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    Home » Drinks

    Thick Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe (Sugar Free)

    Published: Aug 23, 2023 · Modified: Jan 1, 2024 by Elcy Wang · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you enjoy drinking traditional hot chocolate but are looking for a healthy version, then this thick protein hot chocolate recipe is perfect for you!  It's just as simple as using a store-bought hot chocolate mix, but it also comes with major nutritional upsides!  

    Not only is this recipe a high protein beverage, but it also does not contain any added sugar. So, the next time you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, skip the hot cocoa mix and go for the simple ingredients in this healthy hot chocolate recipe.

    Protein hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a double-walled glass mug on a white background.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Thick Protein Hot Chocolate
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Top tips
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • You May Also Like
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Protein hot chocolate ingredients in separate containers with labels.
    • Chocolate Vital Proteins Collagen Powder - this is a gluten-free and dairy-free protein powder that adds 18 grams of protein per serving.
    • Unsweetened Almond Milk - look for an organic version without a lot of additives. 
    • Vanilla Extract - go for organic vanilla extract for the best flavor and maximum health benefits.
    • Ceylon Cinnamon - this is my go-to cinnamon variety as it does not have the toxicity concerns associated with other types of cinnamon.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How to Make Thick Protein Hot Chocolate

    Almond milk in a small pot ready to be heated.

    Using high heat, warm the almond milk until it starts to boil gently, then remove it from the stove top.

    Protein hot chocolate ingredients added to heated almond milk in a small pot with a whisk.

    Add the chocolate protein powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

    Whisked protein hot chocolate in a small pot.

    Whisk until smooth.

    Protein hot chocolate in a double-walled glass mug on a white background.

    Pour the hot chocolate into a 6-ounce mug.

    Protein hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a double-walled glass mug on a white background.

    If desired, top with some homemade sugar-free whipped cream and add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

    Substitutions

    Protein Powder Substitutions

    • Feel free to use your favorite protein powder instead of the one specified in this recipe.  Just know that the type of protein powder used may alter the flavor and consistency a bit and the protein content may vary.
    • If you do not have chocolate-flavored protein powder, you can add 1 tablespoon of cacao powder per 1 cup of milk.  I recommend cacao over cocoa powder as it is less processed and more nutritious.  
    • If you are using vanilla protein powder, you can skip the vanilla extract.
    • If your protein powder isn’t sweetened, feel free to add a little sweetener of your choice.  I like using allulose as it does not cause a glucose spike and there's no​ aftertaste.

    Milk Substitutions

    While you can substitute your milk of choice in this recipe, here are some guidelines:

    • Coconut milk makes a creamy hot chocolate if you don't mind the flavor.  
    • I would avoid using oat milk or rice milk if you are trying to minimize glucose spikes as they contain a lot of sugar.
    • If you consume dairy, then I recommend using whole milk as 2% and skim milk are high in sugar.
    • If you would like to use soy milk, then make sure it is organic.  Otherwise, you are exposing yourself to toxic pesticides.

    Variations

    There are many different ways you can switch up this thick hot chocolate recipe.  Here are some great options to try:

    • Peppermint Hot Chocolate - during the winter holidays, using a high-quality organic peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract and cinnamon is a great alternative to try​.  Adding peppermint makes the hot chocolate taste smoother and creamier.  Use ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract per 1 cup of hot chocolate.
    • Mexican Hot Chocolate - another alternative for the winter months is to spice up your hot chocolate with a little cayenne pepper or chili powder.  Try adding ⅛ teaspoon per 1 cup of hot chocolate​.
    • Thick Italian Hot Chocolate - the Italian version of thick hot chocolate makes this recipe next level.  Just fold in some sugar-free whipped cream and a little extra protein powder for a rich, creamy, extra chocolatey flavor!  This is a good version to enjoy year-round instead of drinking a morning cup of coffee or mocha lattes, especially if you are avoiding caffeine or taking a break from it.  Thick Italian hot chocolate also makes a nice dessert to enjoy after dinner.
    • For a bit of an anti-inflammatory boost, try adding ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and a dash of black pepper.  Black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, which is the star ingredient in turmeric.  The health benefits of turmeric are impressive, so give this one a try!

    Equipment

    My favorite piece of kitchen equipment for heating milk is a small saucepan or pot with a pour spout and curved handle.

    Small stainless-steel pot with a curved handle that contains interior measurements in cups and liter units.

    The one I use also has measurement marks inside, which makes it a super convenient multi-tasker, leaving me with less equipment to wash afterward!  Several brands make this style of saucepan, and you should be able to find one on Amazon.com.

    Top tips

    • If the kind of milk you are using tends to scald easily, try medium-high to medium heat first. In some cases,​ you may need to turn it down to medium-low heat instead.
    • Since some types of protein powder can clump easily, use a whisk for mixing instead of using a spoon.  If whisking isn't enough, then the best way to avoid clumping is to first mix the protein powder with a small amount of room-temperature water before using.

    FAQ

    Can I put protein powder in hot drinks?

    Yes, you can use protein powder in hot drinks.  To avoid clumping, you may need to mix it with a little bit of room-temperature water first before using​.     

    Does protein powder lose nutrients when heated?

    Protein powder shouldn't lose its nutrients when heated.  It's best to check with the manufacturer to verify their product is intended to be used in hot beverages.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Two small wine glasses with chopped strawberries topped with homemade whipped cream, and one white ramekin full of whipped cream next to the glasses, on a textured charcoal background.
      How to Make Sugar-Free Whipped Cream (Easy)
    • Three bowls of plant-based milk and one bowl of cow's milk, all frothed using a bar whisk.
      Best Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives for Matcha Lattes

    You May Also Like

    • Two mugs of golden milk are resting on a light gray rope trivet with a walnut wood tray underneath.
      Anti-Inflammatory Golden Milk Recipe (Dairy-Free)
    • Two glasses of iced ginger lemongrass tea with yellow flowering tree branches in the background.
      How to Make Lemongrass Ginger Tea (Hot or Cold)
    • Matcha latte in a white mug resting on a white napkin on a dark gray background.
      Simple Vanilla Matcha Latte (No Added Sugar)
    • Two tall glasses of tropical island green smoothies topped with umbrella picks and a stainless-steel straw.
      Best Tropical Island Green Smoothie

    Recipe

    Protein hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a double-walled glass mug on a white background.
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    Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe

    If you enjoy drinking traditional hot chocolate but are looking for a healthy version, then this thick protein hot chocolate recipe is perfect for you!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 113kcal
    Author: Elcy Wang
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    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
    • 8 scoops Chocolate Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides approximately 4 ounces
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon preferably the ceylon variety

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • In a small pan, heat almond milk until it starts to boil, then remove immediately from the stovetop.
    • Add the chocolate protein powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
    • Pour the hot chocolate into a 6-ounce mug.  If desired, top with some homemade sugar-free whipped cream and add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

    NOTES

    • If the kind of milk you are using tends to scald easily, try medium-high to medium heat first. In some cases,​ you may need to turn it down to medium-low heat instead.
    • Since some types of protein powder can clump easily, use a whisk for mixing instead of using a spoon.  If whisking isn't enough, then the best way to avoid clumping is to first mix the protein powder with a small amount of room-temperature water before using.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 279mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 344mg | Iron: 0.02mg

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    Welcome!

    I'm Elcy, a certified nutrition coach, health and wellness food blogger, and home chef.  I love to share recipes and techniques to make home cooking a reality for anyone interested in upgrading their health.

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