Holiday munchies are the death of me. Why why why do treats need to be out and in full display 24/7? My wandering eyes can’t stop. But this healthy protein moose munch treat is one I can snack on without feeling that post-holiday, over-eating ‘bleh’. Not only is this healthier version of a holiday favorite made with simple, natural ingredients, it’s packed with protein to keep my belly full and my hands out of the cookie jar.
My first job out of college was for a small agency that worked on various accounts, one being Harry & David – you know, the makers of “Moose Munch”. There were always samples and packages of moose munch all over the office. I also had a co-worker who worked for Hershey prior to joining our team – so his office was always stashed with chocolate in every form, every flavor. Oh, and sometimes when we’d have office meetings, they’d cater in warm chocolate chips cookies. Basically this place was a woman’s dream and nightmare all at the same time.
By woman I mean chocoholic. But aren’t all women? Maybe it’s just me, but put me in a room of skittles, gummy bears, and pixie sticks and I’m like, ‘meh’. But put me in a room with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate and watch the lioness destroy her prey. You get the point – chocolate is my weakness.
My other weakness (aside from little brown-eyed boys and red wine) is popcorn. Hands down the hardest thing I gave up when completing the Whole30 program was my evening movie-watching popcorn snacky snack. Luckily I don’t even think about completing Whole30 during the holidays. Some people do it – good on you. But this lady just can’t.
So moose munch and all its glory shall be had this holiday season. However, this is a totally healthier version that’s packed with protein, without sacrificing the decadent flavor! Plus it’s so insanely simple to make – no baking or stove required.
Wait, what? Protein moose munch? Yeah, it’s a thing…starting now. And it’s only five ingredients. Mind.Blown.
Next time you’re invited to a cookie-baking party, bring the goodies for this protein moose munch and watch the looks of confusion and amazement. Going Black Friday shopping? Power up with some serious protein and energy-fueling nuts. Watching a marathon of Elf on ABC Family? Time to bust out the perfect popcorn treat. You get the picture – it’s the holiday staple that is just as important as wrapping paper.
My friends at Vital Proteins sent me their cocoa and coconut water collagen whey to create this epic holiday treat of amazingness. I love their squeaky clean list of ingredients and whopping 27 grams of protein per serving. I wasn’t kidding when I said PROTEIN moose munch peeps! Just combine two scoops of Vital Proteins collagen whey with three tablespoons of melted coconut oil and three teaspoons raw honey. That’s ALL you need for this sweet chocolate drizzle topped over popcorn and almonds.
And just for some extra flair, I reserved one cup of popcorn for the best part of the healthy protein moose munch. You’re dying to know, aren’t you? DUH, more chocolate. I just can’t get enough drizzle on every bite, so I made a ‘lil bit more melted chocolate protein then dumped the popcorn into that liquid decadence and tossed well to evenly coated every delicate kernel. BOOM. The perfect blend of sweet and crunchy.
Snacking healthy, without tasting healthy? That might be the key to the holidays this season!
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- ⅓ cup raw almonds
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 scoops Vital Proteins Cocoa and Coconut Water Collagen Whey
- 3 teaspoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 scoop Vital Proteins Cocoa and Coconut Water Collagen Whey
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the popcorn and almonds on top in an even layer
- Melt the coconut oil in the microwave until it's completely liquid (this should only take roughly 20 seconds)
- Add the collagen whey and raw honey to the melted coconut oil. Quickly stir until combined and drizzle all over the popcorn and almonds
- Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator to cool the chocolate drizzle completely - around 10 minutes
- Once popcorn the coating is chilled and set, make the additional chocolate to coat the mixture
- Melt the coconut oil and add the additional scoop of collagen whey and raw honey
- Scoop one cup of the popcorn mixture and pour into the liquid chocolate. Quickly stir to coat and pour back on to the baking sheet
- Let chill again until chocolate hardens
- Serve straight from the refrigerator (cooled)
This post is sponsored by the awesome people at Vital Proteins. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting Physical Kitchness!
O loving it! Time to snack snack snack away all season!
Agreed. Snack-a-holic right here!!
This look very interesting. I do like original popcorn the most. I have tried other flavors too, but I always go back to just salted or popcorn with a little butter 🙂
I typically like my popcorn popped in coconut oil with a little Himalayan salt, BUT for the holidays my sweet tooth just kicks in!
I’m definitely on board with this! Over-eating during the holidays is no bueno and I’m always on the hunt for light, healthier snacks like this. Yum!
No bueno but it like ALWAYS HAPPENS!!! I am making this for my fam this year in hopes we can all keep our eyes in check with our bellies!
Perfect recipe to also gift to others this holiday season! Going to make little baggies with a cocoa mix 🙂
Oh that’s an awesome gift idea!! You are so sweet!
Love the healthy spin on this delicious snack! I’m going to have to make some of this.
Thanks Ryan! I hope you do – they are such a yummy snack any time of day!
Popcorn is one of my and my family’s favorite snacks! This looks amazing! If I had all the stuff I’d make a batch to take up north to enjoy at the tree lighting and fireworks (in the snow!) as I know my family and our friends would love it!
Fireworks in the snow?!?! That sounds magical!!! I wanna come!
I’m a sucker for a filling and healthy snack!! This looks like the perfect way to stay on track this holiday.
Agreed Liz! Bring on the healthy snacking!
This would definitely satisfy my sweet tooth!
AND your crunch-fix 😉
LOVE this healthified version of a favorite holiday treat! If I worked in that office I’d be in BIG trouble!
It was serious temptation every single day!!!! Thanks Laura!
FULLLLYYYY in love with this! This would be a giant hit in our house, my boyfriend is obsessed with all things popcorn and protein!
Well there you go – I’m sensing a girlfriend of the year award!
I dieeeeeeeee.
Seriously popcorn is my ultimate weakness. I can eat an entire bag by myself in one sitting without blinking an eye. oops. Which is probably why I shouldn’t make this popcorn unless I’m making it to share!! 😉
Are we like, the same person? Popcorn is MY weakness (and chocolate). I have the Nordic Ware popper – seriously it’s a game changer!!!
Wow this looks so good! I need to try making this.
http://xoxobella.com
YESSSS good idea 😉
This recipe is truly amazing. I never thought of adding protein powder to popcorn. Snacking is now so easy. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks so much Gunjan. Snacking should be easy!
Harry and David sounds like an awesome job to have right out of college! Also awesome is this healthy protein moose munch! Love the simple ingredients and no need of the stovetop or baking! That’s what I call easy snacking! Yum!
SO much temptation in the office! We had a number of ‘chocolate’ accounts – I don’t think I went a day without having a little sweet treat there!
Chrissa, from a presentation perspective HOME RUN. I cannot wait to try this WAY healthier version of Moose Munch. I use and love Vital Proteins products. We have to avoid dairy … do you think I could just use a scoop of the hydrolyzed or plain gelatin? Or do you think there would be no sub for the gelatin + whey product? Just curious. Think I will try it either way 🙂 Because IT LOOKS SO GOOD!
Thanks so much Alexa!! You could absolutely sub for a non-dairy alternative. This is what I would do – add a scoop of the collagen peptides in the melted coconut oil then use cocoa or cacao powder for the chocolate. You may have to sweeten it up by adding more honey. I wouldn’t do the same ratio of whey to cocoa powder though – maybe half the powder and up the honey. Let me know how it turns out!
Yum! I’m in need of a quick and healthy snack I can grab and go – this looks delish!
It’s a goodie! And so easy! Enjoy Suzanne!
I’m so with you on the chocolate. I could care less about other candies but chocolate is supreme! This looks delicious!! 😀
A girl after my own heart! Thanks Heather 🙂
omg Chrissa! this looks so good! and like a perfect gift for co-workers!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
Good idea!! Get those co-workers on your good side! 😉
This looks so delicious! I just bought the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and I’m excited to start using them in recipes. I definitely want to try the Whey soon. What else do you add the Whey to? I’ve been wanting to spice my usual protein shake. 🙂
Rock on girl!! You’ll love their products! I’ve only used the whey in smoothies (chunky monkey of course) and this recipe so far. But I am tempted to make a chocolate banana bread with it! I bet it would taste great in a ton of baked goods this holiday season.
I have a ton of popcorn in the cabinets that I wanted to use for a party, but couldn’t think of an idea, boom!!!
BOOMTOWN hostess with the mostess!!
Oh, I used to love that Moose Munch! I don’t even like popcorn in general, but covered in chocolate is an entirely different story!! 🙂
Right?! I could eat lint as long as it’s covered in chocolate…
This would definitely make a wonderful holiday snack to munch on! And I love that you used coconut oil!
It’s my favorite oil – makes my heart pitter patter 😉
Ooo, this is so fun! I’ve made protein puppy chow before, so I know I’d like this! Does the popcorn get soggy, or does it stay firm like a real chocolate coating would??
Totally stays firm! Hallelujah! I do keep it chilled, because if it sits out too long and gets warm, the coconut oil base will start to go back to liquid form and then the popcorn could get soggy. Enjoy!
I was just thinking about protein powder on popcorn last night, but this idea sounds much better and looks amazing!
Thanks Alisa! Who doesn’t love a little chocolate drizzle? 😉
I am right there with you, if a treat is there, I have to eat it! I love the idea for a healthier treat, because lets face it, were all going to snack a bit too much this holiday season, and that’s OK!
Very true – totally ok. I give myself a lot of grace over the holidays to snack, eat, and enjoy food with my family! Thanks Emily!
Popcorn and dark chocolate are my weaknesses. I eat a lot of popcorn. This is perfect for me!!!
Oh my gosh, popcorn is just the best. I seriously can’t watch a movie at home without making a big bowl! And chocolate on top is just pure heaven.
Oh this looks so delicious! I’ll have to pin this for later so I can try to make it 🙂
Kayla | kaylablogs.com
Thanks for the pin love Kayla! I hope this is on your list of goodies to make this holiday season!
I am the same way during the holidays! If there is food in front of me, I will usually eat some even if I’m not hungry! I love popcorn and this sounds so good!
It’s that grazing mentality that just kills me!!! And my family alway has an endless supply of sweet snacks. The struggle is real!
YUM. I’m right there with you – chocolate is a definite weakness for me. While I don’t usually love plain popcorn, if you throw a flavor on it (ie: chocolate) I’m ALL over it!
Chocolate drizzle is addicting on anything – but especially crunchy things 🙂
I agree with Les!! I don’t usually crave popcorn, but as soon as you add SOMETHING to it – AKA chocolate – I’m INNNNNN
I swear I can pass on anything except chocolate. It’s in my DNA.