The perfect time of year for a cup of delicious hot cocoa is fall or winter. However, what if you are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or live a vegan or plant-based lifestyle? It is hard to know which cocoas, especially pre-packaged ones, are safe to enjoy.
I understand. I have a diary allergy. Consequently, it is not always easy to find or make my favorite hot beverage. This post was inspired by my amazing husband who whipped me up a delicious cup the other day!
I have compiled a list of some great dairy-free and vegan hot cocoa options to make your holiday season less stressful.
The links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission for purchases. Learn more. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.
Quick pre-mixed options
This time of year is full of holiday parties, cold wintry nights, and chilly mornings. So it is nice to have a quick go-to option for a cup of hot chocolate.
First up, here are six pre-mixed, packaged vegan cocoas you can enjoy quickly, anytime and anywhere!
It's nice to have a quick go-to option for a cup of hot chocolate. Here are 5 pre-mixed, packaged vegan cocoas you can enjoy anytime and anywhere! Click To TweetGood & Gather: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix (Target)
My husband discovered two weeks ago that a few of the Good & Gather cocoa mixes are all dairy-free. You mix your own milk or milk-alternative (or water) with the mix. I was so excited, that I asked him to pick me up a box. He surprised me with the Peppermint and it was absolutely delicious with almond milk.
If you are on a budget, I highly recommend this mix. Good & Gather also offers Pumpkin Spice, Double Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel (my husband’s favorite), and Cinnamon.
Coconut Cloud: Dairy-Free Instant Hot Cocoa Mix
This vegan mix is 100% Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegan, and Non-GMO. This delicious hot cocoa mix is made from dried coconut milk, rich cocoa powder, and a hint of sugar. It is perfect for a quick cocoa fix. Simply add hot water, stir, sip and enjoy!
Moreover, Coconut Cloud is a women-owned Colorado based company. It is proudly made in the USA.
Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate Pouch, Double Chocolate
This rich hot cocoa is created from deep-roasted cocoa beans, sugar, unsweetened chocolate, and real vanilla. In other words, simply add hot water or the dairy-free milk of your choose for a delightful cup.
Also made in the USA! These individual pouches make it easy to enjoy a cup at any holiday party.
Lakanto Sugar-Free Drinking Chocolate
This vegan hot cocoa has probiotics and is friendly to your lifestyle. It works with ketogenic, diabetic, candida, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegan, low-carb, low-sugar, and non-GMO diets. This mix is made from non-GMO Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener (erythritol and monk fruit extract), dutch cocoa, sugarcane fiber, and other quality ingredients.
Simply add a scoop of the rich drinking chocolate to your favorite dairy-free milk substitute. Mix and enjoy! It is delicious hot or cold.
Cocomama Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Hot Cocoa
If you want a little spice in your next steaming cup of cocoa, try Cocomama’s Dark Chocolate Cinnamon. This mix is indulgent, vegan, flavorful and a little bit exotic. The Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Hot Cocoa mix consists of 77% Fair Trade Certified ingredients. Ingredients include rich dark chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and a tiny pinch of Indonesian cinnamon.
Just add water! Or use your favorite dairy alternative for a smooth, creamy and delicious treat. It is great hot or frozen.
Velvet Cocoa Organic Hot Cocoa Hazelnut Praline
Looking to take your holiday beverage up a notch? The Hazelnut Praline flavor of this silky smooth, rich hot chocolate drink is the perfect Christmas treat! It is made with the finest top grade cocoa and is non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher. Also made in the USA.
So just use your favorite dairy-alternative for a delicious vegan drink.
Homemade treats you can do yourself
More of a do-it-yourself-er? If you have the time, you can take your dairy-free vegan hot cocoa to a whole new level. Thus I have scanned a lot of hot cocoa recipes and compiled a few of my favorites.
In this section, I am sharing five amazing hot chocolate recipes for the courageous cocoa-obsessed!
If you have the time, you can take your dairy-free vegan hot cocoa to a whole new level. Here are 5 amazing hot chocolate recipes you can make yourself! Click To TweetVegan Hot Chocolate Mix by Maple Alps
Vegan Hot Chocolate by Chocolate Covered Katie
Rich & Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate by Connoisseurus Veg
5 Minute Vegan Hot Chocolate by Nora Cooks
Best Vegan Hot Chocolate by The Vegan 8
In other words, it doesn’t matter if you are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or live a vegan or plant-based lifestyle. You no longer have to avoid the deliciousness of this perfect fall and winter beverage!
There are now plenty of hot cocoa options for you to enjoy!
And that, my friend, is good news. Happy holidays!
Have you tried or made any of the above variations of a dairy-free vegan hot cocoa? I’d love to hear what your favorite is! Share in the comments below!
Featured Photo by Rinck Content Studio on Unsplash.