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The best way to warm up on a chilly day? Make a batch of this low carb keto hot chocolate recipe! I’ll show you how to make sugar-free hot chocolate to enjoy right away and a shelf-stable sugar-free hot chocolate mix to store for when you need a cozy hot drink in a flash. Just like keto chocolate milk, it only takes a few simple ingredients to make a rich and creamy drink!
Standard chocolate and box mixes rely on sugar to keep this classic drink sweet… but to keep it keto, the right sweetener that tastes delicious and dissolves is key. This recipe counts on Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (crystallized or powdered) to create the best flavor and consistency in this keto hot cocoa recipe. Since it measures, tastes, and dissolves like sugar with no aftertaste, it makes this drink taste like conventional hot chocolate — all for 0g net carbs!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Classic chocolate flavor, just like regular cocoa
- Rich and creamy texture
- Uses basic fridge and keto pantry staples
- Creates a stove top drink or dry mix to store for later
- 3.7g net carbs for stove top version and 1.6g net carbs for dry mix
- Tastes better than store-bought!
Ingredients & Substitution Notes
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for sugar-free hot cocoa, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Keeps the carbs in hot chocolate low and has a sweetness just like sugar, without any gritty texture or aftertaste. You can also use powdered Besti. Both of these will dissolve easily and completely in your drink, unlike most keto sweeteners that just settle at the bottom.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – I recommended Dutch processed cocoa like this, so that it’s not bitter. You can also substitute raw cacao powder if you prefer.
- Almond Milk – Get store-bought or make homemade unsweetened almond milk. You can also use any keto milk substitute you like, but the flavor and texture may change slightly — and always look for a sugar-free variety.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips – Adds richer flavor to your sugar-free hot chocolate. While these chips are normally sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, it’s not enough to dramatically change the flavor of this keto friendly hot chocolate if you’re sensitive to them.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates the iconic creamy texture in this hot beverage! For a dairy-free option, you can substitute full-fat canned coconut milk.
- Vanilla Extract – It’s optional, but use a higher-quality one if you can — you can definitely taste the difference.
These ingredients make a classic keto hot chocolate that’s just like regular hot cocoa. If you’re looking for my older recipe that was more like a thicker sipping chocolate, that’s now exclusive to the free Wholesome Yum app (on iPhone or Android).
How To Make Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate
This section shows how to make this keto hot chocolate recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Combine. Add Besti, cocoa powder, almond milk, and chocolate chips to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
TIP: Want to make a smaller batch?
Simply use a smaller saucepan! You can scale down the number of servings on the recipe card below.
- Add cream. Reduce heat, add heavy cream, and stir the low carb hot chocolate until hot (do not boil).
- Finish. Remove from heat. Add vanilla (if using) and more Besti to taste (if desired). Serve the sugar-free hot chocolate recipe warm.
How To Make Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Mix
Learn how to make keto hot chocolate from a dry mix instead — it’s just as easy! You’ll need:
- Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Heavy Cream Powder – Conventional dry milk powder has too many carbs, so this ingredient makes it more keto friendly. To keep it dairy-free instead, coconut milk powder is a good option.
- Boiling Water – Used when preparing the drink fresh.
Amounts are on the recipe card below. To make it, simply mix all dry ingredients in a mason jar or small container. (I like to use a whisk to reduce clumps.) Cover and store until ready to serve. To prepare, stir 1/2 cup mix into 1 cup (or slightly more) of hot water.
Variations
- Mexican keto hot chocolate – Add up to 1/4 teaspoon chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne (one of these or both for spicier flavor) to ingredients before simmering.
- Pumpkin spice hot chocolate – Add 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to saucepan before simmering.
- Peppermint sugar-free hot chocolate – Add 1-2 teaspoons peppermint extract to the ingredients while simmering.
Storage Instructions
The stove top version of this recipe tastes best fresh, but you can also store it in the fridge for a couple of days and reheat on the stovetop.
The sugar-free hot chocolate mix is even easier to store for later! Keep it in a mason jar or airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Keto Hot Chocolate Toppings
Making hot chocolate keto means serving it with the best low carb toppings! Try these ideas.
- Sugar-Free Whipped Cream – Make a batch and swirl or scoop on top of your mug.
- Keto Marshmallows – Cut them up into mini marshmallows and drop into your prepared hot chocolate for a fun presentation. Keep in mind that they melt quickly.
- Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce – Swirl caramel sauce in your mug or on top of your finished hot chocolate before serving.
- Keto Chocolate Syrup – Drizzle over a swirl of whipped cream, or right inside the mug.
More Warm Keto Drink Recipes
Now that you know how to make keto hot chocolate, try these warm sugar-free drinks next!
Tools To Make Low Carb Hot Chocolate
- Saucepan – The best size for a generous batch of drinks.
- Mason Jars – An easy way to store keto hot chocolate mix.
- Glass Mugs – For beautiful presentation of this sugar free hot chocolate recipe.
Keto Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe
Keto Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate (With Mix Option!)
This sugar-free keto hot chocolate recipe is sweet, creamy, chocolaty, and takes just 5 minutes! You can also make sugar-free hot chocolate mix ahead.
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Stove Top Keto Hot Chocolate:
Hot Cocoa Mix:
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
Stove Top Keto Hot Chocolate:
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In a large saucepan, combine Besti, cocoa powder, almond milk, and chocolate chips (if using). (If you scale down the recipe to fewer servings, you can use a smaller saucepan.)
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Bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream. Heat until hot, but do not boil.
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Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, if using. Whisk in more sweetener to taste, if desired (Besti will dissolve easily).
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Pour into mugs and enjoy!
Hot Cocoa Mix:
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In a small jar, combine Besti, cocoa powder, and heavy cream powder. Shake well. If there are any lumps, break them apart with a whisk or fork.
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To make hot cocoa, stir together 1/2 cup keto hot cocoa mix with about 1 cup (or slightly more) boiling water.
Last Step: Leave A Rating!
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our free low carb support group, too – I’d love to see it!
Readers Who Liked This Easy Recipe Also Made:
Recipe Notes
Serving size for stovetop keto hot chocolate: 10 oz
Serving size for keto hot cocoa mix: 1/2 cup (makes 10 oz cocoa prepared)
Nutrition info is for stovetop hot chocolate.
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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22 Comments
Carrie
0Question about cream chargers. I only used mine once but I am sure the cream is old how do I clean it? Do I have to hold the charger into the sink to discharge all cream first? How do you know when it’s safe to open the charger? Do you need a new cartridge every time?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Carrie, You would have to look at the instructions or the charger’s website to get those answers.
Sonia
0Sooooo good, thank you for another great keto recipe! For my taste, I added 2 Tbsp Besti sweetener. Can you recommend a different sweetener? I’m finding that I am increasingly sensitive to allulose.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sonia, I suggest my Keto Sweetener Guide to get the answers you are looking for.
Carrie
0Question about the cream chargers can you add sweetener? Will some sweeteners clog the charger? Once you have cream in it you must wait until the gas is fully discharged before opening the charger. In other words, now that I have cream in I can’t open it to add sweetener until this charge is used up. I wanted whip cream on top of my hot chocolate but its not sweet enough.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Carrie, Yes, you can add sweetener. Add it before you shake it. You can’t re-open it after you’ve already whipped it as this will release the pressure.
J Ehlers
0Delicious! I made a few changes – added a couple of squares of an 86% dark chocolate bar, 1/4 tsp espresso powder and 2 scoops Collagen Peptide. Not that the recipe needed any tweaking – those are just my preferences for a more “beany” hot chocolate. This is one I’ve printed and will add to my personal collection to make again and again.
Beth
0I made the mix and it is beyond yummy!!! My second cup, (yes I had two cups today) I added a little instant coffee I’m not a big coffee fan so it was just a little and some English Toffee stevia drops and I can now easily pass up the English Toffee mix I love so much, but has too many carbs! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Dottie Bacon
0Hi Maya, I love the Keto hot chocolate mix! I’ve been enjoying it quite often…lol! I was wondering if you have the nutrition facts for it? I see the information for the stovetop version, but not the mix. Maybe I’m not looking in the right spot. I’m just curious how much fat/calories are in a serving. I know it has 1.6 carbs, I read that in the recipe information under the heading “Why you’ll love this keto hot chocolate recipe.” It’s my favorite hot drink recipe!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Dottie, I don’t have those nutrition facts in the post, but you can easily enter the ingredients in the Wholesome Yum app on iPhone or Android and it will calculate the nutrition for you.
Dottie Bacon
0Thank you! I know how to do that! Had to learn with a T1 diabetic in the family. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes, especially this hot chocolate mix! 😉
Dottie Bacon
0I just made hot chocolate using the mix recipe! Oh my gosh! So delicious! I am a chocolate “snob” and this mix recipe is everything I want in a hot chocolate. Since I have an ample supply of store bought mix I can’t have, my husband has been using it up. I am so excited for this recipe, and next time I can indulge alongside my husband! THANK YOU from the bottom of my mug! 😉
Jamie N
0So glad I could find a sugar free hot chocolate! The best!!
Gen
0This is a great idea as the weather starts to cool down. Excited to try this sugar-free version!
Cindy
0This is so creamy and delicious! I made up a big batch of the mix and sent it in a care package to the college-age daughter. I know she’ll love it!
Glenda
0What a satisfying way to curb my chocolate cravings! Delicious! It warmed and relaxed me as I sipped. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Donna, Yes, definitely!
Fale'ofa Stockwell
0This recipe has cured my hankering for a hot chocolate you can rest a spoon on! Just like one I had in Germany but low carb! I used coconut cream and added a bit extra allulose and liquid stevia, used 2x 80gm 95% Lindt choc and a good pinch of salt and caramel essence. Delish! Oops and I ate the whole thing myself
Cat
0I did put about two tablespoons of this hot chocolate in strong coffee with steamed almond milk and heavy cream plus a few drops of liquid monkfruit. Topped it with whipped cream and enjoyed my first keto mocha latte. It was so good! I’m going to be keeping a jar of this in my fridge so I can enjoy mocha lattes when the urge strikes.
Jules
0Hi! If I use 100% cacao powder will I just add more erythritol? The cacao has no sugar correct?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Jules, You can use cacao powder in place of the chopped chocolate, but keep in mind the the texture will differ from the recipe. Cacao powder does not contain the cocoa butter solids that are in chocolate bars (or chips). This recipe makes a thick and velvety texture, subbing out the chocolate for cacao powder will create a texture more like drinking coffee or tea with cream. There is no sugar in cacao powder, so adjust the amount of Besti to taste.
Von
0Rachel, how much Hershey’s 100% cacao powder do you use? Recipe the same except you use the powdered?