Chocolate Protein Hot Chocolate

This Chocolate Protein Hot Chocolate uses chocolate protein powder in hot chocolate to create the most creamy, rich, delicious hot chocolate. It’s easy to customize to be vegan, keto, no added sugar – whatever you need. You’ll never believe this is such healthy hot chocolate recipe!

There’s little cozier than a warm drink on a chilly day, and this chocolate protein hot chocolate is no exception. I use protein powder in hot chocolate to create a delicious drink that’s delicious, high in protein, has no added sugar, and is much gentler to my blood sugar.

And while the nutrition is great, it’s impossible to beat the taste. Protein powder hot chocolate is a little thicker, with a luscious, velvety, creamy texture. It’s sweet and has a rich chocolate flavor that’s perfection.

Because it’s so high in protein, it’s also great to pair with something like my almond butter banana bread for a more balanced breakfast that feels like an absolute treat!

But first, let’s talk logistics:

Can you put protein powder in hot chocolate?

Protein powder in hot chocolate? Does it work? Absolutely! In fact, using a chocolate protein powder actually helps make the hot chocolate creamier and more chocolatey!

While you can use any chocolate protein powder in this recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Sweetness: Some protein powders are heavy on the sweetener – and some are completely unsweetened. Know the sweetness level of your protein powder and adjust the rest of the recipe accordingly.
• Texture: Different types of protein powders have different textures. Some plant-based textures can get really thick, because they may be made with really hydrophilic, absorbent ingredients (like pea protein, rice protein, peanut protein, etc.). Depending on the protein powder, they may require a little extra milk. Whey proteins work great, just don’t blend or over-mix. Blending whey creates almost a fluffy kind of liquid, which honestly is just weird in hot chocolate.
• Taste: Particularly if using plant-based protein powders, they sometimes have a little bit of an earthy taste to them. Just be aware of that! Ultimately, you need to like how the protein powder tastes alone if you’re going to like it in this protein hot cocoa.
• Color: Note that if your protein powder also contains greens, it may give a slightly murky, greenish, swamp water hue to your hot cocoa. 😉 It won’t hurt you, by any means, just an FYI!

All in all, yes – you can put protein powder in hot chocolate. Just know and like your protein powder’s taste and texture.

Chocolate Protein Hot Chocolate Ingredients

For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Milk: You can use any milk here! Dairy milk and soy milk will add additional protein, unsweetened almond milk keeps the calories lower, coconut milk is super creamy…do what works for you!
• Chocolate Protein Powder: Same deal for the protein powder, you can use whatever works for you – whey or plant-based. Please see the Expert Tips section below, though, for tips when using whey-based powders.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is what creates a richer chocolate taste. And fun fact – did you know unsweetened cocoa powder also adds fiber, iron, and more antioxidants? Definitely a win-win!
• Sweetener: You know the drill – use whatever works for you! Honey and maple syrup work great, as does any sugar substitute, coconut sugar, or even regular ol’ table sugar. For a no added sugar option, my personal favorite is allulose – I personally don’t notice any aftertaste and find it to be the closest in sweetness to actual sugar.
• Chocolate Chips: This is totally optional, but if you want that extra little bit of richness that makes you feel like you’re drinking a dessert in a mug, I highly recommend adding a tablespoon of chocolate chips. I use Lily’s Semi Sweet Chocolate Style Chips for a delicious no sugar added option.

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Protein Powder

For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Pour your milk of choice into a small pot and add all other ingredients.
2. Whisk nonstop until ingredients are smoothly combine and hot chocolate is warmed to your preference.

Expert Tips

• Do not stop whisking! You absolutely positively have to keep whisking the entire time, or else the protein powder will mess up the texture – whey especially. It doesn’t need to be vigorous or anything, just keep it moving.
• Notes for Whey Protein: again, you’ve gotta whisk the whole time, just until it’s evenly combined and warmed through. If you let it sit, it’ll get clumpy, and if you walk away, it’ll end up too thick and chunky. Protein powder in hot chocolate 100% can work out fantastically – but it can end up gross if you walk away.
• I don’t recommend blending ingredients beforehand – especially if using whey protein powder. It can make the texture too thick and weirdly fluffy again.

Substitutions & Variations

• Any milk will work!
• Any chocolate protein powder will work!
• For vanilla or plain protein powder add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
• Cacao can be used instead of cocoa powder.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for a little extra coziness.
• Cinnamon is a delicious way to add more flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy!
• Peppermint hot chocolate is simple – just add a couple drops of peppermint extract.
• You can use water, but it won’t be as rich. I recommend adding a splash of coconut milk or cream.

Favorite Protein Powders

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Taste is always subjective, but here are some protein powders I’ve tested and enjoyed:

• Optimum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
• Clean Simple Eats Chocolate Brownie Batter Whey
• NAKED Nutrition Unflavored Whey Protein
• Vega Original Chocolate Plant-Based Protein
• NAKED Nutrition Unflavored Pea Protein

Protein Hot Cocoa Toppings

• Whipped Cream
• Marshmallows
• Marshmallow fluff
• Sprinkles
• Crushed candy pieces
• Crushed peppermints
• Toasted coconut shreds
• Crumbled cookie pieces

More High Protein Desserts You’ll Love

• Cookies & Cream Protein Ice Cream
• Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
• Pumpkin Protein Ice Cream
• Acai Ice Cream (high protein!)
• S’mores Yogurt Parfaits
• Ninja Creami Frozen Yogurt
• Chocolate Yogurt

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