Chocolate boasts a multitude of health benefits, thanks to its plethora of antioxidants, minerals and fibre. It has compounds that can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, support the immune system, calm the nervous system and protect against cancer. Would be silly not to grab a square of dairy-free chocolate, right?
There is, however, an enormous difference between raw, dark chocolate and the sugary confections you’ll find at the local gas station. Conventional chocolate is typically loaded with sugar, artificial colours and additives that are harmful to our health. What’s worse, cheap chocolate is the product of slavery and exploitation – making it a poor choice for our culture and community as well as our health.
Raw Cacao Powder vs. Cocoa Powder: What’s the Difference?
Raw cacao powder is typically dried and not roasted, while cocoa powder is from beans that have been roasted. You’ll also find dutch processed cocoa powder, which has been processed with an alkali to make it milder in flavour and less acidic. Unfortunately, this process also strips away many of the nutrients. You can learn more about different types of chocolate here.
Creating your own dairy-free chocolate goodies at home is easy when you have cacao in your pantry. If you’re looking for some dairy-free chocolate inspiration, give one of these delicious chocolate recipes a try!
20 Best Dairy-Free Chocolate Recipes
4-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cups
4-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cups by Jessica in the Kitchen
Ooey gooey vegan chocolate cups stuffed with homemade salted caramel. And all you need is four ingredients! You’ve got this.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Chocolate Avocado Pudding by The Planted One (*Culinary Nutrition Expert)
There is so much chocolate goodness in this dessert, we don’t even know where to start. Mineral-rich cacao + healthy avocado/coconut fat + sea salt = amazingness.
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Bark
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Bark by Nikki’s Plate
Homemade chocolate bark is one of the easiest dairy-free chocolate desserts: Melt. Spread. Chill. Break. Done.
Chocolate Protein Smoothie
Chocolate Protein Smoothie by The Easy Healthy Way
The best way to have chocolate for breakfast: in a smoothie packed with greens, coconut milk and protein powder.
Hemp Chocolate Spread
Hemp Chocolate Spread
Our students make a decadently healthy hemp chocolate spread in the Culinary Nutrition Expert Program. It’s the most delicious homework ever!
Gluten-Free Beet Brownies
Gluten-Free Beet Brownies by Fit Mitten Kitchen
These gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate brownies harness the antioxidant power of beets. You’ll never know they’re in there.
Caramel Fudge Chocolate Bars
Caramel Fudge Chocolate Bar by Meghan Telpner (ACN Founder and Director)
An epic 3-tiered chocolate bar layered with fudge, caramel and nougat. Then the whole thing is doused in extra chocolate. We’re in heaven.
Chocolate-Dipped Prunes
Chocolate-Dipped Prunes by Sondi Bruner (ACN Head Program Coach)
A treat rich in antioxidants and fibre. If you’re a prune lover, then you’ll love them even more when drenched in dairy-free chocolate!
Fudgy Grain Free Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Fudgy Grain Free Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie by All The Healthy Things
You can thank us later for recommending this one.
3-Ingredient Chocolate Turtles
3-Ingredient Chocolate Turtles by Healthful Pursuit
All you need are Medjool dates, pecans and dairy-free chocolate to make these delicious goodies.
Chocolate Gluten-Free Brownies with Cherry Topping
Chocolate Gluten-Free Brownies with Cherry Topping by Veronica Qubrossi (*Culinary Nutrition Expert + Program Coach)
There are some hidden gems in this recipe, like butternut squash puree, and the cherry sauce is just divine.
Grain-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
Grain-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies by Macy Diulus (*Honorary Culinary Nutrition Expert)
We could probably get by solely eating the frosting…but we suppose we could manage to eat the rest of these cookies, too.
Citrus Chocolate Truffles
Citrus Chocolate Truffles by Sweet Potato Soul
No need for store-bought chocolate truffles when you can have this amazing mix of dairy-free chocolate, pecans and citrus.
Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Teff Cookies
Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Teff Cookies by Salted Plains
A nutty, gluten-free and vegan cookie recipe that uses the light and pleasant flavour of teff.
Keto Almond Joy Bars
Keto Almond Joy Bars by Big Man’s World
Delicious – and deliciously easy – almond joy bars that are keto-friendly!
Devil’s Food Buckwheat Cupcakes
Devil’s Food Buckwheat Cupcakes by Yummy Beet
A gluten-free and dairy-free cupcake with a luxurious avocado chocolate frosting. Don’t ever tell us that healthy eating isn’t delicious.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread by Rena Williams Wellness (*Culinary Nutrition Expert)
Forget the store bought spread-which-shall-not-be-named. Opt for this creamy dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread instead – and for a nut-free version, check this recipe out.
Chocolate Almond Oat Bars
Chocolate Almond Oat Bars by Lindsay Taylor (*Culinary Nutrition Expert + Program Coach)
An easy, tasty snack for moms-to-be (or those who love almond butter + chocolate!) loaded with extra chocolate chips. These pair perfectly with a glass of homemade nut milk.
Crazy Delicious Dairy-Free Chocolate Fudge
Crazy Delicious Dairy-Free Chocolate Fudge by Oh My Veggies
Cacao powder, coconut and maple syrup? Yep, that trifecta is delicious – and this dairy-free chocolate fudge is, too.
Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Smoothie
Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Smoothie by That Nutrition Lady
Add some extra fibre to your breakfast by tossing some black beans into your smoothie. We understand your skepticism, but trust us.
3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Sauce
3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Sauce by Top With Cinnamon
An easy dairy-free chocolate hot fudge sauce that you can drizzle over ice cream, pour in your hot chocolate, or just eat straight up with a spoon.
The most challenging bit is deciding which of these recipes to make first! Go forth and make some dairy-free chocolate, and be sure to share it with us.
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