Want a creamy, dreamy, high protein hot chocolate recipe that's easy to make? This is it! It's a simple recipe that turns your favorite protein powder into homemade hot chocolate mix with rich chocolatey flavor.
With just 64 calories and 9 grams of protein per serving (not including your milk of choice), this is a great high protein alternative to traditional hot chocolate.
PS this hot chocolate would be great with these high protein peppermint patties!
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Ingredients
For the high protein hot chocolate mix:
Chocolate whey protein powder
Chocolate whey protein powder gives this recipe a rich chocolate flavor and boosts the protein content. It blends well with milk or hot water, creating a creamy hot chocolate without added sugar.
If whey powder isn't your favorite, there are other types of protein powder to consider, but chocolate whey is the best choice for creamy hot chocolate.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a deep, chocolatey flavor. I prefer the flavor of alkalized cocoa powder, which can be hard to find in local grocery stores.
Stevia powder or natural sweetener
Stevia powder provides sweetness without extra calories or added sugar. Monk fruit or coconut sugar are great alternatives if you prefer a natural sweetener with a slightly different taste.
And we'll add it to:
Milk of choice
Your milk of choice helps determine the creaminess of your hot chocolate. My favorite is full fat creamy oat milk for this hot cocoa recipe.
Other non-dairy milk options like almond milk or coconut milk are also excellent choices.
For dairy milk, I recommend Fairlife whole milk for its extra protein.
Equipment
I suggest using a sifter or strainer when combining the ingredients because cocoa powder tends to clump. And there's nothing worse in hot cocoa than a clump of cocoa powder.
I find the best way to mix the dry ingredients is with a whisk, but a spoon or fork will work well also.
I love an easy recipe, so I microwave the milk to warm it up. Of course, the stove top works too. And in that case you'll need a small saucepan.
If you have a milk frother, that's the best way to get the cocoa mix fully dissolved for creamy hot chocolate.
Instructions
To prepare the dry mix:
1. Measure out the protein powder and sweetener, and add to a bowl. Mix to combine.
2. Sift the cocoa powder into the bowl.
3. Mix the dry ingredients well.
4. Spoon mix into an airtight container or mason jar for storage.
To prepare one serving of protein hot chocolate:
1. Microwave the milk for one minute (for a 1000 watt microwave, adjust the time for other wattages) OR heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Measure two rounded tablespoons of protein hot chocolate mix, and stir into your warm milk. Give it a good stir.
Use a milk frother if you have one. If there are any clumps of powder remaining, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then stir again.
3. Serve and enjoy! I like my protein hot chocolate with sugar free mini marshmallows. :)
That's it! Pretty easy recipe.
Substitutions
If you want to go with vegan protein powder in this recipe, choose pea protein or a pea protein blend.
Any kind of milk will work here, but keep in mind that something thin like skim milk will give you thin hot chocolate. Creamy milks work the best. I love full fat oat milk in this recipe.
No milk? Just use hot water. It won't be as creamy, but you'll still get all the warm feels of drinking healthy hot chocolate.
If you're using cacao powder in place of the cocoa powder, you may need extra protein powder to balance the taste. Cacao can have a stronger, more bitter flavor than cocoa powder.
Erythritol, monk fruit, and monk fruit-erythritol blends are also good choices for sweeteners in this protein hot chocolate mix.
Variations
Lots of different ways to enjoy this healthy protein cocoa mix!
Caramel protein hot chocolate - (Ad) Add a tablespoon of Naked Collagen Creamer in Caramel as you prepare a cup of protein hot chocolate. Or add ½ cup of the collagen creamer as you prepare the dry mix for 8 servings. So yummy! (Here is the Amazon link: Caramel Naked Collagen Creamer.)
DIY Dunkaccino - Instead of using milk, add the mix to your morning cup of coffee! First prepare your coffee with whatever milk or creamer you prefer, then add a couple of spoonfuls of protein hot chocolate mix. YUM.
Btw if you haven't seen this Al Pacino Dunkaccino commercial, click to watch it. You're welcome.
Mexican hot chocolate -spice it up! Prepare the hot cocoa with milk as above, then mix in dashes of ground cinnamon and chili powder.
If you prefer a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or agave, omit the sweetener from the dry mix and just add sweetener when you prepare the hot chocolate to drink.
To keep it low calorie and low carb, opt for an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk.
For a post-workout hot drink with higher carbohydrate counts, use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or brown sugar in place of the stevia.
Storage
Keep the dry mix in an airtight container in your pantry. I use a jar, but a meal prep container will also work!
Top Tips
If you don't like your protein powder as a shake, you're not going to like it in protein hot chocolate, either. We're not adding enough ingredients to mask any unpleasant flavors. I love this chocolate whey powder in this recipe.
This recipe will taste the best and have the smoothest mouthfeel with whey protein.
Use a milk frother for the easiest mixing!
FAQ
Full fat oat milk or high protein whole milk works best for a creamy texture.
Yes, but the drink will be less creamy.
Yes, but you may need to adjust the sweetness. Cacao powder is generally more bitter than cocoa powder.
Use a sifter for the cocoa powder and stir the mix thoroughly.
Sugar free mini marshmallows, crushed sugar free peppermint candies, or a pinch of salt are great options.
The mix lasts up to 3 months in an airtight container.
A milk frother or whisk ensures a smooth consistency.
This high-protein hot chocolate recipe is the perfect solution for chocolate cravings in the winter months. With its simple ingredients and creamy texture, it's a great way to enjoy a healthy lifestyle while indulging your sweet tooth.
More healthy recipes
This protein hot chocolate would go well with:
Recipe
Protein Hot Chocolate (Healthy Mix Recipe)
Ingredients
For the dry hot chocolate mix:
- 1 cup chocolate whey protein powder 90g
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 32g
- 8 mini scoops stevia powder or sweetener to taste
For one serving prepared hot chocolate:
- 6 oz milk, any kind
Instructions
To prepare the dry mix:
- Add protein powder and sweetener to a bowl. Mix to combine.
- Sift the cocoa powder into the bowl using a flour sifter or fine mesh strainer.
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Spoon mix into a jar or food storage container.
To prepare one serving:
- Microwave the milk for one minute (for a 1000 watt microwave, adjust the time for other wattages) or heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Measure two rounded tablespoons of mix, and stir into your warm milk. Give it a good stir. Use a milk frother for best results. If there are any clumps of powder remaining, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then stir again.
- Serve and enjoy!
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