Creamy Keto Hot Chocolate - High Protein, Sugar Free

Bybeneficialbento

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Cozy, creamy and keto, this high protein hot chocolate is a decadent treat on a cold winter day. The combination of healthy fats, quality protein, and heart-healthy cacao nourishes your body while giving you pure comfort in a mug.

hot chocolate, vertical, mint

I'm not only sensitive to gluten, I am also sensitive to certain sweeteners in my food, even if they are zero calorie. So I have tried a few different kinds of sugar free hot chocolate brands, and they all leave me feeling a little sick to my stomach. I finally created my own that is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit, which is easy on my stomach. Everyone loves it because it's so rich and creamy, whether they are on a special diet or not.

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I think most sugar-free hot chocolates on the market are much too sweet and full of artificial ingredients. This recipe is different - it's delicious, creamy, and made from healthy ingredients like collagen protein and cacao powder that nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth.

hot chocolate in mug

Why This Healthy Hot Chocolate Will Become Your New Favorite

This silky, velvety hot beverage offers everything you love in a cup of hot chocolate without the guilt. It's the perfect solution when you want a sweet snack but you want to stick to your low carb principles.

Sugar Free and Low in Carbs

Unlike traditional hot chocolate loaded with sugar, this recipe keeps your blood sugar stable and won't derail your keto goals. Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids, which can help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to your brain and heart, and help prevent blood clots. Since it contains no sugar and uses natural, zero-calorie sweeteners, it won't spike your insulin - so it's perfect when you're craving something sweet.

High in Quality Protein

The secret ingredient in this indulgent drink is chocolate collagen protein powder. Collagen provides structure, support or strength to your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Each cup delivers a satisfying dose of protein that helps keep you full and supports your body's natural collagen production.

Sweet, Creamy, and Decadent

The combination of collagen protein, heavy cream, and slow heating on the stovetop creates that rich, luxurious texture you crave in hot chocolate. The blend of monk fruit and stevia provides just the right amount of sweetness without any bitter aftertaste or artificial flavors.

keto hot chocolate ingredients

Simple Wholesome Ingredients

This healthy hot chocolate recipe uses just a handful of clean ingredients that you can feel good about:

  • Cacao Powder (or cocoa powder) -  Cacao powder is the less processed version of cocoa and contains more beneficial nutrients. However, regular unsweetened cocoa powder works beautifully in this recipe too.
  • Granular Monk Fruit Sweetener - A natural, zero-calorie sweetener that measures cup-for-cup like sugar without the blood sugar spike.
  • Liquid Stevia - I like to use 2 sweeteners for the best flavor. My favorite brand is from Trader Joe's. The combination of monk fruit and stevia creates a more rounded, natural sweetness without any chemical aftertaste.
  • Low Carb Milk - This is typically a non-dairy milk. The types I like for keto hot chocolate are unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Choose unsweetened varieties to keep the carb count low.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream - This is what adds the rich and creamy texture without carbs. The healthy fats prevent an insulin spike and fill you up, making this hot chocolate genuinely satisfying. If you're feeling a little extra, make some whipped cream to go on top of the hot chocolate.
  • Chocolate Collagen Protein Powder - This is so full of healthy benefits, and it is the secret ingredient for rich tasting hot chocolate. Collagen helps with healthy joints and skin. Unsweetened collagen protein powder works for this recipe, too
keto hot chocolate, mint

Where to Buy the Good Stuff

I buy my collagen protein powder at a local health food store. I watch for a good sale and then stock up - it's one of those ingredients worth investing in for your health. The cacao powder can also be found at health food stores, but the brand I currently have is one we bought online. I'll include a link below so you can easily find high-quality cacao powder.

Most natural food stores and mainstream grocery stores carry monk fruit sweetener and liquid stevia in their baking or natural foods sections. Low-carb milk alternatives can be found in the refrigerated section of almost any grocery store.

Best Ingredients

Easy as 1,2,3 (4)

This is so easy! It can be made in under 15 minutes on the stovetop. Scroll down to read the recipe card for the ingredient amounts. The key to making this hot chocolate extra silky and creamy is heating it on the stovetop - heating it slowly and whisking in the milk and cream is what creates that rich, velvety texture you're looking for.

step 1. combine cacao powder, sweeteners

Step 1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cacao powder, monk fruit sweetener, liquid stevia, and water. Whisk to combine. Cook and stir until the sweetener dissolves.

step 2. add milk and collagen

Step 2. Slowly add the 3 cups of milk, collagen protein, and cream, whisking thoroughly until it's all incorporated.

step 3. bring to a simmer

Step 3.  Continue to whisk and heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.

step 4. add extra flavor

Step 4. Remove from heat, add any other flavor enhancers like vanilla. We also like peppermint extract, cinnamon, or  pumpkin pie spice.

Roundup! 🤠🐎

Did you know this recipe is part of my Delicious Recipes with No Sugar roundup? Come by to see all the delicious recipes - you might find some new favorites!

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Creamy Keto Hot Chocolate - High Protein, Sugar Free

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This creamy, sugar-free hot chocolate is proof that you don't have to sacrifice flavor when following a keto lifestyle. The combination of healthy fats, quality protein, and heart-healthy cacao nourishes your body while giving you pure comfort in a mug.

  • Author: beneficialbento
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 cups 1x
  • Category: drinks
  • Method: stove top

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup raw cacao powder
  • ¼ cup granular monkfruit sweetener
  • 2 -3 teaspoons liquid stevia
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 cups almond-coconut milk, or other low carb milk such as cashew milk
  • 22 grams ( 2 scoops) chocolate collagen protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream, or to taste
  • Other flavor enhancers to taste, such as pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla, or peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cacao powder, granular sweetener, liquid stevia, and water. Whisk to combine. Cook and stir until the sweetener dissolves.
  2. Slowly add the 3 cups of milk, collagen protein, and cream, whisking thoroughly until it's all incorporated.
  3.  Continue to whisk until the mixture comes to a simmer.
  4. Remove from heat, add any other flavor enhancers. We like peppermint extract, or cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 82
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 160.8 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.2 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 4.2 mg
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Kristie Winget, in polka dot apron

Recipe creator: Kristie Winget, who loves gardening, singing, and Fair Isle knitting. And chocolate! Here's a little more about me.