This Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe is the perfect healthy holiday treat! Made with cocoa powder & chocolate protein powder, it serves up all the chocolatey goodness you’d expect from traditional hot chocolate, with the extra added benefits of protein & no added refined sugars. Serve this cozy hot drink at your next holiday party or enjoy it snuggled up by the fire during the winter months!
Protein hot chocolate is the perfect cozy drink for anyone looking to add a few additional grams of protein into their day while simultaneously satisfying their sweet tooth. This healthy hot chocolate can be made using your favorite protein powder & other simple ingredients.
If you’re looking for more protein packed drinks, try this Mixed Berry Energy Smoothie or this Green Goddess Smoothie. If you’re searching for gut friendly, easy to digest protein powder, check out this handy guide to my favorite low fodmap protein powders.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It is good for you. This hot chocolate recipe is a great way to get an additional serving of healthy protein into your day while still enjoying a holiday treat.
- It is easy. The best part about this recipe, aside from it being an absolutely delicious, creamy hot chocolate recipe, is that it is so easy. It requires just a few minutes of time and a handful of pantry staple ingredients.
- It is versatile. There are a few different ways this recipe can be made in terms of method as well as ingredients you can use, so regardless of the type of diet you follow or kitchen equipment you have available, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious protein packed hot beverage during the holiday season!
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Protein Hot Chocolate Ingredients & Tested Substitutions
- Milk: The great thing about this hot cocoa recipe is that you can use your favorite milk of choice. I prefer to use unsweetened almond milk, but you can also use whole milk, skim milk with a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or any of your favorite nut milks.
- Cocoa Powder: You can use unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder to infuse more chocolatey flavor into this hot protein shake. You can also use your favorite hot chocolate mix if you prefer. Note that if you use cacao powder you may need to add additional maple syrup as cacao can be on the more bitter side.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: I like to use beef isolate protein powder, but you can use chocolate whey protein powder, chocolate collagen peptides, or your favorite vegan protein powder. You can also use vanilla protein powder & add a few additional tablespoons of cocoa powder if that’s all you have on hand. Please see instructions for notes on preparing using whey protein powder.
- Vanilla Extract: Use a high quality vanilla extract for best results.
- Maple Syrup: I like to add a touch of sweetness by using maple syrup, but you can also use coconut sugar or brown sugar.
- Optional toppings like mini marshmallows, cacao nibs, whip cream, chocolate chips or even candy cane pieces!
Protein Hot Chocolate Step By Step Instructions
- Blend ingredients. The best way to quickly blend the protein powder, vanilla, milk & cocoa powder is by adding the ingredients to a blender and blending until smooth, about 1-2 pulses max. If you don’t feel like getting the blender out, you can also use a handheld milk frother, a shaker cup, or simply whisk the protein powder & cocoa into the vanilla and milk on the stove top, which I find to be the next best alternative. NOTE: If you are using whey protein, do NOT blend in a blender! Whey thickens up and creates a less than ideal hot cocoa texture. If your only option is whey protein, you’ll need to continuously whisk the protein powder and milk while heating. You may also need to add additional milk until you’ve reached the desired thickness.
2. Heat the hot cocoa mix. Once you’ve mixed up the ingredients, pour them into a small pot on the stove top & heat the mixture over medium heat until just boiling, about 3 minutes. While the hot cocoa is heating, gently whisk it to ensure no clumps of protein powder remain. If your cocoa is too thick, add additional milk until desired thickness is reached.
3. Serve. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs & serve with optional toppings like whip cream or mini marshmallows. Tip: to be sure no protein powder clumps remain, whisk while pouring or pour the hot cocoa through a fine mesh strainer.
Protein Hot Chocolate FAQs
What type of protein powder is best for hot chocolate?
I have found that beef isolate protein powder is my personal favorite, however collagen peptides dissolve the most quickly, so if you’re worried about extra clumps in your protein hot chocolate, that might be the best choice for you. You can also use whey protein powder however it is very important to note that whey protein tends to thicken up when heated & blended. It is best to skip the step of blending and simply whisk the whey protein continuously into the milk while heating, being mindful that you may want to add more milk until you reach the desired thickness.
How do I avoid protein powder clumps in hot chocolate?
The best way to avoid clumps in your protein hot chocolate is to pulse all of the ingredients together in a blender until smooth & creamy. I find that while you’re heating the hot chocolate mixture you should also continue to whisk it, as this prevents any clumps from forming. To be extra sure, continue whisking the hot cocoa while pouring it into your mug for an ultra smooth & creamy hot beverage.
How do I avoid making my protein hot chocolate too thick?
Using whey protein can create a very thick hot chocolate when blended. I recommend using a whisk instead & continuously whisking while heating the hot chocolate. Using a protein powder like beef isolate, collagen peptides or even pea protein can be mixed briefly in a blender for 1-2 pulses, then whisked occasionally while heating for the perfect hot chocolate texture.
Can you make your own protein hot chocolate mix?
Yes! Simply add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder for every 1 scoop of protein powder. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months for optimal freshness. When it comes time to making the protein hot chocolate, use 1/4 cup of this mixture and follow the instructions on the recipe card for making the hot cocoa.
How to store protein hot chocolate
You can store your protein hot chocolate in a mason jar with a lid or another airtight glass container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Simply pour the mixture into a sauce pan on the stove top over medium heat, whisk continuously and heat until just starting to boil.
What are some other ways to enjoy protein hot chocolate?
You can add so many flavors to your protein hot chocolate if you don’t want to just have regular hot chocolate! I love adding a few drops of peppermint extract, cinnamon, or even peanut butter powder.
If You Liked This Recipe You Might Also Enjoy:
- Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Starbucks Copycat Espresso Brownies
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Best Gingerbread Cookies
- Christmas Cutout Cookies
Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!
Protein Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk of choice
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup more or less to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Blend ingredients. The best way to quickly blend the protein powder, vanilla, milk & cocoa powder is by adding the ingredients to a blender and blending until smooth, about 1-2 pulses max. If you don't feel like getting the blender out, you can also use a handheld milk frother, a shaker cup, or simply whisk the protein powder & cocoa into the vanilla and milk on the stove top, which I find to be the next best alternative. NOTE: If you are using whey protein, do NOT blend! Whey thickens up and creates a less than ideal hot cocoa texture. If your only option is whey protein, you'll need to continuously whisk the protein powder and milk while heating. You may also need to add additional milk until you've reached the desired thickness.
- Heat the hot cocoa mix. Once you've mixed up the ingredients, pour them into a small pot on the stove top & heat the mixture over medium heat until just boiling, about 3 minutes. While the hot cocoa is heating, gently whisk it to ensure no clumps of protein powder remain. If your cocoa is too thick, add additional milk until desired thickness is reached.
- Serve. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs & serve with optional toppings like whip cream or mini marshmallows. Tip: to be sure no protein powder clumps remain, whisk while pouring or pour the hot cocoa through a fine mesh strainer.
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