Hot chocolate already has main-character energy. But salted caramel hot chocolate? That’s a glow-up.

This is the drink you make when you want comfort and depth. Sweet, rich chocolate. Buttery caramel. A tiny hit of salt that keeps everything balanced and interesting. It’s cozy, indulgent without being overwhelming, and honestly feels like something you’d order at a fancy café, then immediately try to recreate at home.

The best part? When you make it yourself, you’re not relying on bottled syrups or dairy-heavy shortcuts. With the right plant-based base (hi, JOI), you get all the creaminess, none of the weird aftertaste, and total control over how sweet, rich, or dramatic your mug wants to be.

Why Salted Caramel And Chocolate Just Work

There’s a reason salted caramel shows up in everything from desserts to cocktails. Salt doesn’t make things salty; it makes them better. It sharpens sweetness, deepens chocolate, and keeps rich drinks from tasting flat.

In hot chocolate, caramel adds warmth and roundness, while salt pulls the cocoa forward. The result is layered, cozy, and way more interesting than standard cocoa. It’s the kind of drink you sip slowly, even though you fully planned to inhale it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s look at the ingredients that make a mug of salted caramel hot chocolate.

 - 1 cup hot water

 - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chopped dark chocolate

 - 1–2 teaspoons caramel sauce (or caramel syrup)

 - 1 packet or scoop of JOI Oat Milk Creamer or JOI Organic Oat Milk

 - Pinch of flaky sea salt

 - Optional toppings: dairy-free whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings

Why JOI works here:

JOI’s plant milk powders and creamers dissolve cleanly, with no gums or stabilizers, which means your hot chocolate stays smooth instead of thick-and-weird. Plus, you can dial the creaminess up or down depending on your mood.

How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Build the chocolate base

In your mug, whisk the cocoa powder (or dark chocolate) with a splash of hot water until smooth. This step matters; no one wants clumpy cocoa pretending it didn’t hear the assignment.

Step 2: Add JOI

Stir in your JOI Oat Milk Creamer or Organic Oat Milk. Use less for a lighter cocoa, more for a rich, almost dessert-like texture. This is where JOI really shines, you’re in control, not the carton.

Step 3: Bring in the caramel

Add the caramel sauce and stir until fully combined. Taste here. Caramel sweetness varies wildly, so this is your moment to decide if you want more depth or more dessert.

Step 4: Salt it (gently)

Add a small pinch of flaky sea salt and stir. Don’t skip this. The salt doesn’t scream; it whispers and suddenly the whole drink tastes intentional.

Step 5: Finish & sip

Top with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, or shaved chocolate if you’re feeling extra. Add one final tiny pinch of salt on top and serve immediately.

Why This Recipe Is Better with JOI

Most hot chocolate recipes rely on heavy dairy or overly sweet plant milks to get that “rich” feeling. JOI does it differently.

 - Clean-label ingredients mean no gums, fillers, or preservatives messing with the texture

 - Shelf-stable powders = no last-minute grocery runs

 - Customizable creaminess lets you go from cozy cocoa to full-on dessert drink

 - Dairy-free & vegan, but still indulgent

Whether you use JOI’s Oat Milk Creamer for extra richness or Organic Oat Milk for a lighter sip, the result is smooth, balanced, and café-worthy.

Make It Your Own

 - Mocha energy: Add a shot of espresso for a salted caramel mocha hot chocolate.

 - Extra cozy: Stir in a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon.

 - Less sweet: Use darker chocolate and go lighter on the caramel.

 - Dessert-core: Whipped cream + caramel + chocolate shavings = no notes.

Why This Drink Belongs in Your Rotation

Salted caramel hot chocolate is the kind of drink that feels special without requiring a special occasion. It works for quiet nights, holiday mornings, post-dinner treats, or whenever you want something warm that feels like a reward.

With JOI in your pantry, it’s also ridiculously easy. No fridge panic. No half-used cartons. Just scoop, stir, and sip.

One mug, a few minutes, and suddenly your kitchen feels like the coziest café in town. Keep JOI on hand, and you’re always five minutes away from something this good.