Black bean hot chocolate might sound like an unusual combination, but Rip Esselstyn is making a pretty convincing case for it.
This Black Bean Hot Chocolate takes a familiar, comforting drink and gives it a whole-food twist. Instead of relying on a traditional hot chocolate mix, it combines black beans, unsweetened cocoa powder, Plant Strong Oat Milk, and a little natural sweetness.
The result is a rich, creamy chocolate drink with a surprising nutritional bonus. The beans contribute fiber, protein, and several important minerals, while cocoa brings that deep chocolate flavor we all love.
And if you're wondering whether your hot chocolate will taste like beans, that's the best part. When blended thoroughly, the black beans become surprisingly subtle beneath the cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Why Make Black Bean Hot Chocolate?
Black beans might not be the first ingredient you reach for when making hot chocolate, but they actually make a lot of sense.
Cooked black beans have a relatively mild flavor and a soft, creamy texture. When blended with liquid, they help create a thicker, smoother consistency without requiring cream or a large amount of added fat.
They're also naturally rich in fiber and provide protein, two nutrients you wouldn't typically associate with a mug of hot chocolate.
The key is blending everything thoroughly. You want the beans to disappear into the drink, leaving behind a creamy texture rather than noticeable pieces.
For an especially smooth result, you can strain the mixture before warming it.
A Hot Chocolate with Fiber, Protein, and More
One of the biggest differences between this healthy hot chocolate recipe and a conventional hot cocoa mix is the addition of black beans.
Black beans provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, along with protein and nutrients including folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Fiber supports digestive health and helps nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut. It also plays an important role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels and blood sugar regulation.
Then there's the cocoa powder.
Unsweetened cocoa contains naturally occurring polyphenols, including flavanols, that have been studied for their effects on cardiovascular health. Cocoa also contributes minerals such as magnesium and iron.
Together, the beans and cocoa bring more nutritional variety to this chocolate drink than you might expect.
Of course, this doesn't make hot chocolate a replacement for a balanced meal. It simply shows how an unexpected whole-food ingredient can add nutrition to something you already enjoy.
Naturally Sweetened with Dates or Maple Syrup
You have two options for sweetening this black bean hot chocolate: maple syrup or dates.
Maple syrup is the simplest option. It dissolves easily into the warm mixture and lets you adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Dates are another great choice, especially if you prefer using whole fruit for sweetness. They also contribute small amounts of fiber and minerals.
Because dates need to be blended completely, soft varieties work best. If yours are firm or dry, soak them briefly in warm water before blending.
Neither option needs to overpower the chocolate. Start with the suggested amount, taste, and adjust as needed.
How to Make Creamy Hot Chocolate Without Dairy
The secret to this dairy-free hot chocolate is a combination of thorough blending and gentle heating.
Plant Strong Oat Milk provides a creamy liquid base (although you could use any of our plant milks), while the black beans add body and thickness.
Blend the ingredients until completely smooth before transferring them to the stove. Then warm the mixture gently over medium-low heat, stirring as it heats.
Avoid boiling, which can cause the mixture to thicken further and may affect its texture.
If the finished drink is too thick, simply add another splash of Oat Milk.
A little vanilla and cinnamon round out the flavor, giving you that familiar, comforting hot chocolate experience.
A Cozy Chocolate Treat with a Whole-Food Twist
This recipe is a reminder that eating more whole foods doesn't have to mean giving up familiar favorites.
Sometimes it just means getting creative with the ingredients.
Whether you choose maple syrup or dates, make your hot chocolate extra thick, or add more milk for a lighter consistency, there's plenty of room to make it your own.
And the next time someone tells you black beans don't belong in hot chocolate, you might just have to make them a mug.
The Secret to Creamier Hot Chocolate
Plant Strong Unsweetened Oat Milk brings smooth, creamy texture to this cozy hot chocolate and all your favorite recipes, with simple, wholesome ingredients.
