Upgrade your cold-weather drink with these easy hot cocoa recipes that crush cravings.
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Yes, we believe that a healthy and balanced diet is all about moderation, but that doesn't mean saying "no" to sweets altogether — including a piping-hot cup of cocoa.
While this wintertime favorite is often loaded with sugar and calories, leaving us wary of enjoying a cup on a cold night, there are plenty of ways to make the drink a little bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Below, a registered dietitian shares six delicious homemade hot chocolate recipes that pack less sugar than a Snickers bar. For reference, a regular-sized Snickers bar contains 24 grams of sugar, per the USDA, which is the equivalent of six teaspoons of sugar.
If you enjoy a little spice in your cup of hot cocoa, you'll love sipping on this winter favorite.
- 254 calories
- 21.1 grams of sugar
If you're not familiar, Mexican chocolate typically uses chili spice or cayenne to give the otherwise sweet treat a bit of heat. And the same goes for this hot drink. "The addition of cayenne adds more depth, and the combo of fat and fiber is bound to leave you feeling more satisfied than your average hot cocoa," dietitian and certified personal trainer Nicole Rodriguez, RDN, says. You'll get nearly 3 grams of both fiber and 3.4 grams of protein per cup.
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A sweet and creamy cup of hot chocolate doesn't have to break your good eating habits when you try a better-for-you version like this one.
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- 127 calories
- 16 grams of sugar
We love that this easy, vanilla-spiked recipe keeps added sugar to a minimum, using honey as the main sweetener. You can experiment with additional flavors via extracts like peppermint and almond, which don't contain any sugar, Rodriguez says. If you're looking for a bit more sweetness, Rodriguez recommends topping your cup with a few mini marshmallows.
Get the Hot Cocoa recipe and nutrition info here.
3. Low-Sugar Hot Chocolate
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You can also opt for a stevia-sweetened chocolate bar instead of dark chocolate.
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- 139 calories
- 8 grams of sugar
Made with rich dark chocolate and calorie-free stevia, this cup of low-sugar hot chocolate is surprisingly super decadent in flavor. Just note that this cup packs 4 grams of saturated fat, which is nearly a third of the daily recommended value. To lower the saturated fat content, consider reducing the dark chocolate in half and increasing the cocoa powder for more chocolatey flavor.
Get the Low-Sugar Hot Chocolate recipe and nutrition info here.
Three simple ingredients make up this deliciously sweet cup of hot chocolate.
- 177 calories
- 13.9 grams of sugar
White chocolate often gets a bad rap, but those who love it will want to add this winter beverage to their weekly menu plans. "I'd suggest sticking with a white chocolate bar instead of chips," Rodriguez suggests. "White chocolate chips are essentially just oil, milk and sugar, but not made with real cocoa butter."
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You'll feel great giving your little ones hot chocolate with Nutella when it has less than 10 grams of sugar in it.
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- 561 calories
- 7 grams of sugar
Nutella is one of those splurge-worthy sweets that nearly everyone knows and loves. But because one cup of this hot cocoa contains two servings of the chocolate spread, consider cutting the Nutella in half and adding a small drizzle on top for added flavor, Rodriguez says.
Get the Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe and nutrition info here.
6. Orange Spice Hot Chocolate
One sip of this tangy citrus and sweet chocolate drink may just make this your new favorite flavor combination.
- 160 calories
- 23.7 grams of sugar
Even though this recipe contains the highest amount of sugar amongst our top picks, we thought it was too good to pass up. "Pure orange juice is plenty sweet on its own," Rodriguez says. So, you can halve the added sugar content or eliminate it altogether.
FAQs
Roasted Nuts
They will not only make your hot-chocolate drinking more enjoyable but also make it slightly more nutritious. Roasted nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, peanuts, and walnuts are all great to enjoy with this winter special beverage.
Why add marshmallows to hot chocolate? ›
The lightness and creaminess created by melting marshmallows or whipped cream into hot cocoa to balance the thickness and richness of the chocolate perfectly. Not to mention, everyone loves using hot chocolate as an excuse to eat marshmallows straight out of the bag or whipped cream right from the can.
Is hot chocolate low in sugar? ›
A medium-sized cup can range from 20g to a whopping 60g or more of sugar, especially if you've got whipped cream, marshmallows, or flavoured syrups added. Ready-Made Bottled or Canned Hot Chocolates: These pre-prepared drinks can be convenient but often come with a higher sugar content.
How to elevate your hot chocolate? ›
Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a little extra zip! Other great ideas to try: whipped cream, shaved gourmet chocolate, good old fashioned marshmallows, or our personal favorite, all of the above! The next time you're feeling the winter blues, try one of these recipes and feel your spirits soar.
Is it OK to drink hot chocolate everyday? ›
If you are mindful of your overall intake of added sugars and calories and choose a hot chocolate that is lower in sugar and fat, enjoying it regularly can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Opting for skimmed or plant-based milk versions with little to no added sugars is a sensible choice for daily consumption.
Is hot chocolate bad for you when trying to lose weight? ›
While not a typical weight loss aid, hot chocolate can fit into a weight loss plan if consumed in moderation, made with low-calorie ingredients, and used as an occasional treat to satisfy sweet cravings. Opting for low-fat or plant-based milk and minimizing added sugars can help reduce its calorie impact.
Why add whipped cream to hot chocolate? ›
Whipped Cream: The classic choice for topping hot chocolate, whipped cream adds a light, airy texture and a touch of sweetness to the drink. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own using heavy cream and a bit of sugar.
Why does hot chocolate make you happy? ›
Cocoa content contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that stimulates the release of serotonin and endorphins in the brain. These chemicals found inside of the cacao bean are associated with happiness and pleasure, explaining why a sip of hot chocolate can instantly lift your spirits on a gloomy day.
Can you put cool whip in hot chocolate? ›
Instead of going with regular marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream, you can freeze Cool Whip and cut it into cute shapes. Then, use those atop your hot chocolate instead and allow them to melt into your drink for a sweet, creamy topping.
How to make hot chocolate less sweet? ›
If you don't want your hot chocolate to be too sweet, avoid using sweetened condensed milk or any flavored milk in the mixture. Instead, opt for plain milk with no added sugar or low-calorie coffee creamer. If you want to get a different sensation or if you want a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk.
Hot Chocolate
A cup of hot chocolate combined with a few almonds is considered a healthy breakfast for people with diabetes. This is because hot chocolate can help lower blood pressure and promote glucose metabolism in the body. However, you should not create sweetness by using sugar or milk.
Why do you have to drink hot chocolate before bed? ›
A cup of hot chocolate could be more than just a delicious treat; it may actually offer various sleep-promoting benefits. This cosy beverage can be a calming ritual before bed, setting the stage for a good night's sleep.
What can you put in hot chocolate instead of marshmallows? ›
An easy way to add extra flavor to any cup of cocoa—be it out of the box or homemade—is to add a touch of your favorite spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg or even cayenne can all be welcome warming additions.
What to serve with hot chocolate healthy? ›
Salted soft and crunchy pretzels, spiced roasted almonds, roasted nuts, toasted pumpkin seeds, or tamari roasted chickpeas or almonds are excellent companions to the sweet chocolate. Pairing the sweet beverage with a morsel of salty cheese on a crunchy seed cracker is also a tasty option.
What snacks go well with chocolate? ›
Combining chocolate with ingredients like vanilla, caramel, nuts, or fruits can create delicious desserts. Salty Snacks: The combination of sweet and salty flavors is popular. Chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, or potato chips are examples of snacks where chocolate pairs well with a salty component.
What snacks go with a hot cocoa bar? ›
The best hot chocolate bar toppings
Extra-small chunks Almond Butter Crunch were the most popular toppings of choice. Chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, and candy cane pieces, also make great options! To create the ultimate hot chocolate bar, we think, the more topping the better!
