Dr. Marcoux’s Bulletproof Hot Chocolate Recipe

A Twist on Dr. Fleury’s Bulletproof Coffee

After reading Dr. Fleury’s post about the top 5 ways to improve your health, I was convinced I had to try her bulletproof coffee. A hot, creamy drink that doubles as breakfast?!?! How great would that be? True to her word, I found the recipe to be delicious and filling. But there was one problem: I am not a big coffee drinker, and I don’t like the way that much caffeine makes me feel.

My solution? Chocolate (isn’t that really the solution to everything?)! By substituting cacao powder for the coffee and almond milk for the water, I have created a delicious, creamy, and healthy hot chocolate drink that can double as breakfast, or even as a sweet treat before bed. And the best part is that cacao has a better antioxidant profile than coffee, plus a lot of minerals and fiber that coffee doesn’t have.

Cacao vs. Cocoa Powder

Before I share my recipe, I want to clarify the difference between CACAO powder and COCOA powder. Both are made from the cacao bean and a good source of anti-oxidants, minerals, and fiber. Both use some degree of heat in their processing, but cacao powder is the least processed and therefore retains the most antioxidants and nutrients. It also has a slightly bitter taste compared to cocoa powder (think of an 85% dark chocolate bar kind of bitter). Cocoa powder is more processed, although still healthy with many antioxidants and minerals. It also tends to have a less bitter taste, especially the Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

I use the cacao powder because I like the taste and the additional nutritional benefits, but either one will work in this recipe, depending on your preference. If you do go with cocoa powder, be sure to choose one that doesn’t have any other additives such as sugar or preservatives.

One last benefit to cocoa/cacao powder is that it does not contain caffeine. Contrary to popular belief, there is no actual caffeine in the cocoa bean. A compound called theobromine, which is similar in structure to caffeine, is present, but it does not have the same effect in your body. So rest easy my fellow caffeine-avoiders, this is a safe alternative to coffee that won’t keep you awake all night or cause a crash in your energy mid-day. Enjoy!!!

Bulletproof Hot Chocolate Recipe

1 cup almond or coconut milk
1 ½ tbsp coconut oil or brain octane oil (either call the office or purchase this product online)
1 ½ tbsp organic, grass-fed butter or ghee, OR ghee/coconut oil combo (call our office for this)
1 – 2 tbsp collagen powder (buy online, see link below)
2 tbsp cacao/cocoa powder (buy at a the farmer’s market or a health food store)
1 – 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (depending on desired sweetness)
Optional: few sprinkles of cinnamon, dash of vanilla extract

Add milk, butter and coconut oil to a pot and heat until just melted. Add to blender with remaining ingredients and mix at high speed for 10-15 seconds. If I’m making this for breakfast, I make sure to have at least 2 tbsp of the collagen powder to ensure I have adequate protein to start my day.

If I’m making this as an after dinner treat, I will often do 1 tbsp of the collagen, or sometimes none at all if I’ve had a big dinner and I don’t need the extra protein. The fats will help your brain to settle down for sleep, and the bit of sweet mixed in really satisfies that craving that so many of us have in the evening.