We LOVE how easy this Paleo or Keto Hot Chocolate Mix is! Every winter I kept thinking how I needed a Paleo hot chocolate mix. I’m not a big drink gal, but there is just something cozy and nostalgic to have hot cocoa while walking around looking at Christmas lights or after caroling. So, this one had to come to life this year and I am thrilled with how easy it is!
Why We Love This Paleo or Keto Hot Chocolate Mix
My mix can be Paleo or Keto, depending on the sweetener used, which means it’s gluten-free and dairy-free. Plus, it can be made traditionally flavored or mint/peppermint added for a minty touch. Additionally, you can mix it with dairy-free milk of your choice or just hot water.
This mix can be made ahead of time and stored in the pantry. Easy to pull out as needed all winter long. So flexible and delicious – your new go-to for all your hot chocolate needs!
We have taken this hot cocoa mix so many places! It has come with us when we go camping. Or, it has hiked up a mountain with us to watch the sunrise. And it comes along with us as we look at Christmas lights in PJs during the Christmas season. Such a cozy drink for all of life’s adventures!
Ingredients
I love that you don’t need many ingredients to make this Paleo or Keto Hot Chocolate Mix. Once you make it, you will wonder why you have ever bought it from the store – it’s just so simple!
- Cocoa powder – I use whatever I find in the baking aisle or the bulk bins at Winco. You can use something as simple as Hershey’s or a more organic brand.
- Coconut sugar – I get my coconut sugar most affordably from the bulk bins at Winco. When I buy it online, here (1.5 pounds) or here (5lbs, cheaper but in bulk) are the one I get from Amazon.
- Coconut milk powder – I was thrilled to discover this stuff existed! I found it on Amazon and have ordered and enjoyed this brand and this brand (I go with whatever is cheaper). Don’t want to invest or allergic to coconut? Leave out the coconut milk powder and instead stir 3 1/2 tablespoons (just under a 1/4 cup) of the mix into 8 oz dairy-free milk. Won’t be as creamy, but still delicious!
- Mint or peppermint extract, optional
How to Make It
-
Combine all ingredients together and store in a sealed jar or container. If using mint or peppermint extract, stir it right into the dry ingredients till combined.
-
To make hot cocoa, add a generous 1/4 cup to 8 oz hot water. (If you want an exact amount, it was 5 1/2 tablespoons…but that drives me batty to count out, so I just do a heaping 1/4 cup and call it a day ; ). Stir till combined and enjoy the chocolatey goodness!
-
Makes 4 8-oz cups of hot cocoa. We make a triple batch of this mix and keep it stored in our pantry!
-
Everyone likes their hot chocolate different levels of chocolatey and sweet. Too chocolatey? Decrease the amount of cocoa. Not sweet enough? Add some more sweetener. This one is balanced to what our family loves.
Paleo or Keto Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar *see notes for Keto variation
- 1/2 cup coconut milk powder *optional, see notes
- 1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together and store in a sealed jar or container. If using mint or peppermint extract, stir it right into the dry ingredients till combined.
- To make hot cocoa, add a generous 1/4 cup to 8 oz hot water. (If you want an exact amount, it was 5 1/2 tablespoons...but that drives me batty to count out, so I just do a heaping 1/4 cup and call it a day ; ). Stir till combined and enjoy the chocolatey goodness!
- Makes 4 8-oz cups of hot cocoa. We make a triple batch of this mix and keep it stored in our pantry!
- Everyone likes their hot chocolate different levels of chocolatey and sweet. Too chocolatey? Decrease the amount of cocoa. Not sweet enough? Add some more sweetener. This one is balanced to what our family loves.
Notes
Nutrition
It is good! Could the cocoa powder be substituted with raw cocao powder?
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Great question on the raw cocoa powder. I believe so, though haven’t personally tried it. Let me know if you try it how it turns out!
This is so tasty! I used a strainer to help get all the clumps out and used half cashew milk half water to the mix for extra creaminess. My husband doesn’t like coconut at all so he’s not a fan but that’s ok, more for me 😂
Thank you so much for this recipe! I just made a batch, tried a cup, and loved it so much that I made another batch! I will be enjoying this as the weather has just gotten cold in South Louisiana!
Ps- I made it with extra creamy almond milk and mixed it with a tiny electric whisk! So creamy and delicious!
I made this over and over. I leave out the coconut sugar and add date syrup as needed to each cup. It’s soo good!! Thank you for creating it.
Wahoo for being on repeat! Thank you for sharing that modification, that’s great to know you enjoyed it with date syrup. Thank you!
We love this. We add a touch more coconut sugar and make in almond milk instead of water even with the coconut milk powder. It’s delicious!
I started making this as a cheaper alternative to the lakanto drinking chocolate. My 3 y/o son doesn’t even know the difference and it’s just as good hot as it is cold! We’re already on our second batch!
We love this! Huge hit in our house. I quadruple the recipe and store it in a big container.
I love having this in the pantry as needed. Thank you – so happy you enjoy this one!
Such a great easy recipe! My daughter thought I had used milk! The coconut milk powder really makes it creamy!!
I have been craving some good hot chocolate and this was so good! I used almond milk as I didn’t want to wait to get powdered coconut milk and it was still creamy! Can’t wait to have more tomorrow!
I agree – still super delicious without the powdered coconut milk. Glad you enjoyed, thank you!
I’ve been looking for a hot cocoa recipe that is delicious and creamy and doesn’t make me feel sick and this recipe is AMAZING. It’s creamy perfection and Autumn nailed it. Your family will love it. Thank you, Autumn!
Aw, thank you for the lovely review! I’m so happy this was a slam dunk for your family!
This is our favorite paleo/keto hot chocolate mix. Perfect for tree decorating night! Thank you.
Hooray! I’m so happy this hot cocoa is being enjoyed in your home, and paired with tree decorating night sounds perfect!
Our family is slowing going Paleo. Is this the kind of recipe that my non-family members who join us will be happy with? It’s a small event that will be buffet style to add in other ingredients.
We share it with Paleo and non-Paleo alike and it’s not far off from a more traditional mix recipe. I think it would be great, especially with other fun mix ins. Enjoy!
I actually made this with a dash of cinnamon. Delicious!!!
Mmmm, cinnamon sounds delightful! Thank you!