Warm up with a cup of sugar-free hot chocolate and indulge guilt-free! It’s the perfect treat when you want something sweet and cozy on a cold night. However, don’t stop at one cup, but follow the directions for homemade low-carb hot chocolate mix and stock up!
How to Make Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate
Grab four ingredients, and this perfect keto hot chocolate recipe will be ready to drink in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
Cacao powder – I use cacao powder, not cocoa. The former is fermented raw chocolate powder with more nutrient density and stronger chocolate flavor caused by the difference in sourcing and processing. (1, 2, 3) That said, cocoa powder is a yummy, albeit more mellow option. Make sure that whatever chocolate powder you use says sugar-free or unsweetened on the label.
Dairy-free milk – I like keto hot chocolate with almond milk because it’s an easy to find dairy-free milk. However, feel free to make a substitute with substituted with another nut, seed, or coconut-based option.
Sweetener – Although practically any keto sweetener will work for this recipe, I suggest powdered erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia. These sweeteners dissolve well in hot water and are sweet like sugar. Using sugar alternatives makes this an ideal sugar-free hot chocolate for diabetics.
Vanilla extract – Vanilla not only adds a rich note to your cup but also enhances the flavors of the chocolate as well.
Once you have the basics, there are many ways you can modify with different add-ins. I highly recommend a pinch of salt or up to 1 tablespoon of collagen powder per serving. Maca powder also goes really well with chocolate; mix in ½ teaspoon per serving.
If you love bulletproof coffee, apply the same principles to hot chocolate by adding 1 teaspoon or more coconut oil per serving.
Certain spices are suitable too. For example, consider ¼ teaspoon each of turmeric and ginger or cinnamon and cayenne powder.
Finally, you’ll never go wrong by topping a mug with whipped cream (whipped coconut cream for dairy-free) and shaved baker’s chocolate or cacao paste.
Directions
- Whisk the cacao powder and sweetener in a saucepan. Break apart all lumps.
- Pour in the dairy-free milk of your choice and add vanilla extract. Mix well to combine over medium heat. Once hot, serve immediately.
If you love cocoa with marshmallows, serve with these sugar-free keto marshmallows!
Keto Hot Chocolate Mix
Follow these tips for adapting this homemade hot chocolate into the best sugar-free hot chocolate mix!
I have tried the other keto hot chocolate mixes from the store, but this simple recipe reigns king. It is easy, delicious, and just what you need when you want an effortless liquid treat.
Of course, the commercial brands like Nesquik that many of us grew up on aren’t even in the running here. Even the “no sugar added” options are chock full of strange chemical ingredients best to avoid at all costs.
This mix is a homemade staple you’ll want to have stocked in your keto pantry. In a few minutes, you’ll be prepared for any cold night when only hot chocolate makes sense.
Make the dry hot chocolate powder in bulk and store it in an airtight container on your pantry shelf or share it with friends. This DIY mix is one of many edible gifts for keto dieters that you can give during the holidays. Who wouldn’t love it?
How to Make a Low-Carb Hot Chocolate Mix
- Double (for 8 servings) or triple (for 12 servings) the recipe by combining the cocoa powder, sweetener, and vanilla extract in a blender for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Transfer the powder to an airtight jar, or divide it into many, and wrap each one with a festive ribbon. Then, make a cute tag that explains how to make a homemade sugar-free hot chocolate recipe!
All a person needs to do is mix two tablespoons of the dry powder mix into ¾ to 1 cup of hot nut, seed, or coconut milk and stir well. It’s easy!
Low Carb Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQ
I’m sure you’ll have some questions if you’re new to avoiding sugar, so let me answer some common queries about this keto-friendly hot chocolate.
Not all hot chocolate is keto because many recipes use milk and sugar, but this one is both dairy-free and sugar-free, in addition to being low-carb and keto approved.
There is only 1g net carb per serving of this dairy-free sugar-free hot chocolate! Add in 3g of fiber, and you’ll note a sum of 4g total carb.
Yes, you can have hot chocolate on a keto diet as long as it’s a recipe like the one we share below. In fact, keto hot chocolate is just the thing when a craving for sweets strikes. This recipe makes it easy to stick to low-carb ingredients and avoid sugar. If you are considering using a store-bought mix instead, read the ingredient list before buying to make sure there is no sugar or carbs added.
More Keto Chocolate Recipes
- Keto Mason Jar Ice Cream
- Easy Keto Chocolate Cake with Coconut Flour
- Keto Peppermint Patties with Dark Chocolate Shell
- 10 Minute Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Add this recipe to your list of keto Christmas dinner recipes. You can’t go wrong with serving a hot drink after the meal. It’s such a crowd-pleaser!
Sugar-free Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cacao powder or cocoa powder
- ¼ cup Keto sugar substitute
- 3 cups dairy-free milk almond, hemp, or coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk the cocoa powder and sweetener in a saucepan. Break apart all lumps.
- Pour in the dairy-free milk of your choice and add vanilla extract. Mix well to combine over medium heat. Once hot, serve immediately.
Notes
- A pinch of salt
- Up to 1 tablespoon collagen powder
- ½ teaspoon maca powder
- 1 teaspoon or more coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon each of turmeric and ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
Nutrition & Macros
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.
Browse through Healthy Cinnamon Recipes for more fall and winter treats!
More Easy Keto Drink Recipes
This keto hot chocolate recipe is on my list of alternatives to coffee in the morning because it’s one of many caffeine-free drinks you can enjoy while eating keto breakfast recipes.
Here are some more ideas you might like as well:
- Keto Espresso Martini
- Keto Eggnog (with non-alcoholic option)
- Hibiscus Mint Keto Mocktail
- Homemade Sugar-Free Lemonade
Originally published Feb 1, 2017.
Meet Jessica Haggard
Jessica Haggard is the creator of Primal Edge Health, where she shares simple, nourishing low-carb, keto and carnivore diet recipes.
She has photographed and authored two best selling ketogenic cookbooks, The Ketogenic Edge Cookbook and The Carnivore Cookbook. Learn more about Jessica…
Collagen!! What a beautiful idea!!! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
The collagen makes this hot chocolate extra creamy. Enjoy!
I love the collagen boost in this hot cocoa. Really makes me feel like I’m getting a little extra nutrition in my sweet treat!
No guilt in this recipe 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Alex!
You have mentioned that this might be converted into a hard copy, is that still in the works?
I’m assuming you are asking about a hard copy of the Ketogenic Edge Cookbook, in that case… we are exploring that possibility but there is no time frame yet.