Dairy-Free Orange Hot Chocolate for First Trimester Cravings!
The first time I made this Creamy Dairy-Free Orange Hot Chocolate, it was one of those chilly December mornings when my cravings were loud — but my stomach wasn’t ready to cooperate.
I wanted something warm and indulgent, but every sip of dairy-based cocoa made my nausea flare up. So I reached for oat milk, a touch of maple, and a bit of orange zest — and something about it just worked.
It reminded me of my Dairy-Free Cinnamon Hot Chocolate, another coffee-free comfort I’ve turned to on queasy mornings that needed warmth without heaviness.
Why This Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe for First Trimester Moms Works
- Dairy-free. Oat milk makes it easy on nausea-sensitive stomachs
-
Naturally sweetened. No processed sugar for gentle energy
- Perfect for cravings. Warm cocoa helps satisfy chocolate cravings without heaviness or too much sugar.
- Comforting holiday drink. Enjoy a seasonal drink that you can actually sip on.
Benefits of This Pregnancy-Friendly Orange Hot Chocolate For You & The Baby
The smell of cocoa melting into oat milk with sweet orange zest feels like wrapping your hands around a little moment of calm.
It’s sweet, but softly — the kind of sweetness that doesn’t send your blood sugar swinging or your stomach spinning. I’d sip it slowly by the window, breathing in the steam and pretending for a moment that the world outside wasn’t spinning quite so fast.
Prep Time: 5 minutes / Cook Time: 5 minutes / Total Time: 10 minutes / Yields: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2-1 tablespoon maple syrup (or 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest (or 1/2 teaspoon dried orange zest)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon or less)
Preparation Instructions
- In a small pot, whisk together the oat milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, orange zest, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking frequently until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a mug.
Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Orange Hot Chocolate
- Use a frother: Use a handheld frother to create a light foam on top before serving for an extra treat.
- Extra chocolatey: Whisk 1 tablespoon Chocolate Hazelnut Spread into the mixture until smooth for a richer, more chocolatey drink.
- Keep it classic: Skip the orange zest for a traditional hot chocolate recipe.
- Smoother whisking: Pour 1/2 cup oat milk into the pot and whisk in the cocoa powder until completely smooth, then add the rest of the milk. It's usually easier to combine them when you have less liquid initially.
What to Serve With This Dairy Free Orange Hot Chocolate
Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Topped with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
- With a handful of mini marshmallows
- If my morning sickness is on the edge, with my Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter or No-Cook Pistachio Butter Toast.
- With a Christmas Gingerbread Muffin for a sweet treat.
- With one of my High Fiber Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins for breakfast.
How to Store & Reheat this Pregnancy Orange Hot Chocolate
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stove over low heat, whisking constantly for 3-4 minutes. Microwaving in 20-second increments works too.
FAQs about this Orange Hot Chocolate for Pregnancy & Postpartum
1. Is hot chocolate safe during pregnancy?
Yes — hot chocolate is safe during pregnancy in moderation. Choose unsweetened cocoa powder and dairy-free milk like oat or almond milk to make it gentler on nausea-sensitive stomachs.
2. Can I have cocoa powder while pregnant?
Absolutely. Cocoa powder in small amounts is safe and provides antioxidants and flavanols that support healthy blood flow and reduce inflammation.
3. Can hot chocolate help with pregnancy cravings?
Yes — the gentle sweetness and warmth help satisfy chocolate cravings while keeping your blood sugar balanced, especially when made with fiber-rich oat milk and maple syrup.
4. Can I add orange zest to hot chocolate?
Yes! Orange zest adds Vitamin C and natural flavor without adding acidity or heaviness — perfect for pregnancy when your senses are extra sensitive.
5. Can I drink this hot chocolate postpartum?
Definitely. It’s rich in antioxidants, fiber, and natural sugars, providing gentle comfort and energy during postpartum recovery or breastfeeding.
A Note from My Chaotic Kitchen
It’s funny how something as simple as a cup of hot chocolate can feel like a little promise to yourself — that you’re still allowed to crave, to comfort, to care for yourself, even when your body feels unpredictable. This one’s for the mornings when you just need something warm, gentle, and kind.
For more pregnancy-safe holiday drink recipes, check out my Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate, Dairy-Free Gingerbread Hot Chocolate, and Dairy-Free White Hot Chocolate.
