Protein Hot Chocolate

Protein hot chocolate is the best way to warm up on a chilly day! Packed with protein and so easy to make, this dairy free protein hot chocolate recipe is everything you love about a warm cup of cocoa. Creamy, comforting and so delicious and it only takes 3 minutes to make.

If you are looking for more ways to add protein into your day, try my chocolate protein pudding or protein peanut butter cups.

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

  • 3 ingredients
  • Only takes 3 minutes
  • Easy to make
  • Thick and creamy
  • Packed with protein
  • Lower in carbs than traditional hot cocoa
  • Dairy free and vegan friendly

What do you need to make protein hot chocolate?

  • Dairy free milk – use your choice of dairy free milk
  • Chocolate protein powder – use your favorite, I have some suggestions below
  • Cacao powder – this gives the protein hot cocoa a really chocolatey flavor
  • Coconut sugar (optional) – this adds just a touch more sweetness
  • Milk Frother – the key to getting a really well mixed hot chocolate

What kind of protein to use

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

The protein powder I used in this recipe is Nuzest protein, but I have also tested it with this paleo protein powder.

Note: whey protein has a tendency to clump up when stirring it in hot liquid. If you want to use whey protein, mix it in some cool milk then heat it up.

White mug filled with protein hot chocolate with whipped cream.

How to make chocolate 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, cacao powder and optional coconut sugar 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!

Flavor variations

  • Mocha: Add 2 shots of espresso or half a cup of strongly brewed coffee.
  • Peppermint hot chocolate; Add a few drops of peppermint extract
  • Mexican hot chocolate: Add and extra ½ tablespoon of cacao, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Can you make your own protein hot cocoa mix?

Yes! Combine equal parts chocolate protein powder and cacao powder and half the amount of coconut sugar (optional) 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: Use 2 tablespoons of this mixture for every 1.5 cups of liquid to make hot chocolate.

Mug full of protein hot chocolate with spoons to the left.

Why do you need a milk frother

A 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.

  • If you don’t have a milk frother, you can also use an immersion blender or high speed blender to do this.   
    • Tip: If you are going to use a high speed blender, only add ½ cup of the milk to the blender to avoid adding too much hot liquid.
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Protein hot chocolate topped with whipped cream in a white mug.

Protein Hot Chocolate

Protein hot cocoa is packed with protein, easy to make and so comforting to drink. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is ready in just 3 minutes. The perfect cozy afternoon or evening drink!
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate protein hot chocolate, protein hot chocolate, protein hot cocoa
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1

Guided Recipe Video

Ingredients

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, cacao powder and coconut sugar (optional) 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

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
Other ways to enjoy protein hot cocoa?
  • Mocha: Add 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee.
  • Peppermint cocoa: Add a few drops of peppermint extract 
  • Mexican hot chocolate: Add and extra ½ tablespoon of cacao, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper

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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24 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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

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

  4. 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. =)

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

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