A single cup of this skinny hot chocolate is my go-to when a late-night sweet craving hits. This low-calorie, sugar-free version keeps me from raiding the ice cream or the cookie stash in my freezer.
I’m not claiming this is the richest hot chocolate you’ll ever taste — if that’s what you want, try a classic French hot chocolate. But this recipe helps me stay on track with my nutrition and fitness goals while still enjoying a comforting treat.
I care about fitness and health, but I’m also the cookie QUEEN. I love baking and indulging in treats, just not mindlessly. When I have something sweet, I try to make it intentional so I don’t end up eating half a batch of cookies without thinking about it.
Where to find Torani syrup for sugar-free hot chocolate
This recipe uses sugar-free Torani syrup, which I usually find in grocery stores near coffee and hot chocolate. World Market tends to have the largest selection of flavors. I enjoy experimenting with different syrups in my hot chocolate and even adding them to diet soda for a refreshing change.
My collection of Torani flavors grows fast. For this skinny hot chocolate I most often reach for vanilla for a classic taste, or raspberry for a fruity twist that pairs nicely with dark cocoa.
While many stores carry Torani, online retailers are another option if you can’t find a specific flavor locally.
Substitutes for Torani syrup — for Keto or those avoiding artificial sweeteners
If you avoid artificial sweeteners or follow Keto or Paleo, there are alternatives that still let you enjoy a tasty low-calorie hot chocolate.
Monk fruit sweetener
Monk fruit blends, like Lakanto, are zero-calorie and taste closer to sugar than many alternatives. They combine erythritol with monk fruit and generally won’t spike blood sugar the way sugar does. Lakanto is becoming widely available in stores and warehouse clubs.
Stevia
Stevia can have a bitter aftertaste for some people, though some brands are milder. If you use concentrated stevia in place of syrup, add it gradually since most stevia products are much sweeter than sugar by volume.
Do I have to use almond milk in this skinny hot chocolate?
I use unsweetened almond milk because it’s low in calories — about 30 calories per cup — and dairy-free for those who are lactose-intolerant, vegan, or following Keto. You can substitute any milk or cream you prefer, but remember that will change the calorie and fat content.
Keto options
Almond milk works well on Keto. If you want more fat, use unsweetened coconut milk or a splash of cream. A few tablespoons of cream mixed with water or almond milk add richness without too many extra calories. For a decadent treat, top with full-fat whipped cream.
Paleo and dairy-free
This recipe is nearly Paleo and dairy-free when made with almond milk, but the original topping is fat-free whipped cream. Look for coconut whipped cream in stores or make your own at home for a compliant topping.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
I prefer high-quality cocoa. Dutch-processed cocoa, such as Hershey’s Special Dark, delivers a deeper chocolate flavor than standard baking cocoa. Avoid generic baking cocoa if you want the best taste.
A pinch of salt intensifies the chocolate notes. You can also add a little cinnamon or, for a Mexican-style hot chocolate, a dash of cayenne with cinnamon. I hope this skinny hot chocolate helps you meet your health and fitness goals while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
Enjoy!
Alyssa
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Skinny Hot Chocolate
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon Hershey’s cocoa powder
- Sprinkle of salt
- Sugar-free Torani syrup to taste I usually put about 2 tablespoons in
- Fat-free whipped cream
Instructions
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In a microwave-safe mug, combine the almond milk and water. Microwave for about 1 minute until hot. Add the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt, stirring until fully dissolved.
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Stir in sugar-free Torani syrup to taste (about 2 tablespoons is my usual), top with fat-free whipped cream, and enjoy.
Notes
If using stevia as a substitute, add it slowly since most stevia products are much more concentrated than sugar.
Almond milk may be substituted with any milk or cream, but the nutrition profile will change.
Nutrition
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Originally published January 4, 2019