Name: Low Calorie Chocolate Chips
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup of cocoa powder (unsweetened); 4 tablespoons of coconut oil; Your choice of sweetener equivalent; 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract; A pinch of salt (to enhance the chocolate flavor)

This Low Calorie Chocolate Chips is Perfect for baking, snacking, or even just a little nibble when the mood strikes, these chocolate chips are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

Table of Contents

How to make Low Calorie Chocolate Chips

Low-calorie chocolate chips are a healthier alternative to regular chocolate chips. They are designed to have fewer calories per serving and achieve this by using alternative sweeteners, reduced-fat cocoa, or fiber-rich ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 cup of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
4 tablespoons of coconut oil (virgin and unrefined for the best flavor)
Your choice of sweetener equivalent to 1/2 cup of sugar (erythritol, stevia, monk fruit sweetener, etc., suitable for baking)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)
A pinch of salt (to enhance the chocolate flavor)

Instructions:

Prep Your Tools: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be where you’ll set your chocolate chips to cool and harden. A small silicone chocolate chip mold can also be used for more uniform chips.
Melt the Coconut Oil: In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil over low heat. Avoid overheating to prevent the oil from smoking.
Mix the Ingredients: Once the coconut oil is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps and add it to the oil along with your chosen sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sweetener is completely dissolved.
Shaping the Chips: Pour the chocolate mixture into a small ziplock bag, pushing it towards one bottom corner. Snip a very small piece off that corner to create a DIY piping bag. Pipe tiny drops of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet or into the molds. If the mixture thickens too much to pipe, gently reheat it.
Freeze: Place the baking sheet or molds in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate chips are completely set.
Storage: Once set, gently remove the chocolate chips from the parchment paper or molds. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.

Tips and Tricks:

Customization: Feel free to experiment by adding a drop of peppermint or orange extract to the mixture before setting it. This can give your chocolate chips an exciting flavor twist.
Texture: To make the chocolate chip softer and creamier, add a tablespoon or two more of coconut oil. To make the chip harder, reduce the amount of oil slightly.
Sweetness adjustment: The beauty of making your own chocolate chips is you can taste the mixture before setting it and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

What to serve with

Low calorie chocolate chips are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to various dishes and snacks. Here’s how you can incorporate these delightful treats into your daily menu and what to serve them with to enhance your culinary experience:

1. Baked Goods:

Cookies and Brownies: In cookie or brownie recipes, substitute regular chocolate chips with homemade low-calorie chocolate chips. This will reduce the overall calorie count while still satisfying your chocolate cravings.
Muffins and Pancakes: Sprinkle these chips into your batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise in your muffins or morning pancakes.

2. Breakfast Dishes:

Oatmeal or Yogurt: For a chocolaty breakfast treat, stir some chocolate chips into your morning oatmeal or mix them into your yogurt. They add a delightful crunch and flavor without adding extra calories.
Smoothie Bowls: Use these chocolate chips as a topping on smoothie bowls. Their richness contrasts beautifully with the freshness of fruits and the smoothness of the yogurt or smoothie base.

3. Snacks:

Trail Mix: Create a custom trail mix by combining low calorie chocolate chips with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. This is a great way to enjoy a sweet and salty snack that’s also filling.
Granola Bars: Make homemade low calorie granola bars and add these chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.

4. Desserts:

Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt: Sprinkle chocolate chips over a bowl of low calorie ice cream or frozen yogurt for an indulgent yet calorie-conscious dessert.
Parfaits: Layer these chips between yogurt, fruits, and nuts to build a delicious parfait that’s both healthy and indulgent.

5. Holiday Treats:

Chocolate Covered Fruit: Melt the chocolate chips and dip strawberries, cherries, or orange segments into the chocolate. This creates a sophisticated, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for entertaining or as a special treat.
Festive Bark: Melt and spread the chocolate chips, and sprinkle with nuts, dried cranberries, and a pinch of sea salt to make a festive bark during the holidays.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating low calorie chocolate chips typically requires substituting traditional ingredients with those that have fewer calories or are lower in fat and sugar. Here are some of the common substitutions and alternatives you can use in making your own healthier chocolate chips:

1. Sugar Substitutes:

Stevia: A natural sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar and completely calorie-free. Use it sparingly as it’s much sweeter than sugar.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that has very few calories and doesn’t spike blood sugar levels.
Monk fruit sweetener: Another natural, zero-calorie sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar and does not affect blood sugar levels.

2. Chocolate/Cocoa Substitutes:

Cocoa powder: Instead of using milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate which has more sugar, opt for unsweetened cocoa powder or a high percentage of dark chocolate with lower sugar content.
Cacao nibs: These are less processed than chocolate and have no added sugar, although they’re a bit more bitter than conventional chocolate chips.

3. Fat Substitutes:

Avocado: Pureed avocado can be used as a fat substitute to add creaminess without unhealthy fats. It may alter the texture, so it should be used carefully.
Pumpkin puree: This can also work as a fat substitute and is low in calories, but it will also impact flavor.
Coconut oil: Because it’s a plant-based fat, it may be considered a healthier option and is solid at room temperature just like cocoa butter. Opt for unrefined (virgin) coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor.

4. Milk Substitutes:

Almond milk: A low calorie, non-dairy substitute that can be used in place of traditional milk or cream.
Coconut milk: While not low in calories, it’s an alternative for those looking for non-dairy options. The light versions have fewer calories and fat.

Final Thoughts

Making low calorie chocolate chips at home is not only fun but gives you full control over the ingredients you consume. Use these in baking, as a topping for low-calorie ice cream, or as a stand-alone treat whenever you need a guilt-free chocolate fix.

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