
Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate (GF/DF/Paleo)
I love a cozy cup of hot chocolate. My version has warm coconut milk, a dash of peppermint and a scoop of collagen powder which makes it not only delicious but deeply satisfying. Chocolate and peppermint is my favorite combination. This Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate tastes like the real thing but has ZERO sugars, ZERO artificial flavors, and ZERO dairy but is secretly loaded with 20 grams of skin, joint and immune boosting collagen protein.
Ingredients
Now this makes a big difference. I have tried all kinds of combinations of things until I came up with my absolute favorite. Here is what you will need:
- Soy Delicious Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk
- Primal Kitchen Chocolate Coconut Collagen Fuel
- Organic Cacao Powder
- DoTerra Peppermint Essential Oil (click here)
Health Benefits of Collagen
So that’s the deal with collagen anyway? Is it really that good for you?
Yup. Sure is. It’s easy to digest and good for your hair, nails, joints, skin and immune system. You can read all about the health benefits of collagen and the brands I recommend here.
Health Benefits of Cocoa
Did you know cocoa (the main ingredient in chocolate) is good for your heart and brain? Or that it has more antioxidants than blueberries? It’s totally part of a healthy diet if you know how to choose the right kind. You can learn all about the health benefits of chocolate and a list of some of the paleo and vegan friendly brands that I use here.
Otherwise, for this recipe just look for an organic cacao powder. I get mine at costco (just make sure it’s not dutch processed because that removes the majority of the antioxidants.)
Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
- Can ease digestive upset in children and adults
- Can reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer
- Acts as a muscle relaxer and pain reliever and may ease tension headaches (one study found topical peppermint oil as effective as acetaminophen for headaches)
- Freshens breath
- Can help relieve clogged sinuses
- Can improve energy and relieve daytime fatigue
- Peppermint oil can ease menstrual cramping
- It’s anti-bacterial properties help to fight infections
- Can help you relax before bedtime
- May relieve seasonal allergies
- May improve concentration
I use DoTerra Peppermint Essential Oil which is a Therapeutic Grade oil, meaning it is safe for ingestion. Make sure that you are using essential oils that say “Therapeutic Grade” on the bottle before adding it to any food or drinks. Some oils have fillers that are not safe for ingestion and are not pure oils. They smell good, but they are not healthy. Know what you are buying. There are other good brands out there, I just trust DoTerra. You can check it out here if interested in learning more.
Okay, ready to try it?

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocoalte
Ingredients
- 2 cups So Delicious Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk Or other milk alternative
- 2 scoops Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel in Chocolate Coconut
- 2 tbs organic cacao powder
- 1 drop peppermint essential oil or 1/4tsp peppermint extract
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil over the stove or in the microwave until hot.
- Place in the blender with the remaining ingredients and pulse until smooth (make sure your blender has a lid with a vent for blending hot foods.)
- Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!
Notes

References
Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2016. A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms.
Pediatrics. 2017. Herbal Medicines for Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
Ecancermedicalscience. 2013. Antiemetic activity of volatile oil from Mentha spicata and Mentha ร piperita in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Phytotherapy Research. 2006. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.).
Der Nervenzart. 1996. [Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type].
International Journal of Pyschopysiology. 2005. Preliminary investigation of the effect of peppermint oil on an objective measure of daytime sleepiness.
Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2001. Effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) extracts on experimental allergic rhinitis in rats.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2014. Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
International Journal of Neuroscience. 2008. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang.
Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2004. Extract of Perilla frutescens enriched for rosmarinic acid, a polyphenolic phytochemical, inhibits seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in humans.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2013. Effect of acute peppermint oil administration on gastric sensorimotor function and nutrient tolerance in health.

