this RECIPE

HEALTHY HOT CHOCOLATE

You don’t need to wait for winter to enjoy hot chocolate. In my opinion, this warming drink is delicious year round!

Pretty much everyone has grown up getting to experience the special magic that hot chocolate is. Most people have beautiful memories attached to sipping on cozy hot chocolate.

I have fond childhood memories of my southern grandma making hot chocolate for me (she called it hot cocoa). When I would visit her on weekends or during the summer, she would make me hot cocoa every morning as soon as I woke up and top it with marshmallows. It was such a special treat and I always knew she made it for me with lots of love.

Growing up in the 1980’s usually meant hot chocolate made with Hershey’s cocoa (from the brown tin can) or packaged from Swiss Miss or Nestle.

I want my children to be able to enjoy hot chocolate the way I did as a little girl - but I prefer to skip the popular packaged versions or the kind made with chocolate syrup.

All of the mainstream brands of hot chocolate are full of refined cane sugar and have ingredients that I don’t care for like high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, gums, oils and natural and artificial flavor.

Check out the mainstream brands ingredients:

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - 17 grams of cane sugar per serving

sugar, skim milk, whey, cocoa (processed with alkali), breakfast cocoa (processed with alkali), cream, salt, cellulose gum, calcium phosphate, natural and artificial flavor”

Swiss Miss Classics Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - 28 grams of cane sugar per serving

sugar, corn syrup, modified whey, cocoa (processed with alkali), hydrogenated coconut oil, nonfat milk, less than 2% of: salt, dipotassium phosphate, mono- and diglycerides, natural flavor”

Nestle Hot Cocoa Mix - 12 grams of cane sugar per serving

sugar, corn syrup solids, dairy product solids, vegetable oil (partially hydrogenated coconut or palm kernel and hydrogenated soybean), cocoa processed with alkali, and less than 2% of salt, cellulose gum, sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate, sodium aluminosilicate, mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, artificial flavor, sucralose”

Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - 17 grams of cane sugar per serving

sugar, cocoa (processed with alkali), dark chocolate (sugar, chocolate mass, cocoa butter, soy lecithin), vanilla powder”

THIS HEALTHY HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE IS SO EASY TO MAKE FROM SCRATCH.

Homemade hot chocolate is so simple and easy to make - and you only need a handful of real food ingredients.

My hot cocoa recipe uses healthier, nourishing ingredients and it’s heated at a low temperature so it retains most of its beneficial nutrients. 

You can keep this hot chocolate super simple with 4 ingredients – or you can add in some extra, optional ingredients that add a lot of nutrition and nourishment to the recipe.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING HOT CHOCOLATE

This hot chocolate recipe is full of healthy ingredients - plus it has lots of nourishing additions like mineral-rich salt, grass-fed butter or ghee, powdered ginger, grass-fed collagen and more that can be added to the main recipe. 

From antioxidants to minerals to immune support, surprisingly, there are lots of nutritional benefits of hot chocolate.

Benefits of Cacao Powder:

• Known as a superfood
• Rich in magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper & selenium
• Known to support heart health
• Supports the digestive system
• Known to help support the immune system
• Full of antioxidants
• Known to help promote peace & calm

Benefits of Honey:

• Supports the immune system
• Rich in antioxidants
• Known to have antibacterial, antimicrobial & antifungal properties
• Commonly known to help support coughs
• Rich in phytonutrients
• Known to help soothe the throat
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Contains trace vitamins and minerals

Benefits of Whole Milk:

• Known as being one of the most nutritious drinks 
• Rich in protein
• Contains vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and B12 
• Known to help support teeth, bones, skin and hair

OPTIONAL NOURISHING INGREDIENTS TO ADD TO HOT CHOCOLATE

Benefits of Ginger:

• Known as nature’s natural antibiotic 
• Contains gingerol - known to have medicinal properties 
• Packed with antioxidants 
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Known to have antibacterial & antifungal properties
• Supports warming, digestion and nausea 
• Contains vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, calcium & phosphorus

Benefits of Cinnamon:

• Contains antioxidants 
• Known to have antimicrobial, antibacterial & antifungal properties
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese & trace vitamins

Benefits of Grass-fed Butter:

• Rich in vitamin A, K2 and antioxidant beta carotene 
• High in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and healthy, unsaturated fats 

Benefits of Grass-fed Ghee:

• High dose of fat-soluble vitamins
• Rich in vitamins A, D and E and K
• Lactose and casein-free
• Rich in rich in butyrate acid and CLA

BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN

Adding grass-fed collagen to hot chocolate is a great way to use collagen. I love adding it to foods when I want to add an extra nourishing boost - plus it has some protein too (over 10 grams per serving)! Don't worry, it does not alter the flavor, this collagen is virtually flavorless and odorless. 

Many people get confused about the difference between gelatin and collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays an important role in numerous bodily functions. 

Hydrolyzed collagen mixes and dissolves in liquids, gelatin does the opposite. Gelatin is simply cooked collagen and gelatin will do exactly what its name says - gel and thicken when cooled.

Collagen is known to support the following:

• Support gut function and digestion 
• Support healthy skin, hair and nails
• Support joint health
• Help build and restore muscle
• Support a healthy metabolism
• Support brain function
• Promote deeper sleep 
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Source of protein

Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen uses an all natural enzyme process to break down the very long chain collagen into shorter chain collagen peptides. This is important because shorter chain collagen peptides with a lower molecular weight than gelatin or standard collagen is much easier for the body to absorb.

NOT ALL GRASS-FED COLLAGEN IS CREATED EQUAL

I only recommend one collagen - and for good reason! This grass-fed collagen is free of pesticides, hormones, chemicals, contaminants and it’s non-GMO too. The collagen is made only from Brazilian pastured cows that spend their life in Brazil, grazing on grass.

Their Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen is the world’s only and first collagen (and gelatin) to earn the glyphosate residue-free certification from the Detox Project. Want to see the proof for yourself, you can view their Perfectly Pure glyphosate-free certification and their purity certification on their site.

You will not find that from other competitor brands on the market, especially the ones sold in grocery stores. Check for yourself - that popular blue container that’s sold in many grocery stores and natural food stores was bought out by Nestlé Health Science and they do not have any glyphosate-free certifications listed publicly. Other brands like Great Lakes don’t fit the bill either.

Another bonus is one serving of Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen has over 10 grams of protein and it tests out at 97% protein - the highest in the industry! It also has such a low molecular weight that is over 90% bioavailable.

I have a 10% off discount for my readers - use NOURISH10 at checkout. They offer a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee too!

WHAT MAKES THIS RECIPE GREAT

• Simple: It’s so easy to make your own homemade hot chocolate! All you need is a few simple ingredients, basic kitchen equipment and a few minutes to cook the hot chocolate. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping on this classic winter warming drink. 
• Flavor: This classic hot chocolate is chocolaty, creamy and perfectly sweet. The chocolate flavor is milk chocolate, not dark, just like traditional hot chocolate.
• Comfort in a Mug: If you’ve never made your own hot chocolate before, then you are in for a treat! This is the best hot chocolate recipe and always a favorite for the holidays – you’re going to love it! Get out your favorite mugs and cozy up with this beloved hot chocolate. If you want an extra special treat, top it with homemade whipped cream or marshmallows! My kids go crazy for these cinnamon marshmallows floating on top.

HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE EQUIPMENT

• Measuring Spoons: You’ll need these to measure the cacao powder or cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract and other optional ingredients like spices, mineral-rich salt, etc.
• Large Measuring Cup: A glass measuring cup or standard measuring cups will be needed to measure the milk. 
• Saucepan: A saucepan is needed in this recipe for the cooking part - gently warming the milk along with all of the other ingredients. 
• Whisk: You’ll need a whisk to mix the ingredients in the saucepan.
• Handheld Frother: If you decide to add in any other ingredients to the honey sweetened hot chocolate - like gelatin, grass-fed butter or ghee for example, you will need a handheld frother (or whisk) to fully incorporate the ingredients.

HEALTHY HOT CHOCOLATE INGREDIENT NOTES

• Whole Milk or Coconut Milk:  Look for brands like Alexandre Family Farm (my favorite) or Organic Valley. Alexandre is A2/A2 milk from A2/A2 cows which has milk casein that is the most natural to the human body and more easily absorbed - it is considered to be a nutrient-dense superfood and more efficient at helping our bodies absorb amino acids, build and repair muscle and more. Hands down, it’s the best brand on the market! Organic Valley is good too, they have a whole milk and Grassmilk (milk from cows raised on pasture) too. If you’re going to make a dairy-free version, I recommend using full-fat coconut milk since this helps make a similar creamy texture like traditional milk. If you don’t care for coconut milk or can’t have it, MALK brand makes the best quality oat milk, almond milk and vanilla almond milk, etc.
• Cacao Powder or Cocoa Powder: There are lots of great raw cacao powders and cacao powder brands on the market. Many Costco’s even carry organic cacao powder now! I like to use it since it’s rich in magnesium and considered a superfood. When using cocoa powder, I recommend this fair-trade cocoa powder, it’s my favorite brand.
• Raw Honey: Honey is my favorite natural sweetener to use in homemade hot chocolate. Make sure to use a lighter honey like clover, star thistle or orange blossom - wildflower varieties are too overpowering and strong in flavor. Costco carries a Kirkland raw honey that tastes good in this hot chocolate too. If needed, a quality maple syrup can be used instead, just know it slightly changes the flavor - however, the maple adds a nice flavor if you like maple flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: The vanilla adds a lovely flavor to this delicious hot chocolate.

OPTIONAL NOURISHING HOT CHOCOLATE INGREDIENTS:

• Sea Salt: Salt not only helps enhance the flavor, but it also adds minerals. I only recommend using a mineral-rich salt or sea salt, otherwise, just skip the salt. Just add a pinch, I don’t measure mine, I just add 2-3 shakes from my salt shaker.
• Grass-fed Butter or Ghee: Adding butter to hot chocolate makes it extra creamy and rich and so delicious! I highly recommend using a quality grass-fed brand like Vital Farms - my preference is their sea salted butter. Kerrygold is another good brand, I prefer their gold wrapper salted butter - this butter brand is easy to find at most grocery stores and you can even find it in bulk at Costco. If you use ghee, my favorite brand is Pure Indian Foods. Add 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter or grass-fed ghee for a healthy fat, nutrient-dense boost. Once the butter has melted into the hot chocolate, vigorously whisk it or use a handheld frother until the butter mixes into the hot chocolate. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on low speed until the butter/ghee becomes fully incorporated and frothy.
• Hydrolyzed Grass-fed Collagen: Collagen adds a nourishing boost to this nourishing hot chocolate as well as some extra protein. I only recommend this non-GMO grass-fed collagen that is certified free of pesticides, hormones, chemicals and contaminants. This collagen is the world’s only and first collagen (and gelatin) to earn the glyphosate residue-free certification from the Detox Project (see the above notes on grass-fed collagen in my post for more information). I have a 10% off discount for my readers - use NOURISH10 at checkout. (see above for the benefits of collagen)
• Grass-fed Gelatin: I love adding 1-2 tablespoons of gelatin to hot chocolate because it makes a delicious marshmallow-y foam on the top that tastes like marshmallows. It’s so delicious! I only recommend this non-GMO grass-fed gelatin that is certified free of pesticides, hormones, chemicals and contaminants. If using gelatin, add it to a heated hot chocolate and use a handheld frother to mix it into the hot chocolate. Alternatively, you can add the hot chocolate followed by the gelatin to a blender and blend on low speed until the gelatin becomes fully incorporated and foamy.
• Cinnamon: Chocolate and cinnamon pair so well together. Cinnamon powder is a lovely addition to add to hot chocolate. It adds a really nice sweet spice to it. I like using Ceylon cinnamon and love this super flavorful sustainable organic cinnamon that supports the protection of the orangutan. I use about ¼ teaspoon for the whole batch and use a whisk or handheld frother to mix it in.
• Powdered Ginger: This is my favorite warming spice to add to homemade hot chocolate. I almost always add powdered ginger. It adds a lovely spicy flavor and pairs so well with chocolate. I use about ¼-½ teaspoon for the whole batch and use a whisk or handheld frother to mix it in.

HOW TO MAKE NOURISHING HONEY SWEETENED HOT CHOCOLATE

It’s super easy to make this healthy hot chocolate recipe - it only takes a little prep time and 7 minutes to gently heat the warming drink.

Place Saucepan on Stovetop:

Add all of the ingredients to a medium-size saucepan, starting with the milk first, then add the cacao powder or cocoa powder, honey and vanilla extract. 

Gently Heat the Hot Chocolate Mixture:

Next, gently heat the hot chocolate mixture over low heat for about 5-7 minutes or until desired temperature. Make sure to vigorously whisk the mixture from time to time to combine all of the ingredients. I find that this works the best once the honey has melted.

Serve the Hot Chocolate:

As soon as the hot chocolate is warmed, it’s ready to serve immediately. Enjoy it as is or top with homemade whipped cream or marshmallows!

RECIPE FAQS: TIPS FOR HONEY SWEETENED HOT CHOCOLATE SUCCESS

• Can another non-dairy milk be used to make this a dairy-free hot chocolate? Yes! If you’re going to use coconut milk, I only recommend using full-fat since this helps make a similar creamy texture like traditional milk. If you don’t care for coconut milk or can’t have it, MALK brand makes the best quality oat milk, almond milk and vanilla almond milk, etc.
• How many servings does this hot chocolate recipe make? This recipe makes 2 servings.
• Can this healthy hot chocolate recipe be doubled? Absolutely! You can double or triple the recipe, depending on how many people you need to serve it to.
• How sweet is this hot chocolate? It’s perfectly sweet for my family’s liking, but if you prefer a much sweeter hot chocolate, you can try adding another tablespoon or two of raw honey. 
• Can you substitute the honey for another sweetener? Yes! I recommend using a quality maple syrup, but it will alter the flavor just slightly - however, the maple flavor is a nice addition.
• Do you have a favorite honey to use in this honey sweetened hot chocolate recipe? Yes! I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey for this recipe. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. This is my favorite raw honey - I love their orange blossom and “original” honey. I also love using this raw honey, it’s easy to find online as well as at grocery stores like Sprouts Farmers Market. Costco Kirkland brand makes a raw honey that works well in this recipe too. 

IF YOU LIKE THIS HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE, YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES FROM RECIPES TO NOURISH:

• Honey Sweetened Chai Hot Chocolate
• Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate
• Honey Sweetened Cinnamon Marshmallows
• Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallows
• Honey Sweetened Whipped Cream
• Naturally Sweetened Spiced Pumpkin Chai Tea
• Caffeine Free Immune Boosting Chai Tea
• Easy Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider
• Grain Free Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes
• Double Chocolate Flourless Chocolate Torte
• 4 Ingredient Sugar Free Chocolate Caramel Truffles
• Healthy Real Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
• Easy Raspberry Chocolate Freezer Fudge

This warm, comforting, homemade hot chocolate is perfect for mornings, holidays like Christmas, snow days, special afternoon snacks and evening treats! It’s so delicious, you’re going to want to make this all the time.

Nourishing Honey Sweetened Hot Chocolate

Continue to Content

Nourishing Honey Sweetened Hot Chocolate

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Nourishing Honey Sweetened Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy, chocolaty and comforting just like the old fashioned, timeless classic that we all grew up with. This hot cocoa version has lots of optional, wholesome add-ins to give your warming drink a healthy boost.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups organic or grass-fed whole milk
• 3 tablespoon cacao powder or cocoa powder (this is the fair-trade cocoa I use)
• 2 tablespoon mild, light colored raw honey (I use this honey)
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a medium-size saucepan, starting with the milk first, then add the cacao powder or cocoa powder, honey and vanilla extract.
2. Next, gently heat the hot chocolate mixture over low heat for about 5-7 minutes or until desired temperature. Make sure to vigorously whisk the mixture from time to time to combine all of the ingredients. I find that this works the best once the honey has melted.
3. As soon as the hot chocolate is warmed, it’s ready to serve immediately. Enjoy it as is or top with homemade whipped cream or marshmallows!

Notes

You Will Need: Measuring Spoons, Measuring Cup, Medium-Size Saucepan, Whisk

• Doubling the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute full-fat coconut milk for the milk since it has a similar creamy texture like traditional milk. If you don’t care for coconut milk or can’t have it, MALK brand makes a great quality oat milk, almond milk and vanilla almond milk, etc.
• Honey: I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey for this recipe. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. This is my favorite raw honey - I love their orange blossom and “original” honey. I also love using this raw honey, it’s easy to find online as well as at grocery stores like Sprouts Farmers Market. Costco Kirkland brand also makes a raw honey that works well in this recipe.

Optional Nourishing Add-Ins:

• Sea Salt: Salt not only helps enhance the flavor and adds a little bit of savory to the sweet, but it also adds minerals. I only recommend using a mineral-rich salt or sea salt, otherwise, just skip the salt. Just add a pinch, I don’t measure mine, I just add 2-3 shakes from my salt shaker.
• Grass-fed Butter or Ghee: Adding a healthy fat to hot chocolate makes it extra creamy and rich and so delicious! I highly recommend using a quality grass-fed brand like Vital Farms - my preference is their sea salted butter. Kerrygold is another good brand, I prefer their gold wrapper salted butter - this butter brand is easy to find at most grocery stores and you can even find it in bulk at Costco. If you use ghee, my favorite brand is Pure Indian Foods. Add 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter or grass-fed ghee for a healthy fat, nutrient-dense boost. Once the butter has melted into the hot chocolate, vigorously whisk it or use a handheld frother until the butter mixes into the hot chocolate. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on low speed until the butter/ghee becomes fully incorporated and frothy.
• Hydrolyzed Grass-fed Collagen: Collagen adds a nourishing boost to this nourishing hot chocolate as well as some extra protein. I only recommend this non-GMO grass-fed collagen that is certified free of pesticides, hormones, chemicals and contaminants. This collagen is the world’s only and first collagen (and gelatin) to earn the glyphosate residue-free certification from the Detox Project (see the above notes on grass-fed collagen in my post for more information). I have a 10% off discount for my readers - use NOURISH10 at checkout. (see above post for the benefits of collagen)
• Grass-fed Gelatin: When not using collagen, I love adding 1-2 tablespoons of gelatin to hot chocolate because it makes a delicious marshmallow-y foam on the top that tastes like marshmallows. It’s so delicious! I only recommend this non-GMO grass-fed gelatin that is certified free of pesticides, hormones, chemicals and contaminants. If using gelatin, add it to a heated hot chocolate and use a handheld frother to mix it into the hot chocolate. Alternatively, you can add the hot chocolate followed by the gelatin to a blender and blend on low speed until the gelatin becomes fully incorporated and foamy. Use code NOURISH10 for 10% off discount.
• Cinnamon: Chocolate and cinnamon pair so well together. Cinnamon powder is a lovely addition to add to hot chocolate. It adds a really nice sweet spice to it. I like using Ceylon cinnamon and love this super flavorful sustainable organic cinnamon that supports the protection of the orangutan. I use about ¼ teaspoon for the whole batch and use a whisk or handheld frother to mix it in.
• Powdered Ginger: This is my favorite warming spice to add to homemade hot chocolate. I almost always add powdered ginger. It adds a lovely spicy flavor and pairs so well with chocolate. I use about ¼-½ teaspoon for the whole batch and use a whisk or handheld frother to mix it in.
• Peppermint Extract: For an extra special, festive treat, try adding a few drops to 1/18 teaspoon of this organic peppermint extract to the hot chocolate, Peppermint is known to support the digestive system as well as have other health boosting properties.
• Grass-fed Bone Broth Protein: This grass-fed bone broth protein comes from grass fed beef bones, rich in proteins and amino acids, from cows that are truly grass fed raised on pesticide-free, grass pastures. It packs 15 grams of protein, 17 grams of bone broth per serving and the unflavored is tasteless when mixed into the hot chocolate. They use no chemicals or solvents - just good old fashioned bone broth that is then gently powdered. I recommend using 1 scoop in this recipe. Get 15% off - no code needed.

The photographs of this recipe, recipe and all content above are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos without prior written permission. If you choose to share this recipe, please feel free to share by using proper etiquette and providing a link back to my original recipe on my blog, not a screenshot, with proper disclosure [the original recipe - "title of recipe" by Recipes to Nourish]. Copying/pasting the full recipe text to websites or social media is prohibited. If you make significant changes to the recipe or adapt the recipe in any way, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words and provide a link back here with proper disclosure for credit. Thanks for understanding!
[Updated Recipe October 2022]

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 266Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 157mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 14g

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 and Beverages too! Come follow along. 

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