Incredible Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

Yes I know that when you hear those 4 words “bone broth hot chocolate” you think, what the heck, ewe gross. Well, I promise you I had the same thought when I first heard of this, but after some trial and error, and some brave teenagers at my house, I have created a tried and true amazing hot chocolate with so many health benefits, while also being sweet, rich and creamy…and most important, chocolatey.

First lets chat about why bone broth? There are multiple potential benefits from bone broth:

Potential Benefits: 

• Joint Health: Bone broth contains collagen, which is a protein that supports joint structure and may reduce inflammation. 
• Gut Health: The glycine and glutamine in bone broth may help heal and strengthen the gut lining, reducing symptoms of digestive issues. 
• Bone Health: The calcium and magnesium in bone broth may contribute to bone strength. 
• Skin Health: Collagen may also improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. 
• Sleep: Glycine has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. 
• Electrolyte Balance: Bone broth contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance. 
• Hydration: The high water content of bone broth makes it a hydrating beverage. 
• Improved Mood: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that bone broth may have mood-boosting effects. 

My kids love hot chocolate, but I don’t love the store bought hot chocolates with all the fillers and preservatives. So much sugar, and not much else. When I saw the trend of adding bone broth to your hot chocolate I thought people had lost their mind…but having a pretty open mind, I decided to try my hand at it.

The first few recipes were hit and miss. I took things I liked from them and adjusted it to what I preferred. Here is what I learned.

First, the type bone broth you use will make a huge difference. I tried multiple kinds uncluding Kirkland Brand Organic Bone Broth, dried done broth powder, and more. I found some of the powders to have a stronger flavor, which is not ideal for hot chocolate.

I have settled on Costco’s, Kirkland Brand Bone Broth to be the best base to use for bone broth hot chocolate. You can also use Kettle & Fire Bone Broth as it has a similar flavor. I like buying mine in bulk however.

And of course, you can make your own bone broth to use. I prefer beef bone broth but I think you can use whatever you prefer! I would just keep any seasonings out of the broth.

Next, what chocolate to use. I looked into various options from dark chocolate bars, unsweetened cocoa powder and finally to cacao powder. I had a cacao powder that I tried that I really loved overall.

My preferred cacao powder is Better Body Foods Organic Cacao Powder. I got it off of Amazon and it has tons of health benefits including a rich blend of antioxidants, fiber, protein, vitamin C and more.

It also has a rich dark chocolate flavor which gives this bone broth hot cocoa the best chocolate flavor and helps to hide any flavor from the bone broth.

This bone broth hot chocolate is easy to use and has simple, basic wholesome ingredients. The ingredients in this bone broth hot chocolate are great for gut health as well. The collagen in the bone broth and the collagen powder can help aid in your gut health.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

You can easily change and customize this recipe to your liking. You can add cinnamon, honey, and even whipped cream! If you are dairy free, coconut milk, almond milk and oat milk are great options to include in this drink.

You can also up the gut health and make your own homemade marshmallows using marshmallow root!

I think my secret ingredient makes a huge difference in the flavor of this hot chocolate. I add a pinch of Celtic salt. Celtic salt is known to have benefits including many minerals which we are often lacking in. Adding a touch of salt helps to brighten and bring out the flavor of the chocolate and balances out the sweetness of the maple syrup.

The collagen powder and bone broth adds extra protein to a simple drink. The addition of sea salt or Celtic salt really brightens the chocolate flavor as well.

If you are afraid that it tastes like chicken or beef, do not be worried, because it does not. What I truly love about this bone broth hot chocolate is that it fills that sweet tooth that I so often have. It reduces my cravings for sweets. I feel like I am indulging without going overboard and that is a nice feeling.