Low Sugar Hot Cocoa (Vegan Option)

Makes 1 mug 

I’ve been sharing this recipe with a lot of clients lately and they’ve found it the perfect warm, comforting solution. So, I wanted to share it with you. This recipe is so simple that it barely qualifies as a recipe. But I wanted to share it because it’s a great way to satisfy a sugar craving with barely any sugar. It makes a hot cocoa that my fellow dark chocolate lovers will enjoy.

Use this as a technique more than a recipe. Adjust it to suit your tastes. For example, make it vegan by using a plant-based milk alternative and maple syrup. Want a stronger chocolatey flavour? Use more cocoa powder (or do the opposite if you want it weaker). Like orange chocolate? Try adding a drop or two of orange blossom water. Want to get the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric that made golden milk so popular a number of years back? Add some, along with the black pepper to activate the anti-inflammatory compounds. For the photos, we jazzed it up with some whipped cream and some chocolate shavings.  

Low Sugar Hot Cocoa Ingredients

1 mug milk of your choice (dairy, oat, soy, etc)

Scant 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

½ teaspoon sugar (or sweetener of your choice)

Options:

2 drops orange blossom water

1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder and a small pinch of black pepper

Top with whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping 

Low Sugar Hot Cocoa Directions

1. In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and other optional ingredients.

2. Warm, stirring frequently, until steam rises from the saucepan.

3. Enjoy!

Looking for something cold and chocolatey and low added sugar? Check out this super simple recipe for chocolate banana popsicles

Photo credit: Olivia Dodsworth