Way better than Nestle’s and way cheaper than buying a jug of chocolate milk at the store.

Homemade Chocolate Milk- The Ingredients

1 cup milk (whole milk for extra creaminess, but any kind works!)
1 Tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder (cocoa powder is more common, but cacao powder offers a more intense chocolate flavor. Cacao powder also boasts more antioxidants and minerals because it is less processed.)
Maple Syrup (to taste! Real maple syrup is key, ditch the corn syrup imitations)
Pinch of sea salt (optional, but it really enhances the chocolate flavor. It also enhances hydration due to the minerals present in sea salt)

Tip: Want to make a bigger batch? Just multiply the recipe! This recipe easily scales up for a crowd.

The Perks of Going Homemade

Save Money: This recipe is a fraction of the cost of store-bought chocolate milk.
Control the Ingredients: You know exactly what goes into your drink. No mystery ingredients, artificial flavors, or corn syrup here!
Customize It! Want it extra chocolaty? Add more cocoa powder! Prefer it less sweet? Use less maple syrup.
Less Waste: No more bulky cartons taking up space in your fridge.

Health Benefits of Each Ingredient, Broken Down:

Whole Milk

Strong bones: Rich in nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, potassium and B vitamins, whole milk helps build strong bones and teeth.
Reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease: Thanks to the essential fatty acids found in whole milk.
Healthier muscles: Whole milk is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Proteins are the building block of life, so consuming them helps your body build and repair itself. Drinking milk is associated with a greater total body muscle mass.

Maximizing the Benefits: Buy organic, A2 A2 milk if possible to make it more digestible and increase the nutritional contents.

Cacao Powder

Anti Inflammatory: Cacao powder is a champion of antioxidants, particularly flavanols, which combat cell damage and may reduce inflammation, help improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure.
Minerals: It’s a good source of minerals like magnesium, essential for muscle and nerve function, iron for healthy red blood cells, and calcium for strong bones.

Maximizing the Benefits: Look for non-alkalized cacao powder to retain the most nutrients. Pair it with healthy fats like nuts or seeds to enhance absorption of antioxidants.

Maple Syrup

Antioxidants: Maple syrup contains antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases (WebMD). Darker grades, like Grade B, have more antioxidants.
Minerals: It’s a source of minerals like manganese and zinc, which play a role in metabolism, immunity, and bone health [(https://mainemapleproducers.com/about/).
Maximize the benefits: But organic, real maple syrup. None of the imitation corn syrup stuff

Sea Salt

Contains minerals which are important for hydration and nutrition. Helps regulate flood balance and blood pressure

If you make this chocolate milk, leave a review below to let me know what you think!

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder
Maple Syrup*
Pinch sea salt optional

Instructions

Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, sea salt, and 1/2 the milk to your glass. Mix with a milk frother, fork, whisk or spoon. Pour in the rest of your milk and stir. Enjoy

Notes

*Use a good quality, real maple syrup. Nothing with corn syrup. We get the big jug from Costco. Add to your taste. I usually add 1 to 2 Tablespoons

If you’re making a big batch, you can make it directly in the pitcher or jug you’ll store it in.

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