People like to say that coffee is made for adults. As adults, we should be able to do just about anything, right? That includes splashing some chocolate milk in your coffee if you feel so inclined.
Whenever I mix the two, I feel like I have a secret no one knows about. Plus, it tastes like I'm having dessert for breakfast. I'm here to let you in on my secret.
Can You Put Chocolate Milk In Coffee? (Perfect Match)
Yes, you can put chocolate milk in coffee! More like you should be asking yourself why you haven’t already!
Chocolate and coffee are an even better combination than peanut butter and jelly (trust me).
Featuring similar flavor profiles, when chocolate and coffee combine, it actually forms a "Maillard reaction."
This means that the chemical interaction between the two results in making both flavors more intense.
That's right! By adding chocolate, you could make your coffee drinks even more rich and flavorful.
If that weren't convincing enough, chocolate contains antioxidants that could further boost your mood while reducing blood pressure and bad cholesterol.[1]
In addition, coffee is frequently associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.[2]
That means if anyone is trying to judge you for drinking your chocolate milk in coffee, you can simply tell them you’re taking care of your heart!
What Is Coffee With Milk and Chocolate Called? (It’s A Classic!)
Coffee with chocolate milk or other forms of chocolatey flavor isn’t anything new and goes by names you’ve surely heard of.
In fact, you’ve probably either tried or heard of it before at your local coffee shop!
You Guessed It – The Caffe Mocha!
You probably already had it in your mind, but it's the Cafe Mocha!
The cafe mocha drink is one of the most popular coffee beverages in the world, and it's no wonder why.
Coffee lovers around the world love how the sweet, rich, creamy qualities of chocolate perfectly meld with the bold, bitter flavors of espresso.
This delicious beverage can be made with low-fat milk, ultra-filtered milk, soy milk, almond milk, steamed milk, cold milk - even chocolate milk. The point is that you can make it your way.
Caffe Mocha Variations
If you think that there’s only one type of mocha coffee recipe, think again! Here are some of the most popular variations of the beverage:
Mochaccino
In Italy, a Cafe Mocha is known as a "Mochaccino."
However, there are a few differences in ingredients compared to the one we know and love here in America. Namely, the mochaccino contains cornstarch to make it thicker.
In addition, the mochaccino is traditionally just espresso poured into hot chocolate milk. You usually won't find whipped cream or other toppings on this drink, like you may find on a mocha.
I really like the mochaccino, as I feel it offers a well-balanced taste of coffee and chocolate. A mocha can sometimes be too sweet for me - especially as a daily drink.
In some cases, you'll find the mochaccino expressed as a double espresso shot with cocoa powder rather than chocolate milk or chocolate syrup.
This is a more rich, indulgent variant with minimal ingredients.
White Caffe Mocha (Hot Or Iced)
There are tons of people out there who prefer white chocolate to chocolate milk or dark chocolate. If that's you, then you'll love the White Caffe Mocha!
This coffee drink has an almost caramel-like twist to it, using white chocolate or white chocolate sauce.
I really like this one around Christmas time, but keep in mind that this drink recipe has a very sweet taste.
Black & White Caffe Mocha (Hot Or Iced)
Then, we have the combination of both dark chocolate (or chocolate syrup) and white chocolate. Often referred to as a "zebra mocha," it's even more rich and sweet than the other variations.
The coffee taste just peeks through here, with the chocolaty flavor taking charge. To sweeten it up even more, you may add whipped cream or hot chocolate powder.
Chocolate Milk In Coffee Vs Caffe Mocha (What’s The Difference?)
Now you're probably sitting here thinking, "Okay, so if I'm drinking a chocolate milk coffee, am I drinking a mocha?". That's a valid question, and the difference between the two is very subtle.
A cafe mocha includes espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate - not chocolate milk.
A mocha from most coffee shops usually has a richer chocolate flavor, thanks to the usual dark chocolate or cocoa powder ingredients, as opposed to the more milk chocolatey flavor of chocolate milk.
Store-Bought Vs Homemade Chocolate Milk In Coffee: Which Is Better?
So, you’ve decided you’d like to add chocolate milk to your brewed coffee.
A nice strong coffee goes fantastic with chocolate, but should you buy your chocolate milk from the store or make your own?
Let’s cover your options with the following coffee recipes so you can make the best decision for your tastebuds:
Store-Bought Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk isn't just marketed to kids anymore. Sure, some of them may have cartoon characters and the like to appeal to younger ones.
However, there are a few really great brands that taste more "adult."
1. Promised Land Midnight Chocolate Whole Milk
Whole milk may have more calories than the lower-fat alternatives, but it's one of the richest chocolate milk variants I've tried.
Not to mention, if you like using a milk frother to really get a thicker, latte-like consistency, it's perfect, thanks to the extra fat content.
If that weren't good enough already, it's also free of hormones and artificial coloring.
2. Trader Joe’s Chocolate Whole Milk
I’m personally a big fan of TJ’s brand, as they really seem to care about quality. Their chocolate milk is no exception, using North Peruvian fair-trade cocoa and kosher milk.[3]
3. Fairlife Chocolate Milk
This ultrafiltered chocolate milk is higher in protein and lower in sugar, which is great for those watching their glucose or following a low-carb diet.
Homemade Chocolate Milk
The great thing about making your own chocolate milk is that you have more control over the flavor, calories, and sugar content. It's also super easy to do, so there's really no losing here.
I recommend using milk of your choice (12 oz.), unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tbsp.), and confectioner's sugar (2 tsp. or less, depending on your preference).
If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you could substitute the cocoa powder for chocolate syrup.
You can make chocolate oat milk, chocolate soy milk, chocolate almond milk, coconut milk - whatever you like!
I do recommend using an immersion blender, gradually adding cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup) and sugar by blending, as it results in a very creamy milk.
However, using a whisk or those little handheld milk frothers also works pretty well.
How To Make The Perfect Caffe Mocha At Home (Recipe Tips)
Using chocolate milk in coffee is certainly quick and easy, but with just a few more steps, you could be indulging in a decadent caffe mocha right from the comfort of your own home.
- Take 1 cup of brewed coffee, 4 tablespoons of chocolate bar shavings or cocoa powder, and ½ cup of cream, or add milk of your choosing.
- Combine the chocolate with the milk, heating it slowly in the microwave or on the stove. For microwaves, 20-30 seconds is perfect.
- Pour the mixture into your coffee or espresso drink. If you prefer it a bit thicker/more creamy, you could add cream and use a milk frother. That's it! Enjoy!
Related Chocolate Milk In Coffee Questions
Can you froth chocolate milk?
You can absolutely froth chocolate milk. In fact, it froths just as well, if not better, than other kinds of milks. Chocolate milk froth is delicious, so give it a try!
How much chocolate milk to add to coffee?
You can add as much chocolate milk as you want to your coffee! Start out small, and increase the amount to taste. I've added too much before, and it just tastes like a coffee-chocolate-flavored milk. Once you get the ratios dialed in, you'll likely be addicted to chocolate milk coffee!
Can I put Nesquik in coffee?
You can definitely put Nesquik powder in coffee if you're feeling nostalgic. However, it's probably sweeter than you remember as a kid, so start out with a teaspoon or so at a time. As Nesquik powder is caffeine-free and high in calcium, it's definitely not a bad idea.
How do you consume Caffe Mocha?
You'll typically see a mocha or mocha latte served in a transparent glass with a straw, so you don't get milk foam all over your face. Depending on where you go, your mocha may also have toppings like chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, and marshmallows.
Can you put chocolate milk in espresso?
You can add chocolate milk in espresso easily. Any form of chocolate milk coffee is delicious, in my book. If you prefer chocolate milk iced, you may like trying it with a cold brew or simply toss in some ice cubes to a chocolate milk latte.
What is chocolate milk in coffee at Starbucks?
If you order coffee with chocolate milk at Starbucks, you'll be receiving a drip coffee with regular milk, 4 pumps of mocha (for a Grande-size coffee cup), and one pump of vanilla syrup or a bit of vanilla powder. I love this delicious recipe as a latte with espresso - especially during the holiday season. Alternatively, your barista may interpret this as you ordering a mocha, which is espresso, bittersweet mocha sauce, and steamed hot milk. I find the latter to be richer and have a fuller flavor profile with less sweetness.
Try This Delicious Treat Today!
By this point, you know pretty much all there is to know about chocolate milk in coffee.
You can choose to keep your beverage to just milk, coffee, and espresso or decide to go all out with some whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and other types of delicious toppings.
Whatever you choose, this combination is a great way to change things up and give yourself a treat occasionally. Happy caffeinating!
References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dark-chocolate
- https://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5024
- https://www.fairtrade.net/about/what-is-fairtrade
