Craving hot chocolate but worried about all the sugar in store-bought options? We’ve got you covered with our latest blog post, where we explore a healthy hot chocolate recipe that contains no refined sugar.
What is a healthy hot chocolate?
Healthy hot chocolate is a modified version of traditional hot chocolate that prioritizes nutrition and adds wholesome ingredients. The goal is to create a comforting, delicious drink while reducing added sugars and fats.
How do you make hot chocolate healthy?
To make hot chocolate healthier, we start with unsweetened cocoa powder or 100% dark chocolate instead of sweetened cocoa mixes, and opt for low-fat or plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These options have a great flavor and are lower in saturated fat than whole milk. We also reduce the amount of sugar in your hot chocolate by using less sweetener or opting for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Over time, you can gradually reduce the amount of sweetener to get used to a less sweet taste.
What are the health benefits of healthy hot chocolate?
Making a healthier hot chocolate with good-for-you ingredients can have lots of health benefits. When you use unsweetened cocoa powder, which is a primary ingredient in this better version, it adds more antioxidants that help your body stay healthy by fighting oxidative stress. Dark chocolate, another important part of this healthier hot chocolate, is connected to heart benefits. Chocolate has been shown to improve your blood flow, lower blood pressure, and make your cholesterol levels better, according to scientific studies. Also, dark chocolate has phenylethylamine and serotonin, which can make you feel happier. So, adding a little bit of dark chocolate to your hot chocolate can make you feel good overall.
It’s worth noting that a healthier hot chocolate can offer certain health benefits, but it should be consumed in moderation. Be mindful of portion sizes and the overall balance of your diet to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
How many calories does normal hot chocolate vs healthy hot chocolate have?
The calorie content of hot chocolate can vary greatly depending on the ingredients used and their quantities. For example, a standard hot chocolate made with whole milk, sugar, and cocoa powder typically ranges from 150 to 250 calories per 8-ounce (240 ml) serving. A healthier version of hot chocolate can have a lower calorie content; however, the exact number of calories will depend on the specific ingredients used and their quantities.
To get an accurate estimate of your hot chocolate’s calorie count, check nutrition labels on your starting ingredients or use online resources to calculate the calorie content based on your recipe. While reducing sugar and using lower-calorie ingredients can lower the calorie count, portion size and additional toppings or mix-ins can also impact the overall calorie content of your hot chocolate.
Why is normal hot chocolate so high in calories?
Hot chocolate made with whole milk and added sugar can be calorie-dense. Whole milk has more calories than skim or low-fat milk because of its fat content. Many recipes use a significant amount of sugar, a concentrated source of calories. Adding chocolate to your recipe can be OK, but make sure it’s high percentage, dark chocolate. You can’t get around the fact that adding chocolate adds extra calories, but milk and white chocolate contain more sugar and added fats. Toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows significantly increase the calorie count via additional sugars and fats.
To reduce the calorie content of hot chocolate, consider using low-fat or plant-based milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners in moderation. These modifications can maintain flavor while lowering the overall calorie count.
How to prepare healthy version of hot chocolate
To make a healthier version of hot chocolate, start by making simple ingredient substitutions and adjustments. Feel free to improvise in a healthy way. Here’s a basic recipe for a healthier hot chocolate:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any other milk alternative)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons natural sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dark chocolate (optional)
Method
- Heat the almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Avoid boiling, just heat until it’s warm.
- In a small bowl, mix together the unsweetened cocoa powder and a small amount of warm almond milk to create a smooth paste.
- Add the cocoa paste, natural sweeteners and vanilla extract to a saucepan with warmed almond milk. Stir to combine.
- For an extra-rich treat, add a small piece of high-quality, dark chocolate to the mixture. Allow it to melt while stirring.
- Continue to heat the mixture until it reaches your desired temperature, stirring consistently to prevent lumps.
- Taste the hot chocolate and if needed, add natural sweetener to suit your taste.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top, if desired, with a sprinkling of cinnamon, cocoa powder or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.
Enjoy, sip and savor your healthier hot chocolate!
Try making our healthy hot chocolate in your home kitchen. We encourage you to add nutrient-rich options, making both your taste buds and overall well-being happy!
For more great articles and recipes, check out the rest of our CocoTerra blog.
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