Protein hot chocolate!! There is no denying that a cup of hot chocolate is one of the ultimate cozy drinks come cooler temps. It just hits the spot and feels so homey.
But this hot chocolate recipe is next level. Not only are we adding some protein, but it is ridiculously creamy thanks to a secret ingredient.
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If you have followed me for some time, you know I love blending cashews into sauces, soups, and drinks to make them extra thick and creamy. Their taste is so neutral that you don’t even know they are there, but it creates the best texture.
This healthy hot chocolate takes about 5 minutes to make. Simply heat the mixture on the stovetop so everything softens, and then blend. It’s thick and creamy, packed with protein, lower in sugar, and has some healthy fats.
I opted to use collagen as it blends so well, but most protein powders will work!
Why you’ll love this protein hot chocolate recipe
- a healthy take on a classic treat
- packed with 17 grams of protein!
- SO CREAMY – thanks to blending cashews with our milk, the result is a thick and creamy texture you will love!
- macro-balanced and full of micronutrients – it has a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for balanced blood sugar, and to avoid those spikes and crashes that classic hot chocolate can do. It also is full of calcium, copper, manganese, and magnesium.
- customize it to your liking – adjust the ingredients or amounts to fit your nutrition goals.
Is hot chocolate healthy?
Hot chocolate can be loaded with a lot of sugar, carbs, and fat due to the amount of sweetener and liquid used. Hot chocolate mixes can also be full of artificial preservatives and unnecessary ingredients. Of course, they can be enjoyed in moderation, but something to think about if you have specific goals.
But this protein hot chocolate recipe makes a delicious healthy addition to one’s diet! We are naturally sweetening it with a medjool date and adding protein powder and healthy fats to make sure it doesn’t spike your blood sugar.
When making it at home, you have full control over what ingredients you are using.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a very important building block in our bodies. It’s the most abundant protein and is found in bones, muscles, tendons, skin, the digestive system, and blood vessels. It’s also found in hair, and nails, Collagen is basically the “glue” that helps hold the body together.
Unfortunately, as we age, the production of collagen starts to slow down. Supplementing with collagen can help improve your body’s collagen levels. It dissolves in just about anything, the flavor is tasteless (you can buy flavored though), and is easily digested, making it easy to add to your diet.
Look for a high-quality source. I like ones from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows.
High-protein hot chocolate ingredients
- milk – your favorite kind of milk works
- raw cashews – blended to make this hot cocoa SO creamy!
- medjool date – for a little sweetness
- cocoa powder
- cinnamon
- collagen – I’m using chocolate flavored, but unflavored works great too
- salt – to help bring out the flavors
How to make protein hot chocolate
- Add milk, cashews, date, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk to combine and let it come to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Blend. Add mixture to a Vitamix or high-powered blender, along with collagen and salt, and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy! Pour into your favorite mug, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Best protein powder for hot chocolate
This protein hot cocoa is quite versatile. You can use your favorite protein powder. Here are the pros and cons of each.
- collagen – this is my favorite to use as it dissolves so easily and doesn’t change the texture.
- whey protein powder – whey is another great option to use as it mixes pretty easily in most liquids, especially when using a blender.
- vegan protein powder – in my experience, plant-based protein powders seem to be a little heavier/thicker. Due to that, it makes the hot chocolate a little thicker and sometimes grainy depending on the brand. Feel free to use one if that is your preference, just know it could change the texture some.
Depending on the brand/flavor and sweetness level of your protein powder, it can alter the taste a little. You can use chocolate-flavored, unflavored, or whatever flavor you like.
Substitutions and additions
- milk – any kind of milk will work. Try dairy milk or dairy-free like unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or or favorite kind. Changing the milk will change the nutrition breakdown.
- raw cashews – almonds or macadamia nuts will work instead. If you don’t have nuts, you can use nut butter. If not using whole nuts, you can add the nut butter when you blend the hot chocolate.
- medjool date – if you don’t have dates, you can use your sweetener of choice. Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar will work. If not using a date, you can add the sweetener when you blend the hot chocolate.
- cocoa powder – cacao powder will also work.
- cinnamon – leave it out if you don’t like cinnamon.
- collagen – another protein powder will work. See the above section for reference on different kinds.
Here are some additions you can add:
- vanilla extract
- peppermint extract
- spices – nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
More healthy drink recipes
- best golden milk latte
- peanut butter frosty
- coffee protein smoothie
- pumpkin pie milkshake
- chunky monkey protein shake
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Protein Hot Chocolate
equipment
- small saucepan
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons raw cashews (16 grams)
- 1 small-medium medjool date (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 scoops chocolate protein powder (I used chocolate collagen)
- pinch of sea salt
- optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon…
instructions
- Add milk, cashews, date, cocoa, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine and let it come to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Blend. Add mixture to a Vitamix or high-powered blender, along with protein powder and salt, and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy! Pour into your favorite mug, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
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This is so good. I like the added protein boost.
Glad you enjoy it, Mikey!
Can’t wait to make it
Hope you enjoy it!
Love love love it!!!!! I’ve made it at least 3 times in less than a week. It’s a perfect pick me up around evening without the sugar high of hot cocoa. My husband and my mom love it. This drink is so creamy and rich without all the heavy cream and sugar. This drink made me fall in love with dates. An easy and delicious way to get my collagen intake for the day.
So good right?! And the date has the perfect amount of sweetness. Glad everyone enjoyed it and thanks for trying Shalin!
This was such a healthy and delicious treat! I will definitely be enjoying this drink this winter! I love incorporating the collagen with all of its healthful benefits! Thank you for this recipe Kelly!
Yes, it’s a great way to sneak in some collagen without you even knowing it! Glad you enjoyed it Gail, thanks for trying!
This recipe is creamy, delicious and something I felt good giving to my kids! You added to the magic of our snow day ❤️
So happy to hear that Amanda! Thanks for trying it!
This was SO creamy and delicious! We used a splash of peppermint extract instead of cinnamon and it was SO GOOD!
Love the peppermint extract idea! Thanks Samantha!
I was looking for a little something different from my usual coffee this morning, so I tried this. IT IS SO CREAMY. I used a mixture of almond milk and coconut cream, and I added some cardamom powder to spice it up a bit. Perfect for this blustery, rainy day we’re having here. Yum,
Oh yum, love that addition! Thanks for trying it Troi!
Incredibly creamy and easy for a plant based and refined-sugar-free cocoa! I had to use about 1/4 cup of regular milk because I ran out of almond but still worked and was delicious. Highly recommend trying!
So glad it loved it Katie – thanks for trying!