Combine 4 simple ingredients to make lower-sugar homemade Chocolate Milk that’s creamy and so super delicious. Plus: You don’t need any fancy tools to make it!
Homemade Chocolate Milk
There’s something so satisfying about a glass of chocolate milk, and while I admit that I totally balked at the idea of giving kids flavored milk when I was a new mom, I’ve since come to realize a few things. Like the fact that some kids like more flavor and dislike plain milk.
And while kids don’t necessarily need to drink milk, it’s a nice option to have since it’s rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. Also, once kids go to school, they will very likely have the option to choose chocolate milk, so I prefer to continue to normalize it (instead of fully restricting it, which can make it more appealing).
I don’t make this type of flavored milk often, but I do it sometimes because my middle kiddo adores it and it’s a fun snack.
We are using basic pantry staples here, so no chocolate syrup required.
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Ingredients You Need
To make this flavored milk you’ll need the following ingredients.
- Milk: You can really use any type you prefer. I usually use whole milk or unsweetened plain nondairy milk such as soy milk, almond milk, or any other plant milk.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brands such as Hershey’s Special Dark, SACO, or Trader Joe’s store brand have nice flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: This adds another flavor element for deliciousness.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup blends in easily with the rest of the ingredients. You can also use honey for kids over age 1. Feel free to adjust the sweetness as you like.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use a favorite nondairy milk.
- You can use cacao powder if you prefer.
- Use alcohol-free vanilla if desired.
- Trade in honey for the maple syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is so super quick and easy. Here’s the basic method. Scroll down to the recipe to find the full information.
- Place the ingredients into a mason jar.
- Shake well to incorporate the ingredients and remove any lumps from the cocoa powder.
- Serve. If there are little undissolved bits of cocoa powder, you can strain it through a little fine-mesh strainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Just put a lid on the jar and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir it right before serving since some of the cocoa powder will sink to the bottom of the milk.
You can add the ingredients to a blender with a ripe banana to make a really yummy chocolate banana milk.
This chocolate milk recipe has calcium, protein, and vitamin D and has less sugar than store-bought. It’s a great option for a drink or snack.
How to Store
You can store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Shake or stir before serving if the mixture has separated at all.
Best Tips for Success
- Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
- You can try using less sweetener. I find that this amount works best to balance the cocoa powder, but you may feel differently, so taste and adjust.
- You can also make this in a blender if you prefer.
- Make more or less according to your preference.
- Find more on the Best Milk for Toddlers for help choosing a type.
- Try my other Flavored Milks, too.
Related Recipes
Snacks
Best Banana Milk
Snacks
Favorite Strawberry Milk
Snacks
Best Vanilla Milk
Smoothie Recipes
Favorite Yogurt Drinks
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please rate and comment below.
Best Homemade Chocolate Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole milk dairy or plain unsweetened nondairy)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a pint-size mason jar. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Let sit for a few seconds so the bubbles disperse. Serve. If there seem to be small bits of undissolved cocoa powder, you can pour it through a fine-mesh strainer (the small kind meant for tea works well if you have one).
Notes
- You can store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Shake or stir before serving.
- Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup.
- You can try using less sweetener. I find that this amount works best to balance the cocoa powder, but you may feel differently, so taste and adjust.
- You can also make this in a blender if you prefer.
- Make more or less according to your preference.
Nutrition
This post was first published August 2020.
Great chocolate milk recipe. I definitely suggest using a blender to get all the cocoa powder mixed. I’ve been craving chocolate milk my whole pregnancy and finally decided to make it from scratch because the ones from the store have all sorts of not so good ingredients.
I’m glad to hear that!
This recipe made a lovely chocolate milk. I really needed this as I haven’t been able to find a commercial pre-made chocolate milk (or syrup) nearby that doesn’t have carrageenan or other “weird” or “carcinogenic” ingredients. They are out there but not near me. Thank you
I make this all the time at home! It’s so easy with an immersion blender. It’s not too sweet and stores well!
This is so good! A fun activity with my kids, letting them add the ingredients! Yum!
Hi, Amy.
So here’s the trick:
If you wanna get rid of the “small bits of undissolved cocoa powder”, you can solve cocoa powder in a little bit of warm water.
And then, you can:
1. Add all ingredients to a pint-size mason jar. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
2. Let sit for a few seconds so the bubbles disperse. Serve.
Problem Solved.
Amazing! My littles love it and actually even us adults have enjoyed it too!
10/10 recommend. Was craving some chocolate milk, made this recipe with oatmeal. Tasted amazing .
Delish! It’s affordable to make and takes less than two minutes if you use a blender! I recommend using whole milk so you get more of a smooth texture, or a 2% lactose free! Would recommend!!
This chocolate milk is fantastic. I’ve made is about 10 times for the kids…and me 🙂
I used my immersion blender, and it got rid of all of the cocoa powder lumps. Didn’t even need to strain it.
Works great as hot chocolate.
Is there a reason it is only good for 24 hours? I’d love to make a batch for the week ….any thoughts ??
Love your recipes thanks for all you do!!!
Ah, I should clarify that. It is fine stored longer, you will just need to shake it as the cocoa often settles to the bottom. If it’s in an airtight container, you should be good!
This was so good! I wanted to find a cleaner, homemade version of chocolate milk that didn’t have refined sugar in it and this tastes sooo good! My 4 yr old and I loved it.
I’m so glad to hear that!