Quick answer: Whisk 1 scoop of high flavanol cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of warm milk into a smooth paste, add 1 cup of warm (not boiling) milk, sweeten lightly, and whisk until frothy. It takes 5 minutes and gives you a real flavanol dose, unlike most packaged mixes.
Why not just use a hot cocoa mix?
Most hot cocoa mixes are made with alkalized (Dutch-processed) cocoa, sugar and milk powder. Alkalizing can remove 60–90% of cocoa's flavanols, and mixes almost never list a flavanol amount. Details: Does Cocoa Powder Have Flavanols?
Making it yourself with a high flavanol cocoa means you know what's in your cup.
Ingredients (1 mug)
- 1 scoop Goorello High Flavanols Cocoa Powder (600 mg cocoa flavanols)
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk or unsweetened plant milk (oat and soy are the creamiest)
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup, honey or your preferred sweetener, to taste
- A few drops of vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt (optional, brings out the chocolate flavor)
Steps
- Warm the milk in a small pot over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming, not boiling.
- Make a paste. Put the cocoa in your mug, add about 2 tablespoons of the warm milk, and stir until smooth with no dry lumps.
- Add the rest of the milk slowly while whisking.
- Sweeten and flavor. Stir in sweetener, vanilla and salt.
- Froth with a handheld frother or whisk for 15 seconds. Serve.
Taste note: non-alkalized cocoa is richer and a little more bitter than a sweet mix. Start with 1 teaspoon of sweetener and adjust. A splash of cream or a spoon of nut butter smooths it out.
4 variations
1. Flavanol mocha
Use half hot coffee and half warm milk. Same method.
2. Mexican-style spiced
Add ¼ tsp cinnamon and a small pinch of cayenne before whisking.
3. Iced chocolate
Make the paste with 2 tablespoons of warm water, then shake with cold milk and ice in a jar or shaker bottle.
4. Protein hot chocolate
Whisk in a scoop of unflavored or chocolate protein powder after the cocoa paste. Add a little extra milk.
Tips to keep it high flavanol
- Don't boil it. Warm is enough, and it mixes better.
- Skip baking soda and "Dutch" cocoa add-ins. Alkaline ingredients work against flavanols.
- One scoop per day is the serving. More isn't better.
- Caffeine-sensitive? Goorello has no added caffeine, but cocoa naturally contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, so an afternoon mug may suit you better than a late-night one.
FAQ
Which hot chocolate has the most flavonoids?
One made from non-alkalized cocoa that states its flavanol content. Packaged mixes and Dutch cocoa have far less. Compare options with our scorecard.
Can I make it with water?
Yes. It will be lighter and more bitter. Add a little extra sweetener or a spoon of nut butter.
Can I drink it every day?
That's the idea. Consistency is what matters with cocoa flavanols. More routines: How to Take High Flavanol Cocoa.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
