This dairy free hot chocolate is filled with all kinds of goodness like real cacao powder, coconut sugar, and collagen peptides. You can use your own dairy free milk or utilize coconut milk powder and just add water at the end. This mix is gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, and paleo.

dairy free hot chocolate in a white mug with whipped cream and shaved chocolate

Why is this paleo hot chocolate mix so great?

I've been making hot chocolate for my night cap for years on years. Whenever friends come over, particularly my best friend Lindzy, she always asks me to make her hot cocoa.

It's kind of my thing, and I knew it was time to put together an official recipe for this deliciousness. Why is it so awesome?

All you have to do is mix it with hot water, so it's very low maintenance.
It doesn't have any junky ingredients inside and is made with real coconut sugar and cacao powder.
You can choose to omit the coconut milk powder and simply mix with your favorite non-dairy milk.
It makes a great gift for the holidays or really any time of the year, as it yields 20 servings!

What ingredients go inside this homemade hot chocolate mix?

The ingredients list may sound a bit extravagant, but I can assure you that using everything I have listed is WORTH IT. Here's what goes into dairy free hot chocolate mix:

Cacao powder
Coconut sugar
Coconut milk powder (optional)
Collagen peptides
Vanilla bean powder
Cayenne powder
Cinnamon powder
Sea salt

big glass jar of homemade hot chocolate mix

This dairy free hot chocolate mix is:

Refined sugar free
Very customizable
Easy to store
Easy to make
Naturally sweetened

If you don't want to use coconut sugar, feel free to replace it with your favorite low-carb sweetener. I would use about 1 cup and taste when you make your first cup.

I love how customizable this recipe is because after making the mixture, you can tweak it for your next go around very easily. If it was too rich for you, add another ⅓ cup of sugar.

If it was too sweet, throw in more cacao powder. You are going to love it!

hot chocolate mix ingredients in a large bowl

How to make dairy free hot chocolate mix

Mix everything together in a large bowl until well combined throughout.

When you are ready to make a fresh cup of hot chocolate, scoop 3 tablespoons of the mix into a large cup or mug.

Add 1 cup canned coconut milk and ½ cup water into a small saucepan. Heat over medium low until it comes to a simmer.

If you are using coconut milk powder in the mix, simply add 1 ½ cups boiling water to the cup and whisk.

Pour mixture into the mug and give everything a really nice stir or whisk. I like to put everything into the blender so it gets even frothier.

Serve with homemade whipped cream, marshmallows or enjoy plain.

Store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Paleo hot chocolate recipe notes & tips

You can find coconut milk powder at most health food stores in the Asian section or with baking products.

The collagen peptides are optional, but they add protein and more creamy/frothy notes to the hot cocoa.

You don't have to add in the cayenne powder or cinnamon, but the amounts are very subtle, and they provide a ton of depth to the mix.

Feel free to get even more creative here if you're wanting to.

You can add a few drops of peppermint/mint extract, throw in a little extra cinnamon & cayenne or use even less coconut sugar to make it even more rich, dark, and decadent.

hot chocolate in a ceramic mug with whipped cream and chocolate shavings

The options are truly endless, and I know I'm going to be drinking A LOT of cups of paleo hot chocolate this season now that I have the mix stowed away in my cupboard.

This would also be such a wonderful gift to bring to a family member, partner, loved one or holiday party.

It makes 20 servings, so they will be extremely grateful to you! 🙂

If you're wanting to try another delicious hot chocolate recipe entirely, I highly recommend this Keto and Paleo Hot Chocolate. It is beyond delicious!