Instructions
- In a saucepan, gently heat 1½ cup almond milk and 1 cup heavy cream.1½ cup almond milk, 1 cup heavy cream
- Remove from heat, and add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 8 ounces Lily’s dark chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to saucepan.1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 8 ounces Lily’s dark chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whisk until chocolate chips melt and blend with other ingredients.
- Top with sugar-free whipped cream or other low-carb toppings of your choice.
Nothing beats a warm and comforting cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day.But if you’re following keto, traditional hot chocolate drinks may interfere with ketosis due to their high sugar and carb content. Fortunately, this creamy and decadent keto hot chocolate recipe allows you to enjoy a guilt-free cup of hot cocoa without compromising your net carb count.
Why you’ll love this cozy keto hot chocolate recipe
There’s a lot to love about this sugar-free hot chocolate recipe. Here are a few reasons why it’s the perfect low-carb treat:- 100 percent keto-approved
- Rich and creamy without added sugar
- Made with real cocoa powder
- Can be prepared dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance
What makes this recipe keto-friendly?
This keto hot chocolate stands out for its ingenious use of low-carb sweeteners and milk alternatives, making it an ideal option for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.While traditional hot chocolate mixes often contain high-carb ingredients that can quickly kick you out of ketosis, this recipe uses keto-friendly sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit. “Stevia and monk fruit have low glycemic index scores, meaning they won’t raise blood sugar or insulin levels, making them an excellent option for individuals with blood sugar imbalances and those on a keto diet,” explains Dr. Berg.This recipe calls for unsweetened almond milk instead of regular dairy milk. However, you can also use full-fat coconut milk to keep the carb count low while keeping the traditional velvety texture of classic hot chocolate recipes.Why make your own keto hot chocolate
Making your keto hot chocolate at home costs less than buying pre-made mixes or visiting coffee shops, and it offers complete control over the ingredients.Choosing sugar-free chocolate chips and cocoa powder instead of pre-made mixes reduces exposure to potentially harmful food ingredients such as preservatives and artificial flavors that can cause inflammation and digestive issues. Additionally, dark chocolate has various health benefits and provides essential nutrients and antioxidants associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases. Research published in Current Research in Food Science investigated the benefits of dark chocolate and concluded that “dark chocolate is considered a functional food due to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.”The study further explains that dark chocolate can support weight management and may improve lipid profiles, contributing to cardiovascular health.Moreover, homemade hot chocolate often tastes better as it can be customized by making it extra creamy, adding more cocoa for depth, or experimenting with low-carb sweeteners or spices.Ways to enhance your keto cocoa
Whether making hot chocolate for yourself or your family or hosting a winter gathering with friends, here are some fun ways to enhance this keto-friendly drink.Peppermint extract
For a refreshing and minty twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract to your hot chocolate. Peppermint elevates the flavor profile of hot cocoa and offers health benefits such as relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation.Cinnamon
Along with being a popular spice used in holiday treats, cinnamon brings warmth and depth to hot chocolate while providing anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon also helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. To add some to your cocoa, just sprinkle the cinnamon on top or whisk it into the hot chocolate mix for an aromatic touch.Pumpkin spice
A dash of pumpkin spice adds a fall-inspired flavor to your hot cocoa and provides health benefits such as improving digestion and boosting immune function. Consider combining pumpkin spice with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create a flavor blend that makes any hot chocolate drink even more indulgent.Keto whipped cream
For a decadent and creamy topping, you can make homemade keto whipped cream.Not only will this add healthy fats to your drink, but it also incorporates some extra sweetness without the need for sugar.MCT oil
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is a popular supplement among those following a keto diet, and adding a teaspoon of MCT oil to your hot chocolate can boost brain energy and help you stay in ketosis. What’s more, MCTs can help reduce cravings and prevent weight gain, a common occurrence during the holiday season.Sea salt
A pinch of sea salt adds a savory note to your hot chocolate while balancing out some of the sweetness. Sea salt also provides essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which are crucial to maintaining many physiological functions.Orange zest
Including a hint of orange zest in your hot chocolate introduces citrus flavor and vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system. Orange zest pairs incredibly well with dark chocolate and elevates the taste profile of any low-carb hot chocolate recipe.Homemade maple syrup
While maple syrup may seem like an unlikely addition to a carb-free hot chocolate, homemade sugar-free maple syrup provides guilt-free sweetness to our keto hot cocoa mix without compromising ketosis.Black coffee
For an energy boost, pour a shot of black coffee into your hot chocolate to make a mocha-inspired hot cocoa. The caffeine in coffee can help increase the brain’s energy metabolism and stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine, both critical neurotransmitters that enhance brain function.
