This time of year, nothing’s cozier than a mug of cocoa—and this one will not disappoint. It’s thick. It’s rich. It’s decadent, y’all. And with 13 grams of plant-based protein, it makes for a sweet post-workout recovery treat. If you don’t want to deal with the stove, pour the coconut milk into a large glass measuring cup and heat it in the microwave for about a minute, then dump in the dry ingredients and stir like crazy. Mmmmm…

Oh, and if you’re worried about the fat content (Hi, Tracy!), keep in mind that this beverage is a once-in-a-while treat, not a daily morning routine. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) that’s easy for the body to use as fuel and less likely to be stored in fat cells, BUT it’s also loaded with saturated fat, which has been directly linked to higher LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), heart disease, and strokes (1).

Here ends the PSA… let’s get back to the chocolate-y goodness, mmm-kay?

Ingredients 

• 1 15-oz. can Lite Coconut Milk, unsweetened
• 1/3 cup Mama Love Chocolate Protein
• 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp. Cocoa Powder, unsweetened
• 1 pinch Sea Salt

Instructions

Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Gently simmer, stirring until everything is dissolved and hot cocoa is smooth, about two to three minutes. Serve warm; makes 2 servings. 

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 (about 8 oz.)

Calories 256 

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Sources:

1. Vannice, Gretchen, and Heather Rasmussen. “Position of the academy of nutrition and dietetics: dietary fatty acids for healthy adults.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 114,1 (2014): 136-53. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.11.001