Bone Broth Hot Chocolate: Gut-Healing & Anti-Inflammatory

Bone broth has been a daily part of my healing routine. It supports my gut lining, calms inflammation, and helps with joint mobility as I navigate Ankylosing Spondylitis. But drinking the same warm cup every day can get a little repetitive, so last month I decided to experiment. That’s when I tried something I never thought I’d love: bone broth hot chocolate.

^{This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I will only recommend products that I regularly use and love!}

I know, it sounds strange. I was skeptical too. But when you blend rich cacao powder, a little cacao butter, coconut cream, and a touch of maple with high-quality bone broth, something magical happens. It turns into the creamiest, dark chocolate drink and it’s packed with gut-healing, anti-inflammatory benefits.

Now I look forward to it every evening. It’s comforting, nourishing, and tastes like a decadent dark hot chocolate but with the added benefits of amino acids, collagen, and minerals from the bone broth.

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious way to support your gut health, calm inflammation, or add more nutrient density to your daily routine, this bone broth hot chocolate recipe might surprise you the same way it surprised me. And if you’re interested in learning how to lower inflammation through diet, you might also love my post on anti-inflammatory eating and the simple swaps that made a huge difference for my healing.

Benefits of this Gut-Healing Bone Broth Hot Chocolate:

This nourishing beverage brings together powerful healing ingredients:

Organic Bone Broth

Bone broth is rich in amino acids like glutamine and glycine, collagen, and minerals that support gut lining repair, reduce inflammation, soothe digestion, and promote joint mobility.

Cacao Butter

A nourishing healthy fat that helps stabilize blood sugar and provide antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It also makes the drink incredibly creamy.

Cacao Powder

Unlike processed cocoa, cacao is packed with polyphenols, magnesium, antioxidants, and mood-boosting compounds. It gives the drink that rich dark chocolate flavor while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.

Maple Syrup

A natural sweetener with minerals like magnesium and zinc. It adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the deep cacao flavor.

If you love nourishing drink recipes like this, you may also enjoy my other healing drinks:
• Immune-Boosting Blue Spirulina Juice
• Anti-Inflammatory Matcha Latte

What You’ll Need to Make this Gut-Healing, Anti-Inflammatory Drink:

I always recommend choosing organic ingredients whenever possible. You can read more about why this matters so much in an anti-inflammatory diet here.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bone Broth (¾ cup):

Quality matters so much here. Choose an organic bone broth with no additives, preservatives, or natural flavors. I use poultry bone broth, usually chicken or turkey. My favorites are:
• My homemade bone broth (recipe here)
• Kettle & Fire Organic Classic Chicken Bone Broth
• Bonafide Provisions Organic Chicken Bone Broth

Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream + Cashew Milk (¾ cup):

I love using a blend of coconut and cashew for the creamiest texture. Look for brands without added sweeteners, emulsifiers, or gums.

Cacao Butter (2 tbsp)

Adds richness, creaminess, and healthy fats. I love using the Navitas Organic Cacao Butter (~4 wafers)

Cacao Powder (3–4 tbsp)

Adjust based on how dark you like your hot chocolate. The Navitas Organic Cacao Powder is my go-to.

Maple Syrup (3 tbsp)

Feel free to start with less and adjust to taste.

Optional: A splash of vanilla

How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate:

You can make this in the microwave or on the stove, but I highly recommend the stovetop because the flavors come together beautifully and you can control the temperature.

Stovetop Method

1. In a small saucepan, combine the bone broth, coconut milk/cream, and cacao butter.
2. Warm over medium-low heat until the cacao butter has fully melted.
3. Whisk in the cacao powder, maple syrup, and vanilla.
4. Let it lightly simmer for 1–2 minutes, or until everything is smooth and creamy and the drink reaches your preferred temperature.
   (I love using my electric frother at the end to fully incorporate the cacao powder and make it extra silky.)

Microwave Method

1. Heat the bone broth and milk/cream together.
2. Stir in the cacao butter until melted.
3. Add cacao powder, maple syrup, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

FAQ & Tips for Making Bone Broth Hot Chocolate:

Does bone broth hot chocolate taste like bone broth?

Surprisingly, no! When you blend bone broth with rich cacao powder, cacao butter, coconut cream, and a little maple syrup, the flavor transforms completely. It tastes like a dark, deeply chocolatey hot cocoa—not like sipping broth. The key is using high-quality organic bone broth and enough cacao to balance the savory notes. Most people would never guess bone broth is in it unless you told them!

Can you use beef bone broth instead of chicken bone broth?

Yes, you can use beef bone broth, but the flavor will be slightly stronger and more savory. For the most classic hot chocolate taste, I recommend organic chicken bone broth, which has a lighter flavor and blends beautifully into the cacao. If you do use beef broth, choose a mild, clean ingredient brand and add a little extra maple or cream to balance the flavor.

Can I make this recipe without cacao butter?

Yes! The cacao butter gives this drink its rich, velvety taste, but you can absolutely make the recipe without it. The hot chocolate will be slightly less creamy, so if you skip the cacao butter, I recommend adding a little extra coconut cream or cashew cream to keep the texture silky and smooth.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder, and what’s the difference?

You can use cocoa powder in a pinch, but for the healing benefits this recipe is designed to support, I highly recommend sticking with raw cacao powder.

Cacao is minimally processed and retains far more of its naturally occurring antioxidants, minerals (especially magnesium), and anti-inflammatory compounds. It gives this drink that deep, rich dark chocolate flavor and contributes to its gut-healing, nutrient-dense profile.

Cocoa powder, especially Dutch-processed cocoa, is heated at higher temperatures and alkalized, which reduces the antioxidant content and removes many of the healing properties that make cacao so beneficial. It will still give you a chocolate flavor, but without the same nourishment.

So while cocoa works as a substitute, cacao powder is the best choice if you’re sipping this for gut health, inflammation support, or overall healing.

Can I drink bone broth hot chocolate every day?

Yes, you can enjoy it daily, just like you would a daily cup of bone broth. In fact, I personally drink it most evenings as part of my healing routine. Because it’s loaded with amino acids, minerals, and healthy fats, it’s a nourishing choice for gut health, inflammation support, and joint mobility. As always, listen to your body and adjust the sweetness or fats to what feels best for you.

If you’re new here, welcome — I’m so glad you found your way to this page. Much of what I share here is shaped by my own healing journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis, gut inflammation, and rebuilding my health through nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and a non-toxic, holistic healing lifestyle. Bone broth has been one of the most supportive daily habits in keeping my symptoms in remission, and creating comforting recipes like this is my way of passing along the things that have truly helped me. 🤍

If you’re curious to learn more, you can read about my diagnosis story here: Finding Hope with Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis

I hope this cozy little twist on bone broth brings as much comfort and healing to your daily routine as it has to mine. It’s such a simple way to nourish your gut, calm inflammation, and enjoy a warm chocolatey drink.

If you make this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate, I’d love to hear what you think!
Leave a comment below, share your tweaks, or let me know how you felt after trying it.

And if you snap a photo, tag me on social media — I absolutely love seeing your creations and sharing this healing journey together. 🤍 @thispurelyjoyfullife

Pin this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe for Later: