Protein Hot Chocolate

This high protein hot chocolate recipe is just as rich and creamy as classic hot chocolate, yet it’s packed with protein at the same time!

Healthy protein hot chocolate

While protein shakes and smoothies are an easy way to get more protein in the summer, who wants a frozen beverage in the cold of winter?

Enter thick, decadent protein hot chocolate.

All you need are three ingredients plus your favorite milk, and this version is higher in protein than other similar recipes, with over 35 grams of protein!

Whip up a hot mug of comforting homemade cocoa for breakfast, snack, or dessert. It’s perfect for snow days or any time you need extra protein and crave chocolate.

The recipe includes options to fit many different diets, including dairy free, sugar free, gluten free, low carb, keto, low fat, and vegan.

Also be sure to try this Protein Cookie Dough

Protein hot chocolate flavors

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Try stirring in a tablespoon or two of Homemade Nutella.

Or give it a holiday twist with a few drops of pure peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for garnish.

For a caffeinated mocha protein drink, add half a teaspoon of instant coffee.

Make peanut butter hot chocolate by including a spoonful of peanut butter or powdered peanut butter. You can also add almond butter or cashew butter.

If you like Mexican hot chocolate, stir in a fourth teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a dash of cayenne.

Add one or two drops of almond extract or maple extract. Or stir in the seeds of half a vanilla bean. The flavor options are unlimited!

Step by step recipe video

Watch the protein hot chocolate recipe video above.

As written, the recipe yields a single serving. However, you can scale up the ingredients to feed a family or a thirsty crowd.

Ingredients

The recipe calls for milk of choice, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and sweetener of choice. You can add a few drops of pure vanilla extract if desired.

Milk – Use your favorite milk or cream here.

Hot chocolate with almond milk will be low calorie but also thinner and lower in protein content. Oat milk and coconut milk yield a thicker texture. And soy or dairy milk will provide the most protein.

Protein powder – Be sure to choose a protein powder you already know you like, whether it is whey, brown rice, pumpkin seed, casein, egg white, or pea protein.

You can go with plain or mint chocolate, double chocolate fudge, chocolate cake batter, chocolate peanut butter protein powder, or even hot chocolate protein powder.

Cocoa powder – Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder gives you a richer chocolate taste than using protein powder alone.

This can be either unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch process cocoa powder. Or you may swap it for an equal amount of powdered hot cocoa mix.

Sweetener – The amount of sweetener will depend on the sweetness level of your chocolate protein powder as well as your own taste buds.

Sweeten to taste, with pure maple syrup, honey, regular sugar, unrefined coconut sugar, or sugar free xylitol or stevia.

How to make the best protein hot chocolate

Start by gathering all of your hot cocoa ingredients.

Add the chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, milk, and sweetener to a small saucepan. Stir to combine.

Bring the chocolatey mixture to a boil over low medium heat.

Once boiling, turn the heat to low and whisk constantly until all of the powder dissolves into the milk.

Serve hot, topped with your favorite hot chocolate garnishes.

Note: You can also drink this beverage cold. Instead of heating the recipe in a pot, add everything to a blender or shaker cup and blend until smooth.

DIY protein hot cocoa mix

You can easily save time by mixing the dry ingredients ahead of time, giving you an almost instant hot chocolate beverage whenever you want one.

The following protein hot chocolate mix yields eight servings and can be stored in an airtight container in the kitchen pantry for up to a year.

In a large bowl, combine two cups chocolate protein powder, half a cup of cocoa powder, and half a cup of sugar.

Stir these ingredients very well, then transfer the powdered mix to a lidded container.

When ready to drink, add six tablespoons to one cup of milk. Heat on the stove top or in the microwave, whisking well to dissolve the hot cocoa mix.

Hot chocolate topping ideas

Have fun with different toppings!

Invite your friends over for a snowy morning brunch, and set out a DIY hot chocolate bar complete with mugs, whipped cream, and an array of tasty garnishes.

Think finely chopped toffee or caramels, Coconut Whipped Cream, chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce, slivered almonds, white chocolate chips, or fresh berries and fruit.

Above, I included mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, OREO cookies, and pomegranate seeds.

Then let your guests create their own dream hot chocolates.

You can also provide cookies, such as Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, for dipping into the hot and steamy mugs of high protein cocoa.

Tips for increasing protein

If you want the highest protein content, make sure to choose a milk option high in protein. For example, cow’s milk (such as skim or whole milk) and soymilk contain much more protein than unfortified almond milk or oat milk.

Different brands and types of chocolate protein powders will also give you varying amounts of protein. Compare brands at the store to find your preference.

My favorite way to add both protein and thickness is to stir in a spoonful of heart healthy peanut butter when making hot chocolate.

You can also sprinkle some chia seeds on top for added iron, calcium, protein, fiber, and other nutritional benefits.

The recipe was adapted from my Vegan Hot Chocolate.

High Protein Chocolate Recipes

Protein Brownies

Chocolate Protein Truffles

Healthy Chocolate Snack Balls

Protein Banana Bread

Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

Protein Pudding

Protein Muffins

Chocolate Smoothie