I just made the best cup of hot cocoa I've ever had so I have to share this with you. I make hot cocoa often as Alisa and I love it. I have it in the mornings

now instead of coffee because the cocoa powder provides a small amount of caffeine and other ingredients that enhance mental clarity and alertness. One challenge has been avoiding sugar-loaded sweeteners to get it to taste better. Stevia unfortunately doesn't work. I think its because Stevia has a bitter undertone and cocoa has a bitter side as well. Together they amplify the bitter aftertaste.

I have experimented with adding pure vanilla extract and while that makes it better, it's still not the rich satisfying flavor most would consider great tasting when thinking of a cup of hot cocoa.

I took a chance and instead of adding Stevia or vanilla extract I added a scoop of vanilla whey protein powder. I used Muscle Gauge Nutrition's Vanilla Premium Blend which has a tiny bit of sucralose and a really good vanilla flavor. It tasted awesome. so much so I can't wait to have it again!

This is a great hot morning drink for kids on the go who never have time for a high protein breakfast. The average whey protein powder should deliver 20+ grams of protein. You should be able to use any high quality whey protein that has a great vanilla flavor and a higher whey isolate content. I feel guilty even calling this a recipe since its so darn easy to make, but here it is. I think hot water is best for this since the whey protein powder will make the drink thick enough on its own.

High Protein Hot Cocoa

• Boil water
• Add 2-3 Tablespoons of Cocoa Powder to a mug or cup
• Add 1 Scoop of Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
• Add the hot water and stir till all the cocoa powder and whey protein dissolve completely
• Drink up!

What ever you do don't tell the kids that its good for them or that it has as much protein as a chicken breast. Let that be our little secret.

 - Carl

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