This easy 4-ingredient protein hot chocolate with protein powder is the best creamy, rich, and healthy hot chocolate recipe with 18 grams of protein per serving. Bonus, this recipe has only 134 kcal, and it’s made of plant-based ingredients for a vegan protein hot chocolate!
You can’t have too much hot chocolate in winter, and whenever the weather is cold enough! It’s even more true if it’s a healthy hot chocolate recipe like this protein hot chocolate! It’s the perfect recipe for a decadent breakfast with Vegan Pumpkin Brownies or Chocolate Baked Oats.
In fact, this easy hot chocolate recipe with protein powder is highly fulfilling, containing 18 grams of protein per serving and only 130 kcal. So keep reading to learn more.
Can You Make Hot Chocolate With Protein Powder?
You can use any protein powder to create a hot drink like this protein hot chocolate recipe.
However, not all protein powders are equal, and you may have to adjust this recipe based on the protein powder brand and type you are using.
The main difference between protein powders, plant-based or not, are their:
- Sweetness – most protein powders are low in carbs and sweetened with low-carb sweeteners. However, some are sweeter than others, and it will impact the taste of your hot chocolate recipe.
- Thickness – plant-based protein powders, like the one we use here, are often made with pea protein powder, almond protein powder, or peanut protein powder. They tend to absorb moisture more and create a thicker drink compared to whey protein powder. If you were to try whey-based protein powder, you might get a less thick drink – and not vegan! Add a pinch more protein powder if you like your drink creamier.
- Taste – some raw protein powders have an earthy flavor, and they will change the flavor of your hot cocoa recipe.
- Color – some protein powders have a greenish color like Vega protein powder, and it can change the color of your drink.
Yes, you can make protein hot chocolate at home, but before you start this recipe, make sure you are using a chocolate protein powder that you love in all aspects: taste, sweetness, and texture!
Ingredients and Substitutions
This protein hot chocolate drink is the easiest recipe ever as all you need are 4-ingredients.
- Chocolate Protein Powder – I highly recommend plant-based chocolate protein powder for a rich, creamy hot chocolate. I love using Nuzest pea protein powder or Macro Mike Almond protein powder. Both are high-quality vegan protein sources. If you are using other protein powder sources that are not vegan, like whey protein powder, keep in mind that your drink’s texture might be slightly less creamy. You can fix that by adding a pinch more powder to reach the creamy, rich texture you see here in my pictures.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – a must-add ingredient to boost the chocolate flavor of your drink.
- Sweetener – I used sugar-free erythritol to avoid added calories from sugar and keep the drink low in carbs. But any crystal sweetener works here, like white sugar, coconut sugar, and cane sugar. Use your favorite!
- Non-Dairy Milk – I used low-fat soy milk to add protein to the drink and enhance the rich, creamy texture. Any milk work in this recipe, including unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. These options decrease the protein in the drink and change your drink’s texture and taste, so again, choose your favorite! If you love coconut flavor in your hot cocoa, go for it! I love soy milk or almond milk that is very neutral in flavor.
How To Make Protein Powder Hot Chocolate
- Combine the dry protein hot chocolate ingredients in a saucepan. Add the milk to a saucepan and whisk in the powder ingredients.
- Whisk vigorously until smooth and well combined, same as when you are making a protein shake in your shaker.
- Then, bring the saucepan over medium heat and heat the mixture, whisking gently until hot, creamy, and rich. Don’t boil the mixture!
- Pour into a mug or cup and decorated with your favorite decorations below like Vegan Whipped Cream, sprinkles, or melted dark chocolate.
Super-Creamy Protein Hot Cocoa Option
As mentioned before, two parameters impact the texture of your hot chocolate recipe:
- Choice of milk – Soy milk is rich in protein so it makes a great creamy hot cocoa. Oat milk or Rebel Mylk are great options. Then if you choose almond milk, the texture won’t be as creamy.
- Choice of protein powder – plant-based protein powder made from pea, almonds, or peanuts are more absorbent and the best choice for a rich protein hot chocolate. Depending on the brand of protein powder you use, the texture can be very different too. For a thicker, creamier hot chocolate, add a pinch of protein powder.
Serving Protein Hot Chocolate
Protein hot chocolate is the perfect winter post-workout drink replacement to a protein shake. It’s hot, comforting, full of protein, and low in calories.
You can serve this protein hot chocolate plain, or for a cozy drink, add some toppings like:
- Whipped cream – You can use unsweetened whipped coconut cream or Vegan Whipped Cream.
- Marshmallows – there are plenty of healthy vegan marshmallows on the market, including vegan protein ones.
- Sprinkle of cocoa powder
- Sugar sprinkles
More High-Protein Recipes
Below I listed some delicious healthy protein treat recipes to pair with this hot cocoa and a complete protein boost!
Did You Like This Recipe?
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Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Chocolate Protein Powder - I used Almond Protein powder for a from Macro mike
- 1 tablespoon Crystal Sweetener of Choice - I used erythritol for a low carb option but white sugar or coconut sugar works too
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup Plant-Based Milk - I use low-fat soy milk or unsweetened almond milk0
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add milk of choice and whisk in your favorite chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sweetener of choice. Whisk vigorously until combined.
- Heat over medium-low heat, frequently whisking, until warm (but not boiling) and creamy. Depending on the brand of protein powder you used, the texture can be thicker. If too thick to your liking, whisk in an extra 1/4 cup of milk. If too thin, whisk in extra protein powder. Taste and adjust sweetness before serving.
- Serve immediately, plain or with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream on top for a touch of decadence. We used homemade whipped coconut cream to keep it plant-based.
I used Sunwarrior Warrior Blend and it worked well without added sweetener. Thank you so much. Was dreading cold shakes in this frigid weather!
I used whey iso and cashew milk and it was delicious!
Thank you Carine, this was the perfect idea for a warm smoothie for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to making it more often now that we’re into winter weather.
Can I use water instead of milk?
Probably but I am worried that the flavor will be bland and not as creamy