Name: Protein Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Chocolate protein powder. I use Nuzest Rich Chocolate; 2 Tablespoons monk fruit; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup almond milk

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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.

protein hot chocolate in a ceramic mug with marshmallows and chocolate sauce.

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

ingredients for protein hot chocolate labeled with black text.

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!

cocoa powder, protein powder, and sugar in silver pot. — **Whisk together the dry ingredients**

healthy hot cocoa in a silver pot. — **Add the milk and heat until smooth and creamy**

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!

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

overhead view of a mug full of protein hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

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!