Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (Kid-Friendly!) (2024)

FAQs

Which is the healthiest hot chocolate? ›

Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

Unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder, which is raw chocolate powder) Honey or maple syrup to sweeten it up (use a natural sweetener so you can control the quality and amount of sugar) Vanilla extract to give it a rich, gourmet flavor.

Drinks to limit or avoid

Pop, coffee, energy or sport drinks, fruit punches, hot chocolate, sweetened milks and tea are not recommended for children even if water is added. These drinks are high in sugar and/or caffeine and are not suitable for toddlers or children of any age.

The best hot chocolate bar toppings

Extra-small chunks Almond Butter Crunch were the most popular toppings of choice. Chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, and candy cane pieces, also make great options!

The abundant antioxidants in cocoa, primarily flavonoids, contribute to cardiovascular well-being, enhancing blood flow and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These compounds also show the potential to fortify cognitive function and lift mood, offering a holistic approach to health.

Caloric and sugary content: Numerous commercially available hot chocolate mixes and prepared versions teem with excessive sugar and calories. “Regular indulgence in such varieties may precipitate weight gain and heighten susceptibility to conditions like diabetes,” said Amreen.

The moderate consumption of cocoa in children helps to promote positive emotions and provides energy. This energy helps them stay active, learn better, and increase their creativity.

One envelope of Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate flavour has 23g of added sugar in it, which is nearly 6 teaspoons. That's about the maximum amount of added sugar recommended by Public Health England for kids ages 7-10 for the entire day and more than is suggested for 4-6 year olds.

Made from ground up cocoa seeds mixed with water, cornmeal, and chili peppers, the Mayans were drinking chocolate as early as 500 BC. They would pour the drink back and forth from a cup to a pot until a thick foam developed. The drink was then enjoyed cold. 3.

Serve it plain or with all your favorite toppings like whipped cream, candy canes, marshmallows and chocolate syrup!

Calories in Starbucks Kids Hot Chocolate with Cream (Whole Milk), Nutrition Information | Nutracheck.

Is 2 hot chocolates a day bad? ›

Drinking just a few instant hot chocolates a day is unlikely to result in death. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of sugary drinks, including hot chocolate, can lead to negative health consequences such as weight gain, increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Hot chocolate can be a comforting and delicious treat, but it is important to remember that, like other sugary foods, it is also high in calories, sugar, and fat. If consumed in moderation, hot chocolate can be part of a healthy diet as it provides some essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

While not a typical weight loss aid, hot chocolate can fit into a weight loss plan if consumed in moderation, made with low-calorie ingredients, and used as an occasional treat to satisfy sweet cravings. Opting for low-fat or plant-based milk and minimizing added sugars can help reduce its calorie impact.

Mood-boosting effects: Drinking hot chocolate has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress. A healthier option: Compared to coffee, hot chocolate contains less fat and calories and is a good source of antioxidants.

One cup of hot chocolate made from a powdered mix provides 6 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fiber, and some minerals. It's still much more nutritious than black coffee or tea, which contain no calories at all.