Can Drinking Hot Cocoa Help With a Cold?

Did you know people get an average of 2 to 4 colds every single year? If you're under the weather, don't worry: hot chocolate is here for you. 

Read on for the potential health benefits of your favorite drink, and why it might be your secret ally against the common cold. 

Key Takeaways

• Hot chocolate has various potential wellness benefits.
• Cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, which are important for overall health.
• Warm beverages like hot chocolate may feel soothing and comforting to the throat.
• Warm liquids may feel soothing and help maintain hydration.

See Related: What Is a Functional Beverage? Benefits, Uses, & More?

Is Drinking Hot Chocolate Good When Sick?

Stuffed nose. Sore throat. Cough.

Those symptoms likely sound all too familiar. According to some estimates, the average adult gets multiple colds every single year. And people in the US experience 1 billion colds in a single year.

If you're suffering from a cold, good news. You don't have to give up hot chocolate.

In fact, research suggests that hot chocolate might actually be helpful for people feeling under the weather.

How Hot Chocolate Can Help: Potential Health Benefits

Believe it or not, hot cocoa provides plenty of potential health benefits.

Antioxidants

Cocoa powder is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help protect the body from free radicals, which can cause damage called oxidative stress.

By doing this, research suggests antioxidants can help support a healthy immune system. And a healthy immune system is crucial for overall wellness.

Dark chocolate is particularly rich in antioxidants. You could make a dark hot chocolate or top your hot drink with flakes or shavings of dark chocolate.

Essential Nutrients

Cocoa is also rich in several essential nutrients, which play important roles in keeping your body healthy and happy. 

For example, hot cocoa powder often contains magnesium, which plays an important role in the health of muscles, nerves, and bones. Cocoa powder often also contains iron, which is crucial for transporting oxygen in the body.

Other essential nutrients that may be contained in cocoa powder include potassium and zinc.

Hydration

It's really important to stay hydrated when sick. (Actually, staying hydrated is important for overall health in general.) Becoming dehydrated can lead to a dry throat, which in turn could make a sore throat feel worse. 

A warm cup of hot chocolate can be a good way to stay hydrated.

Bonus: The Delicious and Interesting History of Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate With Extras

Hot chocolate might be packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, but what if you wanted even more?

We offer a few cocoa powder blends packed with additional nutrition.

Restful Sleep

We've already mentioned magnesium's importance for the body. But it's also often recommended for people who have trouble falling asleep. And sleep is absolutely crucial when recovering from an illness.

Ashwagandha, meanwhile, has been used for centuries to help promote relaxation. Research suggests it can help support normal immune system functioning, too. 

Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix

Too much sugar can sometimes cause the symptoms of a cold to worsen. Therefore, it's a good idea to avoid sugar where possible.

One great option is a sugar-free hot cocoa blend, like one from Mindful Nutrition. our sugar-free products are naturally sweetened with stevia leaf extract to provide all the deliciousness of hot chocolate with none of the added sugar. 

Calm and Relaxation

Our bedtime hot chocolate also contains L-Theanine and GABA, two powerful molecules that help promote relaxation. 

Corn Starch

The American Heart Association recommends adding a tablespoon of corn starch to your hot chocolate. That should help replicate the creaminess of full-fat milk or heavy cream while still helping support heart health. 

What Cold and Flu Symptoms Hot Chocolate May Help

So, we've established that hot chocolate has numerous potential health benefits, many of which can be great for those who are sick.

But what about specific common cold and flu symptoms? Is hot chocolate a good choice for people experiencing them?

It certainly can be!

Cough Relief

In one study, participants who were given medicine containing cocoa reported faster improvements to their coughs than participants given traditional cough medicine.

It's thought that chocolate can help coat the throat, possibly preventing throat discomfort and throat irritation. That's good because an irritated throat is one that promotes coughing.

In that sense, chocolate acts like honey, which is one of the most popular traditional remedies for cold symptoms like coughing.

Sore Throat

The soothing warmth of a cup of hot chocolate may provide temporary relief for a sore throat. 

The soothing properties come from the warmth rather than the cocoa powder itself. Other hot drinks, like herbal teas, can also soothe a sore throat.

Feeling Blue

When we get sick, it's only natural to feel sorry for ourselves. 

You likely know how hot chocolate helps boost mood. After all, who doesn't feel better after drinking their favorite drink?

Actually, studies have found that chocolate can help improve mood. For example, one study from 2024 found that dark chocolate significantly improved the mood of participants. 

Conclusion

Hot chocolate isn't just a sweet treat. If made the right way, it can be a natural aid that provides multiple potential health benefits.

Your warm cup of hot cocoa could contain antioxidants and essential nutrients like magnesium, which are all great for your health. Our mindful blends add additional ingredients, like L-Theanine and GABA, to help promote relaxation, sleep, and provide other potential benefits.

Keep Reading: Is Hot Chocolate Good For a Sore Throat?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Drink to Drink When Sick?

Hydration is vital when sick. Many drinks are hydrating. Therefore, it's possibly easier to mention the drinks you should avoid when sick.

Alcohol, for example, can be dehydrating, so you should probably avoid it if you're sick. 

Instead, consider a warm drink. Warm liquids often have soothing properties while also providing hydration. The heat can also relax your throat muscles.

Herbal teas are a popular choice: ginger tea, chamomile tea, green tea, and thyme tea are just a few examples.

Hot chocolate is another hot beverage that can both hydrate and soothe. 

Can Hot Chocolate Loosen Mucus?

Studies have found that drinking warm beverages can decrease the viscosity of mucus.

However, some people think that dairy increases mucus production. This hasn't necessarily been proven by research. In fact, as the Mayo Clinic notes, milk does not cause the body to produce phlegm. 

Still, it's easy enough to avoid dairy in hot chocolate. Simply switch the warm milk for warm water! Alternatively, swap it for a non-dairy alternative, like oat milk.

Is It OK to Drink Hot Chocolate With a Sore Throat?

Hot chocolate may be a great choice for people with a sore throat. 

However, not all hot chocolates are created equal. A cup that's packed with sugar, for example, may worsen your symptoms. And drinking hot chocolate that's too hot may also hurt your throat.

Instead, consider a sugar-free hot chocolate, and make sure it's not too hot before drinking it. You could also add additional ingredients like dark chocolate and honey, which are often used to soothe a cough and a sore throat. 

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Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for wellness. We use natural ingredients in our products, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, crafted to be a comforting addition to your daily ritual. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concerns.