My Three-Ingredient Instant Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Mix takes a family favorite and makes it healthier. With a batch of this on hand, even the kids can make their own keto hot chocolate.
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I've been wanting to make an instant hot chocolate mix for a very long time. All the ingredients have been staring at me from the pantry. Finally, on a cold January day, I started playing around with the ratios.
If you saw this post on Instagram, you would've seen me up to my ears in hot chocolate experimentation. I rounded up my little taste testers and took their votes on the best one. This one came out on top.
In the winter, my kids love warm beverages. They alternate between hot chocolate (they do love Swiss Miss) and herbal fruity tea most of the time, but my 9-year-old has been known to sneak sips of mommy's coffee.
What You'll Need
The combination of three simple ingredients is mind-blowing! I can't wait for you to try it. Enjoy a warm cup of rich hot chocolate after dinner, when hosting a holiday party, or whenever you are craving chocolate.
Sweetener - Trim Healthy Mama Gentle Sweet, my Sweetener, or you can convert to the sweetener of your choice - tips in the recipe card!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - We prefer cocoa powder, but you could also use raw cacao powder instead. For an oreo flavored hot chocolate try black cocoa powder.
Heavy Cream Powder or Coconut Milk Powder - This is the secret ingredient for making your own low carb keto sugar free hot chocolate mix. If you want a dairy-free option, then I highly recommend coconut milk powder.
How To Make Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
After you make your own hot chocolate, you will be mad at yourself for not making it this entire time. Skip the premade stuff because this is way better.
Step One: Put the sweetener, cocoa powder, and heavy cream or coconut milk powder in a food processor. Pulse to combine the ingredients.
Expert Tip: I've found that blending the powder helps it to dissolve better. I recommend taking the time for this extra step. If you are in a pinch on time you can just whisk the ingredients together.
Step Two: Add 2 heaping tablespoons of hot chocolate into 10 ounces of hot water. Stir well until the mix is dissolved. Let it cool for a few minutes, then start sipping!
Keto Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe on your own. If you are hosting an event, set up a hot cocoa bar for your friends. It's going to impress all of them, and it is fun to prepare. Here are some ideas:
Peppermint Extract - Add a drizzle or two of peppermint extract to the sweetener. Allow it time to dry (just like you would if you were making flavored sugar). Makes for a lovely peppermint hot chocolate flavor.
Keto Friendly Peppermints - Crush up some sugar-free peppermints and sprinkle them on top of the hot chocolate before serving. So tasty!
Sugar-Free Marshmallows - You can buy sugar free marshmallows or make them yourself. Either way, adding them to your hot cocoa is a must.
Whipped Cream - Another must-have is some whipped topping. You could use some whipped heavy cream or whipped coconut milk. Both are delicious. Sprinkle it with cocoa or drizzle on some keto chocolate syrup and enjoy!
Sugar-Free Chocolate - You can also add some sugar-free chocolate chips to your mug for extra sweetness and a toasty warm treat.
Coffee - Instead of adding the sugar free hot chocolate mix to water, mix it into coffee instead. It's like a fancy gourmet coffee drink.
Vanilla - Add a dash of vanilla extract to each mug.
Espresso - On those days, when you need some major caffeine, add in a shot of espresso to your hot beverage.
Hot Chocolate BOMBS - This mix is used inside of my keto hot chocolate bombs. To really kick things up check out that post.
White Hot Chocolate Mix - Just click for this recipe, it is SO good.
Salt - It sounds crazy but a pinch of salt can enhance the natural flavor of the chocolate.
When you are drinking this creamy, velvety rich hot chocolate, keep in mind that any additional ingredients you'll need to adjust the nutritional information.
Common Questions
Can I Double The Recipe?
Of course! You can double or triple my recipe for sugar free hot chocolate to make a bigger batch. This recipe will make 8 mugs of hot cocoa.
Another fun idea is to add the hot cocoa mix to cute little jars. Then add some labels and ribbons and give it away for holiday gifts, birthdays, or to welcome a new neighbor to the area. Everyone loves a homemade gift, especially when it fits into their dietary needs!
Can I Make Hot Chocolate With Something Other Than Water?
Sure! You can warm up your favorite non-dairy milk. Almond milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk are all good options for this sugar free hot chocolate recipe. They will need to be very warm, or the mixture won't dissolve all the way. Warm it over medium heat in a saucepan or in the microwave. Add in the sugar free hot chocolate mix and stir until it's dissolved. Enjoy!
How Do I Store Hot Chocolate Mix?
Keep the hot chocolate mix in an airtight container in a cool place. Storing it in containers with a tight-fitting lid. You could use a glass jar, like a mason jar, or even plastic. As long as it can be airtight and away from heat, it will last for several months.
NEW! I made some cute little tags you can print if you are gifting some hot cocoa. You can get a printable version for free (five per 8.5 x 11 piece of paper - I recommend using cardstock).
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the sweetener, cocoa, and heavy cream powder or coconut milk powder to a food processor and pulse to combine.
- Mix 2-4 heaping tablespoons of hot chocolate mix into 10 oz very hot water. Stir to dissolve. Let cool for a few minutes before enjoying!
Notes
Nutrition
Originally Published February 17, 2018. Revised and Republished December 3, 2020.
joyce says
does the coconut milk powder give the hot choc a coconutty taste?
Taryn says
A slight coconut taste. But the primary flavor is still chocolate.
Judy says
Hello! I love the idea of your Keto hot chocolate recipe. I haven't tried it yet. I use Volupta Erythritol & Monk Fruit Extract Zero Calories Sweetener. It is a 1:1 sugar replacement. If I understand correctly, that means I would need to use 2 cups of the sweetener for the recipe.That seems like a lot. Am I mistaken about that measurement? Regards, Judy
Taryn says
You could try just using 1 cup and then adjusting to taste.
Donna says
Have made 3 batches. Tried varying ingredients. Disappointed, watery not at all rich and creamy ( just the opposite!) Tried with almond milk and adding heavy cream, still watery. I think I give up on this and wasting ingredients.
Taryn says
You just need to put more powder in each cup. Even with the sugary store bought cocoa powder most people use more than on the package. One packet to 6 ounces water only makes a tiny cup.
wilhelmina says
This mix is fabulous! It makes a great cup of hot chocolate and it will be perfect for gifts around the holidays!
Allison says
This will be our go-to for the cold months ahead. Thanks for sharing.
Tucker Melissa says
I would think adding cocoa butter would be fine. Just plan on frothing or whipping it to incorporate
Jenny - Prayers from the Kitchen says
I am going to try this! My two kids love hot cocoa.
Charla Davis says
I used coffee creamer because I didn't have heavy cream powder. What would have been different had I used heave cream powder?
Taryn says
Coffee creamer is higher in carbs and most have fillers like cornstarch.
Gail Marie says
what are your measurements for the xylitol , erythritol & stevia ?
Taryn says
Hi Gail, they are found in this post: joyfilledeats.com/sweetener and there should be several clickable links within this recipe.
Terry Kay Kelley says
Love your recipes Hot Cocoa Mix Yummy
DGibbs says
Can it be brewed with coffee in lieu of water...for a Mocha?
Taryn says
Absolutely! My daughter does this with her weekly cup of decaf.
Rebekah says
Fantastic! Didn't blenderize this time and no problems dissolving. I've found that using almond milk is absolutely delish and if I carefully stir the mix with just a small amt. of milk (before filling my cup), I get a wonderful cream layer on top after all heated and stirred. No reason to miss packets or otherwise. This mix is THAT good. 🙂 Thank you!
Nancy says
This recipe sounds good! Where do you find the heavy cream powder and coconut powder?
Taryn says
I buy both from amazon. There are clickable links in the post.
Liz says
This recipe has helped me to enjoy one of my favorite beverages and still lose 160 lbs on the keto diet. Thank you so much for sharing your recipes. You have helped to make a huge impact on my life!
Taryn says
Thank you so much Liz!
Lisa says
I have to make this. I just ordered Heavy Cream Powder and this will be after school wonderful for kids come cooler weather. Thank you!
Kristy Best says
Where do you find the powdered heavy cream?
Taryn says
Online. There are links in the post.
Melissa Tucker says
You awesome woman. Leave it to you to make a mix with 3 ingredients that tastes legit and has 2 net carbs! I love your site and have posted so many of your recipes to my keto group. Thanks for all you do! I add some vanilla and a smidge of butter for mouthfeel (I only had whole milk powder).
Melissa Tucker says
Oh. Haha. I forgot to mention that I add a splash of sugar free amaretto as well. A.maze.ing!
Tracey Allen says
Could I add cocoa butter? Would that make it creamier? Or just solidify? I got some but have no idea how to use it LOL
Taryn says
Aww thank you! So glad you like it!
Lovely Love says
The hot chocolate was heavenly. Perfect for working late at night with the urge for a warm drink.