• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Tasty Tip
  • Recipes
  • Tutorials
  • Guides
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Tutorials
  • Guides
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Tutorials
    • Guides
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Smoothies & Drinks

    How to Make Chocolate Almond Milk with Cocoa Powder

    Published: May 21, 2019 · Modified: Jul 5, 2023 by Tami McBride · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    Love homemade almond milk? Craving chocolate? Then learn how to make chocolate almond milk with cocoa powder for a refreshing, dairy-free drink.

    Pouring chocolate almond milk with cocoa powder into a glass.

    Sometimes a tall glass of chilled chocolate milk is just what you need to start your day. But if you are avoiding cow’s milk for health reasons, you may fear your chocolate milk days are over.

    Don’t worry. Chocolate almond milk with cocoa powder is the perfect substitute.

    But what about the taste? You may never miss dairy milk when you use unsweetened almond milk in baking. You pour vanilla almond milk on oatmeal or cereal with great results.

    But chocolate milk is another matter. You drink chocolate milk by itself. As a stand-alone treat. Too often the chocolate almond drink from the grocery store has ingredients the health-conscious wish to avoid.

    You need a homemade chocolate almond milk recipe that tastes fabulous. But is still healthy. Then when the chocolate craving hits, you can drink with no guilt.

    In the post you will learn how to make chocolate almond milk without white sugar or any other undesirable additives.

    RELATED: See lots more drinks and smoothies.

    Jump to:
    • What Does Chocolate Almond Milk Taste Like?
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment List
    • How to Make Healthy Chocolate Almond Milk
    • How to Store
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Use Chocolate Almond Milk
    • Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk Nutrition Facts
    • Homemade Chocolate Almond Milk Nutrition Facts
    • Commercial Almond Milk Nutrition Facts
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    What Does Chocolate Almond Milk Taste Like?

    Tall glass container with chocolate almond milk next to a small bowl of raw almonds.

    Homemade chocolate almond milk has a light, yet creamy chocolate flavor.  

    Soaked almonds blend into a rich, smooth texture. Raw cacao powder infuses a deep earthy chocolate flavor. (Unsweetened cocoa powder is an easy substitute for cacao powder.)

    When sweetened with dates or maple syrup, the chocolate milk tastes naturally sweet, rather than sticky, sugary sweet.

    I do not like the taste of store-bought almond milk. It is fine to pour on cereal. But drink it from a cup? No way. You probably feel the same way if you are exploring any homemade nut milk recipe.

    All the almond milks I have tried have a higher water to almond ratio than this recipe. That high water ratio dilutes the flavor.

    Almond milk companies try to remedy the lack of flavor by adding sugar. Sugar does not bring back lost flavor.

    If you are going to learn how to make chocolate almond milk, use a recipe that tastes good. Add more almonds. Do not dilute the flavor. Sweeten naturally.

    Making your own nut milk is a healthier option and a better tasting one too.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for chocolate almond milk, including cocoa powder, almonds, cinnamon sticks, and dates.

    This recipe has no sugar or dairy in it.  It has 4 simple ingredients blended with water and an optional pinch of salt.

    • Almonds. Use whole, unpeeled almonds for the best flavor. Blanched almonds are too devoid of flavor to use in milk.

      Some recipes use almond flour instead of whole almonds. However, it does not give the best flavor to the milk. Avoid that route, if possible.
    • Raw cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder. Note that cocoa powder is heated cacao powder. Cocoa powder can be substituted for cacao powder if desired.
    • Pitted dates, maple syrup, or your sweetener of choice. If you need to limit your sugar intake in any form, skip the sweetener.
    • Dash of cinnamon. Optional spice, but it enhances the chocolate flavor.

    Equipment List

    Healthy chocolate almond milk is one recipe where I highly recommend using specific equipment. It will make your job much easier!

    • Vitamix: For recipe success, you really need a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix or a food processor.

      The Vitamix is a great choice and my go-to blender of choice. I love mine. I have had it for years and expect to own it forever.

      It especially shines when blending an ingredient with a liquid, like water and almonds. I can blend water and almonds in under a minute.

      See more about the benefits of the Vitamix.
    • Nut milk bag. A nut milk bag is a bag made of fine mesh material, like organic cotton. This material allows liquid to pass through, leaving the solid pulp in the bag.

      The reusable bag is often shaped like a cloth pouch with a drawstring closure at the top.

      To use a nut milk bag, place it inside a bowl, pour the blended chocolate almond mixture into the bag. Then squeeze or press the bag to extract the liquid while leaving behind any pulp or solids.

      You can use cheesecloth if you prefer. However, you may need to strain the liquid more than once with cheesecloth.

    How to Make Healthy Chocolate Almond Milk

    Bowl of almonds, bowl of almonds soaking in water, and soaked almonds being drained in a wire colander.

    Soak the Almonds

    • SOAK the almonds 6 to 24 hours (depending on how creamy you want the milk). Use ½ cup of almonds for every 1½ to 2 cups water.
    • DRAIN the almonds.

    Blend the Ingredients

    Vitamix with all the ingredients inside the container before being blended.
    • POUR 2 cups of fresh water into a high-speed blender or food processor. I recommend the Vitamix.
    • ADD the cacao or cocoa powder, almonds, dates (or sweetener of choice), cinnamon, and pinch of sea salt into the blender.
    • BLEND for 1 minute.
    Vitamix with chocolate almond milk ingredients blended up.

    Strain the Milk

    Hands squeezing the almond milk through a nut milk bag.
    • POUR the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to catch the thick pieces. Then pour into a nut milk bag. Or use cheese cloth.
    • SQUEEZE the chocolate milk through the nut milk bag. The almond pulp will stay in the bag. Use the pulp in smoothies or muffins.
    • CHILL for 2 or more hours.
    • ENJOY during any chocolate craving.

    How to Store

    Store the homemade chocolate almond drink in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Use one with a lid if possible to preserve the fresh taste.

    The cacao almond milk will keep for 3 to 4 days. It is best to make small batches so it doesn't go bad before you drink it.

    • 50 Best Recipes Using Melted Chocolate Chips
    • Tablespoon filled with chocolate chips next to an open bag of chocolate chips.
      How Many Chocolate Chips in a Tablespoon? (Depends on chip size)
    • Metal measuring cup filled with chocolate chips.
      How Many Chocolate Chips in a Cup? (standard, mini, jumbo, & chunks)
    • Chocolate chip cookies falling through the air and landing in cookie crumbles.
      25 Best Things to do with Leftover Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can chocolate almond milk be heated?

    This vegan chocolate milk can be heated. Heat it up and drink it as hot chocolate. If you want a thicker hot cocoa, melt some chocolate chips and stir them into the warm milk.

    If the chocolate almond milk simmers for several minutes, it starts to thicken. This is a good choice to start almond milk chocolate pudding.

    Can you freeze chocolate almond milk?

    You can freeze chocolate nut milks. If you make a large batch of chocolate milk and you don’t think you can finish it before it goes bad, freeze part of it.  

    Thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. It will separate a bit so shake it before you drink it.

    You can also freeze the milk in ice cube trays and then use it to make your favorite smoothies. Try it in a chocolate banana smoothie or a chocolate peanut butter smoothie.

    Chocolate milk ice cubes won’t water down your smoothie like regular ice cubes.

    How long does chocolate almond milk last?

    Any nut milk is best used within 3 to 4 days after you make it. It can last a few days longer than that in a pinch.

    However, fresh is always better. So make smaller batches and enjoy fresh more often.

    When it gets bad, you will know it. It curdles, smells, and separates. Do not let it get that far. Small batches are your best friend.

    Is chocolate almond milk dairy free?

    Chocolate almond milk is dairy free. The only exception is recipes calling for milk chocolate. This recipe does not include milk chocolate and so it is completely dairy free.

    Is chocolate almond milk vegan?

    This recipe for chocolate almond milk is vegan. The cocoa powder has no dairy in it. However, beware of recipes that call for blending a chocolate bar into the almond milk. The chocolate bar may have dairy in it.

    Is chocolate almond milk paleo?

    Homemade chocolate almond milk is paleo. Almonds, raw cacao powder, and dates are all paleo ingredients.

    Processed cocoa is cacao powder roasted at high temperatures. Although it can be used in this recipe, choose raw cacao powder instead if you are on a paleo diet.

    Is chocolate almond milk keto?

    This recipe has keto-friendly ingredients, such as almonds and cocoa powder. Be aware of added sweeteners. Dates are a dried fruit high in carbs and not recommended on a keto diet.

    If you are on a keto diet, you can substitute a keto sweetener, such as stevia or xylitol. Instead of the dates, add 1 tablespoon of the sweetener of your choice. Taste and add more until it is as sweet as you like.

    Infographic showing how to make chocolate almond milk with cocoa powder.

    How to Use Chocolate Almond Milk

    Partially filled glass of chocolate almond milk with cocoa powder.
    • Drink chocolate nut milk as a healthy sweet drink. Or use it in any recipe calling for chocolate milk.
    • Try it in hot cocoa, smoothies, and almond milk pudding.
    • Use homemade almond milk in ice cream, pancakes, crepes, and waffles.
    • Serve it with chocolate chip cookies or chocolate chip Bundt cake.

    Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk Nutrition Facts

    Most commercial almond milk has cane sugar unless it is unsweetened. Unsweetened chocolate almond milk does not have any added sugar.

    Commercial almond milk has been fortified with calcium carbonate, potassium citrate, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2, and D-alpha-tocopherol.

    If you make your own chocolate almond milk, you will not have these added minerals. That may be a downside.

    However, store-bought chocolate almond milk contains artificial gums and emulsifiers. These add-ins make the milk thick and creamy. You may see gellan gum and sunflower lecithin on the label.

    Gellan gum is an emulsifier and a vegan thickening agent, artificially made by manufacturers. Its role is to keep the milk from separating.

    Since it is not an ingredient in homemade chocolate almond drink, you may have to shake your milk before pouring a glass.

    Sunflower lecithin plays a similar role as an emulsifier. It keeps the milk from separating. Some people even add it to their homemade almond milk.

    Commercial almond milk has been diluted with more water than this recipe calls for. The ratio of water to almonds is high. This cacao almond milk recipe has a much lower water to almond ratio.

    When you compare the taste of store-bought versus homemade, the taste difference is obvious. However, that difference is also reflected in the nutrition facts.

    Homemade Chocolate Almond Milk Nutrition Facts

    Based on a serving size of 1 cup:

    • 75 calories
    • 9 grams of fat
    • 4 grams of protein
    • 2 grams of fiber
    • 4 grams of carbs

    Keep in mind that this is an estimate only.

    Commercial Almond Milk Nutrition Facts

    Blue Diamond Unsweetened Chocolate Almondmilk has a higher ratio of water to almonds. The nutrition facts reflect this.

    Based on a serving size of 1 cup:

    • 40 calories
    • 3 grams of fat
    • 1 gram of protein
    • <1 gram of fiber
    • 2 grams of carbs

    In addition to almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, and soy milk are all fantastic dairy-free milk alternatives.

    Homemade cacao almond milk plays an important role in a plant-strong diet. Drinking it is a guilt-free way to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

    Recipe

    Pouring chocolate almond milk into a glass.

    Chocolate Almond Milk

    Tami McBride
    Make smooth, rich, creamy chocolate almond milk with cocoa powder for a healthy sweet refreshing drink.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Soak Time 6 hours hrs
    Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Drink
    Servings 4 cups
    Calories 216 kcal

    Equipment

    • Vitamix (or use another high-powered blender or food processor)
    • Nut milk bag

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups of water
    • 1 cup (6 ounces) of raw almonds
    • 3 tablespoons of raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
    • Sweetener of your choice (dates maple syrup, stevia, or xylito
    • ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
    • pinch of salt optional

    Instructions
     

    • SOAK the almonds in water enough water to cover the almonds by at least an inch. Soak at least 6 hours and up to 48 hours. The longer the soak, the creamier the milk. 
    • DRAIN the almonds.
    • POUR the water into the Vitamix or other powerful blender.
    • ADD the cocoa powder, almonds, dates, cinnamon, and salt. 
    • BLEND until completely liquefied, at least 1 or 2 minutes. 
    • TASTE and add more dates if needed.
    • POUR the milk into a nut milk bag (best) or cheesecloth or thin towel if that is all you have. 
    • STRAIN the milk through the nut milk bag and into a storage container.
    • CHILL the chocolate almond milk in an airtight container, preferably a glass milk jug.
    • DUMP the almond pulp out of the nut milk bag. Dry the pulp and use it as you would almond meal.
    • CLEAN your nut milk bag, dry it, and get it ready for your next batch of milk.

    Notes

    • If you forget to soak your almonds the night before, you can boil the almonds in water for 15 minutes to soften them. This makes it easier to blend them. It is also possible to blend the almonds into milk without soaking them if you have a powerful enough blender. The Vitamix is powerful enough and I have made the milk with raw, unsoaked almonds.
    • Nutrition facts do not include a sweetener since various sweeteners can be used.
    All images and content are © TheTastyTip.com. If you want to use this recipe and techniques, please take your own photos, write your own description, and link back to this page. Thank you.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword chocolate almond milk
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Did you like this post? Then let’s be social. FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up with the latest tutorials, favorite recipes, and interesting happenings.

    Chocolate or plain nut milk -- which is your favorite? Comment below and let me know.

    More Smoothies & Drinks

    • smoothie made with blueberries, strawberries, and bananas
      7 Best Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipes
    • glass of cara cara strawberry smoothie with yogurt
      5 Simple Ingredients = Spectacular Strawberry Smoothie with Yogurt
    • glass of strawberry smoothie
      Healthy Strawberry Smoothie Recipe in 5 Minutes
    • Almond milk in a glass on a cloth napkin surrounded by raw almonds.
      Best Homemade Vitamix Almond Milk (Creamy + Smooth)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a comment! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey there, Foodie Friend! I'm Tami and I’ve never set foot in a fancy cooking school. But with a pinch of curiosity, a dash of trial and error, and a few kitchen shenanigans, I’ve created a recipe box full of crowd-pleasers to share with you. And I’m gonna divulge all the savory secrets and clever culinary hacks I’ve learned along the way. If you want your homemade goodies to be ridiculously tasty, grab your whisk, put on your apron, and let’s get started.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Closeup stack of strawberry crinkle cookies on a plate.
      Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe with Cake Mix
    • German chocolate cake mix cookies with coconut pecan frosting upright leaning against each other.
      Easy German Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies w/ Pecan Frosting
    • Three devil's food cake mix cookies leaning against a stack of cookies.
      Easy Triple Chocolate Devil's Food Cake Mix Cookies
    • Bowl filled with spice cake mix cookies.
      Easy Spice Cake Mix Cookies with Pumpkin Spice Glaze

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About The Tasty Tip
    • Privacy Policy
    • Nutrition Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Tasty Tip

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    SettingsAccept
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT