Nothing says comfort like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day. But if you’ve tried making low-carb cocoa before, you’ve probably noticed a common problem: it turns out thin, watery, and… honestly, kind of sad. That’s where this keto hot chocolate recipe comes in. With just a little trick (using the right thickener), you’ll get a truly rich and creamy drink, and it’s only 2g net carbs per serving.

This is the cozy, chocolatey indulgence you can sip without falling out of ketosis. Perfect for keto, paleo, or anyone who just wants a dairy-free, refined-sugar-free upgrade to the winter classic.

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice: coconut, macadamia, dairy, etc.)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
1–2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (allulose, erythritol, xylitol, or monk fruit blend — adjust to taste)
Pinch of pink Himalayan salt
1/8 teaspoon konjac root powder (or 1/4 teaspoon arrowroot or xanthan gum, or 1 tablespoon chia seeds)

Optional Toppings:

Sugar-free whipped cream
Keto marshmallows
Extra sprinkle of cocoa powder

Instructions

Method 1: With Konjac, Arrowroot, or Xanthan Gum

In a small saucepan, warm the almond milk, cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Whisk well to combine.
In a small bowl, make a slurry by dissolving the konjac (or arrowroot/xanthan) in 1–2 tablespoons of water. Whisk until smooth.
Slowly whisk the slurry into the hot chocolate. Keep stirring until it thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust sweetness.
Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, and enjoy.

Method 2: With Chia Seeds

Add almond milk, cocoa powder, sweetener, salt, and chia seeds to a high-speed blender.
Blend until completely smooth — you may need to run it twice to fully grind the chia.
Reheat gently on the stove if needed. Adjust cocoa and chia to taste.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Tricks

Avoid clumps: Always dissolve konjac or arrowroot in water before adding — sprinkling them straight in can cause lumps.
Sweetener choice matters: Allulose gives the most “sugar-like” flavor, erythritol can have a cooling effect, and xylitol tastes great but is unsafe for pets.
Thicker or thinner: Add more thickener for a rich, pudding-like drink or less for a lighter sip.
Flavor boost: Add a dash of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla extract, or even a pinch of chili powder for Mexican hot chocolate vibes.

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free / Vegan: Use almond, coconut, or macadamia milk and top with coconut whipped cream.
Nut-Free: Swap almond milk for coconut or hemp milk.
Bulletproof Hot Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon MCT oil or grass-fed butter for extra creaminess and sustained energy.
Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of chocolate or unflavored protein powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hot chocolate keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you use unsweetened cocoa and a low-carb sweetener. Traditional hot chocolate mixes are packed with sugar, but this recipe is only about 2g net carbs per serving.

Can I use regular cocoa powder?

Absolutely. Both cacao (raw, slightly more bitter, nutrient-dense) and cocoa (smoother, often Dutch-processed) work great. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.

How do I make it creamier without dairy?

Use coconut cream or blend in a little nut butter, both add richness without carbs.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove while whisking. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of milk.

Nutrition Information (per serving, without toppings)

Calories: 66 kcal
Carbs: 4g
Net Carbs: 2g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 326mg
Calcium: 300mg

Cozy, Keto, and Worth the Whisk

There’s something almost magical about holding a mug of thick, creamy hot chocolate when it’s cold outside. This keto version doesn’t just taste indulgent, it feels like you’re treating yourself and sticking to your goals at the same time.

So next time the craving hits, skip the packet mix and whisk up this low-carb classic. And hey, don’t just keep it to yourself, share it, rate it, or tag your own spin on it. After all, the only thing better than hot chocolate is knowing you’ve found the perfect keto-friendly recipe.