Subscribe

A healthy living blog from Marshfield Clinic Health System

Marshfield clinic health system logo

Home / Wellness / 5 reasons hot cocoa is good for you, plus a recipe

5 reasons hot cocoa is good for you, plus a recipe

We relish hot cocoa for warming our bellies and spirits on cold winter days, but this ancient drink also can be good for you. Here are five reasons to rank hot cocoa as healthful, plus a hot cocoa mix in a jar recipe.

Hot mocha mix in a jar is a great way to warm up on a chilly winter morning.
High antioxidants in cocoa help prevent cancer, heart disease and aging, and dark chocolate can reduce stress.

Antioxidant strength

Cocoa is twice as strong as red wine when it comes to antioxidants, 2-3 times as strong as green tea and 4-5 times as strong as black tea. Antioxidants help prevent cancer, heart disease and aging.

Stress-busting qualities

Researchers have found that eating an average-sized dark chocolate candy bar daily for two weeks reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol as well as “fight-or-flight” hormones in highly stressed people.

RELATED ARTICLE: Destress with these 10 activities for stress relief

Contains flavonoids

Hot cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which improve blood flow. Improved blood flow reduces the chance of blood clots, lowers blood pressure, improves heart health and helps you think better thanks to better blood flow to the brain.

Contains less fat

Hot cocoa is good for you because it has less fat than bar chocolate. Hot chocolate is chocolate melted in liquid, while hot cocoa is cocoa powder melted in hot water or milk.

Less extra ingredients

Homemade hot cocoa is better for you than instant mixes, which are full of sweeteners, oils and synthetic ingredients.

For a cup that is good for you, try this recipe.

Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar

Prep time: 10 minutes

Servings: 56

Ingredients

  • 1-1/4 cups nonfat milk powder
  • 3/4 cup Splenda®
  • 3/4 cup powdered non-dairy coffee creamer
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1/4 cup instant coffee granules

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well blended. Store in a sealed container.

To serve, heat 1 cup of water and stir in 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of cocoa mixture.

Nutrition information

Each serving (1 tablespoon dry mix) contains about 20 calories, 0.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 15 mg sodium, 3 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 1 g protein.

Source: splenda.com

GET RECIPE PRINTABLE

For nutrition recommendations, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

Find a nutrition services provider Learn more about Nutrition Services

16 responses to “5 reasons hot cocoa is good for you, plus a recipe”

  1. Keith

    What is the best hot chocolate drink to buy with the most chocolate contained?

    Reply
  2. Alvin Johnson

    I’ll be 71 years young come this July 8 2023.
    I have been into eating healthy foods since age 9.
    Looking at me, most people think I’m from my early to mid forties.
    No Dope from streets or doctors. Don’t get headaches . Love hot chocolate.

    Reply
  3. Jamal B

    This is so helpful !!!!!

    Reply
  4. Elvin Laton

    High heat is known to negate antioxidants in cacao. Does adding cocoa powder to HOT coffee destroy the antioxidants in the cocoa?
    Thanks, for your advice and knowledge.
    Elvin

    Reply
    1. Jordan Simonson

      Hi Elvin, Cacao is minimally processed while cocoa is more processed. Cocoa is roasted at high temperatures, which removes the beneficial fats and other antioxidants. It is important to note that cacao will have a strong bitter taste versus cocoa. It is a preference of choice. There are also other ways to get your intake of antioxidants, so it does not mean you have to skip using cocoa. Remember, moderation is key. -Thanks, Jordan

      Reply
  5. Ande

    Ridiculous to add powdered sweetener. Just add a touch of maple syrup. This kicks it up to the next level as real maple syrup is a superfood.

    Reply
  6. Chsmpa

    Agave is as bad but Stavia ( Truvia) has less side effects! C

    Reply
  7. Alonzo

    It may or may not be the best for you! But it sure is good

    Reply
  8. Kay

    Interesting that a 'healthy' recipe is sourced from Splenda!! That should have raised a flag immediately from a nutritionist.

    Reply
    1. Ginna

      Hi Kay, I thought that also, seemed odd to me.

      Reply
  9. Jaimee

    Does the unsweetened cocoa in hot chocolate have the same anti-stress benefits as dark chocolate in a bar.

    Reply
    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Jaimee, we reached out to a nutritionist on this question and learned cocoa is basically chocolate without its natural fat. To get similar health benefits as dark chocolate, it's important to look for cocoa with little processing. -Kirstie

      Reply
  10. angie

    splenda isn't good for you it is an artifical sweetner try using sweet leaf (stevia) which is better.

    Reply
    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Thanks for commenting, Angie. You might have interest in our guide to sugar and artificial sweeteners: https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/sweet-guide-sugar-artificial-sweeteners/ -Kirstie

      Reply
    2. sandy burlingame

      I agree in that stevia is a better choice

      Reply
      1. Ginna

        Hi Sandy,

        How about agave?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Topics

, ,

Subscribe

Subscribe

Latest Posts