3-Ingredient Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate: Vegan + Low-FODMAP

 

Hot chocolate is the perfect warm, indulgent winter drink. Whether you’re making a snowman or braving 65 degree temperatures in Texas, there’s always a reason to mix up a mug. And who are we kidding anyway- drinkable chocolate, what’s not to love?!

Dairy-free hot chocolate, however, can be a bit tricky. Store-bought mixes often have a mile-long ingredient list and almost always contain some type of dairy ingredient or another. Which is why homemade hot chocolate mix is the best way to go if you have a dairy-restricted diet.

This 3-Ingredient Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Mix fits the bill and more: it’s simple, super chocolaty, a little bit sweet, and is the perfect base recipe for all of your favorite flavor additions. And it happens to be low-FODMAP, too! Today I’m sharing my favorite twists on classic hot chocolate AND how to package up these little cuties as delicious, non-perishable holiday goodies.

3-Ingredient Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe Basics

Unsweetened 100% cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. That’s it! Three magical ingredients are all you need for the perfect hot chocolate mix. You may be a little surprised that salt is making an appearance here, but believe me you don’t want to leave it out. It enhances the chocolate flavor JUST so, without actually tasting salty.

We’re using a sieve to de-clump our cocoa powder (which, let’s face it, is always lumpy). This creates a beautifully powdery mix which you will possibly inhale while sifting if you breathe too deeply!

To make a mug of hot chocolate I recommend whisking 1/4 cup of the mix with 8 ounces of hot liquid. Warmed milk substitute (such as almond milk) or hot water both work well. The almond milk will create a creamier hot chocolate than the water, which makes more of a hot cocoa. Coconut milk, soymilk, or macadamia milk would all be delicious too (check out this post for more on milk alternatives).

Keep in mind that this hot chocolate may require more whisking than regular mix because it doesn’t contain emulsifiers. Which is a good thing, in my opinion! Also, fun fact: each serving has almost 5 grams of fiber. FIVE. Cocoa powder is actually fairly high in fiber and low in FODMAPs, which makes it tummy-friendly for most of us. If you’re sensitive to fiber I’d aim for a small serving to start.

Hot Chocolate 6 Ways

Here is the fun part! Flavors. Chocolate loves a good partner in crime. You can either customize the entire recipe of hot chocolate mix OR doctor up each mug individually. These are my favorites:

Peppermint mocha: add 2 tablespoons instant coffee (regular or decaf) to each recipe OR 1 teaspoon to each serving, garnish with a peppermint stick

Mexican hot chocolate: add 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon to each recipe OR 1/8 teaspoon (generous pinch) to each serving, garnish with a cinnamon stick

Double chocolate: add 1/4 cup of semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips to each recipe OR 2 teaspoons to each serving

Dark chocolate/lower sugar: use 1/4 cup or 1/3 cup of sugar instead of the full 1/2 cup

Reese’s hot chocolate: add 1/4 cup powdered peanut butter to each recipe OR 2 teaspoons to each serving

Marshmallow dream: top each serving with a small handful of mini marshmallows

Gifting 3-Ingredient Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Mix

Mini hot chocolate mix makes a great gift because it’s non-perishable, meaning you can make it days or weeks in advance and it doesn’t require any special storage or packaging like fresh baked goods. Plus they’re super cute, with so many fun flavor and decorating options!

I recommend buying mini Mason jars (available at most major stores, Wal-Mart sells 4 for $5) and filling each about 3/4 of the way with hot chocolate mix. Then, add a layer of marshmallows or chocolate chips, or garnish with a cinnamon or peppermint stick.

You could make plain hot chocolate mix or a mocha, cinnamon, or peanut butter version and mix and match the toppings to your heart’s content.

I used holiday-themed cord-style ribbon to accent each jar. I would recommend attaching a small gift tag to to each jar with mixing instructions and any other notes for the recipient.

I think this would also be a perfect winter wedding favor, don’t you?? Or winter bachelorette party, or winter baby shower…or just because. You never really need a reason to share hot chocolate!

Enjoy!