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Healthy High Protein Hot Cocoa Recipe with Collagen

I created this wonderfully indulgent high protein Paleo hot cocoa as a deliciously cozy way to treat yourself.   I wanted to be able to regularly enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with my kids without worrying about all of the excess sugar.  I am always on the hunt for ways to add protein to my family’s diet and that is how this recipe was born.  While this recipe is absolutely incredible as written, truly the best way to enjoy this hot cocoa is with homemade marshmallows.  The best way to enjoy creamy hot chocolate is to top with homemade marshmallows.  Not only do these add to the protein content of the paleo hot cocoa, it makes the end product so luxurious and creamy.  My homemade marshmallow recipe is one of my most popular recipes with over 7 million views, and you can find the full recipe here.  These are so fun to make and are also super thoughtful gifts.

With the richness of cacao blended with collagen peptides, this steamy mugful delivers a dose of smooth chocolatey comfort packed with skin-enhancing protein. Unlike sugary packaged cocoa mixes, my easy homemade variation uses anti-inflammatory coconut milk. Sweetened just enough with a bit of coconut sugar, this warming beverage feels like a special reward. Yet it nourishes your body with every sip thanks to protein-and antioxidant-laden ingredients. This velvety cocoa is a true functionally flavorful delight – the perfect finale for winding down after long days. Curled up by the fire with my high protein cocoa is my favorite way to indulge in a nutrient-dense mug brimming with cozy chocolate essence.

As the winter months approach, one of the best parts is enjoying a comforting cup of hot cocoa on a cold day. There is just something so special about a hot drink to warm you up during the cold, winter months.  But did you know you can make your hot chocolate even better with a protein boost? Enter high protein hot cocoa – the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting in extra protein. You can enjoy hot cocoa that is packed with protein and free from any refined sugar.  This is such an easy, low calorie, and delicious way to add extra grams of protein into your day. It is so easy to make and a guilt free way to indulge this holiday season.

Protein Packed with Collagen Powder

This healthy hot chocolate recipe tastes like your traditional hot chocolate recipe and but uses chocolate collagen powder as the base. It’s a simple swap that transforms an already delicious drink into a creamy, protein-packed treat. The collagen powder doesn’t take away from the rich chocolatey flavor we all crave – if anything, it makes that cup of cocoa even creamier and more delicious.   The best part is that this collagen powder has powdered coconut milk in the recipe, which means that all you have to do is add water.  

Instead of using protein powder, this recipe calls for collagen powder which is an effortless way to increase your daily protein intake. Depending on the type and amount of collagen powder used, you can get 10-20+ grams of high-quality protein in each mugful. For many people trying to eat better or prioritize nutrition, getting enough protein can be a struggle. Sipping on a protein-enriched hot cocoa makes it simple and tasty. The protein will help you feel fuller for longer, maintain and build muscle, stabilize blood sugar levels, and more.

Sipping on a steamy mug of creamy, chocolatey high protein cocoa is the ultimate way to reward yourself while providing your body with extra nutrition it needs. This winter, skip the traditional hot chocolate packets and whip up a batch of protein-packed cocoa instead – your sweet tooth and muscles will thank you.

What you need to make High Protein Hot Cocoa

What you need to make High Protein Hot Cocoa:

  • Chocolate Collagen – My favorite brand is Vital Proteins. But you can use any brand that you prefer.
  • Coconut Sugar – This is a healthier substitute to white sugar or brown sugar as it is free from refined sugar.  While the beauty of this hot cocoa recipe is creating a dairy-free mix blend with granulated sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or maple sugar to stir into hot water or milk, if you don’t have those ingredients on hand, you can simply sweeten your finished cup of cocoa with honey, maple syrup or another liquid sweetener when preparing it.  Using one of these options that is free from refined sugar make this a low carb treat when compared to regular hot chocolate.  
  • Coconut Milk Powder – Rather than add your milk of choice, this recipe includes powdered coconut milk.  If you would like to leave this ingredient out, just sub in your favorite milk in lieu of the powdered version.  I love pouring hot milk over the hot cocoa mix.  There are a variety of non-dairy milks that work as substitutes here, but my favorites are: coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk or hemp milk.  And of course, regular milk or skim (if tolerated) work well too.
  • Chocolate Chips – My family’s favorite brand is Enjoy life, but really any semi-sweet or dark chocolate will work in this recipe.  To keep this recipe strictly paleo, either omit the chocolate chips or use an option without any added sugar.
  • Marshmallows – these are optional but check out my viral Homemade Marshmallow Recipe for a truly creamy, indulgent marshmallow treat! 

Thoughtful Gift

This cocoa powder makes such a sweet and thoughtful gift. I like to make this recipe 4X and store in a mason jar and wrap a beautiful bow around it.

Storage

The dry ingredients in this protein-packed hot cocoa recipe store easily so you can blend up batches of the mix ahead of time. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place like your pantry for up to 6 months. The cocoa powders, collagen and desiccated coconut milk powder will remain fresh to stir into hot water or warm milk for an instant comforting cup of chocolate. When ready to enjoy, use 2-3 tablespoons of the mix per 8 oz mug depending on preferred richness. This nourishing cocoa blend keeps wonderfully to always have on hand for a cozy protein lift!

How to make High Protein Hot Cocoa

This is an easy recipe with simple ingredients! 

  •  Heat water – in a small saucepan or kettle. Boil water over medium heat on the stove top or heat in a microwave-safe cup.
  • Place all of the ingredients in your favorite festive mug. 
  • Add hot water and stir to combine. Use a milk frother to stir to give it the perfect consistency.
Warm cup of hot cocoa

Healthy High Protein Hot Cocoa Recipe with Collagen

Sarah Erickson
The perfect, indulgent treat that just happens to be packed with protein!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Drinks, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 2 scoops chocolate collagen poweder
  • 1 tsp coconut sugar
  • 3 TBS coconut milk powder
  • 1 TBS chocolate chips optional
  • Homemade marshmallows optional

Instructions
 

  • Put all ingredients in the bottom of your favorite drinking mug.
  • Add hot water and stir to combine.
  • Optional: Top with marshmallows.
Keyword collagen, dairy free, drink, gluten free, high protein, hot chocolate, hot cocoa, paleo

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