When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms the soul quite like a cup of hot chocolate. For chocolate lovers, vegan hot chocolate offers a delightful twist. With the rise of plant-based diets, more people are exploring rich, creamy alternatives that don’t compromise on taste.
Keep chocolate (and other sweet flavours like nutmeg) away from pets (use a letterbox guard, for online orders). Never eat xylitol-sweetened chocolate near pets (just a few dropped crumbs could be lethal).
Harth
Harth Chocolate (the name is olde English for ‘hearth’) is a company that was founded by a couple, as an alternative source of income, after their vegan fine dining restaurant in Bath, had to close due to the pandemic. Everything is handmade by artisans, and sold in plastic-free packaging.
The hot chocolate powders are made with organic cocoa and sweetened with brown coconut blossom sugar, sold in paper packaging. Just stir or blend a tablespoon of mix into the milk. Each pack makes around 15 servings. Choose from standard or winter (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg).
The milk choc shake mix makes around 10 glasses, ideal to serve cold.
Happi Chocolate
Swirl Happi Chocolate Spoons into a mug of hot plant milk for an instant drink. Sold in easy-to-recycle packaging, choose from plain or salted caramel.
Pump Street Chocolate
Pump Street Chocolate (just melt discs into hot plant milk). Choose from Ecuador (toffee walnut) or Bali (brown sugar hazelnut).
Harry’s
Harry’s Vegan Hot Chocolate offers tinned varieties including orange chocolate , mint and white hot chocolate.
Pump Street Chocolate (just melt discs into hot plant milk). Choose from Ecuador (toffee walnut) or Bali (brown sugar hazelnut).
DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix
To create your own vegan hot chocolate mix, gather the following ingredients:
- Cocoa Powder: Choose a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for that intense chocolate flavour.
- Coconut Sugar or Maple Sugar: These natural sweeteners provide a lovely flavour while keeping it vegan.
- Non-Dairy Milk Powder: This gives the mix creaminess.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and chocolate taste.
- Vanilla Powder: Optional, but adds a warm and inviting flavour.
- Optional Add-Ins: You can experiment with cinnamon or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
With these ingredients, you’ll soon have a mix that’s ready to transform into a comforting mug of vegan hot chocolate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your own hot chocolate mix is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, coconut or maple sugar, non-dairy milk powder, and salt. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Add Flavours: If you’re using vanilla powder or any optional spices, add them to the mix. Give it another stir.
- Store the Mix: Transfer your hot chocolate mix into an airtight container. Glass jars or resealable bags work perfectly. Label the container for easy identification.
- How to Use: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply add 2-3 tablespoons of your mix to a cup of hot water or non-dairy milk. Stir well and enjoy!
This recipe for vegan hot chocolate (Jessica in the Kitchen) is sweetened with maple syrup. It’s made with plant milk and coconut milk, flavoured with cinnamon and cocoa powder.
