Healthy-ish Protein Packed Chocolate Puddin’

This is one of my proudest accomplishments. One day I was gazing at the huge bag of 100% Raw Cocao in our pantry and wondered how on earth we could ever finish it off before the expiration date. On the back of the bag, it said “Try with: desserts, baking mix and more!” and it hit me-- I would add it to some instant chocolate pudding. Then, I also immediately realized that I would/could/should also add chocolate protein powder to it as well. Combined with using whole milk (instead of 2% milk or skim milk), this recipe really does pack a lot of protein.

 
I’m not going to act like this is completely “healthy” because sometimes that depends on whose definition of “healthy” you are going by. If you’re sincerely trying to lose pounds, then cutting way back on all sugar, processed food, and junk is always best. However, if you’re an active, exercising, halfway fit person, this is pretty harmless in moderation. Honestly, I originally made this as an after workout snack, because it’s great for recovery after a hard workout. But sometimes, it’s just dessert.

A Quick Note on My Ingredients:
• Jello now has a “Simply Good” line, which is free of artificial flavors, dyes & preservatives. That is what I use, plus the flavors are great. I can only vouch for the two chocolate ones….Chocolate Caramel is my go-to, but Choco-Late is also tasty.

• I only buy Fairlife Milk because it is from cows not treated with certain growth hormones, and it is higher in protein and lower in sugar than other milk brands. It’s also ultra-filtered and lactose free. For this recipe, I even use FairLife Chocolate Milk for an extra dose of chocolate.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 Package Jello Simply Good Chocolate Caramel (or Choco Late, whichever flavor you prefer)
2 Cups Whole Chocolate Milk (FYI: 24g protein!)
2 Scoops Chocolate Protein Powder (FYI: 44g protein!*)
⅓ cup 100% Raw Cocao Powder (FYI: rich in antioxidants and minerals!)
Optional Healthy Toppings: Walnuts, Crushed Salted Peanuts, Cashews, Almond Slivers, Strawberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Apple Slices, Sea Salt. Make your own combo with this. (Usually, I use walnuts and a tiny bit of sea salt.)

• Combine the ingredients together (except for the toppings) and whisk for 2 minutes. 
• Cover, refrigerate and let it set for a couple hours. 
• Add a topping perhaps...
• EAT!

*Your protein content may vary, depending on what type and brand of protein powder you prefer.  I use Syntha-6, which comes in lots of flavors, linked here. The flavors are good, it's high in protein and low in sugar.

(As always, a disclaimer that I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com & affiliated sites. The protein powder was not given to me to review, it just happens to be the one I prefer, so you may like it, too.)

Thank you for reading! ​Sign up for my free Monthly Newsletter here. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram & YouTube here: