Protein Hot Chocolate
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Add as Google Trusted SourceThis creamy protein hot chocolate combines cocoa and chocolate protein powder for a rich, chocolatey drink with over 22 grams of protein. Ready in just 10 minutes.
I love my healthy hot chocolate, so when I started looking for more ways to work protein into my day, a protein-packed version felt like an obvious next recipe to try. Because as much as I love a smoothie, sometimes I just want a warm mug of chocolate with whipped cream on top.
For this version, I use chocolate protein powder along with cocoa powder to give it that familiar hot chocolate flavor. A little vanilla and a pinch of salt bring it all together, and you can adjust the maple syrup depending on how sweet your powder is. My method starts with blending everything before gently heating it on the stove, so you aren’t chasing dry pockets of cocoa around your mug.
If you love adding protein to your everyday drinks, my protein coffee is another easy one to try.
Table of Contents
“On a really chilly day like today this totally hit the spot. Made as stated but only used a teaspoon of maple syrup. Deliciously creamy and indulgent.”
Why You’ll Love This Protein Hot Cocoa
- A warm way to get more protein: I love my protein shakes, but this is such a nice option when I’m craving something cozy.
- No hot cocoa mix needed: Cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder give you plenty of chocolate flavor, and you control the added sweetness.
- One mug, ready in 10 minutes: It makes a single serving, so it’s easy to whip up whenever a hot chocolate craving hits.
- Easy to make dairy-free: My version uses almond milk and plant-based protein powder. Finish it with coconut whipped cream or vegan marshmallows.
Ingredients Needed
- non-dairy milk – I use unsweetened almond milk. Oat milk is another option for a creamier drink, or use regular milk if you don’t need it to be dairy-free.
- unsweetened cocoa powder – gives the hot chocolate a richer chocolate flavor than protein powder alone. Cacao powder works here too.
- chocolate protein powder – I use Truvani chocolate protein powder, a plant-based option. Choose a powder you enjoy the taste of, since its flavor comes through in the finished drink. I haven’t tested this recipe with whey.
- maple syrup – optional, depending on how sweet your protein powder is. Start without it if you’re unsure, then taste and sweeten as needed.
- vanilla extract – rounds out the chocolate flavor. Just a small splash makes this feel more like homemade hot cocoa.
- sea salt – a pinch brings out the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
Topping Ideas
I’m definitely adding a little whipped cream to mine! Here are a few ways to finish your mug:
- Whipped cream – Use coconut whipped cream to keep it dairy-free, or regular whipped cream if you prefer.
- Mini marshmallows – I like Dandies mini vanilla marshmallows for a vegan option. Let them soften in the warm chocolate before taking a sip.
- Chocolate shavings or chips – Sprinkle a few over the whipped cream for extra chocolate in every sip.
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder – A light dusting is an easy finishing touch.
How to Make Protein Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Add the milk, cocoa powder, protein powder, vanilla and salt to a blender or blender bottle, along with the maple syrup if using.
Step 2: Blend or shake until smooth, with no dry pockets of powder.
Step 3: Pour into a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 4–5 minutes. Heat until steaming and hot enough to drink, without letting it boil.
Step 4: Pour into a large mug, taste and adjust the sweetness, then add your favorite toppings.
Brittany’s Tips for the Best Protein Hot Cocoa
- Start with cool milk: Blend or shake everything together before heating. This helps incorporate the powders, and you won’t need to put hot liquid in a blender bottle.
- Give it gentle heat: Turning up the burner to speed things along can leave you with a grainy drink. If it starts bubbling, lower the heat or briefly take the pan off the burner while stirring.
- Adjust for your powder: Some protein powders thicken more than others. If your hot chocolate gets thicker than you like, stir in a splash of milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Protein Hot Chocolate Variations
- Peppermint: Add a small splash of peppermint extract, taste and adjust. A little goes a long way! Crushed candy cane on top is another easy way to add minty flavor.
- Mocha: Replace ½ cup of the milk with brewed coffee, or stir in a shot of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Nut butter: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut butter combination. Almond butter works too.
- Caramel: Stir in a little of my date caramel and drizzle extra over the whipped cream. Taste before adding maple syrup, since the caramel adds sweetness.
How to Store Protein Hot Chocolate
- Storage: This hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Store without toppings.
- Reheating: Warm in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and avoiding a boil. If it has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Protein Hot Chocolate FAQs
I use Truvani chocolate protein powder, which is plant-based. It’s the powder I tested this recipe with, so that’s my starting recommendation. Other brands can change the sweetness and thickness. I haven’t tested whey in this recipe, so I can’t promise the same texture.
Clumps can form when the powders aren’t fully mixed or the drink gets too hot. Blend or shake the ingredients with cool milk first, then heat gently while stirring. If the mixture is smooth before heating but turns grainy on the stove, overheating may be the cause. Different protein powders can also give different results.
More Drink Recipes to Try
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Protein Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (12 fl oz) non-dairy milk, I used almond milk
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, I used Truvani
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup, optional
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Add the milk, cocoa powder, protein powder, vanilla and salt to a blender or blender bottle. Add the maple syrup if using. Blend or shake until smooth and fully combined.1 ½ cups (12 fl oz) non-dairy milk, 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, ¼ teaspoon vanilla, pinch sea salt, 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- Pour into a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 4–5 minutes, until steaming and hot enough to drink. Do not let the mixture boil.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. Pour into a large mug, add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Milk: Regular milk works if you don’t need this recipe to be dairy-free.
- Protein powder: Tested with Truvani chocolate protein powder. Other powders may change the sweetness, thickness and nutrition.
- Storage: Refrigerate without toppings in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, stirring and adding a splash of milk if needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
Wow. This was really good. I added half protein powder with half chocolate collagen. This is a yummy hot chocolate. I would definitely recommend trying this.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
On a really chilly day like today this totally hit the spot. Made as stated but only used a teaspoon of maple syrup. Deliciously creamy and indulgent.
Delicious! I used whole milk and Just Ingredients Chocolate Protein Powder. It turned out great!
Yay! I’m so glad this recipe was a hit. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I appreciate it!