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Home / Recipes / Dessert / Simple Healthy Protein Hot Chocolate (Dairy-Free)

Simple Healthy Protein Hot Chocolate (Dairy-Free)

By: Samantha RowlandUpdated: February 20, 2021

Gluten FreeDairy FreeVeganHigh Protein
White mug filled with protein hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Protein hot chocolate is the best way to warm up on a chilly day! This cozy, comforting cup of piping hot cocoa is naturally sugar free, dairy free and so creamy and delicious! You are not going to believe how amazing this vegan protein hot chocolate is to drink!

Hand holding handle of mug of protein hot chocolate.
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Why this recipe works:

  • This recipe only has 3 ingredients and takes 3 minutes total to make!
  • You are never going to want to go back to those packets of hot cocoa mix again! This simple protein hot chocolate has those packets beat and the ingredient list is short and simple!
  • Cut out some of the added carbs by replacing all that sugar with protein powder.
  • Use your favorite dairy free milk for a creamy, dreamy dairy free hot chocolate!
  • Pair with protein waffles for brunch or super simple protein brownies for an afternoon snack.
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What do you need to make protein hot chocolate?

  • Dairy free milk
  • Chocolate protein powder
  • Cacao powder
  • Milk Frother

What kind of protein do you need to make protein hot chocolate?

For this recipe, I highly recommend a vegan protein powder. It helps create that creamy hot chocolate effect that those powdered hot cocoa packets provide.

The protein powder I used in this recipe is Nuzest protein. It’s a pea protein that has very simple, clean ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners!

If you cannot have vegan protein powder, you could try a paleo protein powder, but I would not advise whey protein, as it has a tendency to clump up as soon as you are done stirring it.

White mug filled with protein hot chocolate with whipped cream.

What is cacao powder and is it different than cocoa powder?

Cacao powder is made from cold pressing unroasted cacao beans, giving it a less bitter flavor. Cacao powder is more nutrient dense than cocoa powder, providing more magnesium, iron and fiber than traditional cocoa powder. Since cacao powder is never roasted, the cacao powder also maintains many of the antioxidant properties you hear about in chocolate.

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Cocoa powder is often more bitter than cacao powder. It’s made from roasted and ground cacao beans.

When you are making protein hot chocolate, make sure you grab a bag of cacao powder from the store (you can get it at most grocery stores and at Trader Joe’s). If you have to use cocoa powder, you may need some additional sweetener to offset the slightly bitter taste from the cocoa powder.

How to make protein hot chocolate

Step 1: Heat the milk in a separate container (I like to use a glass liquid measuring cup) in the microwave for 2 minutes on high. Alternatively you can heat the milk on the stove in a pan on medium low heat until up to temperature.

Step 2: Add about ½ cup of milk to the mug. Add the protein powder and cacao powder to the milk.

Step 3: Blend the mixture in the cup with a milk frother until the protein powder and cacao powder is dissolved completely (only takes a few seconds).

Step 4: Add the rest of the milk.

Steps to make protein hot chocolate.

Step 5: Add optional dairy free whipping cream. Enjoy!

What kind of milk can you use to make dairy free hot chocolate?

You can use whatever your favorite dairy free milk is! You want to choose unsweetened milk and I would recommend using something that comes in the paper containers (no canned coconut milk). Some great options include:

  • Almond milk
  • Cashew milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Oat milk
  • Flax milk

Can you make your own protein hot chocolate mix?

Yes! Simply combine equal parts chocolate protein powder and cacao powder and store it in an air tight container for up to 3 months.

When you want to make protein hot chocolate, simply scoop out 2 tablespoons of this protein hot cocoa mixture into the cup in step 2.

NOTE: You will want to use 2 tablespoons of this mixture for every 1.5 cups of liquid to make hot chocolate.

Other ways to enjoy protein hot chocolate?

  • Add the protein hot cocoa mix to hot coffee and enjoy it like a mocha.
  • Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the hot chocolate for a peppermint hot chocolate.
  • Add and extra ½ tablespoon of cacao, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to make a Mexican hot chocolate.
Mug full of protein hot chocolate with spoons to the left.

Why do you need a milk frother to make the best protein hot chocolate?

My milk frother is the secret weapon to making the best hot chocolate! The milk frother vibrates at a high frequency, helping break up clumps and creating a smooth, perfect cup of hot chocolate every time! It’s also great to froth your milk before adding it to coffee to make it extra fancy!

If you don’t have a milk frother, they are pretty inexpensive but you can also use a high speed blender to do this.   

If you are going to use a high speed blender, only add ½ cup of the milk (just like the directions indicate) as you don’t want to blend a lot of hot liquid at once.

What can you serve with protein hot chocolate?

  • Chocolate Protein Pudding
  • Super simple protein packed chocolate mug cake
  • Single serve brownies (gluten free)
  • Vegan black bean brownies
  • Chocolate Mini Gluten free Donuts
  • Double chocolate banana protein energy bites
  • Sweet potato donuts

What do you need to make this recipe:

  • Milk frother
  • Cacao powder
  • Vegan protein powder
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Protein hot chocolate topped with whipped cream in a white mug.

Simple Vegan Protein Hot Chocolate

Protein hot chocolate is the perfect healthy cozy afternoon or evening drink! This healthy recipe is so easy to make and so incredibly creamy. This easy vegan recipe has no added sugar and tastes amazing!
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hot chocolate, protein hot chocolate, protein hot cocoa
Prep Time: 2 mins
Cook Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 4 mins
Servings: 1
Author: Samantha Rowland

Guided Recipe Video

Ingredients

  • 1 – 1 1/2 cups dairy free milk - unsweetened
  • 1 tbsp vegan protein powder - chocolate or vanilla
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder

Instructions

  • Microwave the dairy free milk in a separate mug or glass for 2 minutes until hot.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the liquid to your mug. Add the protein powder and cacao powder to the hot milk.
  • Use a frother (or a high speed blender) to combine the milk, protein powder and cacao powder.
  • Add the rest of the hot milk to the mug.
  • Top with optional dairy free whipped cream and enjoy!

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Notes

NOTE: For every 1.5 c ups of liquid you will want to add 1 tablespoon of protein powder and 1 tablespoon of cacao powder. 
Choose your favorite dairy free (unsweetened milk). Some great options are:
  • Almond milk
  • Cashew milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Oat milk
  • Flax milk
Cacao powder is less bitter than cocoa powder. If you don’t have cacao powder and you have to use cocoa powder, you may need to add some sweetener (of choice) to balance out the bitter taste from the cocoa powder. 
Other ways to enjoy protein hot chocolate?
  • Add the protein hot cocoa mix to hot coffee and enjoy it like a mocha.
  • Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the hot chocolate for a peppermint hot chocolate.
  • Add and extra ½ tablespoon of cacao, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to make a Mexican hot chocolate.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
94
Fat
 
5
g
Carbohydrates
 
5
g
Fiber
 
3
g
Sugar
 
1
g
Protein
 
9
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?Let others know by rating and leaving a comment below!

Update Notes: This recipe was originally posted in January of 2016, but was published again in November 2019 to include step by step directions, recipe notes and new photos

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Comments

  1. Amy

    September 27, 2018 at 9:54 pm

    4 stars
    I made this for my daughter, who is on a dairy-free keto diet. I thought it was strange to include a cup of water in the hot chocolate along with the milk, but my daughter reported that it didn’t taste watery at all. She really liked it, but would like more chocolate. I will probably add some extra cacao powder next time.

    Reply
  2. Miz Helen

    October 23, 2017 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    I would sure enjoy a cup of your hot chocolate! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  3. Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook

    October 22, 2017 at 6:55 am

    I love hot chocolate and this sounds so good! ? Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party!

    Reply
  4. Jaime

    October 18, 2017 at 9:41 am

    I love the idea of using vanilla protein powder! I have a weakness for mochas, so I’ll definitely be using coffee in this and using it for an afternoon treat. =)

    Reply
  5. casssie_ramde

    April 11, 2017 at 4:42 am

    I am a chocolate lover! If I can drink it with protein – I’m totally in!

    Reply
  6. Chris

    January 31, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!

    Reply
  7. Audrey

    January 31, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    It is a beautiful rainy day and I’d love to curl up on the couch with a book and a cup of this right now. Thanks for sharing on the Creative K Kids Linky Party this week. I hope you will join us again next week.

    Reply
  8. Laura

    January 29, 2016 at 9:22 am

    This looks awesome! I love the idea of giving my kids a protein boost after they’ve been playing in the snow instead of just a sugar bomb! :) Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Pam@over50feeling40

    January 28, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    This sounds so good and I pinned it quickly! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!

    Reply
  10. claire

    January 27, 2016 at 9:40 am

    5 stars
    This looks yummy :) definitely something i will be trying .. great blog by the way Interested to read more about your story , I am just training to become a nutritionist ..and just started my blog too ..

    Claire x

    Reply
    • Sam

      January 28, 2016 at 12:44 am

      Claire I can’t wait to hear more about your journey. Going to check out your blog now! I love how we can inspire people and make connections through this medium. Best of luck studying!!

      Reply
  11. Jess @hellotofit

    January 26, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    Mmmm I’ve never had a hot chocolate with COCONUT milk!! YUMMMYYYY. It looks so creamy, too.

    Reply
  12. Cathy Lawdanski

    January 26, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    5 stars
    I am definitely trying this. Maybe with the chocolate protein powder that I have!

    Reply
  13. Kate @KateMovingForward

    January 26, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    Yum! I never thought of adding protein powder to hot chocolate! Genius! Pinning!

    Reply
  14. Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness

    January 26, 2016 at 12:32 am

    I’ve never put protein powder in hot chocolate before.. I’ll have to give that a try!

    Reply
  15. Danita Carr

    January 25, 2016 at 10:49 pm

    Great idea! Looks delicious!

    Reply
  16. Kelli @ Hungry Hobby

    January 25, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    Awesome video! I really think I need an immersion blender! Which one do you have there, do you like it?

    Reply
  17. Jen

    January 25, 2016 at 10:46 am

    Genius idea, Sam! Any opportunity to sneak in a little extra protein powder and make it taste good – yes!

    Reply
  18. Annmarie

    January 25, 2016 at 8:26 am

    Pinned for later- totally making this!!!

    Reply
  19. Emily

    January 24, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    YUMMY! This looks like a cappucino. :)

    Reply
  20. rachel@ atheltic avocado

    January 24, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    I love that this makes a hefty serving because when I drink hot chocolate, I can’t stop! I have all the ingredients for this including the about time protein powder and i NEED to try this, especially since it’s freezing in my apartment!

    Reply
  21. Karen

    January 24, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    I would add cacao powder, less processed. Thanks for the idea.

    Reply
  22. Kaylor Little

    January 24, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    This looks yummy! Pinned and hoping to try soon. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  23. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    January 24, 2016 at 7:49 am

    Now that’s something to try! What a great idea Sam!

    Reply

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