Healthier Hot Cocoa Bar
Today I am sharing some fun ideas for a healthier hot cocoa bar.
There’s something extra cozy about a hot cocoa bar during the holidays—it’s festive, fun, and brings everyone together.
If you are a mom looking for ways to make special treats like hot chocolate just a little bit healthier, check out some of these easy swaps.
Here's how to set up a healthier hot cocoa bar that's perfect for this holiday season.
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Start with a Healthier Hot Chocolate Mix
Traditional hot cocoa mixes are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, but it’s easy to make your own version at home. Here are a few ideas:
- Homemade Cocoa Mix: With simple pantry ingredients, you can make your own mix. Try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
- Homemade Protein Hot Cocoa: Heat up a mug with your milk of choice. Add two tbsp chocolate protein powder and froth. Our favorite is Just Ingredients Chocolate Protein Powder. (Use code NOTES-TFC for 10% off.)
- Healthier Store-Bought Options: Look for cocoa mixes with simple ingredients and less sugar, such as Now Foods Cocoa Lovers Organic Hot Chocolate.
- Boost the Nutrition: Stir in a spoonful of collagen peptides, a dash of cinnamon for blood sugar balance, or a bit of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Healthier Topping Options
The toppings are the best part! Instead of skipping them altogether, try offering some better-for-you choices:
- Whipped Cream Alternatives: Use homemade whipped cream made with real cream (sooo good), or try coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
- Marshmallows: Choose brands made without corn syrup or artificial flavors, like Dandies.
- Natural Sweetness: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top instead of chocolate syrup.
- Fun Add-Ins: Crushed freeze-dried strawberries, mini dark chocolate chips, or shaved dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) to add flavor without going overboard on sugar.
Hot Cocoa Bar Setup Ideas
For Family Movie Nights:
Set everything up on a tray with mugs, toppings, and a slow cooker of warm cocoa. Let everyone build their own cup before starting the movie. Bonus points if you include cozy blankets and your family’s favorite holiday film lineup.
For a Holiday Gathering:
Use a tray or a large cutting board to display jars of toppings, spoons, and napkins. Add a small chalkboard sign with 'Build Your Own Cocoa' instructions.
For a Snow Day:
Keep your cocoa mix ready in a jar. After snow play, gather around the kitchen counter and warm up together with mugs in hand.
Make it a Family Tradition
The best part of a healthier hot cocoa bar is that it can become one of your family’s favorite holiday traditions—without the sugar crash. Encourage your kids to help choose toppings, decorate the station, or come up with creative cocoa combinations.
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