There is nothing better in the wintertime than a tall glass of hot chocolate. Thick, sweet, and creamy, this holiday staple is comfort in a glass. But, it’s time that this classic recipe garnered a better-for-you twist. Introducing my Gut-Healthy Frozen Hot Chocolate, a crisp, refreshing, and gut-healthy take on the classic hot chocolate that you know and love. It’s made with just a few ingredients that are good for your gut health, and is free from refined sugars, making it the ultimate sweet yet healthy treat.

Two tall glasses of the frozen hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and sitting on a countertop

Friends, as we get closer to the new year, it’s time to start prioritizing your health and well-being. Whether you take part in #Veganuary or simply look to make healthier swaps in the new year, if your resolution is to be a little healthier, then you’re in the right place! After recovering from Binge Eating Disorder many years ago, I made it my mission to create simple, easy, yet healthy twists on the recipes that you know and love. Whether that’s a sugar-free version of a classic Starbucks drink or a gut-healthy twist on baked goods, it is so easy to find healthier ways to enjoy the treats that you love. Including, hot chocolate!

This delicious Frozen Hot Chocolate is made from a variety of gut-healthy ingredients. What makes it gut-healthy? Well, instead of being made with milk, it’s made with kefir! Kefir is a fermented milk-based drink that is full of probiotics that help to feed the good bacteria in your gut. Plus, it’s thick and creamy, which makes for the perfect texture for this Frozen Hot Chocolate. My favorite Kefir is from Lifeway, but any plain kefir works great for this recipe.

All of the ingredients needed to make this frozen hot chocolate, sitting in individual bowls on a countertop — To make this Frozen Hot Chocolate, you will need ice cubes, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, kefir or non-dairy milk, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and sea salt.

How to Make This Hot Chocolate Dairy-Free

And if you’re wondering if it’s possible to make this Frozen Hot Chocolate dairy-free or vegan-friendly, the answer is YES!

Simply replace the kefir with a non-dairy milk of your choice! To keep this drink gut healthy, I recommend choosing a non-dairy milk that is high in probiotics, and lower in refined sugars, like soy milk or cashew milk.

A blender, sitting on a countertop, with all of the ingredients being actively added to a blender — Add all of the ingredients, minus the garnishes, to a high-speed blender.

A blender, filled with the blended frozen hot chocolate, with a spoon scooping out some of the hot chocolate — Add all of the ingredients, minus the garnishes, to a high-speed blender.

What You Need to Make This Simple & Easy Frozen Hot Chocolate

Ice Cubes: To make this hot chocolate frozen, you’ll need lots of ice cubes!
Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness, without the refined sugars!
Cocoa Powder: To give this drink its chocolatey flavor, you’ll need cocoa powder. I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder, so that it doesn’t turn out too sweet.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a slightly sweet vanilla touch that perfectly compliments the chocolate.
Cinnamon: I love adding a pinch of cinnamon to this Frozen Hot Chocolate!
Plain Kefir or Non-Dairy Milk: To give this drink its gut-healthy benefits, I recommend using kefir. However if you want to keep this Frozen Hot Chocolate dairy-free, you can also substitute out the kefir for non-dairy milk.
Garnishes: To garnish this Frozen Hot Chocolate, I love adding whipped cream (dairy or non-dairy), chocolate shavings, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

two glasses of the frozen hot chocolate, sitting on a countertop next to a plate with crumbled chocolate — Transfer the frozen hot chocolate to two glasses and top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Three Steps to Making This Frozen Hot Chocolate

To make this frozen hot chocolate, start by adding all of the ingredients, minus the garnishes, to a high-speed blender. Then, blend until the ingredients are smooth and creamy.

Finally, transfer the frozen hot chocolate to two glasses and top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately and enjoy!

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.