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The best milk for hot chocolate

By Chocolate Drink Recipes editors · Updated · How we test

Milk makes up most of your mug, so it matters. Here’s how the common choices compare.

Milk (1 cup) Creaminess Calories Notes
Whole milk ★★★★★ 149 The classic: rich and smooth
2% milk ★★★★ 122 Slightly lighter, still creamy
Skim ★★ about 85 Thin; add a little chocolate
Oat milk ★★★★ about 120 Best dairy-free; naturally sweet
Soy milk ★★★ about 80-100 Most protein of the plant milks
Almond milk ★★ about 40 Thin; nutty flavor
Canned coconut milk ★★★★★ very high Use ¼ cup mixed with another milk

Tips

  • Barista-style plant milks froth and heat best.
  • Don’t boil dairy or plant milk: it can scorch or separate.
  • For extra richness, replace a few tablespoons of milk with cream.

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