Sugar Free Hot Chocolate With Almond Milk
This sugar free hot chocolate with almond milk is one of my favorite rituals, especially on Friday nights when my girls and I curl up on the couch with a movie and a big bowl of popcorn. Inspired by my love for Starbucks classics, I wanted to recreate that rich, creamy flavor at home but with healthier ingredients.
You only need one pot, a few pantry staples, and ten minutes. I love making this treat for myself and my girls, because I avoid giving them sweets in the evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you love)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey (or use a no-sugar option like monk fruit)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips (optional but magical)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream (light or coconut), cocoa powder, chocolate chips, or chocolate sauce
How to Make This Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Warm the Base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in the almond milk. Add maple syrup ( or your preferred sweetener) and cocoa powder. Gently whisk the mixture until smooth and combined. You’ll want it to get steamy and hot, but not boiling—this keeps the milk from scalding and preserves the soft texture of your hot chocolate.
Step 2: Make It Chocolatey
Once the milk is hot, stir in the dark chocolate chips (if you’re using them). Keep whisking slowly until they melt completely and blend into the drink.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
After everything’s melted and the mixture is silky-smooth, turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. It might seem like a small detail, but it wil be worth it.
Step 4: Taste it your Way
Take a little sip. Too bitter? Add a touch more sweetener. Want it more chocolatey? Sprinkle in more cocoa.
Step 5: Pour and Top
Pour your mocha into your favorite mug.
Optional: Top with sugar free whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a swirl of chocolate sauce if you feel like it.
Doesen’t this look amazing?!
Time to Enjoy!
Now pick your favorite show, curl up in a blanket, and enjoy every sip of your homemade, healthy hot chocolate. It’s like:
“A hug in a mug when the world’s too much.”
More Starbucks-Inspired Favorites
- Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino
- Healthy London Fog Latte
- Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Strawberry Açaí Refresher Without Caffeine
Fun Variations (Because Moms Deserve Options!)
- Make It Frothy – Use a milk frother or blend the mixture for a café-style texture.
- Add Espresso or Coffee – If you want a mocha flavor, mix in ¼ cup of brewed coffee or 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan? – Stick with almond, oat, or coconut milk, use maple syrup instead of honey, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Want It Spicier? – A dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper adds a fun twist!
- Burnt Butter & Sea Salt Mocha—Because butter makes everything better. Melt ½ tbsp butter in the pan until it turns golden brown and nutty, then add your milk and cocoa. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. It’s like a chocolate chip cookie in liquid form.
Too busy to make this right now? Pin for later to your favorite Pinterest Board!
FAQs
Is sugar-free hot chocolate a healthy choice?
Made with almond milk and dark cocoa, it’s low in calories and rich in antioxidants. Cocoa supports heart health and mood, while skipping refined sugar helps avoid blood sugar spikes.
Does sugar-free hot chocolate raise blood sugar levels?
This recipe uses unsweetened cocoa, natural sweeteners like maple syrup, and low-fat or plant-based milk to help minimize sugar and saturated fat intake.
Can I customize the sweetness in this hot chocolate?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by using different natural sweeteners such as monk fruit or stevia to suit your taste preferences.
Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate with Almond Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1-2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips optional.
- whipped cream light or coconut, cocoa powder, chocolate sauce, or chocolate chips. (Optional)
Instructions
Warm the Base
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in the almond milk.Add maple syrup ( or your preferred sweetener) and cocoa powder.Gently whisk the mixture until smooth and combined.You’ll want it to get steamy and hot, but not boiling—this keeps the milk from scalding and preserves the soft texture of your hot chocolate
Get it Chocolatey
- Once the milk is hot, stir in the dark chocolate chips (if you’re using them).Keep whisking slowly until they melt completely and blend into the drink.
Add Vanilla
- After everything’s melted and the mixture is silky-smooth, turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. It might seem like a small detail, but it will be worth it.
Taste it your Way
- Take a little sip. Too bitter? Add a touch more sweetener. Want it more chocolatey? Sprinkle in more cocoa.
Pour and Top
- Pour your mocha into your favorite mug.Optional: Top with sugar free whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a swirl of chocolate sauce if you feel like it.
