Go ahead, have a cup of hot cocoa. Real cocoa is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that benefit the whole family.

Cocoa is Nutritious

Did you know that cocoa is not only delicious, but also nutritious?

Cocoa powder comes from cocoa beans. Pure cocoa powder, sometimes called cacao, is rich in flavanols, a type of antioxidant that may provide an array of health benefits.

Many commercial hot chocolate mixes contain more processed cocoa and are high in sugar. To get the most benefits, be sure to look for pure, unsweetened cocoa.

It’s Simple to Make Hot Cocoa

Fortunately, it’s easy to make your own real hot cocoa and the taste is undeniably better than any commerical mixes. Real hot cocoa made with a small amount of added sugar can fit into a regular part of your family’s diet. The added milk provides protein, Vitamin D, and calcium.

Benefits of Cocoa

Benefits of Cocoa

• A rich source of flavanols (regular consumption of the flavanols found in cocoa may reduce the risk of heart disease, promote brain health, improve blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation)
• A good source of iron and magnesium
• Lower in calories than most other sources of chocolate

For comparison, to get 200 milligrams of flavanols you need to consume:

• 1 ¾ tablespoons cocoa powder 
• 1 ½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• 2 ounces dark chocolate
• a lot of milk chocolate 

Ingredients Needed for Hot Cocoa:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Milk (choose dairy or soy for maximum protein)
• Sugar, honey or maple syrup for sweetness
• Toppings such as marshmallows or whipped cream (optional and maybe more of a special treat)

While you could make it in the microwave, for best results, make it on the stove-top and use a whisk to incorporate the cocoa.

Here is my recipe. Try it out and adjust to your taste. If you like it, mix up a big batch of cocoa and sugar and store it in a Mason jar for your own homemade hot cocoa mix. Add cinnamon or vanilla sticks if you like.

Hot Cocoa Recipe

For 1 serving:

8 ounces milk (any kind you like)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa*
2-3 teaspoons sugar or honey

*Look for pure unsweetened cocoa, and that has not been Dutch/alkali-processed, a process that takes away almost all flavanols.

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cocoa and sugar and whisk to combine.
2. Cook until just starting to steam, do not boil. Pour into mugs.

Of course, you don’t have to limit your cocoa intake to hot cocoa. Try sprinkling cocoa on toast, oatmeal, in a smoothie, or on coffee. And don’t forget to use real cocoa when baking too!

Hot Cocoa in a Thermos

The Swede (and maybe also the kid) in me loves to bring a thermos of hot cocoa when we go hiking or on any outdoor adventure in chillier months. It’s a nice treat when you stop for a snack break. You can also perk up a backyard afternoon in the snow with a hot cocoa break. Seriously, what is better than enjoying a hot cup of cocoa in the cold, snowy outdoors?

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Homemade Hot Cocoa

Real hot cocoa is not only delicious but also nutrient-packed. A perfect cold-weather beverage for breakfast or snack time. You can use any milk that you like, but dairy or soy milk generally has more protein than oat or almond milk.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Servings: 1 person

Course: Breakfast, Fika, Snack

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, unsweetened *Look for pure unsweetened cocoa, and that has not been Dutch/alkali-processed, a process that takes away almost all flavanols.
• 2-3 teaspoons sugar or honey or maple syrup

Method

 

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix in the cocoa powder and sugar. Whisk to combine. Heat until just starting to steam; don't boil.
2. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Notes

Topping suggestions:

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon

If using a thermos, heat with boiling water before adding hot cocoa to help preserve heat.