If you’re a fan of Nutella or anything chocolate-hazelnut flavored, this healthy chocolate hazelnut milk is about to be your new favorite dairy-free drink! Unlike store-bought chocolate milk, this version is made with clean, nourishing ingredients and no refined sugar or funky additives. It’s rich, creamy, chocolatey, and perfect served chilled-straight up, in iced lattes, cereal, chia pudding, or oats, or even warmed up as a cozy hot chocolate alternative!
dairy-free chocolate milk
Imagine the cozy flavor of Nutella… sipping it, warm or chilled, made with nourishing ingredients that love you back. That’s exactly what this healthy chocolate hazelnut milk delivers — comfort in a glass, without any dairy, refined sugar, or artificial stuff – just a few wholesome ingredients & a few minutes of your time, you’ll have the dreamiest homemade dairy-free nut milk that’s perfect for sipping, in coffees, baking, etc.!
What is hazelnut milk?
Hazelnut milk is a popular and nutritious plant-based milk alternative made by blending hazelnuts with water. It boasts a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, making it a favorite for coffee lovers and a versatile ingredient in various recipes. Homemade nut milk is one of the things I always make at home – it’s much more cost-effective and you have control over the ingredients, flavors, sweetness, etc.! It’s also incredibly easy. Simply add all of the ingredients to a blender, blend, strain (optional), and enjoy! If you love homemade nut milks, you have to try my homemade dairy-free salted caramel creamer!
Key Benefits of Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
- Dairy-free & vegan-friendly
- Naturally sweetened with dates or maple syrup
- Gluten-free & soy-free
- Customizable to your taste and dietary needs
- Zero additives or preservatives
How to make nutella milk
Full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Tools needed
- Glass milk jug or storage jar/container
- Nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer
- Blender
Ingredients you’ll need
To keep things simple, we’re sticking with wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients:
- Raw hazelnuts (soaked overnight for ultra creaminess)
- Filtered water
- Raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- Medjool dates or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt (trust me, it makes the chocolate sing!)
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Milk at Home
- Soak your hazelnuts.
Bring a pot of water to a small boil. Remove from heat. Place the hazelnuts in the pot, and let soak for 20 minutes. I like to add the dates in as well the last 10 minutes. This softens them for blending. - Drain and rinse.
After soaking, drain and rinse the hazelnuts well. - Blend.
Add hazelnuts, filtered water, cacao powder, dates (or maple syrup), vanilla, and a pinch of salt to a high-speed blender. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes, until completely smooth. You can taste it and adjust as you’d like. - Strain.
Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher to remove the pulp. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. - Chill and serve.
Store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 4 days. Shake well before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Drink it cold straight from the fridge
- Warm it gently on the stovetop with a little extra cocao and sweetener for a healthy hot chocolate
- Pour it over granola, oats, or chia pudding
- Use it in smoothies or healthy dessert recipes
- Add it to your coffee
Tips for the Best Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
- Use raw hazelnuts for the cleanest flavor and best nutrients.
- Don’t skip straining! Even high-speed blenders leave some pulp, and straining gives that smooth, creamy consistency.
- Adjust sweetness to taste — more dates for a sweeter milk, less for a more subtle flavor.
- Save the hazelnut pulp and use it in baking, smoothies, or oatmeal!
Recipe variations
- 1 tbsp almond butter = even more richness
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon = warm, spiced notes
- A shot of espresso
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use roasted hazelnuts?
Yes, roasted hazelnuts will give your milk a toastier, nuttier flavor. Just note that they may be harder to blend and won’t be quite as creamy as soaked raw hazelnuts.
Is this similar to Nutella?
This is a much healthier version of the classic chocolate-hazelnut combo! It’s like sipping a light, nourishing Nutella-flavored drink with no refined sugar, dairy, or preservatives.
Can I make this nut milk without a nut milk bag?
If you don’t have a nut milk bag, you can use a cheesecloth, or even a fine mesh sieve.
More healthy, dairy-free drink recipes to try
- Salted caramel creamer
- Banana iced coffee
- Ginger turmeric wellness shots
- Peanut butter coffee protein shake
- Chocolate banana peanut butter protein shake
- Creamy cinnamon roll protein shake
- Beauty wellness shots
If you try this recipe and love, it’d mean the world to me if you left a star rating & review below and tag me in your creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats!
Hazelnut chocolate milk (nutella milk)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts
- 3 medjool dates, pitted
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional – can sub monk fruit)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add the hazelnut and allow them to soak for 20 minutes. If your dates aren't super soft, toss them into the water for the last 10 minutes as well.
- Drain the nuts (and dates if soaking them) in a mesh strainer and rinse them well. Then add to the blender with the filtered water.
- Blend for a few minutes until completely smooth.
- Strain the milk through a nut milk back, fine mesh strainer, or clean cheesecloth (Just be sure to press all of the liquid out) into a large bowl. Discard any pulp.
- Rinse the blender, then add the milk back to the blender and add the remaining ingredients, blending again until smooth. Taste and adjust as you'd like.
- Pour into a glass container and store in the fridge for 4-5 days. Shake well before using as separation is natural!
