Keto Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate (Mix Option!) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

The best way to warm up on a chilly day? Make a batch of this low carb keto hot chocolate recipe! I’ll show you how to make sugar-free hot chocolate to enjoy right away and a shelf-stable sugar-free hot chocolate mix to store for when you need a cozy hot drink in a flash. Just like keto chocolate milk, it only takes a few simple ingredients to make a rich and creamy drink!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

• Classic chocolate flavor, just like regular cocoa
• Rich and creamy texture
• Uses basic fridge and keto pantry staples
• Creates a stove top drink or dry mix to store for later
• 3.7g net carbs for stove top version and 1.6g net carbs for dry mix
• Tastes better than store-bought!

Standard chocolate and box mixes rely on sugar to keep this classic drink sweet… but to keep it keto, the right sweetener that tastes delicious and dissolves is key. This recipe counts on Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (crystallized or powdered) to create the best flavor and consistency in this keto hot cocoa recipe. Since it measures, tastes, and dissolves like sugar with no aftertaste, it makes this drink taste like conventional hot chocolate — all for 0g net carbs!

Get Besti For This Recipe Here

Ingredients & Substitution Notes

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for sugar-free hot cocoa, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

• Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Keeps the carbs in hot chocolate low and has a sweetness just like sugar, without any gritty texture or aftertaste. You can also use powdered Besti. Both of these will dissolve easily and completely in your drink, unlike most keto sweeteners that just settle at the bottom.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – I recommended Dutch processed cocoa like this, so that it’s not bitter. You can also substitute raw cacao powder if you prefer.
• Almond Milk – Get store-bought or make homemade unsweetened almond milk. You can also use any keto milk substitute you like, but the flavor and texture may change slightly — and always look for a sugar-free variety.
• Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips – Adds richer flavor to your sugar-free hot chocolate. While these chips are normally sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, it’s not enough to dramatically change the flavor of this keto friendly hot chocolate if you’re sensitive to them.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates the iconic creamy texture in this hot beverage! For a dairy-free option, you can substitute full-fat canned coconut milk.
• Vanilla Extract – It’s optional, but use a higher-quality one if you can — you can definitely taste the difference.

These ingredients make a classic keto hot chocolate that’s just like regular hot cocoa. If you’re looking for my older recipe that was more like a thicker sipping chocolate, that’s now exclusive to the free Wholesome Yum app (on iPhone or Android).

How To Make Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate

This section shows how to make this keto hot chocolate recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

1. Combine. Add Besti, cocoa powder, almond milk, and chocolate chips to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Add cream. Reduce heat, add heavy cream, and stir the low carb hot chocolate until hot (do not boil).

3. Finish. Remove from heat. Add vanilla (if using) and more Besti to taste (if desired). Serve the sugar-free hot chocolate recipe warm.

Flavor Variations

• Mexican keto hot chocolate – Add up to 1/4 teaspoon chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne (one of these or both for spicier flavor) to ingredients before simmering.
• Pumpkin spice hot chocolate – Add 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to saucepan before simmering.
• Peppermint sugar-free hot chocolate – Add 1-2 teaspoons peppermint extract to the ingredients while simmering.

Storage Instructions

The stove top version of this recipe tastes best fresh, but you can also store it in the fridge for a couple of days and reheat on the stovetop.

The sugar-free hot chocolate mix is even easier to store for later! Keep it in a mason jar or airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months.

Keto Hot Chocolate Toppings

Making hot chocolate keto means serving it with the best low carb toppings! Try these ideas.

• Sugar-Free Whipped Cream – Make a batch and swirl or scoop on top of your mug.
• Keto Marshmallows – Cut them up into mini marshmallows and drop into your prepared hot chocolate for a fun presentation. Keep in mind that they melt quickly.
• Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce – Swirl caramel sauce in your mug or on top of your finished hot chocolate before serving.
• Keto Chocolate Syrup – Drizzle over a swirl of whipped cream, or right inside the mug.

More Warm Keto Drink Recipes

Now that you know how to make keto hot chocolate, try these warm sugar-free drinks next!