High-protein hot cocoa

High-protein hot cocoa

Today, we're going to talk about one of my favorite cold-weather treats: a high-protein hot cocoa. If you're a hot chocolate fan, I think you're going to love it.

We start with a little bit of milk in our cup. I prefer skim milk, but if you're not worried about calories or trying to maximize what you're getting in, start with whole milk. You can also use plant-based milk.

I heat this milk for about 30 seconds to get it warm. Why? Because I’ll be adding whey-based protein, and whey can curdle if it gets too hot. Nobody wants to drink that. So, I start with a little milk in my cup and add the whey protein, whisking it with a fork to get the lumps and bumps out.

Add the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. You can also add a chai spice blend or cinnamon, or just stick with the old-fashioned hot cocoa. Then, heat the rest of your milk on the stove and pour it in.

A full cup of milk and a 10-gram scoop of protein powder delivers about 18 grams of protein. If you're struggling to get in your recommended protein through the day, or you're on treatment and struggling to drink enough fluid, this is a great way to get both.

Finally, I like to sweeten it. You can pick your sweetener: monk fruit, honey, or maple syrup are great choices. Add one to two teaspoons depending on how dark you like your cocoa and how sweet you want it.

Give it a final stir, and now you have a delicious treat that also provides you with fluid, calories, and a lot of protein.

Enjoy!

Watch dietitian Elise Cushman whip up a yummy, high-protein hot cocoa.

High-protein hot cocoa recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of milk divided (skim milk, whole milk, or plant-based milk)
  • A 10-gram scoop of whey protein powder
  • 1 Tablespoon of cocoa powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons sweetener (such as monk fruit, honey, or maple syrup).
  • A pinch of cinnamon or chai spice blend if desired
     

Instructions

  1. Microwave a couple tablespoons of the milk in a mug for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the whey protein by whisking it in with a fork.
  3. Stir in the cocoa powder and salt (and chai spice blend or cinnamon if desired).
  4. Heat the remaining milk on the stovetop and pour it into the mug.
  5. Add sweetener and give it a final stir.