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There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a mug of hot cocoa….unless you are diabetic. Or insulin resistant. And then cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate isn’t the typical cozy at all. It’s more like… put-you-in-a-coma “cozy.” But have no fear! I have a couple of alternatives that are just as tasty as the regular stuff that won’t spike your blood sugar…maybe even better!
Hot Chocolate Alternative 1: LMNT
What is LMNT?
A tasty electrolyte drink mix that is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and is perfectly suited to folks fasting or following low-carb, whole food diets.
My Experience with LMNT
I have been drinking LMNT since 2022 and in some ways feel that it has been life changing for me. I GUZZLED so much water during my pregnancies but was still dehydrated! I started drinking zero sugar gatorade and it HELPED, but still didn’t feel sustainable. I was introduced to LMNT a couple years later and have been one salty lass every since.
The “cold” salty packs are great, I drink 1-2 of those a day, but their chocolate varieties are my FAVORITE in the winter! I can have hot chocolate with my family without passing out on the couch 20 minutes later from mass amounts of sugar entering my blood stream.
My favorite is the chocolate caramel, mixed with a little bit of heavy cream or coconut coffee creamer! Just note if you are adding coffee creamer, there may be added sugars. Something to be aware of if you are wanting to keep this strictly keto/low carb!
How to Get LMNT:
- Shop their site and get a free mini variety pack with the purchase of a full box
- Chocolate Variety Pack (Limited Edition) on Amazon
- Chocolate Caramel LMNT on Amazon
- Start small and try the 3-pack from Target!
Keto Hot Cocoa Option 2: Instant Koko Samoa
Oh this stuff is dynamite. Not as good as fresh Koko Samoa, but pretty darn close.
What is Koko Samoa?
Koko Samoa is a traditional drink is the island nation of Samoa; in fact, it is considered a national drink! It is very much so a part of the island culture and lifestyle. Made from cacao pods, the beans are cleaned and sun-dried for storage, then roasted and ground into a paste-like substance. The paste is mixed with water, boiled, and then sweetened to taste, usually with raw sugar. This bittersweet dark chocolate drink has the most amazing depth to it; roasty and smokey, but rich and sweet (when sweetened). Truthfully, I prefer it unsweetened! While I am not a coffee drinker, I imagine the taste of unsweetened Koko to be similar to strong black coffee.
I was first introduced to Koko Samoa by my “palangi” husband; he lived in Samoa for a couple of years while on a proselyting mission for our church. I was so impressed by the flavor (and smell) of Koko! I was also interested in the many ways it can be used: brownies, coconut sweet rolls, and Koko Araisa (sweet coconut koko rice). We tried it out in banana bread too, and it is a winner!
Where to buy Koko Samoa
Koko Samoa can sometimes be found in your local Asian market; while we lived in the state of Utah, there was actually a Polynesian market where we were able to buy “bricks!” It can sometimes be hard to find, especially when it isn’t prime Koko season. The Koko Samoa and Amazon have some good options, too! The process of making Koko Samoa from the brick can be somewhat labor intensive, but instant Koko is SO easy to make. While we feel it isn’t quite as smokey as fresh Koko, it definitely gets the Silver medal: we are totally hooked! We love that it is on Amazon!
Watch How to Make Koko Samoa
How to Make ICED Koko Samoa
Helpful Tools for Serving Low Carb Hot Chocolate
- A pebble ice maker for making “iced” hot chocolate
- Frother (I’ve had this model for 8+ years…it’s GREAT)
- Electric kettle
Do you have a favorite low/no sugar hot chocolate recipe or alternative? Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear more!
Sweetly Petite 
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