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If you’re craving a cozy cup of hot chocolate but also want something nourishing and protein-rich, this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate is just what you need. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and gently sweet—yet it’s made with a small amount of bone broth for added minerals, collagen, and depth of flavor. Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like soup—just pure comfort with a nourishing twist. Be sure to check out our guide, How to Make Bone Broth, before you get started!
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Certain foods are daily staples in most homes: eggs, milk, sourdough bread, and… chocolate. Yes, chocolate, if we’re honest with ourselves (as I try to be), chocolate is a staple. Even if you don’t eat chocolate every day, doesn’t it make you feel better to know there’s the possibility of chocolate, should an emergency arise (ie, a bad day, a chocolate craving, or a dementor encounter)?
It can’t just be me.
Operating under the assumption that chocolate is, in fact, a staple, it’s only a short jump to agreeing that hot chocolate is also a staple. Maybe not in the heat of July, but once the temperature drops to, let’s say, 50 degrees, a daily hot chocolate is on the table.
“Hot chocolate is too indulgent to drink every day,” say the naysayers.
Ahhh, but if you make it with bone broth and mineral-rich cacao powder, it’s no longer indulgent. It’s basically a vitamin.
“What kind of hot chocolate is that?” you ask.
Bone broth hot chocolate. Your new best friend.
What is Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
Bone broth hot chocolate is a nourishing twist on classic hot cocoa that blends rich dark chocolate with mineral-rich bone broth. Instead of using only milk or water, a small amount of bone broth is whisked into the drink to add protein, collagen, minerals, and a subtle savory depth. When made properly, it doesn’t taste like soup—just creamy, slightly earthy hot chocolate with a boost of nourishment.
Why Add Bone Broth to Hot Chocolate?
Adding bone broth to hot chocolate may sound strange at first, but it’s a surprisingly delicious way to sneak in extra nutrition (think blending okra into spaghetti sauce for your kiddos, but so much better!). Bone broth is packed with collagen, protein, minerals, and amino acids that support gut health, joint function, and overall wellness. When paired with chocolate and milk, the savory notes of the broth complement the richness of the cocoa, creating a drink that feels indulgent yet nourishing. It’s an excellent option for cold mornings, recovery days, or anytime you want something cozy that also supports your body from the inside out.
Mineral Benefits of Cacao vs. Cocoa Powder (Including Magnesium)
One of the reasons I love using cacao powder instead of traditional cocoa powder in this bone broth hot chocolate recipe is that cacao is far less processed and retains more of its natural minerals—especially magnesium.
Cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans, which preserves heat-sensitive nutrients and healthy fats. In contrast, cocoa powder is typically roasted at higher temperatures and sometimes alkalized (“Dutch-processed”), which reduces some of its mineral content.
Here’s how they compare:
| Mineral | Raw Cacao Powder | Traditional Cocoa Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium | Very high — one of the richest natural sources; supports muscle relaxation, sleep, mood, and heart health | Lower due to heat processing and alkalization |
| Iron | Higher content; helps with oxygen transport and energy | Slightly lower |
| Potassium & Calcium | Naturally occurring and well-preserved | Some loss during processing |
| Antioxidants | Up to 3–4x more than cocoa powder | Reduced during roasting |
Why Magnesium Matters:
Magnesium is often called the “calming mineral.” It helps relax muscles, supports quality sleep, balances blood sugar, reduces headaches, and even plays a role in hormone health. So, in a drink like Bone Broth Hot Chocolate, using cacao not only gives you a deeper and more complex chocolate flavor—it also enhances the nutritional side of this cozy drink by providing essential minerals your body actually uses.
What Does It Taste Like?
If you’re worried that bone broth will make your hot chocolate taste like soup, take a deep breath. When used in the right proportion—about ¼ cup broth to 1 cup milk—it adds a subtle umami undertone that enhances the chocolate rather than overpowering it (think salted chocolate). The result is a rich, creamy hot chocolate with slightly earthy, savory depth. Dark chocolate and cacao balance the flavors, while a touch of sweetener rounds out the drink. Optional add-ins like cinnamon, vanilla, or a pinch of sea salt can enhance the warmth and complexity even further.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bone broth – Adds protein, collagen, minerals, and a subtle savory depth that enhances the chocolate without overpowering it. I recommend our Homemade Bone Broth Recipe or good-quality store-bought bone broth.
- Milk – Creates creaminess and body in the drink. You can use dairy or plant-based milk depending on preference.
- Cacao powder – Provides the rich chocolate flavor and a slightly bitter, earthy note that balances the sweetness.
- Dark chocolate – Adds richness, creaminess, and depth of flavor, melting smoothly into the warm milk and broth.
- Sweetener (cane sugar or maple syrup) – Balances the bitterness of the cacao and enhances the overall flavor of the hot chocolate.
- Vanilla extract- enhances the warmth of the dark chocolate and cacao.
- Sea salt- Brightens the chocolate flavor.
Optional extras include vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt, marshmallows, or whipped cream.
How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Warm the liquids. In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup bone broth and 1 cup milk. Heat over medium-low until steaming, but do not let it boil. Warming the liquids first ensures the chocolate will melt smoothly and the flavors blend evenly.
Step 2: Add the chocolate. Stir in 1 tablespoon of cacao powder and 1 tablespoon of chopped dark chocolate. Whisk continuously until the cacao is fully dissolved and the chocolate melts completely, creating a smooth, rich mixture. This step builds the chocolatey base and balances the subtle savoriness of the bone broth.
Step 3: Sweeten the drink. Add a dash of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, and 2-3 teaspoons cane sugar or maple syrup, adjusting to taste. The sweetener balances the bitterness of cacao and rounds out the drink’s flavor. I recomment starting with 2 teaspoons and adding more to fit your preference.
Step 4: Serve. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Optionally, top with frothed milk, whipped cream, a pinch of cinnamon, or a tiny sprinkle of sea salt to enhance flavor and aroma.
Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Tips & Variations
- Dairy-free options: Swap cow’s milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk. This creates a plant-based version with slightly different creaminess and flavor, while keeping the drink nutritious.
- Adjust sweetness: Increase sweetener to 1 tablespoon if you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate. More sweetness balances the cacao and masks any subtle savory notes from the broth.
- Extra protein: Stir in a scoop of collagen or protein powder. This boosts nutrition without significantly changing flavor, making the drink more filling and healthful.
- Flavor twists: Adding vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drop of espresso enhances aroma, warmth, and depth of flavor, making each cup more indulgent.
- Kid-friendly version: Add extra milk or chocolate to make it sweeter and more familiar for young palates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it taste like bone broth?
Nope! The small amount of broth blends with the milk and chocolate, creating a subtle savory undertone rather than a soup-like flavor.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes. Choose unsalted or lightly salted and unflavored broth to prevent the drink from tasting too salty or like onions and garlic.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare it in advance and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, but fresh preparation gives the best creamy texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any unused hot chocolate in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and whisk before serving.
will my Kids Taste the Difference?
This is wildly based on your kids’ threshold for “different” recipes, but my toddler drinks this bone broth hot chocolate with zero complaints and begs for more.
Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup unflavored bone broth (see note 1)
- 1 tbs cacao powder (can also use cocoa powder)
- 1 tbs dark chocolate, chopped
- 2-3 tsp cane sugar, maple syrup, or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
- Homemade marshmallows and whipped cream for topping (optional, see note 2)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk and bone broth over medium-low heat until heated through, but do not let it simmer or boil.
- Add the cacao powder and chopped dark chocolate to the warm liquid. Whisk continuously until the cacao dissolves and the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cane sugar or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt, and adjust the sweetness to taste. Continue heating until the hot chocolate is steaming.
- Pour into a mug and serve warm. If desired, top with homemade marshmallows, whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a pinch of sea salt.
Notes
- Check out our guide, How to Make Bone Broth, for the most nutrient-dense base for your bone broth hot chocolate.
- Top your bone broth hot chocolate with our healthy whipped cream and homemade marshmallow recipes!
You’re going to Love this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
If you’re on the fence about trying bone broth hot chocolate, I hope I’ve brought you over to my side. The right side. The bone broth hot chocolate every day, please, side. It’s a mineral and collagen-rich drink the whole family will love (yes, even the toddler!) and you can feel good about. Happy sipping!
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