This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.
I love making protein hot chocolate because it is creamy, chocolatey, and ready in just 10 minutes. I use chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, and almond milk to keep it rich and healthy at the same time, indulgent. It is a quick drink that satisfies my sweet tooth and gives me a boost of protein anytime I want.
I created this protein hot chocolate for the days when I crave a warm mug of hot cocoa to indulge myself, especially when I am under the weather or during cold winter days when I want something comforting and yummy. I wanted a drink similar to my oat milk hot chocolate, so I added chocolate protein powder to create a creamy, filling option that stays vegan, low calorie, and delivers 10 grams of protein while still tasting indulgent.
I drink this protein hot chocolate whenever I want to enjoy a creamy chocolate drink without feeling heavy. My health coach colleagues love this recipe for its protein boost and creamy texture, and it is similar to a glass of vegan homemade chocolate milk for a chocolate-filled morning or afternoon. I highly recommend this recipe yourself and see how easy it is to enjoy a creamy, protein-packed hot chocolate at home.
As a health coach, I absolutely love this protein hot chocolate because it is protein-packed and supports my clients nutrition goals. Having a warm drink ready in under 10 minutes that delivers 10 grams of protein works especially well for my bodybuilder clients who want something comforting without compromising performance or recovery. I rely on ingredients like chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, and almond milk since they provide protein, antioxidants, and a creamy texture without added sugar or dairy.
Whisking the protein powder and cocoa together before adding any liquid helps me create a smooth base right from the start. Gently heating the mixture on the stove while stirring lets me control the texture and sweetness, which matters when working with protein powders. This method helps me make a creamy, chocolatey drink that tastes rich without becoming heavy, gritty, or overly sweet.
I shared this protein hot chocolate with my clients one afternoon at the gym after a training session, and we enjoyed it together as a warm post-workout drink. It is not a sugary cocoa or a basic protein shake, but a balanced option that supports recovery while still tasting indulgent. Many of my clients ask for the recipe so they can make it at home, which tells me it truly works for active lifestyles.
Latest Recipe Video!
🥘 Ingredients
My protein hot cocoa uses the following 6 simple ingredients that I can easily find at my local grocery store.
Chocolate Protein Powder: All protein powders taste different, so I stick with my favorite brand. When I need a vegan option, I use pea protein or hemp protein. For a gluten-free version, I choose a gluten-free protein powder, and I avoid casein or whey since they come from milk.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: I add unsweetened cocoa powder to give my hot chocolate a rich chocolate flavor.
Almond Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk because it is low calorie, creamy, and has a mild flavor. It makes a great non-dairy base for my healthy hot chocolate.
Water: I sometimes swap in extra almond milk if I want a thinner or creamier hot chocolate.
Maple Syrup: I usually add just a small amount of maple syrup because chocolate protein powder usually already has some sugar. When I use unsweetened protein powder, I add a little more maple syrup until it tastes just right.
Vanilla Extract: I add a splash of vanilla extract because it enhances the flavor of the cocoa and makes the hot chocolate taste richer.
Vegan Marshmallows: I always top my hot chocolate with vegan marshmallows because it is not complete without them.
🔪 How To Make
I follow the following simple steps to make this healthy protein milk chocolate.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: I take a medium bowl and whisk together the protein powder and cocoa powder until they are well mixed.
Add Remaining Ingredients: I add the almond milk, water, maple syrup, and vanilla to the bowl. I whisk everything together until it is fully combined and smooth.
Simmer Hot Cocoa: I pour the chocolate mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. I stir constantly to make sure this low sugar hot chocolate does not burn.
Pour and Enjoy: I carefully pour the hot chocolate into 2 mugs or 1 large glass and top it with plenty of vegan marshmallows. I take a moment to watch them melt slightly before enjoying every creamy, sweet sip.
My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to whisk the protein powder and cocoa with a small amount of warm milk before adding the rest. This keeps the drink smooth and creamy without any clumps and makes every cup taste great.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Measure Ingredients Carefully: I measure the protein powder, cocoa, and milk before I start so the ratios are correct. This helps the drink come out smooth and balanced every time.
- Stir Continuously: I stir the hot chocolate while it warms to prevent clumps and keep the texture creamy. Constant stirring makes sure the protein and cocoa blend completely.
- Adjust Sweetness Slowly: I add sweetener a little at a time and taste as I go. This ensures the drink is not too sweet or too bland.
- Use Warm Milk First: I warm the milk slightly before adding the dry ingredients. This helps the powders dissolve better and prevents a grainy texture.
- Serve Immediately: I pour the hot chocolate into mugs as soon as it is ready. Drinking it right away keeps it thick, creamy, and enjoyable.
📖 Variations
I like to mix up my protein hot chocolate with simple additions that add new flavors and make each cup a little different.
Cinnamon Spice Warm: I sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the hot chocolate while stirring in the milk. This adds a warm, slightly spicy note that pairs well with the creamy cocoa.
Peanut Butter Swirl: I stir in 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter into my protein hot chocolate. It melts slowly and adds a rich, nutty taste that makes the drink more filling.
Vanilla Protein Boost: I add 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the hot chocolate along with an extra scoop of protein powder. This makes it sweeter and thicker while keeping it healthy.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
I like to enjoy my protein hot chocolate for breakfast alongside a warm bowl of quinoa oatmeal or a slice of vegan protein banana bread. The oatmeal adds extra fiber and keeps me full longer while the banana bread brings a soft, sweet complement to the creamy chocolate drink.
For an afternoon snack, I pair my hot chocolate with a batch of my carrot cake energy balls or my healthy vegan cranberry cumble oatmeal bars. The protein and healthy fats in these snacks balance the richness of the hot chocolate while making a nutrient-packed combination great for my kids.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I pour any leftover hot chocolate in a jar with a lid or an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before drinking, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat while stirring, so it heats evenly and stays creamy.
Freezing: I do not usually freeze this hot chocolate because the protein powder can change texture and make the drink separate when thawed. If I must freeze it, I pour it into small portions and thaw slowly in the refrigerator before gently reheating and whisking to bring it back together.
Reheating: I reheat refrigerated hot chocolate slowly over low heat while stirring continuously. If I want it warmer quickly, I use short intervals in the microwave and stir between each interval to keep the texture smooth and prevent any clumping.
❓ Recipe FAQs
My hot chocolate turns out grainy when the protein powder or cocoa does not dissolve completely. This happens because I sometimes add all the powders at once or stir too slowly. I now mix the dry ingredients with a small amount of warm milk first and then gradually add the rest while stirring, which gives a smooth and creamy texture every time.
The drink can taste bitter if it cooks at too high a temperature or sits on the heat without stirring. The sugars can scorch and the cocoa can develop a harsh flavor. I keep the heat low to medium and stir constantly as it warms so the sweetness comes through and there is no burnt taste.
My hot chocolate separates or curdles when the milk heats too quickly or gets too hot. The proteins in the milk react to sudden high heat and clump together. I warm the milk gently over low heat and whisk continuously as I add the cocoa and protein powder to maintain a creamy, consistent drink.
Love this plant based drink recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food, and if you have any questions, I’m here to help!
📋 Recipe Card
Protein Hot Chocolate
I love making protein hot chocolate because it is creamy, chocolatey, and ready in just 10 minutes. I use chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, and almond milk to keep it rich and healthy at the same time indulgent. It is a quick drink that satisfies my sweet tooth and gives me a boost of protein anytime I want.
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 123kcal
- My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to whisk the protein powder and cocoa with a small amount of warm milk before adding the rest. This keeps the drink smooth and creamy without any clumps and makes every cup taste great.
- Measure Ingredients Carefully: I measure the protein powder, cocoa, and milk before I start so the ratios are correct. This helps the drink come out smooth and balanced every time.
- Stir Continuously: I stir the hot chocolate while it warms to prevent clumps and keep the texture creamy. Constant stirring makes sure the protein and cocoa blend completely.
- Adjust Sweetness Slowly: I add sweetener a little at a time and taste as I go. This ensures the drink is not too sweet or too bland.
- Use Warm Milk First: I warm the milk slightly before adding the dry ingredients. This helps the powders dissolve better and prevents a grainy texture.
- Serve Immediately: I pour the hot chocolate into mugs as soon as it is ready. Drinking it right away keeps it thick, creamy, and enjoyable.
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g