Protein Hot Chocolate
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My high protein hot chocolate needs just 3 ingredients and packs in over 30 grams of protein. It’s rich, creamy, and super comforting!
I’m in my protein era right now, which means I’m finding new ways to incorporate protein into my favorite foods. Recently, as I sipped a cup of hot chocolate, I wondered what would happen if I added chocolate protein powder to the mix.
Well, let’s just say I’ve found an even EASIER way to get my daily protein while still getting my nightly treat… and it’s PERFECT for those cooler nights.
It did take some testing to get it right because different protein powders yielded very different results, but I found a few options that worked perfectly.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- 30 grams of protein per cup. And you can’t even tell because it’s a key ingredient in the mix.
- Easy to make ahead. I make a massive batch of this stuff and keep it for months. That way, whenever I want a cup, all I have to do is boil some water, and I’m good to go.
- Tastes like the real deal. I’m over recipes that force protein into everything and sacrifice all the flavor. This protein hot chocolate recipe tastes as decadent as traditional hot chocolate mixes.
- Customize it. Add more chocolate for a richer chocolate flavor, use your favorite protein powder, or experiment with fun mix-ins.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what goes into this protein powder hot chocolate, along with my kitchen notes. Measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Chocolate protein powder. Use your favorite protein powder since this will be the bulk of the flavor. I prefer pea protein for my vegan protein powder, but if you’re not vegan, I’d go with casein or whey protein powder. In terms of brands, I had success with Optimum Nutrition, Growing Naturals, and Dymatize.
- Sugar. I used white sugar, but brown sugar or a sugar-free sweetener would also work (allulose is a fabulous zero-calorie sweetener that dissolves like sugar!).
- Cocoa powder. I added ¼ of a cup of Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder, but you can add more for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Milk. Optional, but I prefer using milk for my healthy hot chocolate since it yields a thicker, creamier drink. I used unsweetened almond milk, but oat milk, coconut milk, or regular milk will all do.
How to make protein hot chocolate
Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, sift the cocoa powder. Add the remaining ingredients and mix, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Step 2- Make hot chocolate. In a large mug, add 11 tablespoons (1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons) of the dry hot cocoa mix. Add ¼ cup of boiling water and whisk to combine. Add another ½-1 cup of hot water or warm milk, mix, and serve.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Save time. I find using a milk frother or blender makes quick work of blending up my hot chocolate.
- Make it sweeter. I intentionally kept the sugar content in this recipe minimal since every protein powder has varying sweetness. After you’ve made your hot chocolate, taste it and add a little honey or maple syrup for more sweetness.
- Enhance the flavor. To the hot chocolate, add a few drops of vanilla extract or peppermint extract for a different flavor.
- Add toppings. What is a good cup of hot chocolate without marshmallows and whipped cream? If I’m keeping an eye on my sugar intake, I’ll use sugar free marshmallows.
Frequently asked questions
Your hot chocolate may be clumpy if the dry ingredients weren’t thoroughly mixed in with the liquid. If possible, I like to combine the hot chocolate ingredients in a blender or use a milk frother to help ensure the dry ingredients don’t clump as it hits the milk.
Yes! Contrary to popular opinion, protein powder does not lose nutritional value when added to hot beverages (source).
✅ Nutrition reviewed
“I love this recipe because it offers 30 grams of protein in a warm, comforting drink, helping support satiety and balancing energy. Using cocoa powder instead of sugary mixes makes it a more nutrient-dense choice.” – Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Protein Hot Chocolate
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder feel free to add more, for a richer chocolate flavor
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift your cocoa powder to avoid any clumps. Add the protein powder and sugar and mix well.
- Add 11 tablespoons (1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons) of the dry mixture into a large mug.
- Add 1/4 cup of boiling water and mix very well until everything is combined and no clumps remain. You can also use a mini whisk to make things easier. Add 1/2-1 cup of either hot water or warmed-up milk of choice, mix again, and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
More cozy high protein desserts
Why not pair your hot cocoa with one of my other high protein treats?
Originally published November 2016
Elizabeth Jane Lee carr-luscombe
Yum yes
Thanks for your feedback, Elizabeth- I hope you enjoyed this high protein hot chocolate!
definitely enjoyed less tablespoons more, but this is delicious! third time making a batch in 2 weeks
So glad you liked it Mariam, thanks for sharing.
This was super easy and a delicious way to sneak in some extra protein. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome, Dwayne! It really is such a simple way to sneak in protein, isn’t it! I recently enjoyed this iced, and it was just as good!
I have to admit I was very skeptical about how this would taste but since it had so many high ratings, I thought I would give it a try. It was absolutely wonderful! I changed the measurements to just one serving and I am enjoying it now on this very cold morning. Thank you so much for this recipe I will definitely be enjoying this winter!
Heidi, thank you for leaving your lovely feedback. I can totally relate to being skeptical- it was how I was before recipe testing this! Love that you adapted it to be one serving- I make it a little too often, so I have to have a big batch on hand 🙂
I just made this. I doubled the cocoa and made it with half milk and half hot water. This is excellent!
Flavor is spot on…I added a bit more Swerve as I have a really bad sweet tooth, other than that it was exactly what I was looking for. Hit the spot!