5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (2024)

By Elaine Gordon · Published: Dec 5, 2023 · Modified: Dec 5, 2023

Jump to Recipe

9 Comments

Gluten-FreePaleoRefined Sugar-FreeVegan

This rich and creamy hot chocolate recipe contains 12 grams of protein, making it the perfect drink to enjoy during the cold winter months when you're craving a nostalgic hot cocoa but with a healthy and nutritious boost!

As a kid, there were few things I loved more than coming home after playing in the freezing snow and sipping on a cup of hot chocolate with the whole family. It warmed me up and satisfied my sweet tooth all at the same time.

What I didn't realize back then is that my fondest hot chocolate memories came from mixes containing preservatives and artificial sweeteners and colors. It is definitely time to scrap the hot chocolate mix and make your own!

Nowadays I enjoy hot chocolate that uses real, simple ingredients that I actually feel good about. My blender hot chocolate is made up of just water, cacao powder, Medjool dates, almonds, vanilla and salt and it is seriously out of this world.

My latest project for this winter season was to build on that vegan recipe to add some extra protein for after an active day out in the cold, whether it be sledding with the kids or an intense outdoor run. After a few attempts, I landed on the most delicious and healthy hot chocolate recipe!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

Creamy, delicious and soothing hot drink
Healthier than traditional hot chocolate
High protein treat (12 g protein per serving)
Easy recipe - ready in 5 minutes!
Simple ingredients
Allergy and diet-friendly - vegan, dairy-free, paleo and refined sugar-free

Ingredients

Hot water - I bring the water to a boil in an electric kettle but you can also use a small pot on the stove top. Any non-dairy milk will also work so feel free to use your milk of choice. Almond milk, cashew milk and oat milk will increase the protein content further. Coconut milk works as well.
Medjool dates - These stone fruits are a natural sweetener that also provides fiber, potassium and iron.
Maple syrup - Maple syrup adds another touch of sweetness that is free of refined sugar.
Unsweetened cocoa powder - This provides the distinguishable chocolate taste. Cacao powder can be used for added nutrients. Learn more about the differences between cocoa and cacao in this post all about chocolate.
Protein powder - I use unflavored, unsweetened vegan protein powder so that I can control the flavor profile using all of the whole food ingredients in this hot cocoa recipe rather than relying on the taste from the powder. You don't need chocolate protein powder to achieve a chocolaty taste!
Almond butter - Almond butter provides additional creaminess as well as increasing the protein intake.
Vanilla extract - This balances out the chocolate flavor perfectly and adds a touch of sweetness.
Fine salt - To bring out all the flavors.

Instructions

1. Blend. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth (about 40 seconds on the highest speed setting will provide the perfect consistency).

2. Taste. Adjust the sweetness if desired.

3. Serve. Pour into mugs and serve piping hot. Garnish with coconut whipped cream and/or dark chocolate shavings if desired.

Recipe Tips

The protein powder affects the texture and flavor. There are so many different types of protein powder (e.g., hemp, pumpkin seed, whey, casein, pea protein), each of which has its own consistency and flavor profile. It all boils down to preference so feel free to use your favorite protein powder. I use pumpkin seed protein from Sprout Living because it is vegan and contains no flavoring, additives or gums (you can use my affiliate coupon code ELAINE20 for 20% off your order on anything sitewide).

Add other garnishes. Make it more of a treat with additional toppings such as mini vegan marshmallows, vegan chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles overtop the whipped cream. Or make it more of a Mexican hot chocolate by adding Ceylon cinnamon and ground cayenne pepper. Or, add a touch of peppermint extract to make a peppermint hot chocolate which is oh-so-festive this time of year.

More Healthy Warm Winter Beverages

I often find that the best way to warm up is with a hot beverage. The following are also great options:

Vegan chai latte
Spiced apple cider
Turmeric golden milk latte
Vegan gingerbread steamer