This rich and creamy Protein Hot Chocolate is the perfect healthy twist on everyone's favorite cold-weather drink.

This rich and creamy healthy hot chocolate is a single serving (though you'll want to share with family and friends for sure), super healthy, loaded with protein, and has none of the added sugar of most hot chocolates out there. And it's ready in minutes.

protein hot chocolate in glass mug with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

If you’re going to drink hot chocolate, why not have it do more for you than just taste good?

Why Protein Hot Chocolate?

Years ago, I never would have thought that I'd be writing about (or drinking) Protein Hot Chocolate.

I was totally in the low fat mindset, but that also meant high sugar, and I really wasn't thinking about protein at all.

Not smart.

Fats, proteins, and fiber help mitigate the effects of carbs on blood sugar, and I ended up with all kinds of health problems including candida, Hashimoto's and more.

Fast forward to today. I now eat a lot of fat and a good amount of protein, and no sugar and I watch my carbs. And this healthy hot chocolate, full of protein and healthy fats, is exactly that.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This protein hot chocolate makes a large cozy mug of rich, real hot cocoa made with coconut milk (I use homemade coconut milk because it's so much cheaper than cartons) with a solid hit of protein. It’s warm, creamy, and tastes like dessert, but it works as a healthy breakfast, nourishing afternoon snack, or late-night treat that won’t leave you with a sugar crash.

And if you're trying to increase your protein intake, it's a fabulously delicious way to do just that.

You can make it with either chocolate protein powder or vanilla/unflavored protein, and the recipe includes cocoa and sweetener adjustments for both. No need to buy a specific brand or type of milk. Use what you have, make adjustments as needed, and enjoy.

Personally I love having this in the morning instead of my usual protein shake, or even for a high protein snack any time of day.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Please see the printable recipe card for complete information about ingredients and directions.

coconut milk or other milk, as desired
protein powder
cocoa powder
sweetener (I prefer stevia extract)
salt
chocolate chips, chunks, or dark chocolate (optional but recommended)
marshmallows, whipped coconut cream, more chocolate powder, cinnamon powder, or chocolate shavings as desired for topping

protein hot chocolate mix in mason jar with lid.

Protein Powder Options

We typically use vegan protein powders, but you can use whatever protein powder you like. Here's a list of the main options available these days.

Whey Protein: Whey protein is derived from milk and is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. I personally don't use whey due to the fact that I don't eat a lot of dairy. However, if you're going to choose whey protein, I highly recommend choosing a clean, grass-fed option.
Casein Protein: Casein is another milk protein that's popular with many for making protein shakes and adding to smoothies. Again, if you choose this type, I recommend opting for a grass-fed source.
Beef Protein: A beef protein drink sounds weird, but it's actually pretty great. Beef protein is a complete protein and works well for many who can't have dairy or soy. Equip has top-notch quality beef isolate protein. Note that beef protein clumps in cold drinks due to its collagen component, but it works well in this drink.
Soy Protein: Soy isolate powder is super creamy, but it's very hard to find organic soy protein powder, and most all soy in the US is GMO. Here's one good option, however.
Plant-Based Isolates and Blends: Plant-based protein powders come either in single-protein powders/blends (pea, rice, hemp, chia, etc.) or a blend of various plant proteins plus other ingredients. Individual vegan proteins are typically not complete proteins on their own, and they often don't taste great. Most combination protein powders, however, are complete. Sacha inchi is a complete protein on its own, but it's pricey so it's typically used in blends.

protein hot chocolate in glass mugs with whipped cream.

Variations

Here are some great flavor options for this protein hot chocolate. The possibilities are endless!

Mocha: Add 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons instant coffee or ½ to 1 teaspoon espresso powder, or replace a few tablespoons of the coconut milk with strong brewed regular or decaf coffee or espresso.
Spiced (Mexican-ish): Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder.
Peppermint : Add a drop of peppermint extract.
“Nutty”: Add a spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or pumpkin seed butter to add creaminess and a nutty flavor.
Other Flavors: Add a drop of almond or coconut extract or any type you like. These two are fabulous with cocoa: think Mounds and chocolate covered almond flavors.
Higher Protein: Depending on your goals, you can add more protein powder. After whisking it in, thin it with hot water or more milk if needed.

protein hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings with hands holding one of the mugs.

Recipe Notes

Other Protein Powder Flavors: If you choose a non-chocolate protein powder, you'll want to add more cocoa powder to the drink: perhaps about another tablespoon. If using an unsweetened protein powder, you'll want to add additional sweetener as well and possibly double the vanilla extract.
Milk Options: I love using coconut milk for this recipe because it's rich, creamy, and low-carb. Plus, we make our own, so it's amazingly inexpensive. You can use whatever milk, dairy-free or otherwise, for this recipe. If using a dairy-free milk that has sweeteners added, you'll either want to reduce the sweetener or omit it.
Oat Milk Tip: If you use oat milk for this recipe, you can likely reduce the sweetener.
Sweetener Options: Start with less sweetener and add more as needed. I personally use stevia extract or pure monk fruit, but you can use whatever you like, including coconut sugar, honey, or a granulated low-carb sweetener. If you do use a granulated sweetener, I recommend powdering it so it dissolves more easily.
Whisk/Stir: You'll want to whisk the mixture continually when heating to prevent clumping and scorching.
Heat: Heating this mixture too hot can lead to the protein powder clumping and the milk scalding or separating. Using medium-low or low heat is best.
Don’t boil: Make sure to not boil the mixture, as this can affect the texture and taste.
Jarred Mix Instructions: To make this mix for later, or for gifting, just add as many servings of the dry ingredients as you'd like to a bowl and stir well, then place in a jar. When making, heat the mix on low to prevent clumping. You can also add coconut milk powder (about 3-4 tablespoons per serving) to the mix as well so you'll only need to add water. Add about 5 tablespoons of mix (without coconut milk powder) to 1 1/2 cups water. For a mix including coconut milk powder, add 8-9 tablespoons of mix to 1 1/2 cups water.

protein hot chocolate in glass mug with whipped cream.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or other milk, as desired)
1 1/2 – 2 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional; or to taste
1/2 ounce sugar-free dark chocolate (or chocolate chips: optional)
1 scoop protein powder (15-20 grams protein per scoop. See notes for alternatives.)
1 dash stevia extract (or other sweetener, as desired)
whipped cream, sugar-free marshmallows, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla powder, or additional chocolate chips for topping: optional

Instructions

Add coconut milk to a small saucepan.
Heat over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.
Add the cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon, and coffee or espresso powder (if using), and whisk until smooth.
Reduce heat to low. Add chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (if using) and whisk until melted and blended.
Add protein powder and whisk in.
Add more coconut milk or some water if needed.
Adjust cocoa amount and sweetener, if desired.
Froth with immersion blender or frother to make it super creamy.
Add desired toppings and serve.

Notes

Protein Powder: You can use whatever protein powder you like for this hot chocolate. Whey protein will give you a creamier result. I simply avoid whey due to not being able to tolerate much dairy and also most of them on the market aren't very clean. I recommend choosing a grass-fed whey protein if you go that direction and an organic protein powder if you choose plant-based.
Other Protein Powder Flavors: If you choose a non-chocolate protein powder, you'll want to add some more cocoa powder to the drink: perhaps about another tablespoon. If using and unsweetened protein powder, you'll want to add additional sweetener as well.
Oat Milk Tip: If you use oat milk for this recipe, you can likely reduce the sweetener.
Sweetener Options: Start with less sweetener and add more as needed. I personally use stevia extract or pure monk fruit, but you can use whatever you like, including coconut sugar, honey, or a granulated low-carb sweetener. If you do use a granulated sweetener, I recommend grinding it first so it dissolves more easily.
Whisk/Stir: You'll want to whisk the mixture continually when heating to prevent clumping and scorching.
Heat: Heating this mixture too hot can lead to the protein powder clumping and the milk scalding or separating. Using medium-low or low heat is best.
Don’t boil: Make sure to not boil the mixture, as this can affect the texture and taste.

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and preparation methods. Optional ingredients are not included. Net carbs are typically calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols (such as erythritol) from total carbohydrates. This information should not be relied upon for medical or nutritional purposes.