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Home » Drink Recipes » Hot Chocolate

Healthier Hot Chocolate (Low Sugar & Low Calorie)

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This healthier hot chocolate is both low sugar and low calorie, making it the perfect treat that won’t ruin your diet. Only 78 calories per serving, and made in 5 minutes on the stovetop. With its satisfying milky, chocolatey taste, you’d never know this is a healthy hot cocoa drink.

Healthier hot cocoa in a grey mug, on a couple white coasters, with cocoa powder scattered around the table.

There are so many variations of hot chocolate to try. If you want an oat milk based drink, try this oat milk hot chocolate.

For days when you are looking for a more decadent treat, try this amaretto hot chocolate.

Jump to:
  • Why this is the best low calorie hot chocolate
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQ
  • Expert Tips
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Other hot chocolate recipes

Why this is the best low calorie hot chocolate

  • It only has 78 calories per serving. You could drink this every day for breakfast and dinner and never feel guilty about it!
  • It doesn’t taste like “healthy” hot chocolate. This is still everything you want a cup of hot chocolate to be. There is no sacrificing that hot chocolate satisfaction.
  • It takes 5 minutes to make. Make this in the morning while the toast is in the toaster. Just heat everything together on a pan and it’s ready to go.

Ingredients

Overhead view of the ingredients needed to make the drink.
  • Artificial Sweetener: There are many brands of artificial sweetener. Use whichever you have on hand.

Instructions

Heat the cocoa powder, milk, artificial sweetener and vanilla extract together on a pan over medium heat. Continue to whisk, until heated through and all the ingredients are well combined. Remove from the stove and serve immediately.

Healthy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, in a mug on white coasters, next to a white tray with green plants.

FAQ

Why does this have less calories and sugar than other hot chocolate recipes?

In regular hot chocolate, most of the calories and sugar come from using chocolate chips or chocolate bars. This recipe uses cocoa powder with a small amount of artificial sweetener to still get the chocolate taste without the calories and sugar.

Which is healthier hot chocolate or coffee?

This entirely depends on what you add to your drink. Many people add lots of cream and sugar to their coffee which makes it not as healthy. Similarly, there are many different ways to make hot chocolate — some that are incredibly decadent and high in calories, and others (like this recipe) that are on the healthier side.

Overhead view of healthier hot chocolate in a grey mug, topped with mini marshmallows, and a grey flower on the rim of the mug.

Expert Tips

  • Use high quality cocoa powder. Since the chocolate flavor comes entirely from cocoa powder in this recipe, make sure to use a quality powder for the best taste.
  • Vegan Option: To make this hot chocolate vegan, replace the cow’s milk with almond milk or oat milk instead.
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📖 Recipe

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Healthier hot chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows, in a grey mug on a stack of two white marble coasters.

Healthier Hot Chocolate


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  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This healthy hot cocoa is both low sugar and low calorie, making it the perfect treat that won’t ruin your diet. With its satisfying milky, chocolatey taste, you’d never know this is a healthy hot cocoa drink.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon artificial sweetener
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk, cocoa powder, artificial sweetener and vanilla extract together on a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk frequently to fully dissolve the cocoa powder.
  2. Continue to heat the mixture for about 5 minutes until fully heated through and all ingredients are mixed together. Don’t let the hot chocolate boil.
  3. Remove from the stovetop, add marshmallows (optional) and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use high quality cocoa powder. Since the chocolate flavor comes entirely from cocoa powder in this recipe, make sure to use a quality powder for the best taste.
  • Vegan Option: To make this hot chocolate vegan, replace the cow’s milk with almond milk or oat milk instead.
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Hot Chocolate
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 hot chocolate
  • Calories: 78
  • Sugar: 6.5g
  • Sodium: 57mg
  • Fat: 2.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.2g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Protein: 4.7g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: winter drinks, healthy drinks

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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