The BEST Paleo Protein Hot Chocolate with Coconut Whipped Cream

By Melissa Zitt

Warm. Rich. Creamy. CHOCOLATY GOODNESS IN A CUP.

Who doesn’t love hot cocoa?

If you’re following a dairy or sugar free lifestyle though, you may have thought this indulgence was lost to you forever.

WELL MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU! Because we’re bringing you a hot chocolate recipe that is:

• High Protein
• Low carb and ketogenic diet adaptable
• Gluten, dairy and refined sugar free
• AMAZING!

What’s even better? This recipe is as simple as opening up a packet of Swiss Miss. No crazy substitutions or chemistry experiments to make it taste like the real deal.

Of course you can get fancy if you wanted to. Add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a dash or two of cinnamon and nutmeg or even a dollop of coconut whipped cream (betchya thought you couldn't have whipped cream anymore either!)

So! Light a fire, turn on a Hallmark Christmas movie and sip on this delicious hot chocolate.

Why we chose Designs For Health PurePaleo chocolate protein

We've tried many proteins and believe that Designs For Health PurePaleo protein is the best out there. Not only is it one of the best tasting ones we've had, it boasts these health attributes:

• Dairy-free.
• 21 grams of protein per serving.
• Contains complete protein - not just collagen.
• Contains HydroBEEF™, a highly concentrated, bone broth protein isolate, produced through an exclusive proprietary process that allows the protein to be hydrolyzed into more peptides, resulting in easier absorption and assimilation.
• From animals raised without hormones or antibiotics, and is free of any GMO grains, grasses, and/or ensilage.
• Sweetened with organic stevia leaf.

A bit about milk substitutes

You can use just about any kind of milk substitute you have handy (even water would do the trick in a pinch) but different milks will yield slightly different results: 

Almond milk 

• Slight nutty flavor that adds a nice touch to the beverage.
• Is "milky" enough for my taste but may seem a bit watered down if you're used to whole milk.

Soy milk

• The most similar in texture and flavor to cows milk.
• We always encourage organic however it is especially important with soy products to avoid GMO ingredients.

Cashew milk

• Also adds a nutty flavor with a bit more sweetness.
• Is a bit richer and creamier than almond milk.

Coconut milk

• The most "watery" milk substitute, in my opinion.
• Will add a coconut flavor to your beverage which may be good or bad depending on your love for coconut!

Canned coconut milk

• By far, the most decadent milk choice if you're looking for a super thick and creamy consistency.
• Will add the most coconut flavor to your beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup        milk substitute of your choice
• 1 scoop    Designs For Health PurePaleo chocolate protein
• 2 tsp         pure cocoa powder (option but this is what takes this recipe to next level goodnesss)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tsp         pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp      cinnamon
• 1-2 tbsp    MCT, ghee or coconut oil (for Ketogenic diet)

Directions:

• Heat milk of choice in a small sauce pan over medium heat until just hot. Do not boil.
• Whisk in chocolate protein powder and any optional add-ins until thoroughly mixed and there are no powder clumps (we use a milk frother but a blender or immersion blender work well).
• Serve in your favorite mug, top with dairy free whipped cream (recipe below) and enjoy!

FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM

Ingredients:

• 1 can        pure full fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
• 1 tbsp       honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp         pure vanilla extract 

Directions:

• Chill can of coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight
• Remove solid cream from can and place in mixing bowl, leaving any liquid in the can.
• Beat the cream with a hand mixer for 1 minute.
• Add the honey and vanilla.
• Beat for 1 more minute or until you've reached the desired consistency.