Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This creamy dairy free hot chocolate mix powder is quick and easy to make. Everyone will love this recipe, whether you are avoiding dairy or not. It’s so delicious you won’t believe it’s vegan!

Did you know it takes just 3 ingredients and less than 5 minutes to make a delicious dairy-free and vegan homemade hot chocolate mix? Plus, this recipe is so creamy and sweet that you can’t even tell it’s refined sugar-free.

It’s the perfect guilt-free treat for chocolate cravings.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (1)

DIY Hot Cocoa Mix

Hot cocoa doesn’t have to be complicated and filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce, like the ones found in store-bought chocolate packets!

If you avoid dairy or follow a vegan lifestyle, it can be difficult (or expensive) to find hot chocolate you can enjoy. This is because there is dairy in most traditional mixes, as they usually contain some kind of dry milk powder.

However, cocoa powder IS dairy free and vegan by itself.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (2)

My kids enjoy this homemade hot chocolate mix, and you, as a parent, will too because it’s so much better for them than the high fructose corn syrup ingredient in the store-bought kind.

I came up with this dairy-free homemade hot cocoa mix recipe a few years ago when two of my kids needed to go dairy-free.

We already have a delicious healthy hot cocoa recipe for kids that everyone loves, but I knew it wouldn’t be practical for my son when he went to an overnight snow camp.

And because you can’t go to a snow camp and not have hot cocoa, I started looking for a recipe for a homemade hot cocoa mix I could make for him.

But I ran into a problem; all the recipes had some form of dairy.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (3)

I quickly realized I’d have to come up with my own dairy-free hot cocoa mix recipe.

My son loves cooking and baking with me, so we tested out 8 different versions before settling on this delicious, simple version of homemade hot chocolate mix without the dairy.

The secret ingredient

I discovered coconut milk powder, and it is the secret to making the perfect hot cocoa mix. It adds the creamy goodness you normally get from powdered milk in cocoa mixes but without dairy.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (4)

This homemade hot cocoa mix is deliciously creamy and chocolatey by simply mixing it with water.

You don’t need to use any coconut milk or almond milk; just add hot water to this cocoa mix, and you’re good to go.

This vegan hot chocolate mix is just like the store-bought hot cocoa packets, except without the junk.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (5)

Tips for making vegan hot chocolate mix

The entire recipe for dairy free hot chocolate mix is in the printable recipe card, just a bit further below. First, here are some tips that will give you the tastiest cocoa every single time.

Use a natural sweetener

To make this keto-friendly, try a natural sweetener like this Monkfruit sweetener. You don’t even need white or brown sugar – monk fruit sweetener tastes just as sweet.

Make it with dairy-free milk

If you have almond milk or coconut milk, you can heat it up and mix it into your cocoa mix for a richer mug of hot chocolate. But this hot cocoa is absolutely delicious without it.

All four of my kids gave this hot cocoa mix two thumbs up.

And even though I originally created this recipe for my children, my husband (who is not dairy-free or otherwise better-for-you foods) said this hot cocoa was so good, he wouldn’t have guessed it was homemade!

This sounds weird – but it is a compliment.

Store in a glass jar or container

For at-home use, you can mix up a batch and store it in a glass-sealed container, like a mason jarDairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (6).

Or, for on-the-go purposes, add one or two tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix to plastic snack bagsDairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (7), seal them, and you’re good to go!

Add other flavor enhancers

This 3-ingredient recipe is perfect by itself. You don’t need anything else. But if you want to add a little something extra, try one of these simple ideas:

  • Vanilla extract: This will deepen the flavor profile of the hot cocoa.
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle a little bit on top for some spicier flavor.
  • Marshmallows: A few marshmallows or sprinkles is a fun thing to add to your cocoa too – but they will add more sugar to it.
  • Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
  • Whipped Cream: You can buy dairy-free whipped cream or make your own.

Make iced hot cocoa

Add some ice cubes, cocoa mix, and your favorite dairy-free milk to a blender. Now you have what will taste like a milkshake or frappuccino.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (8)

FAQs about hot chocolate mix

Here are some questions people often ask about making dairy-free hot chocolate mix.

Is hot chocolate mix gluten-free?

My recipe is gluten-free. If you ever buy packets or mixes from the store, read the ingredients first to make sure it isn’t made with any hidden flour or gluten.

Are hot cocoa packets dairy-free?

Unless it says otherwise, most types of hot cocoa packets contain dried milk powder. Almost all hot chocolate mix that you can buy at the store includes some sort of dairy ingredients in them.

Is Nestle hot chocolate vegan?

No, Nestle hot chocolate is not vegan. It is made with milk ingredients, which is an animal by-product. If you want a vegan hot cocoa recipe, I suggest printing this recipe out and making it at home.

It’s really simple and tastes sweet and rich – without any animal products in it at all! It’s made with all plant-based ingredients.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (9)

Free hot cocoa mix label

Grab this printable label for your homemade hot chocolate here for FREE.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (10)

More better-for-you chocolate recipes:

  • Craving Buster Chocolate Fat Bombs
  • Chocolate Peppermint Keto Fat Bombs
  • Hot Cocoa Brownies (Paleo + Dairy-Free)
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate
  • Easy Homemade Paleo Mint Dark Chocolate
  • Guilt-Free Chocolate Mousse
Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (11)

How to make hot cocoa mix from scratch:

Print

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Dairy-Free)

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (12)

Print Recipe
★★★★★4.8 from 15 reviews

This hot cocoa mix powder in a jar takes just minutes to make and is so creamy and delicious, it’s the perfect guilt-free treat for your chocolate cravings

  • Author: Erika Bragdon
  • Prep Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 2 mins
  • Yield: approx 16 servings 1x
  • Category: beverage
  • Method: no cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Sift all three ingredients together and whisk together.
  2. Add 2 about Tablespoons of hot cocoa mix to one cup of water. (You can add more or less cocoa mix if you prefer.) Stir well and enjoy!

Notes

Store the cocoa mix in a sealed container or ziploc baggie for on-the-go use.

Keywords: homemade cocoa mix, hot cocoa powder, dairy-free,

Dear Mom, Join the Living Well Mom Insiders

You’ll get exclusive content, “Sunshine for Your Day,” and more stuff Erika doesn’t share anywhere else!

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix (Easy Vegan Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best non-dairy milk for hot chocolate? ›

COCONUT MILK: Using lite coconut milk yields the perfect creamy texture and taste. It is neutral in flavor (the lite leaves no coconut taste) and it is neither too thick or too thin of a milk.

Which hot chocolate is dairy free? ›

With Cocoba Chocolate's dairy-free hot chocolate range, you can enjoy all the indulgence of a rich and creamy hot chocolate without any of the dairy. It's the perfect guilt-free treat for those who love chocolate but are looking for a dairy-free alternative.

What is vegan hot chocolate made of? ›

Simmer cocoa powder, dark chocolate, dairy free milk, and a few other simple ingredients on the stove until luxuriously creamy, then top each serving with vegan whipped cream or marshmallows. That's it!

Which vegan milk is best for hot chocolate? ›

Coconut Milk

Creamy, thick and slightly sweet this plant-based milk creates a great texture in your hot chocolates but it also tends to add a slight coconutty taste. Great for recreating a Bounty chocolate bar but not ideal for mixing with certain flavoured add-ins.

What can I substitute milk for in 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.

Who makes vegan hot chocolate? ›

Vegan Hot Chocolate | Hotel Chocolat.

Is Ghirardelli hot chocolate vegan? ›

Luckily, finding a vegan hot cocoa mix has never been easier, thanks to Ghirardelli! The brand offers a wide variety of vegan chocolates, syrups, and more, including powder hot cocoa mixes. Chocolate lovers rejoice! Chocolate Caramel Premium Hot Cocoa Yes, please!

Can vegans have hot chocolate powder? ›

While you would imagine that all hot chocolate powders would be vegan, some contain pesky ingredients such as milk powder, whey and casein. These animal derivatives make some hot chocolates in the supermarket non-vegan, so you will need to take a look at the ingredients when browsing the shelves!

Does dairy free mean vegan? ›

A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, meat, and fish, whereas a dairy-free diet bans all milk products but not necessarily any other animal products. While all vegan foods are inherently dairy-free, not all dairy-free foods are vegan.

Is there a such thing as dairy free chocolate? ›

A growing number of brands are also producing explicitly dairy-free or vegan milk and white chocolates, often using alternatives like almond, rice, or oat milk.

Is there any non-dairy chocolate? ›

Dark Chocolate

If you're dealing with a milk allergy, some safe brands I recommend are That's It, Pascha, No Whey Foods, Free2B, Amanda's Own, and Enjoy Life. Be sure to check with the companies directly before purchasing to ensure that their products are safe for you.

What type of chocolate is vegan friendly? ›

While dark chocolate is usually vegan-friendly, milk and white chocolate typically are not. Milk Chocolate, as the name implies, contains dairy, making it not vegan, unless it is made with a nondairy milk like oat milk or almond milk.

Is almond milk is vegan? ›

As almond milk is made from seeds (yep, technically they are seeds, not nuts), they are in theory completely vegan, and as they are not generally not sweetened or altered with animal byproducts like honey, it is understood as vegan.

Does Swiss Miss make vegan hot chocolate? ›

Crafted with nonfat dried coconut milk, this non-dairy hot cocoa mix is full of the same irresistible Swiss Miss goodness you know and love.

What is the best plant-based milk for chocolate? ›

Of all the plant milks available, oat milk is the highest in natural sugars. Use it to add a little sweetness to naturally sweetened cakes and cookies. Oat milk works especially well in chocolate desserts, because the dark chocolate helps hide oat milk's slightly beige color.

What is the best type of milk for hot chocolate? ›

Dairy Milk: Full cream dairy milk remains a classic choice for a rich, velvety hot chocolate. Plant-Based Milks: Soy, oat, almond, and coconut milks offer delightful plant-based alternatives, each adding a unique twist.

What milk should you use for hot chocolate? ›

*MILK OPTIONS: I usually use skim milk, but 2% or whole will give the hot chocolate more body and richness. Dairy-free options such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used well.

Does almond or oat milk taste better? ›

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 6414

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.