Can I put protein powder in a hot chocolate?

Traditionally placed at the rich end of the drinks spectrum, hot chocolate has always been considered an indulgent drink designed to satisfy and comfort you. The protein powder on the other hand is related to gym bags, post-workout shakes and nutritional boosts. 
Combining the two may sound odd but protein hot chocolate has become an efficient way of making this familiar drink more nutritious.

You can put protein powder in hot chocolate but the real question is whether you are doing it in the correct way so you don't get a grainy, lumpy or generally unappealing drink.

Why Add Protein Powder Into Hot Chocolate?

Protein is an essential nutrient and has a variety of roles to play in the maintenance of muscle mass. As protein powder is already used by gym-goers to meet their nutritional needs, it is a simple way for some to increase their protein intake in a more accustomed drink.
With milk alone your hot chocolate already contains some protein. With the added powder your drink's protein content will increase even more, providing you with an easily-integrated protein-rich alternative to the occasional treat of hot chocolate.

However, the protein hot chocolate is only to complement a balanced diet and not to be used as a replacement for meals.

Can A Protein Powder Handle A Hot Drink?

This appears to be where the confusion arises. Adding protein powder to a hot drink doesn't automatically destroy the nutrients. When proteins are exposed to heat they denature, which effectively changes the structure of protein, although it does not destroy the protein itself.
The primary issue is with the actual temperature of the drink. Pouring the protein powder into hot liquid especially when it is boiling will cause it to clump together, particularly when it is not whisked well.

It appears that the method and manner of addition can impact the drink the most.
For making the hot chocolate protein powder, you really don't need many things or advanced cooking equipment.

Start by making your hot chocolate as normal. Ensure that if it's a milk based drink it isn't boiling as ideally it should be simmering. With a separate small mug, add your hot chocolate protein powder and a splash of cold or lukewarm water to make a paste.

Slowly pour the paste into the simmering milk whilst stirring constantly to increase the likelihood of the powder mixing properly. Alternatively add a bit of cold milk to the protein powder first to make a paste and then add the mixture to your hot chocolate.

This is just so that the liquid does not shock the powder too suddenly and the powder can be more easily distributed among the drink.

What Do You Need To Consider When Choosing The Right Protein Powder?

Not all protein powders behave in the same way, so make sure you choose the right one for you. Whey, Casein and Plant-based protein powder can all react to heat in slightly different ways. 

Also make sure that the protein powder you add fits with the theme of the hot chocolate. Chocolate flavoured protein powder will complement the cocoa better than some others. However plain powders will give you more control over sweetness.
MYOBand Danny Roberts Protein Hot Chocolate Powder makes for a warm and comfortable cup of hot chocolate with the added benefit of protein. 

And making hot chocolate with protein is a perfect alternative to traditional hot chocolate and can benefit your daily nutrition plan as a meal supplement or as a recovery drink after exercise.

Personalise it by adding cinnamon, vanilla extract, cocoa powder or a slight amount of sweetener to your drink. Milk will make the drink thicker and taste fuller than using water, although this should be factored into the amount of calories and other nutrients.
Protein powder can be added to your hot chocolate but the secret to achieving a smooth and tasty drink is to ensure you don't just add the powder straight to boiling liquid with poor whisking. 

Mix in a separate mug with a liquid to make a paste and slowly add it to the hot drink whilst stirring regularly. Using a suitable hot chocolate protein powder like MYOBand’s Danny Roberts Protein Hot Chocolate can transform an everyday favorite into a satisfying and nutritive drink.