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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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

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Prep Time: 1 minute min

Cook Time: 2 minutes mins

Total Time: 3 minutes mins

Servings: 1

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
• 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar - (optional)

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!

Recipe 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.

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• 2723

Author: Samantha Rowland

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate protein hot chocolate, protein hot chocolate, protein hot cocoa

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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