Healthy Hot Chocolate — 3 Ways
Healthy Hot Chocolate — 3 Ways is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Dr. Josh Axe on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 13 min
Cost: $1.18 total, $1.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Milk (unsweetened, preferably organic)
- 1 scoop Bone Broth Protein Powder (approximately 20 g collagen per scoop; choose a high‑quality, unflavored product)
- 1 tsp Monk Fruit & Stevia Blend (provides 1‑2 g total sugar; adjust to taste)
- 5-6 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (use therapeutic‑grade, organic if possible; only for mint variation)
- 0.25 tsp Ground Cinnamon (for Mexican variation; use Ceylon cinnamon if available)
- pinch Cayenne Pepper (for Mexican variation; start with a small pinch and adjust)
Instructions
Measure Milk
Pour 1 cup of almond milk into a small saucepan.
Time: PT1M
Heat Milk
Warm the milk over medium heat until it reaches a gentle steam (about 140°F/60°C). Do not let it boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 140°F
Add Protein & Sweetener
Add 1 scoop of bone broth protein powder and 1 tsp monk‑fruit/stevia blend. Whisk vigorously until fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
Time: PT1M
Flavor Variations
For the classic version, skip this step. For mint, add 5‑6 drops of peppermint essential oil and stir. For Mexican, add ¼ tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper, then stir well.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Enjoy immediately hot, or let it cool and serve cold. For a frozen treat, pour into a shallow container and freeze for 2‑3 hours, then scrape into fudgesicle shapes.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Keto, Paleo, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Low‑Sugar, Whole30‑Friendly
Allergens: Tree nuts (almond milk)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Almond Milk: Coconut Milk, Cashew Milk, Soy Milk
- Instead of Bone Broth Protein Powder: Collagen Peptide Powder, Grass‑Fed Beef Protein Powder
- Instead of Monk Fruit & Stevia Blend: Erythritol, Allulose
- Instead of Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint Extract (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Ground Cassia Cinnamon
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Chili Powder (½ tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk or Small Spoon
- Measuring Cup
- Dropper (for essential oil) (optional)
- Mug
- Spice Grinder (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not let the almond milk boil; overheating can cause a skin and degrade nutrients.
- Whisk the bone broth protein thoroughly to avoid clumps.
- Use therapeutic‑grade peppermint essential oil and limit to 5‑6 drops to prevent bitterness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- A pinch of sea salt brightens the chocolate flavor.
- For extra richness, add 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, adds ~2 g carbs).
- Use a small handheld frother for a silky, café‑style foam.
Troubleshooting
Protein powder clumps and doesn’t dissolve
Whisk vigorously while the milk is still warm; alternatively, blend in a blender for 10 seconds.
Milk scorches on the bottom of the pan
Use a heavy‑bottom saucepan and keep the heat on medium‑low; stir frequently.
Peppermint flavor is too strong or bitter
Reduce the essential oil to 2‑3 drops, or substitute with ¼ tsp peppermint extract.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Re‑heat gently before serving.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge or microwave.
Room temperature: Not recommended; the beverage contains perishable milk.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure the dry ingredients (protein powder and sweetener) in a small jar for quick assembly.
- Batch‑make a larger quantity, store in the fridge, and re‑heat portions as needed.
- If making frozen fudgesicles, pour the hot mixture into silicone molds and freeze for 2‑3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hot chocolate in American wellness culture?
Hot chocolate has long been a comfort drink in the United States, especially during winter sports and family gatherings. In recent wellness circles, it’s been reinvented as a nutrient‑dense beverage, incorporating superfoods like collagen and adaptogenic spices to support joint, skin, and gut health.
How does the Mexican hot chocolate variation reflect traditional Mexican flavor profiles?
Traditional Mexican hot chocolate often includes cinnamon and a hint of heat from chilies. Adding ¼ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne mirrors those historic flavors while keeping the drink low‑sugar and collagen‑rich for modern health needs.
Why is peppermint essential oil used instead of peppermint extract in the mint hot chocolate?
Peppermint essential oil provides a pure, potent flavor without added sugars or alcohol that can be present in extracts. Dr. Josh Axe recommends therapeutic‑grade oil for its natural menthol properties, which also act as a mild energizer.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this collagen‑boosted hot chocolate?
Common errors include boiling the almond milk (which can create a skin and degrade nutrients), not whisking the protein powder enough (resulting in clumps), and using too many drops of essential oil, which can make the drink bitter. Follow the critical steps to ensure a smooth, flavorful beverage.
Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time and store it?
Yes. Store the prepared hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Re‑heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring before serving. It also freezes well for up to a month for later use as a frozen treat.
What does the YouTube channel Dr. Josh Axe specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dr. Josh Axe focuses on functional nutrition, natural health, and whole‑food recipes that emphasize bone broth, collagen, essential oils, and other nutrient‑dense ingredients to support overall wellness.
How does the YouTube channel Dr. Josh Axe's approach to healthy chocolate differ from other health‑food channels?
Dr. Josh Axe emphasizes the inclusion of bone‑broth protein for collagen, low‑glycemic sweeteners, and therapeutic essential oils, creating a chocolate drink that supports joint, skin, and gut health—features less commonly highlighted on typical health‑food channels that often rely on plant‑based milks and simple sweeteners alone.
What traditional ingredients are used in authentic Mexican hot chocolate, and how are they adapted in this recipe?
Authentic Mexican hot chocolate traditionally uses cinnamon, chilies (often in the form of cayenne or ancho), and sometimes vanilla. This recipe adapts those flavors with ¼ tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne, keeping the drink low‑sugar and adding collagen‑rich bone broth protein for modern health benefits.
What occasions or celebrations is hot chocolate traditionally associated with in American culture?
In the United States, hot chocolate is commonly enjoyed during winter holidays, at football games, after outdoor activities in the snow, and as a comforting bedtime drink. Dr. Josh Axe’s version expands its use to any season, even as a cold beverage or frozen fudgesicle for summer gatherings.
What other Dr. Josh Axe recipes pair well with this collagen‑boosted hot chocolate?
Dr. Josh Axe often pairs his collagen drinks with bone‑broth soups, nutrient‑dense salads, and paleo‑friendly desserts like almond‑flour brownies. Pairing this hot chocolate with a warm bowl of his chicken bone‑broth soup or a side of roasted vegetables creates a balanced, nutrient‑rich meal.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
