Paleo vs Keto Hot Chocolate Mix: Which Is Right for You?

We love this simple Paleo or Keto Hot Chocolate Mix. I wanted a cozy, dairy-free hot cocoa for winter nights — perfect for looking at Christmas lights, after caroling, or anytime you want a warm nostalgic treat. This mix is quick to make, stores well, and adapts to different diets depending on the sweetener you choose.

Why We Love This Paleo or Keto Hot Chocolate Mix

This mix can be made Paleo or Keto, gluten-free and dairy-free. It’s easy to customize: keep it classic chocolate or add peppermint for a minty version. You can prepare it with dairy-free milk for extra creaminess or simply use hot water for a lighter cup.

The mix stores well in a sealed jar in the pantry, ready to use all winter. It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and becomes a go-to for cozy moments. We even bring it camping, on hikes to watch sunrises, and along on festive evenings around town.

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make this hot chocolate mix. It’s straightforward and far better than most store-bought options.

• Cocoa powder – Use your preferred unsweetened cocoa from the baking aisle or bulk bins.
• Coconut sugar – A natural cane-free sweetener. For a Keto version, substitute with a granulated monkfruit or other sugar-free granulated sweetener (see notes).
• Coconut milk powder – Optional but adds creaminess. If you’re allergic to coconut or don’t want to buy the powder, skip it and prepare the mix with dairy-free milk (see notes).
• Mint or peppermint extract – Optional, about 1/2 teaspoon for a minty variation.

How to Make It

• Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well. If using peppermint or mint extract, stir it into the dry mix until evenly distributed. Store the blend in a sealed jar or container.
• To make one cup of hot cocoa, add a heaping 1/4 cup of the mix to 8 oz hot water and stir until smooth. If you prefer measuring precisely, 5 1/2 tablespoons works, but the 1/4 cup scoop is quick and forgiving.
• This recipe yields approximately four 8-oz cups of hot cocoa. We often make a triple batch to keep in the pantry for the season.
• Adjust sweetness and chocolate intensity to taste: reduce cocoa for a milder chocolate flavor or add more sweetener if you like it sweeter.

Paleo or Keto Hot Cocoa Mix

Author: Autumn, @wholefoodfor7

Summary: A simple, budget-friendly dairy-free, refined-sugar-free hot cocoa mix you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (use a sugar-free granulated sweetener for Keto)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients and store in a sealed jar. If adding mint extract, blend it evenly into the dry mix.
2. To prepare, stir a generous 1/4 cup of mix into 8 oz hot water (or dairy-free milk) until smooth. Adjust amounts to taste.
3. The batch makes about four 8-oz cups. Multiply the recipe to store larger quantities.
4. Taste and tweak: reduce cocoa for less intensity or increase sweetener for a sweeter cup.

Notes

Variations:

• Keto: Replace the coconut sugar with 3/4 cup granulated monkfruit sweetener or another granulated sugar-free substitute. Liquid stevia can be used to taste but requires careful adjustment.
• Single Serve: For one cup, mix 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, and 2 tablespoons coconut milk powder into 8 oz hot water. Add a few drops of peppermint if desired.
• Coconut Milk Powder: This ingredient adds creaminess and dissolves well in hot water. If you prefer not to use it, prepare 3 1/2 tablespoons (just under 1/4 cup) of the dry mix into 8 oz dairy-free milk for a creamier cup without the powder.

Nutritional values listed assume use of coconut milk powder and coconut sugar.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 19 g (Saturated fat: 15 g)
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 100 mg