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A cup filled with smooth, glossy, deep-brown hot chocolate, its surface plain and free of toppings.
●Low GI

Plain hot chocolate Calories

Hot chocolate made with milk and cocoa, no added sugar.

In season: Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

60kcal

GI

40low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

120mg

FIBER · 100 G

1.2g

Quick answer

1 cup (medium) of Plain hot chocolate (240 g) has 144 calories. That works out to 60 calories per 100 g. It contains 18 g of carbs, 6.5 g of protein, 5 g of fat and 2.9 g of fiber. Its 0.6 µg of B12 covers 25% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 40 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Plain hot chocolate Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 240 g

144

KCAL / 240G

Carbs

18g

· 7% DV

Protein

6.5g

· 13% DV

Fat

5g

· 6% DV

Fiber

2.9g

· 10% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 50% · Protein 18% · Fat 32%

Plain hot chocolate nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (240 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories144 kcal
Total fat5 g6%
Saturated fat2.88 g14%
Trans fat0.05 g
Sodium96 mg4%
Total carbohydrate18 g7%
Fiber2.9 g10%
Protein6.5 g13%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Plain hot chocolate?

ServingAmountCalories
1 cup (medium)240 g144 kcal
100 g100 g60 kcal
1 piece (small)120 g72 kcal
1 cup (small)180 g108 kcal
1 serving (medium)200 g120 kcal
1 piece (medium)240 g144 kcal
1 serving (large)300 g180 kcal
1 cup (large)350 g210 kcal
1 piece (large)350 g210 kcal

Calculated from 60 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plain hot chocolate

How do you make plain hot chocolate?

Make plain hot chocolate by warming milk and whisking in cocoa powder until smooth. This version has no added sugar. Mixing the cocoa with a small splash of warm milk first helps prevent lumps before you add the rest.

What is the difference between plain hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

Plain hot chocolate is often made with milk and cocoa powder, while hot cocoa commonly refers to cocoa mixed with milk or water and a sweetener. The names are used differently across recipes and regions, so the distinction is not always strict.

Does plain hot chocolate contain sugar?

Plain hot chocolate has no added sugar, but the milk contains naturally occurring lactose, a type of sugar. Adding sugar, honey, or another sweetener will make the drink sweeter, but it will no longer be free of added sugar.

Does plain hot chocolate have caffeine?

Yes, plain hot chocolate contains some caffeine from cocoa, as well as theobromine, another naturally occurring stimulant. It usually has less caffeine than coffee, but the amount depends on how much cocoa is used.

Can you drink plain hot chocolate before bed?

Yes, you can drink plain hot chocolate before bed, but cocoa’s caffeine and theobromine may make it harder for some people to fall asleep. If you notice an effect on your sleep, have it earlier or use less cocoa.

Can you make plain hot chocolate with water instead of milk?

Yes, you can make plain hot chocolate with water, although this version is less creamy and full-bodied than one made with milk. For a smooth drink, first stir the cocoa into a little warm water, then add the remaining liquid.

How do you sweeten plain hot chocolate?

You can sweeten plain hot chocolate with sugar, honey, or a sweetener of your choice. Add a little at a time while the drink is warm and stir well, so you can balance the sweetness without masking the cocoa flavor.

How do you keep plain hot chocolate from getting lumpy?

To keep plain hot chocolate smooth, mix the cocoa powder with a small amount of warm milk into a paste before adding the rest. Whisk as you pour in the milk; tipping dry cocoa straight into hot liquid can leave lumps.

Can children drink plain hot chocolate?

Yes, children can drink plain hot chocolate, but cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine, so it is better not to serve it frequently or close to bedtime. Let it cool before serving, and keep added sweeteners modest.

Does plain hot chocolate keep you full?

Plain hot chocolate made with milk can be more filling than cocoa mixed with water, but it usually does not replace a meal. If you want a more substantial snack, have it with a food that provides protein and fibre.

Plain hot chocolate Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.6µg · 25% DV

B2

0.29mg · 22% DV

B5

0.84mg · 17% DV

Biotin

4.8µg · 16% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

168mg · 24% DV

Calcium

216mg · 22% DV

Copper

0.17mg · 19% DV

Iodine

17µg · 11% DV

Potassium ⭐

288mg · 8% DV

Sodium

96mg · 4% DV

Plain hot chocolate Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

40
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

14.4
Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Plain hot chocolate

To burn the 144 calories in 1 cup (medium) (240 g):

🚶

36min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

15min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

20min

Cycling

🏊

17min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Plain hot chocolate?

Plain hot chocolate is a warm drink made by mixing cocoa with milk, with no added sugar. Cacao drinks have roots in the Americas, while the milk-based version is now enjoyed around the world. The flavour is rich and cocoa-forward, with a smooth texture that depends on the milk and how much cocoa is used. It makes a cosy drink on its own or alongside biscuits, toast or a lightly flavoured pastry.

Milk provides some protein and gives the drink its creamy body; without added sugar, it is less sweet than many café-style hot chocolates. Adjust the taste to your preference, or use more milk for a milder cup.

How Nutritious Is Plain hot chocolate?

Nutrient density

Medium

35/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

44/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Plain hot chocolate Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Plain hot chocolate Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free
Dairy yes
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Plain hot chocolate Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

— Not suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Plain hot chocolate Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.88g

MONOUNSATURATED

1.44g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.36g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 3.5:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.