Stephen and I drink this literally every day because it’s one of our favorites!

I created the recipe about a year ago when he was needing a nutrient dense post-workout drink, and I was needing something to help stabilize my blood sugar in the afternoons. And thus…the Raw Cacao Milk was created. It quickly became a staple because it makes us feel great, is packed with nutrients, and is perfectly smooth and creamy and slightly sweet.

You can use it as a post-workout beverage, or just a nutrient-dense snack. It’s high in disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, helps stabilize blood sugar, aids in better blood circulation, and is a great source of plant-based protein.

Raw Cacao Milk

Ingredients-

Cacao:  Cacao in its raw form (rather than processed baking cocoa) is one of the highest disease fighting antioxidant sources to help boost your immune system. It also contains magnesium, iron, manganese, fiber, and is known to help elevate mood.

Dates:  Dates are high in antioxidant, great for bone and brain health, and high in fiber.

Coconut Butter: Coconut butter helps fight off harmful bacteria and viruses in the body, aids metabolic function, and is less processed than coconut oil and therefore easier for the body to utilize properly.

Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are a great source of protein, omega 3 and omega 6, vitamin E and D, and aid in blood circulation.

Soy Milk: Soy has gotten a bad rap in the past due to misconceptions, but leading doctors and scientific evidence deem it as highly beneficial and not to be feared. Studies show that soy can aid in lowering cholesterol, is a great source of protein and potassium, and can actually help reduce the risk of cancer in both men and women. (Here is a great explanation from leading doctors to explain the benefits of soy and debunk the “soy hormone myths”)

Recipe:

1/2 C almond milk (unsweetened)
1/2 C soy milk
1+1/2 Tablespoons cacao powder
1 pitted date (or more depending on how sweet you prefer it)
1 Tablespoon coconut butter (you can also sub peanut butter or almond butter)
1 Tablespoon hemp seeds

*Put all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend on high until well combined and frothy, about a minute.  Put in the freezer or fridge for 30 minutes to make it very cold before drinking. The colder it is, the bolder the flavor of the cacao and the sweetness of the dates.

Substitutes:
*If you don’t have these exact ingredients on hand, you can substitute any other dairy-free milks, sub the date for honey, cacao for cocoa, or the coconut butter for another nut butter. The recipe is super forgiving, this is just our personal favorite for flavor and nutrient density!

Storage:
*You can store it in the refrigerator overnight in a closed jar or bottle. I usually make it in the evening and put it in the fridge so it’s easy to grab the next day whenever we want it.

***The above information is based on my research and education, and is not to be used as a medical diagnosis.  You should always consult your doctor and find what works best for your specific body and needs.