How to find healthy hot cocoa
How to Find Healthy Hot Cocoa: Your Guide to Avoiding Sugar and Choosing the Best Ingredients
Winter is the season for cozy nights by the fire, warm blankets, and, of course, hot cocoa. But for those of you striving to make healthier choices, many store-bought hot cocoa mixes can be a challenge. The reality is, most traditional hot cocoa mixes are loaded with sugar and artificial additives, which can leave you feeling sluggish and contribute to sugar crashes. As the holiday season rolls in, it’s important to be mindful of the extra sugar load your body is enduring - this is the time of year when it’s easy to overlook how much added sugar you’re consuming. The good news is, you can make a healthier, more satisfying version at home - or at least choose a better option when shopping. Here’s your guide to healthy hot cocoa, the ingredients to avoid, and the brands that are making a difference.
The Ideal Healthy Hot Cocoa Recipe
If you’re looking for the healthiest, simplest way to enjoy hot cocoa, making it from scratch is your best bet. Here’s how:
Raw Organic Cocoa Powder: Start with high-quality organic cocoa powder. Raw, unsweetened cocoa powder has a rich, deep flavor and is full of antioxidants, which are great for your health. Look for "organic" and "fair-trade" labels to ensure you’re getting the purest product.
Milk of Your Choice: Use a milk that aligns with your health goals and dietary preferences. This could be cow’s milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Just be mindful of the ingredients - many plant-based milks contain added sugars, gums, and thickeners, so always check the label.
A Touch of Honey: Instead of refined sugar, add a drizzle of raw honey for a touch of natural sweetness. Honey has the added benefit of antioxidants and can offer a gentler impact on your blood sugar levels compared to processed sugars. You can also use maple syrup or stevia as a low-calorie alternative if preferred.
Method: Heat the milk gently on the stove until it reaches your desired temperature. Once heated, whisk in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved. Then, stir in a spoonful of honey- preferably local honey if possible. Don’t worry too much about choosing "organic" honey, as it’s difficult for honey producers to guarantee that bees haven’t collected pollen from flowers treated with pesticides. The key is selecting honey that’s local, as it can offer added health benefits and support local ecosystems. Sprinkle with shavings of chocolate if you really want a luxurious finish. Enjoy your homemade, healthier hot cocoa!
This simple approach ensures you’re getting a clean, nutritious hot cocoa with no hidden sugars or additives. But we understand: for many, especially in the U.S., the sweet tooth is hard to tame, and finding a pre-made hot cocoa option that satisfies can be tricky.
What to Look for in a Store-Bought Hot Cocoa Mix
If you're not in the mood to make it from scratch, here’s what you need to consider when purchasing hot cocoa. The goal is to find a product that’s as close to the homemade version as possible while still delivering the rich, sweet flavor you crave.
Minimal Added Sugar
Ideally, you want a hot cocoa mix with no added sugar or low sugar content. Many brands add excessive amounts of sugar, which can spike your blood sugar and contribute to unwanted health effects. Look for products that have natural sweeteners, such as stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar.
Real Cocoa
The base ingredient should be real cocoa powder, preferably organic and fair-trade certified. Avoid mixes that contain “cocoa powder processed with alkali,” also known as Dutch-processed cocoa, as it’s been treated in ways that can reduce its antioxidant content. Stick to pure, raw cocoa to get the most health benefits.
Natural Ingredients OnlY
Ideally, your hot cocoa mix should consist of just a few simple ingredients - cocoa, sweetener, and perhaps a natural flavor like vanilla. Avoid mixes with a long list of artificial ingredients, preservatives, or emulsifiers.
No Artificial Flavors or ColorS
Artificial flavors and colors are best avoided, as they can contribute to inflammation and other health issues. Choose brands that offer simple, clean recipes without these additives.
Quality SweetenerS
If you want a touch of sweetness, go for brands that use healthier alternatives like coconut sugar, monk fruit or stevia. Be cautious with sweeteners labeled "sugar alcohols" (like sorbitol or xylitol), as they can cause digestive discomfort.
Ingredients to Avoid
When shopping for hot cocoa, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that can negatively impact your health. Here are the key ingredients to watch out for:
Refined Sugar: Excessive sugar intake can contribute to blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, and increased inflammation. Look out for ingredients such as table sugar, cane sugar, dextrose, glucose, and fructose.
Corn Syrup or High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): These are cheap, processed sweeteners that can spike insulin levels and contribute to obesity and diabetes. Common examples include high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and corn syrup solids.
Artificial Sweeteners: While they may be calorie-free, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin have been linked to a variety of health issues, including gut imbalance and metabolic disruptions. Be on the lookout for aspartame, sucralose (brand name: Splenda), saccharin, acesulfame K, and cyclamate.
Hydrogenated Oils or Trans Fats: These unhealthy fats can increase inflammation and cholesterol levels, which can contribute to heart disease. Watch for partially hydrogenated oils, fully hydrogenated oils, trans fats, and vegetable shortening. Specific examples include partially hydrogenated soybean oil, partially hydrogenated palm oil, fully hydrogenated vegetable oil, trans fat (listed as "trans fat" or "hydrogenated oil"), and vegetable shortening (such as Crisco).
Artificial Colors or Flavors: These additives offer no nutritional benefit and can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and other long-term health issues. Check for artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and generic terms like "artificial flavors."
"Organic": Be sure to check the labels. More brands are now placing "Organic" on the front, but upon reviewing the ingredients, you'll often find the product still contains undesirable additives.
By reading labels carefully and avoiding these ingredients, you can ensure your hot cocoa is a healthier option that aligns with your well-being goals.
Healthier Hot Cocoa Brands to Look For
There are several brands that are doing things right when it comes to healthier cocoa options. Here are a few to keep an eye on:
Navitas Organics Cacao Powder
Raw organic cacao powder that’s perfect for a clean, antioxidant-packed cocoa. You can sweeten it naturally with a little honey or maple syrup, and it’s free from refined sugars and chemicals.Earth Echo Cocoa Bliss
Nutrient-rich, guilt-free chocolate treat that boosts energy, mental clarity, and supports daily wellness. Blended with turmeric, cinnamon, and MCT oil, it provides anti-inflammatory benefits and promotes metabolism. Gluten, soy, and dairy-free, it offers smooth, sustained energy without crashes.WelleCo Evening Elixir
Antioxidant-rich hot chocolate that boosts collagen and restores your skin overnight. Naturally sweetened, vegan, and gluten-free, it’s infused with magnesium, vitamin C, and shiitake mushroom to promote glowing, youthful skin. Enjoy before bed for a relaxing, skin-boosting treat.Cocotropic Superfood Mushroom Hot Chocolate
Sugar-free, plant-based elixir made with premium ingredients like reishi mushrooms. It offers a rich cocoa flavor, perfect for mornings or adding a boost to baking. Enjoy this delicious, guilt-free treat any time of day!Mindbodygreen Beauty & Gut Collagen
For a splurge and a true treat for your body, this blend of collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, biotin, and L-glutamine supports skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness, while promoting healthy hair, nails, and gut. Organic cocoa provides antioxidant protection, and organic monk fruit adds natural sweetness without sugar, helping to nourish your skin and overall health for a youthful glow.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hot cocoa, you don’t have to compromise flavor for health. Whether you make it from scratch or opt for a cleaner store-bought version, the key is focusing on high-quality ingredients. Look for raw organic cocoa, natural sweeteners, and minimal additives. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own at home with a dash of your favorite milk and a touch of honey. With these healthier choices, you can still indulge in a cup of cocoa without the guilt - just in time for the cozy season ahead.
Disclaimer: The information and services provided by Birch Cove are for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Birch Cove is not a medical provider or service and its affiliates do not treat, cure, or prescribe any health or medical conditions unless otherwise stated. This content is provided for awareness and general guidance. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health needs. Birch Cove does not any hold liability for actions you or others take based on the information or services provided. If product links are included they may be affiliate links, meaning Birch Cove could receive a small commission if you make a purchase. However, there’s no obligation to use these links.
