Little Brainiac’s Ultra Creamy Homemade, Healthy Chocolate Milk (dairy-free, gluten-free)

Looking for a homemade chocolate milk packed with nutrition? You’ll find that in this ultra-creamy, healthy chocolate milk recipe that kids and adults of all ages love.

I call this “little braniac” because that has always been my goal for my son, even though he’s 5 now and pretty clear about what he will and won’t eat.

But my intentions were good. Picture a tiny genius in a high chair, wearing a bib that says Future Scientist, gripping a sippy cup filled with creamy chocolate milk made with cocoa powder.

With one thoughtful sip, your toddler nods approvingly… Eureka! You’ve finally made a homemade chocolate milk they will actually drink!

Or maybe it will look something like this…

This is pretty much what happened when I served this to my son at this age… (and I’m still not ready to talk about the chocolate avocado pudding fiasco of 2020!)

I have been making this chocolate milk made with cocoa powder for over a decade! I first created this recipe for a cooking class I was invited to teach at a local high school. And even all these years later, I love how simple the ingredients are.

And there’s even a secret ingredient hiding in this ultra-creamy, nutrient-packed homemade, healthy chocolate milk. Yep, the humble avocado transforms your typical watery chocolate milk into a velvety delight packed with brain-boosting fats, fiber, and vitamins. And the best part? If you have a picky eater, they’ll never suspect a thing.

So whether you’re fuelling little future brainiacs or big brains, enjoy this guilt-free chocolate milk any day of the week.

Nutritional Benefits of Avocado

What makes this homemade chocolate milk recipe special is the secret ingredient: avocado. That’s right, avocadoes aren’t just for toast and guac!

In this chocolate milk recipe, avocado adds incredible creaminess and gives this homemade chocolate milk a powerful nutritional boost without any detectable flavour.(Aytime I can get some extra vitamins and minerals into my son, I will!). It also helps make this healthy chocolate milk recipe dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

Here are some reasons I love avocados:

• One medium avocado contains approximately 21 grams of healthy fats. These are primarily monounsaturated fat, the heart-healthy kind, and like all fats, they help stabilize blood sugar.
• One medium avocado offers about 10 grams of fibre. This can help support your kiddo’s digestive health.
• Avocadoes are rich in vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, and several B vitamins.
• Finally, one medium avocado provides about 690mg of potassium. That means it’s higher in potassium than a banana!

The combination of healthy fats and fibre helps to slow sugar absorption. This helps make this healthy chocolate milk a more balanced treat that won’t cause dramatic blood sugar spikes.

Carob Powder vs. Cocoa Powder in this Healthy Chocolate Milk

If you’re debating between carob powder vs cocoa powder, here’s what you need to know:

• Cocoa powder naturally contains caffeine and theobromine. Carob, however, is caffeine-free, making it a great choice for children and those sensitive to stimulants.
• Cocoa has a rich, slightly bitter chocolate flavor, while carob is naturally sweeter with a milder taste.
• Cocoa powder comes from roasted cocoa beans, while carob powder comes from the pods of the carob tree.
• Carob contains less fat than cocoa but is higher in natural sugars. Cocoa is richer in antioxidants called flavonoids.

For a caffeine-free version of this Little Brainiac’s chocolate milk, simply substitute an equal amount of carob powder for the cocoa powder.

Your info is safe with me. I will guard it with my life and promise no spam, ever. I genuinely hate it as much as you do!

How to Store Cocoa Powder or Carob Powder

To maintain the freshness and flavour of your cocoa or carob powder, follow these storage tips.

• Keep it dry. Moisture is cocoa powder’s worst enemy, causing clumping and potential mold growth.
• Store in a cool, dark place. Keep cocoa powder in a pantry away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Use an airtight container. Transfer cocoa powder from its original packaging to an airtight container if needed.
• Avoid refrigeration. The humidity in the refrigerator can cause cocoa powder to absorb moisture.

If you’re wondering how to store cocoa powder for long-term freshness, these steps will help ensure your cocoa powder stays flavourful for up to two years. That said, it’s best used within one year for optimal quality.

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Milk Made with Cocoa Powder

Is Cocoa Powder Gluten-Free?

If you’ve wondered, “is cocoa powder gluten free?”, the answer is yes!

Pure, unsweetened cocoa powder is naturally gluten-free because it comes from cocoa beans.

However, it’s always good to keep these precautions in mind.

• Check your labels. Some commercial cocoa mixes contain additives that may include gluten.
• Beware of cross-contamination. This is common when multiple products are processed in a shared factory and/or on shared equipment where gluten and/or wheat ingredients are being used. This can inadvertently introduce traces of gluten into the final product.
• Be cautious of Dutch-processed cocoa. While rare, some alkalizing agents used in Dutch processing could introduce gluten into your cocoa powder.

If you have Celiac disease or you’re gluten-sensitive, look for certified gluten-free cocoa powder or contact the manufacturer directly.

Can You Freeze Chocolate Milk?

If you’re wondering if you can freeze chocolate milk, the answer is a resounding yes. However, there are a few things to consider. For example:

• Upon thawing, some separation may occur. Simply blend or shake vigorously to recombine.
• If you have leftover healthy, homemade chocolate milk, pour it into ice cube trays for convenient serving sizes. You can also freeze it in a large Mason jar or other glass container, but be sure to leave a few inches of headspace. (I have learned this the hard way over the years!)
• For best results, consume this frozen homemade chocolate milk within 1-2 months.

The next time you’re craving chocolate milk, skip the store-bought versions loaded with refined sugars and artificial ingredients.

Instead, whip up a batch of this healthy, homemade chocolate milk for a delicious treat that delivers impressive nutrition alongside that chocolate flavour that children (and my inner child!) always love.

Life is a plate… Eat up!

Ashleigh

More Chocolate Recipes

• Easy Chocolate Energy Balls (kid-friendly, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan)
• Creamier Healthy Spiced Frozen Hot Chocolate (dairy-free, paleo & vegan)
• Healthy Peppermint Patties (no added sugar, gluten-free, vegan)