Nourishing Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe

One of my favorite evening treats is a mug full of hot chocolate— but conventional mixes are full of sugar, additives, and honestly make me feel like garbage…

So I went on a hunt to find the easiest and healthiest hot chocolate mix without sacrificing taste. And i’m proud to say— WE DID IT ✨

There is something about the change in seasons and the crisp feel of fall that immediately makes me want a warm cup of hot chocolate. Over the years, I have cleaned up the majority of my family’s diet— drinks included. And for a long time, I have intentionally left margin in our life to allow for fun treats and celebrations. But lately, I have found that those margins can often leave us feeling pretty crappy depending on what we are having.

Back in September, I took my daughter on a hot chocolate date to a popular coffee shop. We each got a cup of cocoa and read books together- her favorite activity for our quality time with one another. But shortly after heading home, she complained that her tummy hurt— and I felt the same way. Out of curiosity, I looked up the ingredients in their hot chocolate mix when we got home….The small serving had over 24 grams of sugar alone! Plus was filled with refined sugars, artificial flavorings, and ultra-processed ingredients. 

The theme around here has always been one of balance, but I am beginning to realize that there are amazing alternatives for popular products— making it just not worth the indulgence when I know it will make my body feel poorly afterward.

Last year I was all about the popular bone broth hot chocolate (I was still early in my postpartum journey after having my son and had SO MUCH bone broth premade to go through). This year, for no reason in particular, I have not been making bone broth as much. So I found myself looking for an even easier (but just as nourishing) hot chocolate recipe. Something that was whole food based, without all the junk, with high-quality ingredients, and wouldn’t leave me with a sugar crash. And wouldn’t you know—one of my favorite supplement brands had just the thing! This post will share my favorite all-natural, protein-rich, and nourishing hot chocolate recipe (that is toddler approved too!)

Perfect Supplements Chocolate Collagen Powder

I have made collagen chocolate milk for my kiddos since they were little and they both love it. So I don’t know why I didn’t think of using it for hot chocolate until recently but I am so glad I did. I think my daughter and I are going on 2 weeks of nightly hot chocolate dates and it’s one of my favorite parts of the day.

This chocolate collagen powder has 3 simple ingredients—100% hydrolyzed collagen, organic cocoa powder, and organic monk fruit extract. It is also 100% natural and pesticide and hormone-free. It is sourced exclusively from Brazilian pasture-raised, grass-fed cows and contains both Type I and Type III Collagen. 

I have been using this brand of collagen for years in my morning coffee and love all the benefits to digestion, skin health,  and supporting a healthy metabolism. It is a great way to make sure you have a well-rounded intake of varied amino acids in your diet (plus it is a really quick and easy way to up you protein intake). This chocolate version is the healthiest alternative for the standard hot cocoa mix! Plus it is an easy way to up your protein intake!

Perfect Supplements is a brand I have used and loved for years now, and I am always happy to promote it. You can save 10% off any order with the code KAELYN10 ✨

Benefits of Collagen 

I have talked a lot about collagen on the blog (like here when I talk about collagen coffee). It can be an easy way to supplement extra protein and support healthy hair, skin, gut, and joint health. But here is the quick and dirty version:

Collagen is a vital protein that makes up a large portion of our skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production declines, which can lead to visible signs of aging, joint discomfort, and decreased bone density. Supplementing with collagen has become a popular way to support these areas of health, offering several key benefits:

1. Skin Health and Elasticity: Collagen helps maintain the skin’s structure, promoting firmness and elasticity. Supplementing with collagen peptides has been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve hydration, and enhance overall skin tone-- siign me up please!

2. Joint and Bone Support: Collagen is essential for the integrity of our cartilage and bones. Supplementing may reduce joint discomfort by supporting cartilage health and reducing inflammation in connective tissues. Collagen also helps improve bone density, which is important for reducing the risk of fractures as we age.

3. Improved Muscle Mass: Collagen provides essential amino acids that play a role in muscle tissue repair and growth. When combined with exercise, collagen supplementation can help boost muscle mass and strength. 

4. Hair and Nail Strength: Collagen can support hair and nail strength, reducing brittleness and promoting faster growth. This was one of the most obvious signs I noticed when I started using collagen regularly! Prior to that, my protein content was not sufficient and I was always struggling with dry, brittle and cracking nails. 

5. Gut Health: Collagen supports the health of the gut lining by strengthening the intestinal barrier. This can be beneficial for people dealing with conditions like leaky gut syndrome, as collagen helps repair and maintain the lining, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

 Related Reads:

• My 5 Favorite Nourishing Beverages to Help Support Metabolic Health

• The Best (and Easiest) Protein Options to Keep on Hand

Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe

This recipe is truly so easy that I question even giving it the name recipe… but here we go. The easiest healthy hot chocolate recipe you will find-- plus lots of room for variety and making it your favorite way!

• 1 cup of your preferred milk - I use organic, grass-fed whole milk but anything works-- coconut milk gives it an extra creamy texture! if you use plant-based milk, look for one without additives, sweeteners, and gums preferably

• 1 scoop Perfect Supplements Chocolate Collagen- I love that this has a chocolatey flavor without being overly sweet!

• your favorite mug

 aaaand that’s it. But if you are wanting to jazz it up a bit more, here are some of my favorite extras! The list below are completely optional additions-- and totally unnecessary for a yummy cup of creamy hot chocolate.

• Cinnamon - but such a cozy touch and packed with additional health benefits

• cayenne pepper- okayy, before you think i’m crazy, hear me out! Adding a touch of spice is traditional in Mexican hot chocolate and it's such a great variety from your traditional hot chocolate

• Colostrum- an easy way to support your immune system and gut health even further (you can read all about the health benefits of colostrum here)

• maple syrup, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, pumpkin flavoring-- literally any flavoring you want if you're feeling fancyy

• Homemade gelatin marshmallows - again, optional- but the perfect touch for a little added sweetness and even more gut supportive gelatin. My daughter loves using small silicone molds to make mini marshmallows!

• pinch of salt- a small amount of sea salt makes a tasty salted hot cocoa recipe plus​ adds minerals out bodies need

 Directions

1. Warm your milk up over medium heat in a small pot

2. add one scoop of Perfect Supplements Chocolate Collagen and mix it up - I always use a milk frother to get a creamy foam on top, but you could also use an immersion blender or a fork to mix any clumps out)

3. and top with whatever you want to add. My daughter is only 3, so I make her ~half the amount listed above. I also give it to her just barely over room temperature since more than often, some of it spills 🙃 

I have really been enjoying this mini tradition with my daughter and think it's a nourishing and delicious way to connect at the end of the day. I appreciate that there is no added sugar (unless we choose to add something, but most often we dont). We just use the chocolate flavor collagen and are happy little campers! The best part is I know she is having high-quality ingredients that help to support her body and longterm health. 

Nutritional Information

Each scoop of collagen offers 10 grams of protein! One cup of whole milk also offers 8 grams of additional protein!

This combo is equivalent to many of my favorite protein powder options on the market. And in my opinion, it is so much tastier than your standard chocolate protein powder (especially if you're like me and have a bit of a sweet tooth 😉)

Enjoy!

Kaelyn

Related Reads:

• Healthy Homemade Paleo Marshmallows

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