Weekend Food Prep–Protein Cocoa Mix

Meathead holiday present or hosting gift idea? (Or maybe a lucky teacher? I’d happily accept something like this from a student.) Make a batch of this hot chocolate mix, put it into a pretty mason jar with a ribbon, and share the love!

Protein Hot Chocolate Mix

The trick to not getting lumpy hot chocolate is heating the liquid separately from the protein powder and mixing them together afterwards. Otherwise, you denature the proteins in the powder and end up with what amounts to curds. Not pleasant!

one. Whisk together in a medium bowl:
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
6 scoops (about 2 cups) unflavored whey protein powder⁽¹⁾
1/2 cup sugar or an equivalent alternative sweetener of your choice

two. Scoop the mixture into a container with a tight-fitting lid.

three. When you’re ready to use the mix, place about 1/4 cup of the mix into the bottom of a mug.

four. In another container (I use a glass measuring cup), add 8 oz. of milk, soy milk, or other milk alternative. Heat it in the microwave until nearly boiling, about 2 minutes.

five. Stirring or whisking constantly, slowly pour the hot liquid into the cocoa powder mixture until fully combined. Add a dash of cinnamon, if that sounds good.

Yields 8-10 servings.

^{(1) I haven’t tried other kinds of protein powder, but it’s possible this works with all sorts. You could also play around with flavored powders, but I personally would choose a little sugar and real chocolate over artificially flavored powders and sweeteners.}