How to make bone broth hot chocolate at home: A simple and healthy recipe
Bone broth hot chocolate may sound unusual at first, but once you try it, you’ll understand why so many people now swap their sugary cocoa for this rich, cozy, and nutrient-packed drink. When you make it at home, you get full control—your ingredients, your sweetness level, your texture, and your flavor. More importantly, you’re creating something that doesn’t just taste good; it makes you feel good.
There’s something grounding about holding a warm mug on a cold afternoon or winding down at night with a soothing drink that supports your body as much as it comforts your mind. Bone broth hot chocolate gives you a double win: the warmth of classic cocoa and the nourishing benefits of slow-simmered broth. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional hot chocolate—or simply want a protein-rich treat—this recipe becomes your new go-to.
Below, you’ll learn exactly how to make bone broth hot chocolate at home, how to get the flavor just right, what ingredients to choose, variations you can try, and practical tips for storing, reheating, and customizing the drink to your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
What Is Bone Broth Hot Chocolate?
Bone broth hot chocolate combines two unexpected worlds: savory broth and sweet cocoa. When balanced the right way, these flavors complement each other beautifully. The broth gives the drink a fuller body, a silky finish, and a natural dose of protein and collagen, while cocoa brings the comfort and richness of classic hot chocolate.
You’re not making a soup. You’re creating a hybrid drink—part wellness beverage, part dessert—designed to nourish and satisfy without weighing you down.
You’ll especially enjoy bone broth hot chocolate if:
- You want a healthier evening drink.
- You crave something warm and comforting.
- You want a high-protein alternative to sugary cocoa.
- You appreciate functional foods that offer more than just flavor.
This drink fits beautifully into keto, paleo, and dairy-free lifestyles, or your routine if you simply want a nutritious homemade treat.
Benefits of Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
1. Rich Source of Protein
Most store-bought hot chocolate mixes contain almost no protein. Bone broth changes that. A single cup often holds 7–10 grams of protein (depending on the brand), which helps keep you full longer and stabilizes your energy levels.
2. Collagen and Gelatin Support
Your body benefits from amino acids found in broth—like glycine and proline—which support digestion, skin health, and joint comfort. When you blend this with cocoa, you get a satisfying drink with wellness benefits you can feel.
3. Lower Sugar, Higher Nutrition
Traditional hot chocolate mixes contain 15–25 grams of sugar. When you make your own, you control sweetness. Whether you prefer honey, maple syrup, or keto sweeteners, you get a guilt-free cup tailored to your diet.
4. Comforting, But Not Heavy
Unlike thick desserts or heavy snacks, this drink warms you without making you sluggish. It’s an ideal option for nighttime sipping because it supports relaxation and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a clean, simple ingredient list you can follow. You can also make substitutions to match your dietary preferences.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup bone broth (chicken or beef)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder
- ½ cup milk or non-dairy milk
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free options)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Boosters
- 1 tablespoon collagen peptides
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
- Espresso shot
- MCT oil
- Reishi or adaptogenic blends
- Orange zest
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Standard | Keto | Dairy-Free | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Broth | Chicken/Beef | Same | Same | Choose low-sodium |
| Cocoa Powder | Unsweetened | Same | Same | Adjust intensity |
| Milk | Whole milk | Heavy cream + water | Almond/Oat/Coconut milk | Controls creaminess |
| Sweetener | Honey/Maple | Monk fruit/Erythritol | Maple/Honey | Add gradually |
| Vanilla | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional but recommended |
How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate (Step-By-Step)
Step 1: Heat the Bone Broth
Pour your broth into a small pot and warm it over medium heat. You only want a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil.
Step 2: Add Cocoa and Sweetener
Whisk in your cocoa powder, sweetener, and pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla
Once everything blends well, pour in your milk (or non-dairy alternative) and add the vanilla extract. Lower the heat slightly and stir until creamy.
Step 4: Blend for Extra Creaminess
If you want a frothy texture, transfer everything into a blender. Vent the lid slightly to release steam, then blend for 20–30 seconds.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Pour into your favorite mug. You can dust the top with cinnamon, cacao powder, or shaved dark chocolate.
Flavor Variations + Fun Add-Ins
Cinnamon Vanilla
Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and a little extra vanilla for a cozy, warming version.
Mocha Twist
Add a shot of espresso for a bold, café-style drink that pairs beautifully with broth.
Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate
Use cinnamon, cayenne, and vanilla for a spicy, comforting drink.
Orange Dark Chocolate
Add orange zest before blending for a bright citrus note.
Adaptogenic Blend
Add reishi, ashwagandha, or maca for an herbal twist with calming benefits.
Choosing the Best Bone Broth
You can use homemade or store-bought broth, but quality matters for the final taste.
Homemade
You get more gelatin, better flavor, and fewer additives.
Store-Bought
Choose:
- Low-sodium varieties
- Clean ingredient lists
- 7–10 grams of protein per cup
- Organic or grass-fed options if available
If your broth tastes too savory, choose chicken broth—it’s milder and blends better with cocoa.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
“It tastes too savory.”
- Add ½ tablespoon more cocoa.
- Increase vanilla.
- Use slightly more sweetener.
- Switch to chicken broth.
“It’s too thin.”
- Add collagen peptides.
- Use a creamier milk.
- Avoid watering it down too much.
“It’s grainy.”
- Sift your cocoa before whisking.
- Avoid overheating the mixture.
- Use a blender for a smoother finish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you enjoy bone broth hot chocolate often, you can batch-prep it.
Refrigerator
Store in a sealed jar for 2–3 days.
Freezer
Freeze bone broth in cubes and blend fresh cocoa drinks when you want them.
Reheating
Use low heat, whisk often, and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Nutrition Facts (Estimate per Serving)
- Calories: 120–160
- Protein: 8–12g
- Carbs: 5–15g (depending on sweetener)
- Fat: 4–10g
- Sugar: Varies by sweetener
- Sodium: Moderate, depending on broth
Printable Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk or plant milk
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Simmer broth on medium heat.
- Whisk in cocoa, salt, and sweetener.
- Add milk and vanilla; warm gently.
- Blend for creaminess.
- Serve immediately.
FAQs About Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
1. Is bone broth hot chocolate sweet or savory?
It’s mostly sweet, but has a deeper flavor. You can adjust sweetness anytime.
2. What type of broth works best?
Chicken broth is mild and blends easily. Beef broth gives a richer, deeper taste.
3. Can you make it keto-friendly?
Yes—use heavy cream and a low-carb sweetener.
4. Can you make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
5. Can you add collagen peptides?
Yes, and they dissolve beautifully for extra protein.
6. Does bone broth hot chocolate help with fullness?
Yes—thanks to the protein content, it’s more filling than traditional hot chocolate.
Conclusion
Once you try bone broth hot chocolate, you’ll discover a new kind of comfort drink—one that warms you, satisfies your sweet cravings, and nourishes your body at the same time. You control every ingredient, every flavor, and every level of sweetness, giving you a healthier alternative to traditional hot chocolate that still feels indulgent.
If you want a cozy nightly ritual, a protein-rich snack, or a feel-good drink for cold weather, this recipe will become one of your favorites. Try the base version first, then experiment with different flavors until you find the one that feels made just for you.
If you enjoyed this guide, share the recipe or try one of the variations today—you’ll be surprised how quickly this becomes a daily habit.
