Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Which non dairy milk makes the best hot chocolate? ›

I recommend using light coconut milk from the can. You could also use oat milk or any dairy-free milk you'd like along with the coconut milk! Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa.

Yoghurt or Mascarpone: A tablespoon of thick yoghurt or mascarpone can lend a creamy, dense texture to your hot chocolate. Gelatine: A less common method, but gelatine can provide thickness if used sparingly. Be sure to dissolve it properly to avoid any lumps. Oats: Ground them finely and whisk them into the beverage.

Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to explore new flavours, Cocoba Chocolate's dairy-free hot chocolate collection offers something for everyone.

All you need to make hot chocolate at home is cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water.

The Best Non-Dairy Milk for Hot Chocolate

Personally, I think the subtle oat flavor pairs wonderfully with chocolate. I found almond milk and soy milk to be less slightly less creamy in texture. Coconut milk tends to overpower the other flavors.

In conclusion, when it comes to heating plant-based milk, soy milk and oat milk are the best options, while coconut milk can also be used without issue.

If the hot chocolate doesn't thicken, add a slurry of cornstarch and milk (dissolve ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold milk) to the hot chocolate and continue stirring over medium high heat until slightly thickened.

Additionally, there's an appeal to using water for its potential to create a truer hot chocolate experience. Milk, with its white base, can dilute the brown color of the hot chocolate. In contrast, water's clear base allows the cocoa to appear much darker.

Can you make NESQUIK with water? You can mix NESQUIK powder with any beverage of your choice - milk, water or plant-based milk.

Starbucks

Starbucks hot chocolate can be made vegan! While the standard order comes with dairy milk and whipped cream, you can swap it for plant-based options like soy, coconut, and almond – and in Europe, you can even choose oat.

Does Trader Joe's have dairy-free hot chocolate? ›

Grab a mug of dairy-free hot chocolate, and relax as you peruse this list of dairy-free winter items at Trader Joe's.

From the Package. SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED WHEY, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, NONFAT MILK, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, NATURAL FLAVOR.

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use milk or water when making hot chocolate comes down to personal taste. While some people may prefer the creaminess that milk adds to their cup of cocoa, others might enjoy the lighter flavor provided by using water instead.

The test made a few things clear: soy milk, at its best, tastes closest to cow's milk. Oat tastes like a sweetly nutty cereal milk while almond tastes like the water left in your sink after washing the breakfast dishes.

In our taste test, we chose to use whole milk as our base, rather than 2% or skim. We felt this would offer the most significant difference in taste compared to hot chocolate made with just water, while still using simple milk rather than cream.

Oat milk tends to offer a sweeter taste and is naturally more thick and creamy—perfect for warm beverages in the morning and sweet treats. While almond milk is less creamy, it offers a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs nicely in savory dishes and cereals.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use milk or water when making hot chocolate comes down to personal taste. While some people may prefer the creaminess that milk adds to their cup of cocoa, others might enjoy the lighter flavor provided by using water instead.