Homemade Chocolate Almond Milk that’s Oh-So Satisfying

Move over powdered chocolate mixes! This dairy-free chocolate almond milk is simmered with a double dose of chocolate for a richer taste and consistency. It has a smoother texture and more indulgent taste than Nesquik, and is easy to make – even for beginner home chefs.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Almond Milk with Spiced Option

This recipe is adapted from The New Milks cookbook by Dina Cheney. She shared this recipe with us back when her book was released, but we’ve since modified the recipe a bit. We’ve also added both nutrition information and recipe options. Our updated version is below, and I have answers to some FAQs.

Can I Use a Different Type of Milk Alternative?

You certainly can! Most types of plant-based milk blend well with chocolate, but some add a little something special. Hazelnut milk will lend a Nutella vibe, while coconut milk adds a Mounds bar influence. I also really like homemade cashew milk with chocolate. But the choice is yours.

What Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips do You Use?

I typically use Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips for making this dairy-free chocolate milk or hot chocolate. See our Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Guide for more options.

How Much is 2 Ounces Chocolate Chips?

Two ounces of chocolate chips is about 1/3 cup, or a little less if using mini chocolate chips.

Doesn’t Cocoa Powder Contain Dairy?

You might be thinking of, or looking at, a hot chocolate mix. Many hot chocolate mixes and other chocolate powders do contain milk. However, plain cocoa powder is dairy-free. It’s just one ingredient – the cocoa solids from cacao beans.

What Type of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

There are two types of cocoa powder: Natural (sometimes labelled as Unsweetened) and Dutch-Processed (sometimes labelled as Alkalized). If you don’t see one of these words on the front, look at the ingredients. A Dutch-processed version will have “cocoa processed with alkali” as the ingredient. Either one can be used in this homemade chocolate almond milk, but I prefer Dutch-processed. It’s darker, less bitter, and consequently yields a sweeter taste. You might find that you need less sweetener with Dutch-processed cocoa powder vs natural cocoa powder. Please note that cocoa powder and cacao powder are the same thing, but the term cacao powder is typically used on natural cocoa powder only.

Is Chocolate Needed, or Can I Just Use Cocoa Powder?

The melted chocolate adds richness that you can feel like your missing in regular non-dairy milk. It also ups the ante in flavor. Omitting it would require you to use more cocoa powder, possibly more sweetener, and a rich version of almond milk (preferably homemade).

Can I Use a Different Sweetener?

You really can use your sweetener of choice. Regular cane sugar and agave nectar just lend the cleanest flavors, letting the chocolate shine. For a different flavor twist, you can use maple syrup or even brown sugar. Honey will also work fine in this recipe, since it will dissolve as you simmer the mixture. Sugar-free sweeteners should functionally work for less sugar, but we haven’t tested them for taste or quantities in this recipe.

How Long will this Chocolate Almond Milk Keep?

It will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 week. You can freeze it into cubes to maintain freshness or for longer storage. The cubes can simply be defrosted or blended into milkshakes or smoothies.

Is this Dairy-Free Chocolate Milk High Calcium?

It can be! The added ingredients have minimal natural calcium, but you can use a store-bought almond milk that’s high in calcium, or blend in calcium powder for a mineral bump. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate powders are both readily available.

Special Diet Notes: Homemade Chocolate Almond Milk

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, coconut-free, oil-free, sesame-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian.

adapted from Dina Cheney

Chocolate Almond Milk

5 from 1 vote

This super chocolaty almond milk is way more rich and flavorful than the version you remember from childhood. For a more grown-up delight, try the spiced version in the notes. Please note that the Prep time is hands-on time only. This is a great make ahead recipe since it needs time to chill.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 2.5 cups

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 194

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 ¼ cups unsweetened almond milk see Almond Milk Options below
• 2 ounces dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar or sugar

Method

 

1. Add the almond milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sweetener to a small sauce pan, and whisk to combine. Place the pan over medium-high heat, and simmer, while whisking, until all ingredients are dissolved and homogenous, about 3 minutes.
2. Strain the chocolate almond milk through a fine mesh sieve or an nut milk bag into a storage bowl or glass measuring cup, and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Cover and refrigerate the milk alternative until cold, about 1 hour.
4. Pour a glass, and savor each sip!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 28.4gProtein: 3.1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4.4gSodium: 171mgFiber: 2.6gSugar: 21.4g

Notes

Almond Milk Options: Of course, you can use your favorite store-bought almond milk. But our Simply Almond Milk Copycat Recipe takes just 3 minutes to make and has no additives. For a more classic option, make our Best Homemade Almond Milk Recipe. Whether you use store-bought or homemade, a plain or vanilla flavor will be delicious.

Spiced Chocolate Milk Option: Add 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and 2 cardamom pods to the saucepan with the other ingredients. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Other Optional Add-Ins: I like to add a tiny pinch of sea salt with the other ingredients. Another option is to whisk in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract when you remove the pan from the heat.

This recipe is adapted from The New Milks: 100 Dairy-Free Recipes for Making and Cooking with Soy, Nut, Seed, Grain, and Coconut Milks by Dina Cheney

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Also try my Homemade Almond Milk Creamer Recipe!