Bone Broth Hot Cocoa
Bone Broth Hot Cocoa is a easy American (Health‑Focused) recipe that serves 2. 272 calories per serving. Recipe by Naturally Nourished Ali Miller RD on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 17 min
Cost: $4.25 total, $2.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cup Bone Broth (low‑sodium, homemade or store‑bought)
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (100% cacao, preferably organic)
- 1 cup Raw Milk (add at the end to preserve immunoglobulins; use pasteurized if preferred)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (pure maple, optional for sweetness)
- 4 large Honey Vanilla Bean Marshmallows (approximately 1/4 cup, melt on top)
- 1 scoop Pure Collagen Peptides (optional protein boost (about 10 g))
- 1 scoop Grass‑Fed Whey Protein Powder (optional, add after cooling (about 30 g))
Instructions
Heat Bone Broth
Pour the bone broth into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Cocoa Powder
Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Time: PT1M
Sweeten & Add Protein (Optional)
Stir in the maple syrup, and if desired, add the collagen peptides and whey protein powder. Mix until fully incorporated.
Time: PT30S
Add Raw Milk
Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly whisk in the raw milk, bringing the drink to a kid‑safe temperature (around 120°F / 49°C).
Time: PT1M
Top with Marshmallows
Pour the hot cocoa into mugs, top each with honey vanilla bean marshmallows, and let them melt for a moment before sipping.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 272
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Nut‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Sugar
Allergens: Milk, Dairy, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bone Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cacao nib powder
- Instead of Raw Milk: Almond milk (will change nutrition profile)
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Agave nectar
- Instead of Honey Vanilla Bean Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows, Vegan marshmallows
- Instead of Pure Collagen Peptides: Gelatin
- Instead of Grass‑Fed Whey Protein Powder: Plant‑based protein powder
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Spoon
- Mug
- Stove
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not add raw milk until after the broth is removed from heat to preserve immunoglobulins.
- Whisk cocoa powder thoroughly to avoid gritty lumps.
- Maintain a gentle simmer; boiling can degrade broth nutrients.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality, gelatin‑rich bone broth for extra collagen benefits.
- A small pinch of sea salt can enhance the chocolate flavor without adding sodium.
Troubleshooting
Cocoa powder forms lumps.
Sift the cocoa powder before adding and whisk vigorously while the broth is still warm.
Drink is too thick.
Add a splash more warm bone broth or milk to reach desired consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover broth in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding milk.
Freezer: Not recommended for the finished cocoa due to texture changes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑heat the bone broth and keep it on low heat; add cocoa and sweetener, then store in a thermos.
- Keep raw milk separate and add it just before serving for maximum nutrient retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bone broth hot cocoa in American wellness cuisine?
Bone broth hot cocoa blends two traditional comfort foods—bone broth, long used for its healing properties, and hot chocolate, a classic winter treat. In modern American wellness circles, the drink is celebrated as a functional beverage that supports immunity, gut health, and recovery during cold season.
What are the traditional regional variations of bone broth hot cocoa in health‑focused cooking?
While the core concept remains the same, some regions add spices like cinnamon or ginger, others swap raw milk for oat milk, and a few incorporate matcha for an extra antioxidant boost. The variations reflect local ingredient availability and personal health goals.
How is bone broth hot cocoa traditionally served in families that practice food as medicine?
It is typically served in a large mug, topped with a few honey‑vanilla marshmallows that melt into a silky foam. Families often enjoy it after outdoor activities or as a soothing bedtime drink, pairing it with a short meditation or gratitude practice.
What occasions or celebrations is bone broth hot cocoa traditionally associated with in wellness culture?
The drink is popular during the winter months, especially around the holidays, flu season, and during family gatherings where a warm, immune‑supporting beverage is appreciated. It’s also a staple at wellness retreats and post‑workout recovery sessions.
What other winter beverages pair well with bone broth hot cocoa in American health‑focused cuisine?
A light ginger‑turmeric tea or a warm herbal rooibos infusion complement the richness of the cocoa broth, offering additional anti‑inflammatory benefits without overwhelming the palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bone broth hot cocoa?
Common errors include boiling the broth too vigorously, which can break down nutrients; adding raw milk too early, which denatures immunoglobulins; and not whisking the cocoa powder enough, leading to gritty texture. Following the step‑by‑step timing prevents these issues.
Why does this bone broth hot cocoa recipe add raw milk at the end instead of heating it together?
Adding raw milk after the broth is removed from heat protects the delicate immunoglobulins and enzymes found in raw milk. Heating raw milk for too long can denature these bioactive compounds, reducing the drink’s medicinal value.
Can I make bone broth hot cocoa ahead of time and how should I store bone broth hot cocoa before serving?
Yes, you can keep the heated bone broth and cocoa mixture in a thermos for up to 2 hours. Store any leftover broth in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat gently, then add fresh raw milk and marshmallows just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Naturally Nourished Ali Miller RD specialize in?
The YouTube channel Naturally Nourished Ali Miller RD specializes in evidence‑based, food‑as‑medicine recipes that blend nutrition science with practical cooking tips, focusing on whole‑food ingredients that support immunity, gut health, and overall wellness.
How does the YouTube channel Naturally Nourished Ali Miller RD's approach to food as medicine differ from other nutrition channels?
Naturally Nourished Ali Miller RD emphasizes clinically backed ingredient choices, such as bone broth, collagen, and raw dairy, and provides detailed explanations of the biochemical benefits. Unlike many channels that focus on trends, Ali Miller RD integrates dietetics expertise into each recipe, offering clear guidance on dosage, timing, and safety.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
