Protein Hot Chocolate is a healthy treat that's sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. It's rich, creamy, and contains over 20 grams of protein per serving! This healthy hot cocoa is dairy free, gluten free, and is a great replacement for sugary seasonal drinks.

Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Can I Make Hot Chocolate With Protein Powder?
- What Kind Of Protein Do I Use For Protein Hot Chocolate?
- Ingredients In Protein Hot Chocolate
- How To Make Protein Hot Chocolate
- What's The Best Milk To Use?
- Recipe Variations
- What To Serve With Protein Hot Chocolate
- Expert Tips
- Did you make this recipe?
- Protein Hot Chocolate
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There's nothing better than sipping on a big mug full of cozy hot chocolate. It's rich, sweet, creamy- I mean, what's not to love?
While I do like a classic hot cocoa recipe, I'll sometimes make this sugar free version or other times I'll even make a strawberry variation. But when I'm looking for a sweet treat that's a little more substantial I prefer to make this protein hot chocolate.
This recipe is quick, easy, sweet, and has over 20 grams of protein per serving! You just need 4 ingredients and not even 5 minutes to make this creamy cocoa that will help keep you full and satisfied all afternoon.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's dairy free and gluten free
- Contains over 20 grams of protein per serving
- Rich and creamy
- Makes a great healthy dessert or snack option
- A much healthier alternative to sugary seasonal drinks
- Made with only 4 ingredients
- Ready in 5 minutes
Can I Make Hot Chocolate With Protein Powder?
Yes, you definitely can. However, be sure to first mix the protein powder with cold or room temperature milk and then heat it up. If you heat the milk up first and then try to add the protein powder it won't dissolve right and may become clumpy.
What Kind Of Protein Do I Use For Protein Hot Chocolate?
I used Nuzest Clean Lean Protein powder. It's smooth, dissolves well, and it made with healthy, clean ingredients. Additionally, it is also certified gluten free and made with plant based ingredients.
If you have another chocolate protein powder you like, then use that. This recipe will really work with most kinds of chocolate flavored protein powder.
Ingredients In Protein Hot Chocolate

This recipe is made with just 4 simple ingredients, and couldn't be easier to make!
- Chocolate protein powder: You can use any kind you like. I prefer to use one that is gluten and dairy free like Nuzest.
- Monk fruit: I like to keep my hot chocolate refined sugar free so I use monk fruit to sweeten it. Stevia is another great sugar free option, but maple syrup or regular sugar will also work.
- Cocoa powder: The added cocoa powder just enhances the hot cocoa and really gives it a rich chocolate flavor
- Milk: to keep this dairy free I like to use almond milk. If you're not dairy free, whole milk is another great option that contains 8 grams of protein per serving
How To Make Protein Hot Chocolate
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the chocolate protein powder, monk fruit, and cocoa powder
- Pour the milk over the dry ingredients and stir well
- Place the saucepan onto the stove and turn the heat to medium
- Whisking constantly, heat the protein hot chocolate for 3-4 minutes until it is smooth, creamy, and hot
- Pour into your favorite mug, top with marshmallows and enjoy!


What's The Best Milk To Use?
I personally love to use unsweetened almond milk because I like that it's dairy free. However, any plant based milk will work. If you're looking for a higher protein plant milk, you might want to try using soy milk.
If you're not dairy free, whole milk is a wonderful milk option that contains 8 grams of protein per 1 cup, which would bring the protein content up to about 28 grams in just 1 serving of this hot chocolate.
Recipe Variations
While I like this recipe as is, if you're looking to customize it check out this list for ideas!
- Mix in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract
- Add in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Melt ½ ounce of dark chocolate in the hot cocoa
- Add a dash of cinnamon
- Top with sugar free whipped cream
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top
What To Serve With Protein Hot Chocolate
This protein hot chocolate makes a great snack or healthy dessert option. It's even better if you pair it with a treat, so try one of these ideas!
- 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies
- Peanut butter oatmeal balls
- Protein French toast casserole
- Greek yogurt with granola
Expert Tips
- Stir the dry ingredients with the milk before heating it up to prevent clumping
- Whisk constantly while heating to prevent burning
- Soy milk is a great high protein non-dairy milk option
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste

Did you make this recipe?
If so, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Also, follow me on Instagram and tag me or use #incoleskitchen so I can see what you made and share it!
PrintProtein Hot Chocolate
Protein Hot Chocolate is a healthy treat that's sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. It's rich, creamy, and contains over 20 grams of protein per serving! This healthy hot cocoa is dairy free, gluten free, and is a great replacement for sugary seasonal drinks.
- Prep Time: 1 Minute
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Chocolate protein powder. I use Nuzest Rich Chocolate
- 2 Tablespoons monk fruit
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup almond milk
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the chocolate protein powder, monk fruit, and cocoa powder
- Pour the milk over the dry ingredients and stir well
- Place the saucepan onto the stove and turn the heat to medium
- Whisking constantly, heat the protein hot chocolate for 3-4 minutes until it is smooth, creamy, and hot
- Pour into your favorite mug, top with marshmallows and enjoy!
Notes
- Stir the dry ingredients with the milk before heating it up to prevent clumping
- Whisk constantly while heating to prevent burning
- Soy milk is a great high protein non-dairy milk option
- Whole milk is a good choice for those who aren't dairy free
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste and add more or less monk fruit
Keywords: hot chocolate with protein powder, protein powder hot chocolate, high protein hot chocolate
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