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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Low Calorie Hot Chocolate [Just 80 Calories]

    Published: Jan 7, 2022 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    245 shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE

    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!

    Hot chocolate in white mug.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients + Substitutions
    • How to make it
    • Variations
    • More drinks you’ll love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients + Substitutions

    All you need is a handful of ingredients.

    Ingredients to make vegan hot chocolate on kitchen counter top.
    • 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.

    Mug with penguin on it, filled with hot chocolate and 1 big marshmallow on top.

    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

    • Overhead view of glass with iced mocha with dates and bananas around it.
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    • pink smoothie in tall glass with pineapple slice wedged onto cup
      Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
    • two mugs of pumpkin spice lattes with plate of muffins beside them
      Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte [Sugar Free]
    • two large green smoothies with spinach and bananas in the background
      Mango Spinach Smoothie [that doesn’t taste green]

    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

    Hot chocolate in white mug.

    Low Calorie Hot Chocolate [Just 80 Calories]

    A healthy hot chocolate option that's low in calories and delicious!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Course: Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine: Not Specified
    Servings: 1 Serving
    Calories: 80kcal

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Whisk all the ingredients in a small saucepot and heat over medium-high heat until the desired temperature is reached.
    • Enjoy immediately.

    Notes

    Nutritional information reflects one teaspoon of maple syrup. 
    For sugar free, just skip the maple syrup.
    For nut free, use soy milk or oat milk instead of almond. But stick to unsweetened varieties 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 489mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 464mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    245 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Please do us a favour and rate the recipe in addition to commenting as this is very helpful to us and other readers. Tell us about substitutions you made, how it turned out, and anything helpful to others who may make the recipe. Rude or insulting comments are not accepted. Your email address will not be published.

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    1. Debbie

      January 09, 2022 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious. I used home made cashew milk. Will make this recipe again. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 10, 2022 at 8:18 am

        You’re welcome Debbie. So glad you enjoyed! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Kim Nichols

      January 08, 2022 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      This very tasty hot chocolate was simple to make and the perfect blend of flavors; not bitter, and not sweet.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 09, 2022 at 8:45 am

        So glad you enjoyed Kim 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients and under 400 calories per serving with many gluten-free and oil-free options. Occasional cheat days included. 😉

    More about me →

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    245 shares