Years ago, I bought a popular chocolate protein powder from Costco. When I read the ingredients, I decided that I could make my own version at home. Over time, I decreased the amount of sweetener until I no longer needed it. This unsweetened chocolate protein powder has become a staple in our home.
Unsweetened Chocolate Protein Powder
This simple chocolate protein powder makes a great topping on yogurt, smoothies, and ice cream.
- mixing bowl
- sifter OR stainless steel mesh strainer
- whisk
- metal spoon
- measuring cups
- 1 cup hydrolyzed collagen powder
- 1 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup liquid MCT oil
Add hydrolyzed collagen powder to mixing bowl.
Measure one cup cacao powder and then sift into mixing bowl to remove any lumps.
Whisk together collagen powder and cacao powder until well mixed.
Add a quarter cup of MCT oil.
Mix well with metal spoon. Continue to stir and work the MCT oil into the powder until it is completely saturated.
Note: At first it may seem like more oil is needed, but it just takes time to thoroughly combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- This chocolate protein powder works best as a topping. When added to milk, it will clump together but still tastes great.
- For a sweeter version, add 1/4 cup coconut sugar. Increase or decrease this amount to your taste.
- We’ve tested this recipe with olive oil and coconut oil. Olive oil creates a similar texture but adds a distinct flavor. The coconut oil left a clumpy texture that we did not enjoy.
- We’ve always stored our chocolate powder in the refrigerator.
Chocolate Protein Powder Uses
As a child I was a fan of Nesquik-style chocolate powder. I loved adding it to my bowl of ice cream or making chocolate milk. This chocolate protein powder brings back that feeling of pleasure without the guilt.
While I still add this chocolate protein powder to milk for a quick snack, it doesn’t mix easily and results in clumps of chocolate. However, this chocolate protein powder does make a great topping for yogurt, smoothies, and ice cream.
Sourcing Ingredients
For several years, some of my favorite bloggers have recommended the Perfect Supplements brand of hydrolyzed collagen as it is grass-fed. This is the only brand of hydrolyzed collagen that I’ve tried in this recipe. I also order my MCT oil from Perfect Supplements. When I buy 3-6 items of the Perfect Supplements brand, my savings increase. To earn free shipping, I spend at least $100 after discounts. I also use the code LOYAL10 for an extra 10% off.
For the cacao powder I buy the Navitas brand when Costco has it in warehouse, but this offering tends to be seasonal. The rest of the time I purchase my cacao powder at Trader Joe’s at a fair price.
Ingredient ratios
When I developed this recipe, I just combined the ingredients in a way that made sense to me. Equal parts of collagen powder and cacao powder seemed to work well together, but I’m not a health and fitness expert. You may want to experiment with the ratios to find the right combination that works for you.
Regarding the MCT oil, I think it works well at one eighth the total amount of dry ingredients. If trying out different amounts of MCT oil, adjust by no more than one teaspoon at a time. A little oil goes a long way. A fluffy powder can quickly clump up with too much oil. However, if your powder seems dry, try adding a teaspoon at a time until you have the right consistency.
Optional Sweetener
When I first made this recipe, I needed a sweetener to make it more palatable. I chose to use coconut sugar, but you can test out other sweeteners. Just add a little at a time and find the amount that works best for you.
Conclusion
This recipe for unsweetened chocolate protein powder is versatile because you can easily change the ratios to match your desired outcomes. Want more protein? Add more collagen. Need a sweetener? Try adding some coconut sugar or another sweetener of choice. Prefer a different oil? Test out another kind of oil. Just remember to adjust your ingredients in small increments to obtain the desired outcome.