FIVE DELICIOUS TAKES ON HOT CHOCOLATE

There’s no more iconic—or delicious—winter drink than hot chocolate. There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a hot, steaming cup of cocoa that takes you back to a simpler time.

Life may be more hectic today, but you can still draw comfort from a cup of hot chocolate. It’s tempting to buy a prepackaged hot chocolate mix at the grocery store to save time. However, if you’re on a paleo or vegan diet, these mixes typically don’t mesh with your lifestyle.

Don’t fret though, because Wildly Organic has the answer. We can help you make a delicious hot chocolate mix that’s always at the ready. In fact, all you need is three simple ingredients.

• Cacao powder
• Sugar, Coco Monkey, or other sweetener such as Wildly Organic’s Coconut Sugar
• Salt

That’s it! By combining these ingredients in a container, you’ll always have a simple, delicious hot chocolate mix available at all times. Best of all, this healthy hot chocolate recipe is both paleo and vegan friendly depending on your milk selection.

One of the best parts about this simple recipe is that it’s infinitely customizable. It’s a blank slate upon which you can showcase your culinary creativity. Here at the Wildly Organic office, we asked folks about their favorite takes on vegan hot chocolate. They gave us so many good ideas that we’ve got twenty-five different ideas for you!

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe: Five Takes on Non-Dairy Milk

Paleo hot chocolate requires non-dairy milk. Each milk substitute lends a different, subtle change to the overall flavor. Experiment with each one until you find your favorite.

• Coconut milk: This milk alternative is both vegan and paleo friendly, and the subtle taste of coconut makes hot chocolate taste so good! Our organic coconut milk makes an excellent choice for lucious hot chocolate.
• Almond milk: This mild, slightly nutty milk is often a go-to choice for coffees, cococas, and other applications. Read labels carefully, as not every almond milk is paleo friendly.
• Oat milk: This milk substitute has taken off recently, and can now be ordered at many coffee shops. Since oats are a grain, this choice is vegan, but not paleo.
• Soy milk: Soy has been available as a milk alternative for years, but many people find it to be an acquired taste. Soy milk is vegan friendly, but it is not paleo.
• Cashew milk: We love cashews here at Wildly Organic! You can always buy cashew milk at your local grocer, or if you’re adventurous, you can make your own with our certified organic cashews.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe: Five [+ One] Takes on Sweeteners

One of the best parts about hot chocolate is the delicate balance between the pinch of salt and the sweetener. You can sweeten your vegan hot chocolate a number of ways, including:

• Organic cane sugar: This is the most simple and popular way to sweeten your cocoa. You may not typically use cane sugar, but remember, this is an indulgent treat.
• Organic coconut sugar: If you’re looking for a delicious combo, utilize coconut milk and organic coconut sugar together for a standout treat.
• Monk fruit: This sweetener has gained popularity over time and is an excellent sweetener for an indulgent beverage like hot chocolate. Just remember that the ratio of sugar to monk fruit in a recipe is typically 3:1 (i.e., 1 tablespoon of sugar = ⅓ tablespoon monk fruit).
• Stevia: The stevia leaf has become a favorite sweetener for healthy recipes. It’s especially good for folks with diabetes as it has no effect on insulin levels.
• Maple syrup: Understand that you can’t add this sweetener to your dry mix, but adding a kick of maple syrup to your hot cocoa is a move that Buddy the Elf would certainly approve of!
• Bonus option: Coco Monkey is a delicious low calorie sweetener that will level up your hot cocoa.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe: Five Takes on Flavors

Everyone loves the taste of hot chocolate, but variety is also the spice of life. Here are a few simple ways to add an extra kick to your hot chocolate mix.

• Mint hot chocolate: Add ⅛ teaspoon of mint extract to your hot cocoa flavor reminiscent of the peppermint patty.
• Spicy hot chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a “hot” chocolate that will spice things up.
• Hazelnut hot chocolate: Add a teaspoon of finely ground hazelnuts to your mix. Use a coffee grinder to achieve the finest grind possible.
• Vanilla hot chocolate: Add a splash of organic, pure vanilla extract to taste.
• Almond butter hot chocolate: Adding a tablespoon of organic almond butter to the finished product creates an exceptionally flavored blend.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe: Five Takes on Add-Ins

Here’s five recipes you should try if you’re looking to make some delicious add-ins for your hot chocolate. These are going to take your drink to the next level!

• Chocolate honey-sweetened marshmallows
• Paleo caramel sauce
• Cashew cream
• DIY chocolate chips
• DIY white chocolate chips

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe: Five Takes on Toppings

If you’re looking for the final “cherry on top,” here are several ways you can finish off your indulgent vegan hot chocolate.

• Coconut whipped cream: To make an easy whipped cream at home, put a can of organic milk in your fridge overnight to harden. Then, scoop out the chilled cream and whip with a blender until smooth.
• Mint leaves
• A cinnamon stick
• Organic peanuts
• Coconut flakes

Find Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe Items at Wildly Organic

With so many great ideas for paleo and vegan hot chocolate, make sure you get your supplies at Wildly Organic. We even have a pre-made hot chocolate mix that’s completely vegan, organic, gluten-free, kosher certified, and sustainably sourced. Plus, don’t forget that every order over $49 receives free shipping. Place your order today.