A steaming mug of cocoa is one of my favorite comforts when the weather turns chilly. While I love a low-calorie hot chocolate made from scratch, there are times when the convenience of a ready-to-mix packet is welcome — or when you want a quick mocha by stirring the mix into hot coffee.
Keeping a sugar-free hot chocolate mix on hand is handy for cold days when chocolate cravings hit. Store-bought mixes work fine, but you can also prepare your own sugar-free hot cocoa mix quickly and for less money.
This straightforward homemade dark hot chocolate mix replicates the deep flavor of boxed dark cocoa packets. The secret to the rich color and round flavor is Dutch-processed cocoa (for example, Special Dark cocoa), though any unsweetened cocoa powder will work.
One cup of prepared hot cocoa from this mix contains about 55 calories — rich and creamy enough that you won’t miss added sugar. It also makes a thoughtful holiday gift for anyone who enjoys warm sugar-free beverages.
How Many Calories and WW Points in this Hot Chocolate Dry Mix Recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 55 calories.
To see WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW app while logged in to view points for your specific plan.
How to Make Homemade Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Mix
Step 1: Gather the dry ingredients:
- 2/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 1/3 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1/2 cup granulated no-calorie sweetener (about 12 packets). Any granular zero-calorie sweetener that dissolves in hot liquid will work: Splenda, Swerve, Truvia, monk fruit sweetener, etc.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients in a small airtight container (a mason jar works well), then shake or whisk until evenly blended. Store the mix in the airtight container.
Step 3: To make one serving, measure 3 tablespoons of mix into a mug. Add 6 ounces of boiling or very hot water (or hot milk if you prefer) and whisk or stir until smooth.
Recipe Notes
You can use your preferred sweetener. For best results choose a sweetener that dissolves easily in hot liquids. If your sweetener measures 1:1 with sugar, use 1/2 cup. If it measures 2:1 (twice as sweet as sugar), start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste. Powdered Swerve, Truvia, monk fruit blends, or Splenda are all suitable options.
Hot Cocoa Recipe Additions
Customize the mix to create different flavors:
- Peppermint: 3–4 drops mint extract
- “Almond Joy”: 2–3 drops coconut and 2–3 drops almond extract
- Mocha: 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder
- Caramel: 3–4 drops caramel extract
- Mexican hot chocolate: a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne
- Spiked: a splash of Kahlua, bourbon, whiskey, amaretto or Irish cream
Hot Cocoa Topping Suggestions
Add a finishing touch with toppings such as:
- Light whipped cream or a dollop of Cool Whip
- Mini marshmallows
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Chocolate or caramel syrup drizzle
How to Store Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature; it will stay fresh for several months. Glass jars like mason jars are ideal, though plastic containers work as well.
Sugar Free Dark Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 1/3 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
- 1/2 cup granulated no-calorie sweetener (or 12 packets). Note: I sometimes use 1/4 cup Truvia; adjust according to your sweetener’s sweetness level.
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients in a small airtight container and shake well, or whisk them together in a bowl and transfer to an airtight container.
- To prepare one serving, spoon 3 tablespoons of the mix into a mug. Add 6 ounces of boiling or very hot water and whisk or stir until smooth.
Notes
Serving size: 3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix
WW Points: Varies by plan — track in the WW app for your points value.
Flavor variations include peppermint, almond-coconut, mocha, caramel, Mexican-style with cinnamon and cayenne, or an adult version with a splash of liqueur.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cup — Calories: 55 kcal; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 1.5 g; Sugar: 16 g (approximate). Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.
Additional Info
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Recipe source: Eat More of What You Love by Marlene Koch
Does Swiss Miss Make a Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate?
Swiss Miss offers a “no sugar added” hot cocoa in multipack boxes and canisters. A typical 3-tablespoon serving provides about 70 calories. Ingredients often include dairy powders, processed cocoa, sweetener alternatives such as acesulfame potassium and sucralose, and other additives for texture and flavor.
More low-calorie hot drinks you might like
- Weight Watchers Low Calorie Hot Chocolate — a simple cocoa made with hot milk for a creamy mug.
- Skinny Spiced CrockPot Mocha — a slow-cooker option for multiple servings.
- Skinny Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte — seasonal and cozy.
- Slow Cooker Hot Spiced Cider — a warm, spiced apple drink perfect for gatherings.