Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix

Just add water to this recipe for dairy-free hot cocoa mix, and you’ll enjoy a warm mug of joy fast!

Whether you make a jar or single-serve packets, this post shares the recipe and a few dairy-free instant milk options I’ve tested that mix well.

Homemade Cocoa Mix with No Dairy

While stores are filled with many varieties of instant hot cocoa mix, finding one without dairy can be challenging and expensive!

If hot cocoa is a thing at your house and dairy is a no-go, you’ll soon find out why the homemade cocoa mix below is not only more cost-effective but also just as convenient to have in the pantry!

You can also pre-measure each serving and store it in single-serve snack bags for the ultimate convenience.

How to Make Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix

To make a jar or individual bags, you can do it by hand or using a food processor. You’ll:

1. Combine the ingredients
   If mixing the ingredients by hand, I like to put everything in a sifter so they are evenly combined. Otherwise, use a food processor and process until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Store the dairy-free cocoa mix
   Transfer the combined ingredients in a jar, large zip bag, or pre-measure ⅓ to ½ cup of mix into snack-sized zip bags

Here is a step-by-step video showing you how to make these packets. Note: traditional milk powder was used in the video, but the ingredients and steps are the same.

Best Instant Dairy-Free Milk Powder

Dairy-free “milk” powder can be oat-based, soy-based, or coconut-milk based. Here are 3 that mix smoothly and well with this recipe: Upright Instant Oat Milk, this Coconut Milk Powder or this Coconut Milk Powder, and Cashew Milk Powder.

How to Store DIY Cocoa Mix

Your dairy-free mix can be stored in a sealed jar or inside individual zip bags for up to 6 months in the pantry.

Proper storage:
Proper storage, away from humidity, is key to preventing clumps in your mix. 

Pour very hot water:
Cold or lukewarm water will not dissolve the ingredients and will lead to clumping instead. For this reason, I recommend boiling water (or nearly). It’s best to let the hot cocoa cool down rather than sipping a clumpy drink.

Keep mixing:
Not mixing the cocoa mix with hot water long enough can also result in clumps or the cocoa mix settling at the bottom of the mug. You can also use a hand-held milk frother to do the job. 

Print