but skip it if you’re avoiding salt/sodium.
How to make it
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Add all the ingredients to a small sauce pot and heat on stove top until desired temperature is reached. (photos 1-2)
That’s it!
Easy. Peasy. Lemon. Squeezy.
If you’re keeping this low calorie drink healthy, skip the marshmallows on top. But if it’s a cheat day, go for it.
Variations
- For sugar free, just skip the maple syrup.
- For nut free, use soy milk or oat milk instead of almond. But stick to unsweetened variaties to avoid added sugar.
- For a richer version (not as low calorie of course) use canned coconut milk.
- Make it a peppermint hot chocolate by adding ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
More drinks you’ll love
If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.
Buon appetito
Rosa
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk or plant milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened raw cacoa
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
- pinch sea salt optional
Instructions
- Whisk all the ingredients in a small saucepot and heat over medium-high heat until the desired temperature is reached.
- Enjoy immediately.
Debbie
Delicious. I used home made cashew milk. Will make this recipe again. Thank you!
Rosa
You’re welcome Debbie. So glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Kim Nichols
This very tasty hot chocolate was simple to make and the perfect blend of flavors; not bitter, and not sweet.
Rosa
So glad you enjoyed Kim 🙂