Rich and creamy date-sweetened collagen hot chocolate! It’s dairy-free, high protein and sweetened only with Medjool dates. This healthy hot chocolate is the perfect way to get your chocolate fix, especially during the cold winter months.

Is there anything better than cozying up with a steaming hot cup of creamy hot chocolate during winter? This hot chocolate hits the spot whenever you’re craving a warm, cozy drink. It makes the perfect nightcap or afternoon-pick-me. Not to mention, it’s loaded with protein to help keep your blood sugar from spiking!

Date-Sweetened Collagen Hot Chocolate

This isn’t your traditional hot chocolate recipe. Although, I have a feeling it’s going to be your new go-to this winter! This hot chocolate is dairy-free, naturally sweetened and packs in about 15 grams of protein. This simple recipe combines cashew milk (or other non-dairy milk), Medjool dates, cocoa powder, and collagen peptides to create a creamy, decadent-tasting beverage that won’t drastically spike your blood sugar. It’s everything you want in a hot chocolate but without the unwanted sugar crash.

To help keep your blood sugar for spiking drastically, the Medjool dates and collagen peptides are key! These ingredients make this hot chocolate unique and healthy. The dates provide natural sweetness without added refined sugar and a little fiber. The collagen peptides add 10-15 grams of protein. If you’re not familiar with collagen peptides, I highly recommend this post!

Nourished by Nutrition Facts:

Medjool Dates

Dates are nature‘s candy. Yes, they’re high in sugar (one date has about 15 grams of sugar),  but it’s natural sugar. This is very different from added sugars that have no nutritional value. Dates contain sugar but it’s packaged together with fiber and other nutrients that help stabilize blood sugar and provide a nutrition boost. Medjool dates are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, B6, and calcium.

Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Think of it as the “glue” that holds your body together. As we age, collagen in the body begins to deteriorate and production slows. This process starts in the late 20s early 30s and is most noticeable in our skin as fine lines and wrinkles. As we produce less collagen, other noticeable issues include brittle hair and nails, digestion issues, more pronounced cellulite, and joint pain.

While collagen is not a plant-based based food, it is a source of protein that can easily be added to the diet and is tolerated well by most. Research is promising with benefits including decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, supporting joint and bone health, healing the gut and supporting healthy hair and nails.

To get the full rundown of collagen and its benefits, check out the Ultimate Guide to Collagen.

Cacao

Cacao powder is the part of the cocoa beans that remains after cocoa butter is extracted at a low temperature. This is what gives chocolate its bitter taste. It’s also what gives chocolate its health benefits.

Cacao is packed with antioxidants, most notably flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds help fight your free radicals that contribute to inflammation, aging, and other diseases like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Cacao is also high in magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and copper. These are essential minerals that the body needs to function optimally.

More recipes you’ll love:

• • Medicinal Mushroom Latte
  • Cacao Tahini Collagen Bites
  • Cashew Coconut Collagen Bites
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate Latte – Rachael’s Good Eats
  • Peanut Butter Stuffed Medjool Dates – The First Mess

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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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