This Chocolate Protein Shake is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with just the right balance of protein powder, cocoa, banana, milk, and almond (or peanut) butter. It’s so good, it could easily pass for a decadent milkshake – without the guilt!
Whether you enjoy it as a pre- or post-workout drink, a nutritious snack to satisfy sugar cravings, or even for breakfast, this shake will hit the spot.
A Healthy Twist on a Chocolate Milkshake
Growing up, milkshakes were a staple in our household. Chocolate shakes were my personal favorite, but as an adult, I’ve realized that indulging in milkshakes on a regular basis isn’t the best choice for my waistline. So, when I set out to create a Chocolate Protein Shake, I wanted it to be as close as possible to the creamy, chocolatey goodness of a traditional milkshake – but with a healthier twist. This shake hits all the marks: it’s thick, creamy, and delicious, while packing in protein to curb my sugar cravings. With the right protein powder and cocoa, this shake is a real treat!
How to Make Your Chocolate Protein Shake Even Better
The secret to the best Chocolate Protein Shake lies in the quality of ingredients. My number one tip? Choose a high-quality protein powder. I’ve tried plenty of options, but for the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a whey-based protein powder that’s sweetened with stevia. A great protein powder makes all the difference, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful shake – without any unpleasant aftertaste.
My personal favorite is Optimum Nutrition® Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein in Double-Rich Chocolate.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Shake:
- Protein Powder: A high-quality, chocolate-flavored protein powder is key to getting that creamy milkshake taste.
- Frozen Banana: A ripe banana adds thickness and a touch of natural sweetness. Freeze it in slices for the best texture.
- Nut Butter (Peanut or Almond): Just a tablespoon adds healthy fats and a creamy texture without overpowering the chocolate flavor. Almond butter is my go-to, but either works well.
- Milk (Almond or Regular): I love using unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but any milk you prefer will do.
- Ice: Ice helps give the shake its milkshake-like consistency without adding extra calories. About 1 cup of ice or 8 cubes is ideal.
- Cocoa Powder: High-quality cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor, making your shake even more indulgent.
How to Make a Chocolate Protein Shake
- Freeze the Banana: This is the key to a creamy texture! Slice a ripe banana into coins, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze overnight.
- Measure the Ingredients: While it’s tempting to just toss everything in, I recommend measuring out your ingredients for the best results. This ensures the right proportions and avoids ending up with too much shake or an off taste.
- Blend: Add all your ingredients into a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix® or Blendtec®). Blend until smooth, which may take a few attempts because this shake is thick! Be patient – it’s worth it for the creamy texture.
- Enjoy: Spoon out the shake, and for an extra treat, top it with chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. You now have a delicious, healthy shake!
Are Chocolate Protein Shakes Good for Weight Loss?
Protein plays a crucial role in weight loss by boosting your metabolism and reducing hunger. However, protein shakes do contain calories, so it’s important to ensure the shake fits into your daily calorie or macro goals. If it aligns with your nutritional plan, this Chocolate Protein Shake can be a great addition to support your weight loss efforts. Always consult a certified nutritionist for personalized advice.
Packed with protein powder, cocoa, bananas, and almond butter, this shake is so thick and creamy, it could easily be mistaken for a milkshake!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 shake
Equipment:
- Blender
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 5 tablespoons chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup frozen banana (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 8 ice cubes
- Sweetener to taste (see note)
Instructions
- Peel the banana, slice it into large coins, and freeze them in a plastic bag.
- Combine all ingredients into a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and well incorporated. If needed, stir and blend again to fully mix.
- If your blender isn’t high-powered, you may need to add an extra 1/4 cup of milk to help with blending.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Sweetener: Depending on the protein powder you use, you may want to add extra sweetener. I often use stevia, maple syrup, or honey, adjusting to taste.
- Storage: Best enjoyed immediately as leftovers don’t keep.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 293 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
- Sodium: 364mg
- Potassium: 672mg
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 11g
- Vitamin A: 48 IU
- Vitamin C: 7mg
- Calcium: 477mg
- Iron: 1mg
This delicious shake will satisfy your chocolate cravings while giving you a nutritious boost!
