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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
- Double chocolate banana protein energy bites
- Sweet potato donuts
What do you need to make this recipe:
Simple Vegan Protein Hot Chocolate
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!
Notes
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Coconut milk
- Oat milk
- Flax milk
- 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
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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
Amy
Thursday 27th of September 2018
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.
Miz Helen
Monday 23rd of October 2017
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
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook
Sunday 22nd of October 2017
I love hot chocolate and this sounds so good! ? Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party!
Jaime
Wednesday 18th of October 2017
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. =)
casssie_ramde
Tuesday 11th of April 2017
I am a chocolate lover! If I can drink it with protein - I'm totally in!