Hello! Oh, so you must be a chocolate lover like I am, since you’re here wondering whether cocoa powder is gluten free or not. Don’t worry, we’re on the case to discover the answer.
And thankfully the answer is: Pure cocoa powder IS gluten free! Now, you’ll probably realize already that it’s always best to check the package. Some manufacturers that process cacao beans into cocoa powder may also use those same manufacturing lines to produce other products. And yep, you’ve got it – sometimes those other products can contain gluten.
So, if you’re Celiac or have a serious gluten allergy, you should always look for cocoa powder that clearly states on the package that it is gluten free. That means it is free from cross contamination.
Is it safe to buy cocoa powder in bulk? Will it still be gluten free?
I love buying foods in bulk, because of the potentials money that can be saved! But, anyone who is Celiac should be very cautious of ever buying food in bulk. Even if the food itself – in this case, cocoa powder – is gluten free, people might have used containers or scoops in the bin of food that are cross contaminated. So, in this case it’s probably better to buy cocoa that is clearly marked as Gluten Free.
Are hot chocolate mixes gluten free?
Now, hot chocolate mixes can vary. You can definitely find varieties that are gluten free – but again, you need to check the package! Sadly, once you’re diagnosed as Celiac you’ll become all too aware that checking package labelling is just part of your life now.
Not all hot cocoa mixes are gluten free, so please be careful.
How can I use gluten free cocoa to make a hot chocolate?
Okay, I feel like a bit of an expert on this one! 🙂 Why? Because hubs and I drink a homemade hot chocolate almost every single day! I know, it’s a bit weird, right? But we just love it! So, I’ll let you in on how we make it…it’s easy, fast and way WAY cheaper than heading to Starbucks or Dunkin’ every day. (But we did write about Starbucks GF goodies recently…oh, and here are some tips if you love Dunkin‘…)
Right, I got a bit distracted there. Here is our simple way to make homemade GLUTEN FREE hot chocolate every morning:
I’m leaving this recipe here too, but I decided this recipe needed a post entirely of its own! It’s right here, in case you want to read more about honey sweetened gluten free hot chocolate. 🙂
- 1-2 tablespoons pure cocoa powder (I like the natural kind the best)
- About 1/2 tablespoon of honey, but add a little at first and see how you like it. You might need to add a little more, depending on how sweet you want your hot chocolate to be. Alternatives to honey: Agave or even maple syrup, or regular sugar or sugar replacements
- Splash (literally a few drops) of vanilla or vanilla extract
- Boiling water
- Milk: Your choice – I use lactose free milk and hubs uses Earth’s Own unsweetened almond milk. You can use your favorite regular milk OR plant based.
Instructions: So easy! In a medium to large mug, add your cocoa powder. Use less for a smaller mug, and more if you like a big mug of hot chocolate. Add in your honey, and the few drops of vanilla or vanilla extract. Pour in enough boiling water to make a thin paste – stir well until well combined. Getting the lumps out of your hot chocolate mix at this point is crucial to a smooth and yummy cup.
Top up with your choice of milk, and stir well to combine. Microwave in 30 second bursts until nice and warm. (Be careful not to overheat and burn yourself!) If you’re not a fan of microwaves, you can absolutely heat this in a tiny saucepan on the stove.
Enjoy!!