Protein Hot Chocolate

This Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe is rich, creamy, and full of chocolate flavor! Made with simple, real food ingredients, it’s dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and loaded with protein for a better-for-you comfort food drink.

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Homemade Protein Hot Chocolate 

I don’t know about you, but I love a cozy cup of hot chocolate when the weather gets cold. It’s warming, comforting, and a delicious way to wind down at the end of the day.

Of course, you can find lots of pre-made options at your local grocery store, but I much prefer to make my hot chocolate from scratch. Like many of you, I’m wanting to increase my overall protein intake so of course I had to create a more protein-packed version of my traditional healthy homemade hot chocolate.

This hot chocolate recipe combines a few simple ingredients plus your favorite protein powder that blends right into the drink. You get all the chocolatey taste you love, but you also get a boost of high-quality protein to help you meet your protein goals!

More Reader Favorite High-Protein Recipes

• Chocolate Protein Shake
• High Protein Key Lime Pie Dip
• Protein Chia Pudding
• My Favorite Protein Smoothie
• High Protein Overnight Oats
• High Protein Breakfast Sandwiches
• High Protein Chocolate Fruit Dip

Recipe Ingredients 

Oat Milk: I love the creaminess and subtly sweet flavor of oat milk for this recipe. 

Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder: you can’t have hot chocolate without cocoa powder! I prefer to use Dutch processed cocoa because it has a smoother flavor and blends more easily into drinks. Of course, regular cocoa powder will also work. 

Unflavored Protein Powder: this unflavored whey protein powder is my favorite.  

Maple Syrup: this gives the right amount of sweetness. 

Vanilla Extract: I always include vanilla in my hot chocolate! It adds extra richness and a delicious vanilla taste. 

Sea Salt: trust me on this! A little bit of salt balances out all the sweetness for a smooth, flavorful drink. 

Ingredient Variations

• Oat Milk – Feel free to use any plant-based or dairy milk you like best. Just keep in mind that the texture of your hot cocoa may change slightly. 
• Protein Powder – Try using a chocolate or vanilla protein powder to add an extra level of flavor to your protein powder hot chocolate. 
• Maple Syrup – If you prefer the flavor of honey, feel free to swap it for the maple syrup in this recipe.
• Vanilla Extract – Swap the vanilla a few drops of peppermint extract for a peppermint hot chocolate.

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Protein Powder

Step One: Add the milk to a small saucepan or hot, and heat over medium-low heat. Be careful not to overheat the milk or bring it to a boil! 

Step Two: Once the milk is warmed through, whisk in the cocoa powder, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined and there are no lumps. Slowly stream in more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. 

Step Three: Once warm and well combined, pour the hot chocolate into a mug, and serve it with your toppings of choice! 

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overheat the milk. You want it to be just warmed through. There’s no need to boil or even really simmer the milk.
• Use a whisk to incorporate the cocoa powder and protein powder. Trust me, it will make the entire process much easier.
• If you want an extra chocolatey hot chocolate, feel free to add an extra half tablespoon of cocoa powder to the recipe.
• Be sure to get an unsweetened cocoa powder. You don’t want any extra added sugar in your cocoa powder or your hot chocolate will be too sweet. 

Topping Ideas

Of course, you can serve this hot chocolate with protein powder on its own. It’s plenty flavorful. However, in my opinion, toppings are the best part of hot chocolate. Some of my favorite options include: 

• Marshmallows
• Whipped Cream
• Chocolate Shavings
• Chocolate Sauce
• Caramel Sauce
• Cinnamon
• Crushed Peppermints

More Delicious Drinks to Try

• Healthy Hot Chocolate
• Homemade Peppermint Mocha
• Gingerbread Latte
• Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Coffee
• Iced Honey Cinnamon Latte
• Healthy Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail

I hope you give this High Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe a try! It’s easy to make, full of protein, and delicious! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

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Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat