Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

by Lauren Renlund MPH RD

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I love hot chocolate. I think it is one of the best parts about winter. Sadly, regular hot chocolate you buy at the store or at Starbucks is likely to be high in FODMAPs (lactose in particular). Luckily for us, it is pretty easy to make your own at home! This week I am posting FOUR hot chocolate recipes. I thought I would start off with a simple low calorie low FODMAP hot chocolate. If you are like me, and want to be drinking hot chocolate almost every week when it’s cold out, this recipe is perfect!

Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe (1)

So many people buy hot chocolate mixes at the grocery store, or go to coffee shops, without realizing how easy it is to make your own hot chocolate. This recipe is great for someone who is making their own hot chocolate for the first time.

There are three essential ingredients for this recipe: milk, cocoa and sweetener.

You can use your preferred low FODMAP milk. If you know you are okay with lactose, you can use normal cows milk. I have tried this recipe with lactose-free cows milk and soy milk. If you use soy milk, make sure to use one made with soy protein, not soy beans, to keep the FODMAPs low. Almond milk is another option, but I have not personally tried it yet in this recipe. I usually drink cows or soy milk because they are higher in protein. Coconut milk is only low FODMAP at 1/2 cup.

I am so grateful that small amounts of cocoa powder is low FODMAP. Cocoa powder is low at 2 heaped teaspoons (8 g). At larger servings, it is high in fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides. This recipe only needs 2 levelled (not heaped) teaspoons.

Sweetener is of course essential to a tasty hot chocolate. I used 2 teaspoons of white sugar in this recipe to add some sweetness while keeping the overall sugar level down. One cup of this hot chocolate made with 1% milk and white sugar has less than 145 calories. If you wanted to lower the calories further, you could use skim milk or a low FODMAP artificial sweetener, such as Splenda/sucralose or stevia. Make sure to check the ingredients list of all artificial sweeteners, since some have added sugar alcohols (in particular some stevia blends). It’s best to consume artificial sweeteners in moderation, even if they are low FODMAP.

Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe (2)

You may be thinking that 125 calories is super low, or you may be thinking that it is quite high. It is all about perspective. To give you a comparison, a grande sized peppermint hot chocolate (note: high in lactose) at Starbucks has 500 calories (whole milk and with whipped cream), along with 61 g of sugar (approx. 15 teaspoons). See the Starbucks Canada holiday drink nutrition facts here.

Now that I’ve scared you with those incredible nutrition facts, I hope you enjoy my low calorie low FODMAP hot chocolate recipe!

Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe (3)

Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe (4)

A simple and low calorie low FODMAP hot chocolate. Low FODMAP, gluten-free, and vegan option.

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Course Beverage

Servings 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk (lactose-free cows milk or soy protein soy milk)
  • 2 tsp white sugar
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder

Instructions

  • Pour 2 tablespoons of the milk into a saucepan. Heat on low and mix in sugar and cocoa. Stir until there are no lumps of cocoa.

  • Pour in the rest of the milk. Heat on medium-low until the hot chocolate is heated to your preferred temperature. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Notes

  • There are multiple milk options. I prefer lactose-free cows milk.If you use soy milk, make sure to use one made with soy protein, not soy beans, to keep the FODMAPs low. Almond milk is another option. Coconut milk is only low FODMAP at 1/2 cup.
  • Cocoa powder is only low FODMAP at 2 heaped teaspoons per serving.
  • If you use an artificial sweetener instead of sugar, make sure to check the ingredients lists, since some have added sugar alcohols (in particular some stevia blends). It's best to consume artificial sweeteners in moderation, even if they are low FODMAP.

Tried this recipe?Give it a star rating!

I love this simple low calorie low FODMAP hot chocolate recipe, but I do sometimes get bored of plain old hot chocolate. I will be posting three more hot chocolate recipes this week, so stay tuned! Make sure to subscribe to my email newsletter or follow me on social media to stay updated.

What are some of your favourite winter drinks?

Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe (5)

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Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Simple Low Calorie Low FODMAP Hot Chocolate Recipe? ›

At 1 ounce, the level of lactose increases to the point that it might cause you to have symptoms if you are lactose intolerant. Cocoa Powder: Two to 4 heaping teaspoons are considered low in FODMAPs. Drinking Chocolate (23% - 60% cocoa): Serving sizes less than 3 ounces are considered low in FODMAPs.

Is hot chocolate powder low in FODMAP? ›

At 1 ounce, the level of lactose increases to the point that it might cause you to have symptoms if you are lactose intolerant. Cocoa Powder: Two to 4 heaping teaspoons are considered low in FODMAPs. Drinking Chocolate (23% - 60% cocoa): Serving sizes less than 3 ounces are considered low in FODMAPs.

Is hot chocolate bad for IBS? ›

Caffeine. Caffeine can increase diarrhea, another major symptom of IBS. High sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers designed for headache relief — check labels carefully.

What cocoa powder is low FODMAP? ›

Raw cocoa/cacao powder is considered low FODMAP in serves of 10g (2 heaped teaspoons) or less. Varieties containing 23%, 60% and 70% cacao in 'drinking chocolate powders' can be consumed safely.

Is Nestle hot chocolate low FODMAP? ›

This product has 1 ingredient that is high FODMAP and 2 ingredients that may be high FODMAP. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

Is Swiss Miss hot chocolate low in FODMAP? ›

Swiss Miss Classics Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, 8 Packets. This product has 1 ingredient that is high FODMAP and 2 ingredients that may be high FODMAP.

What is the best low FODMAP hot drink? ›

Black, green, white, and herbal teas are good options. Switch to decaf varieties if caffeine bothers you. Some coffee and hot chocolate are okay. Use milk substitutes for creamer.

Is Swiss Miss low in FODMAP? ›

This product has 2 ingredients that may be high FODMAP.

What are the worst foods for IBS? ›

Avoid IBS Trigger Foods

These include foods that are high in fat, caffeine, carbonation, alcohol, and insoluble fiber, like: Soda and seltzer. Coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. Fried foods.

Is peanut butter high in FODMAP? ›

Peanut Butter is Low in FODMAPS

While almonds, cashews, and pistachios are fairly high in FODMAPs, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts are considered low FODMAP foods. This is because peanuts are technically part of the legume family, they're safe for a low FODMAP diet.

What soda is low FODMAP? ›

Some diet sodas are low and moderate FODMAP because they contain sucralose and aspartame, which are low-calorie sweeteners and should not trigger any symptoms for IBS (Hamilton, 2022). Examples of diet sodas are diet colas, sprite zero, diet 7-up, diet root beer, and fresca.

Is cinnamon FODMAP friendly? ›

Yes, cinnamon is low in FODMAP in small quantities, making it suitable for those on the diet. The FODMAP content depends on the type – the Ceylon variety is low FODMAP, while the Cassia variety is high FODMAP.

What chocolate can you eat on low FODMAP diet? ›

As with so many ingredients, it comes down to serving size, but the short answer is YES, dark chocolate is low FODMAP and you CAN have dark chocolate on the low FODMAP diet.

Are kit kats low in FODMAP? ›

Many common candies, including soft candy (e.g., Haribo gummy bears), hard candy (e.g., Dum Dums), chocolates (e.g., Kit Kats, Reeses Pieces, and Milky Ways), and even some chewing gums (e.g., Extra Bubblegum) can all be high in FODMAP ingredients.

Are M&Ms low in FODMAP? ›

While M&Ms do not contain any known high FODMAP ingredients, they do contain sugar and corn syrup. These sweeteners could potentially be a source of FODMAPs, especially for individuals with severe sensitivities.

Are Hershey Kisses low in FODMAP? ›

This product has 1 ingredient that is high FODMAP and 4 ingredients that may be high FODMAP. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

Which hot chocolate powder is gluten free? ›

Two well-known and widely available hot chocolate brands are considered gluten-free. One is Hershey's (Cocoa, Special Dark Cocoa, and Dutch Cocoa). The other is Swiss Miss (all flavors).

Is Hershey's cocoa powder low FODMAP? ›

Is it Low FODMAP? Yes! We believe this product is Low FODMAP at 1 serving as there are no moderate or high FODMAP ingredients listed on the label.

Is Cayenne powder low FODMAP? ›

Cayenne pepper is considered low FODMAP, meaning it is generally well-tolerated by individuals following a low FODMAP diet.

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