Dairy-Free Cocoa Single Serve Recipe

December 26, 2025

Indulge Guilt-Free: Your New Favorite Dairy-Free Cocoa Mix!

Are you craving a warm, comforting mug of hot cocoa but want to avoid dairy, refined sugars, or artificial ingredients? Look no further! This single-serve, customizable dairy-free cocoa mix is about to become your new best friend. Forget those sugary packets – we're talking rich, creamy, and nourishing goodness you can whip up in minutes.

Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like velvety coconut milk powder and antioxidant-rich cocoa, this recipe is designed not just to satisfy your sweet tooth, but to also offer a little extra goodness with every sip. Whether you're a wellness warrior or just looking for a delicious, mindful treat, our adaptable recipe lets you control the sweetness and even add a superfood boost. Get ready to discover your perfect mug!

This single-serve dairy-free cocoa is rich, creamy, and easily customizable. By using coconut milk powder, you get a velvety texture without the need for fresh milk or heavy creams.

Single-Serve Dairy-Free Cocoa Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Coconut Milk Powder

• 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (use Dutch-processed for a smoother taste)

• 1 - 1.5 tbsp Sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)

• A pinch of Cinnamon (optional)

• 1 cup (8 oz) Hot Water

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry: In your favorite mug, whisk together the coconut milk powder, cocoa powder, sweetener, and cinnamon until no large clumps remain.

2. Make a Paste: Add about 2 tablespoons of hot water to the dry mix. Stir vigorously to create a smooth, chocolatey paste. This prevents the coconut milk powder from clumping.

3. Fill & Stir: Pour in the remaining hot water while stirring continuously.

4. Enjoy: Sip immediately while warm!

Understanding what goes into your mug helps you tailor the drink to your health goals.

Ingredient	Primary Benefits
Coconut Milk Powder	Rich in Healthy Fats (MCTs) which provide quick energy and a creamy, dairy-free texture.
Cocoa Powder	Packed with Polyphenols (antioxidants) that may improve blood flow and mood.
Cinnamon	Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

 

Sweetener Guide: Finding Your Perfect Mix

Depending on your preference, here is how to choose or mix your sweeteners:

• Coconut Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor. It has a lower glycemic index than white sugar but still contains calories.

• Monk Fruit / Stevia: Best for a zero-calorie/keto option. Use sparingly, as these are much sweeter than sugar. (Tip: A 50/50 mix of Monk Fruit and Coconut Sugar provides great flavor with fewer calories).

• Raw Sugar: Provides a clean, classic sweetness with a slight crunch if not fully dissolved.

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Serving Suggestions & Toppings

Take your cocoa to the next level with these dairy-free additions:

• The "Indulgent" Version: Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

• The "Peppermint Patty": Add a single drop of peppermint extract or stir with a candy cane.

• The "Mexican Cocoa": Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper alongside the cinnamon for a spicy kick.

• The "Salted Caramel": Use coconut sugar and add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.

Base Ingredients (The Constants)

These two ingredients provide the bulk of the flavor and texture:

• 2 tbsp Coconut Milk Powder: ~80 calories

• 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder: ~12 calories

• Total Base Calories: 92 calories

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Calorie Count by Sweetener

Since the calories change significantly depending on whether you use natural sugars or plant-based extracts, here is the breakdown for 1 tablespoon of each:

Sweetener Choice	Calories per Tbsp	Total Mug Calories
Monk Fruit / Stevia	0 calories	92 kcal
Coconut Sugar	~45 calories	137 kcal
Raw Sugar	~49 calories	141 kcal
50/50 Mix (Monk Fruit + Coconut Sugar)	~22 calories	114 kcal

 

Note: The optional pinch of cinnamon adds negligible calories (less than 1).

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Tips for Managing Calories

• For the lowest calorie count: Stick with pure Monk Fruit or Stevia. If you find them too "sharp," adding just a teaspoon of Coconut Sugar (about 15 calories) can round out the flavor without adding much to the total.

• For the creamiest texture: If you find 92 calories a bit low and want a more "decadent" feel, increasing the Coconut Milk Powder to 3 tablespoons will bring your base to about 132 calories, making it much thicker.

Superfood Add-ins & Their Benefits

You can add 1 teaspoon of any of the following to your dry mix before adding water:

• Maca Powder: Known as an "adaptogen," maca has an earthy, malt-like flavor that pairs perfectly with cocoa. It is often used to support hormonal balance, energy levels, and mood.

• Collagen Peptides: These are flavorless and dissolve instantly. Collagen provides a boost of protein and supports skin elasticity, joint health, and gut integrity.

• Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi or Lion's Mane):

  • Reishi: Great for the evening to promote relaxation and stress relief.

  • Lion's Mane: Excellent for the morning to support focus and brain health.

• Turmeric + Black Pepper: A tiny pinch of each creates "Golden Cocoa." This is a powerful anti-inflammatory duo. (The fat in the coconut milk helps your body absorb the turmeric!)

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The "Ultimate Wellness" Single-Serve Recipe

If you want to combine these for a powerhouse mug, try this ratio:

Amount	Ingredient	Benefit Focus
1 tsp	Maca Powder	Energy & Balance
1 scoop (approx. 10g)	Collagen Peptides	Skin & Joints
1/4 tsp	Reishi Mushroom Powder	Calm & Immunity

 

Updated Instructions for Superfoods: Because powders like Maca and Mushroom extracts can be slightly "clumpy," it is even more important to whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly and use the "paste method" (adding a tiny bit of water first) to ensure a smooth drink.

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Nutritional Impact

• Maca: Adds about 10–15 calories per teaspoon.

• Collagen: Adds about 35–40 calories and 9g of protein per scoop.

• Mushrooms: Usually add fewer than 5 calories per serving.

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