How to make chocolate milk with cocoa

Combine 4 simple ingredients to make lower-sugar homemade Chocolate Milk that’s creamy and so super delicious. Plus: You don’t need any fancy tools to make it!

Homemade Chocolate Milk

There’s something so satisfying about a glass of chocolate milk, and while I admit that I totally balked at the idea of giving kids flavored milk when I was a new mom, I’ve since come to realize a few things. Like the fact that some kids like more flavor and dislike plain milk.

And while kids don’t necessarily need to drink milk, it’s a nice option to have since it’s rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. Also, once kids go to school, they will very likely have the option to choose chocolate milk, so I prefer to continue to normalize it (instead of fully restricting it, which can make it more appealing).

I don’t make this type of flavored milk often, but I do it sometimes because my middle kiddo adores it and it’s a fun snack.

We are using basic pantry staples here, so no chocolate syrup required.

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Ingredients You Need

To make this flavored milk you’ll need the following ingredients.

• Milk: You can really use any type you prefer. I usually use whole milk or unsweetened plain nondairy milk such as soy milk, almond milk, or any other plant milk.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brands such as Hershey’s Special Dark, SACO, or Trader Joe’s store brand have nice flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: This adds another flavor element for deliciousness.
• Maple syrup: Maple syrup blends in easily with the rest of the ingredients. You can also use honey for kids over age 1. Feel free to adjust the sweetness as you like.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Use a favorite nondairy milk.
• You can use cacao powder if you prefer.
• Use alcohol-free vanilla if desired.
• Trade in honey for the maple syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is so super quick and easy. Here’s the basic method. Scroll down to the recipe to find the full information.

1. Place the ingredients into a mason jar.
2. Shake well to incorporate the ingredients and remove any lumps from the cocoa powder.
3. Serve. If there are little undissolved bits of cocoa powder, you can strain it through a little fine-mesh strainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this healthy chocolate milk ahead of time?

Sure! Just put a lid on the jar and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir it right before serving since some of the cocoa powder will sink to the bottom of the milk.

Can I add fruit to this milk?

You can add the ingredients to a blender with a ripe banana to make a really yummy chocolate banana milk.

Is chocolate milk good for you?

This chocolate milk recipe has calcium, protein, and vitamin D and has less sugar than store-bought. It’s a great option for a drink or snack.

How to Store

You can store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Shake or stir before serving if the mixture has separated at all.

Best Tips for Success

• Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
• You can try using less sweetener. I find that this amount works best to balance the cocoa powder, but you may feel differently, so taste and adjust.
• You can also make this in a blender if you prefer.
• Make more or less according to your preference.
• Find more on the Best Milk for Toddlers for help choosing a type.
• Try my other Flavored Milks, too.

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Best Vanilla Milk

Smoothies

Favorite Yogurt Drinks

I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please rate and comment below.

Best Homemade Chocolate Milk

You can make this right before serving or make it up to 24 hours ahead.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

5 from 7 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Author Amy Palanjian

Cuisine American

Course Snack

Calories 96kcal

Servings 2

Ingredients

1x2x3x

US CustomaryMetric

• ▢1 cup milk (whole milk dairy or plain unsweetened nondairy)
• ▢2 teaspoons maple syrup
• ▢1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• ▢1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a pint-size mason jar. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.

• Let sit for a few seconds so the bubbles disperse. Serve. If there seem to be small bits of undissolved cocoa powder, you can pour it through a fine-mesh strainer (the small kind meant for tea works well if you have one).

  How do you mix cocoa powder with milk?

  To make chocolate milk from cocoa powder, measure 2 tbsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of cocoa powder into a saucepan. Stir in just enough milk to the saucepan to create a thick, lumpy paste. Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly, until all the lumps are gone, then pour the cocoa into a glass.

  Can I use cocoa powder instead of milk chocolate?

  To replace one ounce of unsweetened chocolate, use 3 tablespoons cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon butter, shortening or oil.

  What happens when you add cocoa powder to milk?

  The cocoa gives the chocolate milk its chocolate flavor. However, it won't dissolve. By stirring you disperse the particles throughout the milk, but they'll remain particles. To make good chocolate milk, you should stir it well, just before you're planning to drink it.

  How to make chocolate from cocoa?

  Instructions.

  Step 1: Growing and harvesting. ... .

  Step 2: Fermenting the cacao beans..

  Step 3: Roasting the beans. ... .

  Step 4: Cracking & Winnowing..

  Step 5: Grinding and Conching..

  Step 6: Temper the chocolate..

  Step 7: Molding the chocolate..