Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate is a fun twist on the traditional warming drink. This beautiful, deep pink and creamy nourishing drink is protein-rich, Paleo friendly, chocolaty and sweet with subtle earthy notes.
Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate is an extra special nourishing drink!
It's kind of like a mug of hot liquid red velvet cake, but so much healthier and without any junky food coloring.
Chocolaty BLISS in a cup!
If you're reading this, I'm guessing you love hot chocolate as much as I do.
I mean I REALLY love hot chocolate.
It's been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. My grandma used to make hot chocolate for me every morning when I was visiting her. It was so special and that memory left a lasting impression.
I can't get enough of hot chocolate during the colder months. I make it several times a week, lots of different versions - honey sweetened, stevia sweetened, chai hot chocolate, Mexican hot chocolate, and then there's this gem.
Healthy sweet beet hot chocolate is so luscious, unique and oh so yummy.
Making this healthy sweet beet hot chocolate is so easy!
Did you know that beets and chocolate actually go well together?
I love beets, so I almost always have some on hand. Beets are known for helping support the liver and are known for helping aid in the detoxifying process.
Roasted beets are one of my favorites, but for this recipe you're going to want to use steamed beets. About once a week I toss some beets into my Instant Pot and have perfectly steamed beets in no time - with very little prep or fuss.
I like to keep them ready to use in the refrigerator for salads, lunches, or to add into warming drinks and smoothies.
These beauties add such a lovely color and flavor to this healthy sweet beet hot chocolate.
All you have to do is gently heat your favorite milk or non-dairy milk then pour that into a high powdered blender with a steamed beet, cocoa or cacao powder, natural sweetener of choice, a little bit of vanilla and a special, protein-packed, nourishing ingredient.
Why Add Grass-fed Gelatin to this Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate?
When I’m not using grass-fed collagen {because I use it daily} and when I want a foamy “marshmallowy” top on my hot drinks, I use grass-fed gelatin for an extra protein and a nourishing boost.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a key role in numerous bodily functions. Gelatin is basically the same thing, but the cooked version of collagen. It's known for supporting gut health and digestion, helping to build and restore muscle, support skin, bone and joint health and so much more (source).
Not all gelatins are created equal though. I only recommend using quality grass-fed gelatin. Knowing the source and where the gelatin comes from is very important to me.
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Gelatin is perfect for making homemade marshmallows, homemade gummies, custard, fudge, pies, "jello" and more.
BONUS: I want to share my Recipes to Nourish Perfect Supplements 10% OFF coupon code with you! Just follow the link here and enter NOURISH10 at checkout for 10% off your entire order.
This cozy, comforting, healthy sweet beet hot chocolate is so delicious and nourishing. Enjoy this warming drink during the colder and holiday months.
Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate
Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate
Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate is a fun twist on the traditional warming drink. This beautiful, deep pink and creamy nourishing drink is protein-rich, Paleo friendly, chocolaty and sweet with subtle earthy notes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-size steamed and peeled organic beet, quartered
- 3 cups raw/grass-fed/organic milk or full-fat coconut milk
- 2-3 tablespoon cacao powder or fair-trade cocoa powder <-- this is the fair-trade cocoa I use
- 2 tablespoon raw honey or organic maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch Celtic sea salt
- 2 tablespoon grass-fed gelatin
Instructions
- Add milk of choice to a medium-size saucepan and gently steam over medium-low heat until it's hot, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully pour it into a high-powered blender.
- To the blender, add the steamed beet, cocoa or cacao, sweetener of choice, vanilla extract, sea salt and gelatin {in that order}. Immediately blend for at least 25 seconds until the beets in the hot chocolate are fully incorporated and a frothy foam is on top of the hot chocolate.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Sweetener of Choice: If you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate, add 1 more tablespoon sweeter of choice. Stevia can be used instead of the natural sweetener or in combination - decreasing the natural sweetener to 1 tablespoon and substituting with stevia (the amount of liquid stevia drops used will depend on how sweet you like the hot chocolate to be).
Bonus Nourishing Add-In: Add 1 tablespoon grass-fed ghee or grass-fed butter for a nice healthy, nutrient-dense boost (coconut oil or MCT oil would be fine too). Add this to the blender when you add all of the other ingredients. It blends up beautifully with all of the other ingredients.
Healthy & Fun Optional Toppings: I topped this healthy sweet beet hot chocolate with homemade honey sweetened cinnamon marshmallows (minus the cinnamon). It's also delicious with fancier marshmallows like these vitamin C hibiscus marshmallows. This hot chocolate is also delicious topped with homemade honey sweetened whipped cream or whipped coconut cream.
Instant Pot Steamed Beets: Add 1 cup of water and a steamer insert to your Instant Pot. Add several unpeeled beets (I usually add 3-5 beets, depending on how many will fit). Place the lid on top and secure it. Set the cook time for 5 minutes high pressure. Natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the beets and peel when they're ready to handle - the skin should easily peel off with a knife or just by pulled the skin off.
Recommended Products
-
All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Sauce Pan with Lid, 1-Quart -
Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6qt/1000W, Latest 3rd Generation Technology, Stainless Steel Cooking Pot and Exterior
-
Silicone Spatula - 6 Spatulas Silicone Heat Resistant - Mini Rubber Spatula Set - Cooking Spatulas for Nonstick Cookware - Colorful Baking Kitchen Spatula Set - One Piece Design Spoon (Multicolor)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 622Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 307mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 4gSugar: 26gProtein: 25g
This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Are you on Pinterest? I pin lots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Gluten Free Treats + Beverage Recipes too. Come follow along.
MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Paleo Sweet Beet Chocolate Crinkles
Real Food Chai Hot Chocolate {Nourishing}
Creamy Turmeric Ginger Tea {Dairy-Free Option}
Easy Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider
Hydrolyzed Collagen, Desiccated Liver, Coconut Oil, Liver Detox Support, Ancient Minerals + more!
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Renee Kohley
OH Emily this is so special! My girls will love this color! Thank you!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Renee! 🙂 I hope you girls get to enjoy some.
Chelsea (Healthy Fabulous Life)
Love that you added beets to this hot chocolate! Such a pretty color and so good for you!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you Chelsea 🙂 It's a special one for sure.
Lindsey Dietz
Holy smokes, Batman! This is so original, so lovely, and so nourishing!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
LOL love that! xo 🙂
Yang
Beets and chocolate! That's my kind of hot chocolate! Love all your ingredient choices 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that. 🙂
Jean
This is SUCH a great idea! Love packing in extra nutrients with beets and the color is gorgeous.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you Jean! 🙂
Saniel
Any way to make this vegan with agar agar or non animal gelatin?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Hi Saniel, you could leave it out, but you won't get the same foamy top. In that case, it's probably best to use coconut milk since it's richer in the fat content and creamier than nut milks.
Megan Stevens
This is such a fun and nourishing cup, and so pretty!! I love that you Instant Pot beets once a week for various needs, such a good idea; and then you have them on hand. I need to start that! Looking forward to making this! I'm a believer in beets + chocolate! 😉
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Oh Megan!!! I think you will love this. I know how much you appreciate special warming drinks, and this one is that for sure. I think you were actually the one who mentioned to me how easy it is to make beets in the IP, and I've been doing that ever since then. 🙂 xo
linda spiker
Beautiful (as always) and I love your marshmallows too!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Linda! xo Those marshmallows are SO good and so much fun.
monika
FOr someone with osteoporosis, is it better to take collagen or gelatin? I have been having grass-fed gelatin for about 4 years (2-4T a day) and my osteoporosis has gotten worse...I am not blaming collagen vs. gelatin - there are MANY factors for me - BUT I am wondering which is better/preferred for osteoporosis. Do you know? Thanks!!!!!!!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Hi Monika 🙂 I wish I knew the answer to your question, but I don't. It's possible the actual company that makes it would know, but I'm guessing that they're not allowed to give our medical advice just like I'm not allowed to either. Do you have a natural health practitioner that you could consult about this? Maybe a naturopath, chiropractor or functional medicine nutritionist? I'm guessing most mainstream, Western doctors are not very familiar with collagen and gelatin.
Daniela Modesto
Not only is this recipe beautiful but has some of my favorite ingredients. Blood purifying and detoxifying beets and oh so healthy gelatin! Wonderfully done! This may become a staple in my household this winter!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Right?! It's such a fun way to enjoy all of that detoxing, nourishing, goodness. 🙂
Melissa
This looks great! Such a healthy and pretty variation!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you Melissa! 🙂
Kelsey
I'm clearing the rest of the beets out of my garden this week and I have some earmarked for this recipe! I'm so intrigued by it! Plus, it's BEAUTIFUL!!!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I love that you have beets growing! So cool! 🙂
Carrie
What a fun healthy twist on hot chocolate. I love this recipe, Emily! Your photos are fantastic, too!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Carrie! 🙂
Carol Little R.H.
Love this recipe! So prett too.. I need to UP my use of the gelatin..
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you Carol! It's a fun way to use gelatin. 🙂
Jessica DeMay
I love the color of this hot chocolate- so pretty! This looks rich and creamy and so delicious! Perfect for serving after playing outside on a chilly day.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you Jessica! The color is my fave too 🙂
Monique
Ohhh this just looks so perfectly cosy and nourishing, too! Love the beautiful colour as well.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you! xo
Irena Macri
I love that you actually use the whole veggie and not just the powder in this! How inventive. I bet the flavour and colour are even more brilliant in real life - must make xx
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you Irena!!! xo It's a really fun one, and always fun to enjoy pretty food.
Dawn
Oh my goodness, I so want to like beets! That is just gorgeous. Maybe I just have to DECIDE to like them. Mostly, I just taste dirt, which I do not care to eat lol. My daughter loves beets and this nourishing drink would be very good for her.
I have some dehydrated beet powder, have you ever used that?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
LOL that's okay, lots of people have the same aversion to them. I tend to hear people that like them call them sweet dirt LOL. I haven't used beet powder, but I'm sure that could work too. 🙂
Donna
Such a gorgeous recipe and I love the addition of the gelatin marshmallows! We are having our bonfire night tonight in our local village and the family will come back freezing so such a great treat for them! Thank you xxD
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Wow! I love that you have a bonfire in your local village, so fun! 🙂 And thank you Donna, it's a fun recipe.
Kari
This has to be the prettiest and healthiest hot chocolate I've ever seen!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
You're so sweet, thank you! 🙂
Nicci
Any suggestions if I don’t have a high powered blender? Food processor or stick blender perhaps?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
A stick blender should work perfect 🙂
Carrie Forrest
wonderful recipe. I wish we could share a cup of this together.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Carrie! That would be fun. 🙂
ChihYu
Love the color and hot chocolate combo! So gorgeous and delicious !
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you! 🙂
Amanda Torres
I just LOVE the color of this drink!! I can't wait to try it - I love finding new ways to incorporate beets into my diet.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Isn't it a fun way to use beets? 🙂
Katja`
I love the combo of beets and chocolate. This is brilliant. YUM!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks! 🙂 THey're such a fun flavor combo.
Becky Winkler
This is so beautiful and such a fun idea! I'm totally going to try it!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you Becky! xo
Sharron Powers
I recently bought a container of collagen peptide to incorporate into my diet. Rather than the gelatin, can I just add the collagen? Thanks!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Hi Sharon, you can add the collagen instead, however it won't create the foamy top that the gelatin does. The collagen will still add the health component though and the protein. 🙂
Sharron Powers
thanks so much for the quick response! I just picked up beets yesterday and will try this soon!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Enjoy it! 🙂 It's such a fun + yummy drink.