Hot chocolate is meant to be a sweet treat. But now, social media users are attempting to give it a healthy, high-protein makeover with a surprising ingredient: bone broth.

“While I was skeptical, I’ll admit it was pretty good,” cookbook author Arash Hashemi said in one video after tasting bone broth hot chocolate.

In another video, gluten-free recipe creator Mary Smith called the drink “so delicious and decadent” while citing the beverage’s 26 grams of protein.

For all the online chatter about bone broth hot chocolate—and its sister drink protein hot chocolate—is this concoction actually tasty and healthy? Registered dietitians break it down.

What Is Bone Broth Hot Chocolate?

Exact recipes vary slightly depending on who is making bone broth hot chocolate. However, food influencer Fallon Danae Lee claims to be the original creator of this recipe:

• 1/2 cup unflavored chicken bone broth
• 1 cup whole milk (or 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream and 1/2 cup milk)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons cacao powder
• splash of vanilla
• pinch of sea salt
• optional scoop of collagen

For people who are dairy-free, the recipe can also include ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk and ½ cup of water instead of milk. However, other recipes call for chocolate chips, monk fruit, and other tweaks. Protein hot chocolate is a variation made with chocolate protein powder.

Is This a Good Meal Replacement or Snack?

In general, dietitians agree that bone broth hot chocolate is not a good meal replacement.

“Because of the variability of the recipes, the nutritional content of these drinks also varies significantly,” said Stephani Johnson, DCN, RDN, adjunct professor in the Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences at Rutgers University. “The drink’s protein content depends on how much bone broth or milk is used, as well as whether collagen is added.”

Johnson also points out that many non-dairy milks, including oat, coconut, and almond milk, provide little protein. “Additionally, some of the recipes are much more decadent, including heavy cream or added whipped cream on top,” which increases the saturated fat content significantly, she added.

The calorie counts can also vary dramatically, from 150 to 200 calories per serving to up to 500 to 600 calories per drink, Johnson said.

And then there’s the sugar. Two tablespoons of maple syrup push you close to the daily recommended amount of added sugars from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

However, if your bone broth hot chocolate is prepared with ingredients that are lower in saturated fat and calories, Johnson said it can serve as a snack or a healthier alternative to traditional hot chocolate.

Should You Try High-Protein Hot Chocolate?

“This might be a great option for someone who is really struggling to meet protein goals and is limited on the foods they can eat,” said Emily Gelsomin, RD, a senior clinical outpatient dietitian at Massachusetts General Hospital. “But, generally, it wouldn’t be something I’d regularly recommend for most people.”

While bone broth is often hailed for its higher protein content, Gelsomin pointed out that the amount of protein in one cup of bone broth is less than that found in many single-serving Greek yogurt cups. If protein is a concern, eating Greek yogurt or another macronutrient source may be healthier.

The other issue? It may not taste great. “Not everything needs to be ‘healthified’ to be enjoyed,” Alison Kane, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Verywell.

“There’s often a push to make every single food or beverage as healthy as possible in today’s wellness-driven social media culture,” she added, “but the reality is that food is more than just nutrients. It’s also about enjoyment, social connection, and comfort.”