Is Hot Cocoa Vegan?

You've had a long day, and you're craving the ultimate comfort beverage — a steaming cup of creamy hot cocoa! But what if you're tired of scouring the grocery aisle for hot cocoa ingredients that taste good AND make you feel good? 

That’s why we’re here – to uncover the best vegan hot chocolate mix to help you navigate a healthy lifestyle. Read on to learn whether hot chocolate is the newest drink to covet on your journey to healthier living.

Key takeaways:

• Delicious hot cocoa can be vegan so long as it contains dairy-free cocoa powder and dairy-free milk.
• Dairy-free milk alternatives include oat milk, coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, and cashew milk, among others.
• Add-ins and toppings can include marshmallows, vegan whipped cream, peppermint, vanilla, cinnamon, coconut, and more. 

See Related: Can GABA Help You Sleep Better?

Is hot cocoa vegan?

Nothing hits the spot like sipping on a mug of delicious hot chocolate. It's the coziest drink to enjoy when you're lounging at home. But can vegans still enjoy this comforting hot beverage when adhering to certain dairy-free dietary restrictions? 

The answer is yes! 

As it turns out, vegan hot cocoa does exist, and it can be just as rich and delicious as other hot cocoa recipes that contain dairy. 

Vegan hot chocolate offers vegans a solid choice for a beverage that fits well within their lifestyle and tastes great, too. Vegan hot chocolate can even be a gluten-free treat for those with gluten allergies. 

Which hot cocoa is vegan?

When you're committed to a vegan lifestyle, every ingredient matters. 

The best hot cocoa mixes to help you make 100% vegan hot chocolate call for a combination of dairy-free hot cocoa mix with dairy-free milk. 

While you can certainly stir your favorite hot chocolate powder with just water alone in some recipes, combining vegan cocoa mix with a creamy dairy alternative can elevate your drink into a decadent mug of rich, yummy goodness. 

Dairy-free milk alternatives

When shopping for vegan hot cocoa mixes, it's important to read product labels and ingredient lists. Most importantly, the cocoa powder in the mix should be certified vegan! 

Types of dairy-free milk

You will also want to ensure that this vegan cocoa powder is combined with a plant-based milk or creamer, like one of the following: 

• Oat milk
• Soy milk
• Almond milk
• Cashew milk
• Coconut milk
• Coconut Cloud creamer

By combining a dairy-free milk with vegan hot cocoa, you can create a delicious and creamy cup of vegan hot chocolate that's suited for vegans and non-vegans alike. 

You may even consider a dairy-free chocolate milk to make for an ultra-rich beverage that does double duty as dessert. 

There are many ways to make your warm, vegan hot chocolate an even healthier treat. For example, adding in flavorings like cinnamon, peppermint, and vanilla can have benefits, while adding in supplements like flavored protein powder can have benefits, too. 

Bonus: Vegan Vs. Dairy-Free: What's the Difference?

Is hot chocolate good for you?

There are several reasons why people drink hot chocolate and other warm, cozy beverages for relaxation, and they go beyond just the delicious taste. The key is in finding products that contain ingredients that don't just taste good, but that make you feel good, too. 

While a hot mug of hot chocolate may seem like a slight indulgence, this treat can actually be good for your health when consumed in moderation. That's because the cocoa powder found in hot chocolate can have several positive effects on the mind and body. 

Health benefits of hot cocoa

Some benefits of drinking hot cocoa include: 

• Mood-boosting effects
• Antioxidant effects
• Weight management
• Improved heart health

Benefits of cocoa on heart health

As far as health benefits go, studies suggest cocoa shows the most promise when it comes to heart health. For example, the polyphenols found in chocolate have been linked to benefits such as improved blood pressure and lipid profiles, i.e. triglycerides, as well as reducing the risk of cardiometabolic events. These can include stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction. 

How does hot chocolate affect mood?

It’s not just that sense of nostalgia that lifts your mood after a warm cup of hot cocoa. The reason for that feel-good effect is that cocoa powder contains compounds known to increase the release of endorphins in the body, which in turn improves mood. That’s right — indulging in a mug of hot chocolate has the power to reduce stress levels and improve your well-being, making it an amazing option for a mid-day or late-night pick-me-up. 

Some hot cocoa products are even specially crafted to put you in a calm, relaxed mood through the use of added ingredients designed to promote better health. Mindful Nutrition's Mindful Evening Cocoa Mix, for example, improves relaxation while reducing stress — two key factors in a good night's sleep. 

This sugar-free, dairy-free, non-GMO cocoa mix is made with melatonin, L-theanine, and GABA to promote an improved level of rest. Products like these have the power to boost your overall mood and well-being, as well as help settle the mind, allowing you to fall asleep faster and more deeply. 

Whether you're in it for the nostalgia or the good-for-you effects of hot cocoa, sticking to hot chocolate recipes with clean, vegan ingredients can have a positive effect on your overall health. 

Best flavor add-ons for vegan hot cocoa mix

Whether your vegan hot chocolate is a bit on the bitter side or you are hoping to incorporate an added dose of sweet to your cup, there are plenty of ways to up the ante on your next cup of vegan hot chocolate. 

From whipped cream to salted caramel, peppermint extract, and even candy cane flavoring, a variety of flavor options can take ordinary vegan hot chocolate recipes to the next level, making it the ideal beverage for a day of rest and relaxation. The best part? You can skip the cane sugar and go completely sugar-free for some recipes to keep things healthy as you navigate the winter season. 

Did you know that salt can be used to improve the taste of hot chocolate? It's true! Some hot chocolate lovers insist that if you add a dash of fine salt to hot chocolate and stir, you can enhance the flavor. 

Sugar-free and vegan hot chocolate toppings

When whipping up a cup of delicious vegan hot chocolate, you'll want to consider each ingredient in your beverage and how they fit into your overall diet. For example, when jazzing up your hot cocoa, make sure to opt for vegan marshmallows rather than traditional marshmallows, which may contain gelatin, an animal-derived product. 

Incorporating peppermint or coconut extract into your recipes rather than a sugar-heavy candy cane syrup can go a long way in cutting calories and making sure your hot chocolate is vegan-friendly all the way. Other toppings, like whipped cream, can also be used so long as you opt for dairy-free recipes. 

If you are trying to cut back on added sugar to improve your health and reduce calorie intake, consider recipes that contain sugar-free syrups like toasted marshmallow, sugar-free birthday cake, peppermint, and other options to make your vegan hot chocolate sweet and satisfying as well as delicious. Mindful Nutrition’s hot cocoa mixes, like Mindful Nutrition's Keto Cocoa, contain no sugar, so you can feel good about indulging in your nightly cup of calm. 

Consider adding in a sugar-free vanilla, coconut, or chocolate syrup to take the flavor profile up a notch. You might even mix coconut and chocolate flavors together to form a unique and delicious drink that feels like a real treat. 

If you don't have any sugar-free syrups on hand but are still craving extra sweetness, opt for a sugar-free alternative like stevia or Splenda, which can be found in many recipes. There are also dairy-free creamers you can turn to, like those by Coconut Cloud. 

Can I add protein powder to my hot chocolate? 

Adding protein powder to hot chocolate is a great way to make your cup more satisfying and satiating. By adding this supplement to your hot chocolate, you'll help keep your appetite satisfied while boosting your body's fat-burning abilities. 

Did you know just one scoop of powder can add anywhere from 10-30 grams to your cup of cocoa? You might even consider mixing in dark vegan chocolate to create a rich and tasty pre-workout drink to stir and sip on before you hit the gym. 

Another way to keep hot chocolate healthy is to use ingredients that are low in calories. This might mean using fat-free or reduced-fat almond or coconut milk instead of oat milk, as well as sugar-free syrups for added flavor. 

And, if you are adhering to a gluten-free diet, you'll take comfort in the fact that most hot chocolate mixes are gluten-free, with the exception of some that may contain malt or wheat flour. Pay close attention to your chocolate mixture when opting for a vegan and gluten-free lifestyle. 

How to make the best, creamy hot chocolate recipes

The best hot chocolate recipes for vegans will combine creamy, dairy-free milk like coconut or almond milk or hot water, and other vegan ingredients that give your chocolate mix just the right amount of sweetness. Whether your topping of choice is vanilla, whipped cream or another creamy add-on, the best vegan hot cocoa drink will depend on your personal preference. 

Vegan hot chocolate recipes

For creamy and deliciously rich vegan hot chocolate recipes, make sure you keep the following ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of unsweetened oat, almond, or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of Mindful Nutrition Organic Skinny Cocoa Mix
• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla
• Pinch of sea salt

Optional Toppings

• Vegan whipped cream
• Marshmallows
• Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Dairy-free creamer (Coconut Cloud)

Directions:

Whisk together cocoa mix and 1 cup of water or milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until free of lumps. Add in remaining milk or water and continue to whisk until the cocoa mixture is hot, but not boiling. Stir in vanilla, then a pinch of salt to bring out the cocoa’s flavor. Pour this into a mug and top off with vegan whipped cream, vegan marshmallows, and any other toppings you prefer. 

Other ways to enjoy hot chocolate

There is no mistaking that hot chocolate is best enjoyed piping hot or even warm. But there are other ways to enjoy this timeless treat. 

To mix things up, try your favorite hot chocolate mix blended or cold. These can be delicious and cut down on prep time all at once. You can follow these recipes by allowing your hot chocolate to cool down, and then pouring it over ice. You can also pour your hot chocolate beverage into a blender with ice to make for a delicious, creamy, blended beverage. 

Conclusion

When you're in the mood for a cozy beverage you'll enjoy until the last sip, vegan hot chocolate may be just the ticket. So, grab your favorite mug and dive into some yummy and decadent vegan hot cocoa mixes. 

This warm and satisfying beverage is good for your health and your taste buds, too. Not only is hot chocolate a quick and easy treat, but it can also make a great gift, too!

Keep Reading: L-Theanine: Unlocking the Secrets to Relaxation & Sleep

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Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for health and mental wellness. We use natural ingredients to support both body and mind, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, designed to promote relaxation, calmness, and better sleep. 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.