Need more high-protein drink recipes? Try my coffee protein shake, cinnamon roll protein shake, peanut butter protein shake, or Snickers protein shake next. Friends, meet my go-to post-workout treat that tastes like a thick shake- my simple chocolate protein smoothie recipe. It’s super thick and creamy and will convert anyone who despises protein shakes.
Why I love this recipe
Hello, McDonald’s thickshake. There’s rich chocolate flavor in every sip that tastes like it’s sinful. It’s not diet-y. The best trick I’ve found to maintain weight loss isn’t to take things out of my diet but to make my favorite treats a bit healthier…like my protein shakes. Ready in seconds. Just add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. It doesn’t get easier. 30 grams of protein. Making it the perfect post-workout treat, on-the-go breakfast, or guilt-free snack.
Ingredients needed
Frozen bananas. Adds some natural sweetness and thickens the shake. Milk. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can use any dairy or non-dairy milk. Protein powder. Use whichever protein powder you enjoy the flavor of, as it’ll be a big component of the recipe. I tested a few, and my favorites were pea protein and whey protein powder. Also, for a richer chocolate flavor, use chocolate protein powder. Chia seeds. For protein, fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t like the texture of chia seeds, you probably won’t notice them blended up in the shake. That said, you can use flaxseeds instead. Cocoa powder. I used dark cocoa powder for its rich, smooth flavor. You can use cacao powder, which has a higher antioxidant content, but you’ll want to increase the amount of sweetener since it can be quite bitter. Ice. To give the shake a creamy texture without extra calories. Chocolate chips. Optional garnish.
How to make chocolate protein shakes
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Blend. Place all the ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Step 2- Serve. Pour the mixture into a glass, decorate it with chocolate chips, and enjoy!
Arman’s recipe tips
Taste as you go. My #1 tip for getting the perfect shake is to give it a taste test. That way, you can add anything as needed until it’s perfect. Freeze the banana beforehand because it makes it even creamier and keeps the shake ice cold. Tweak the blender settings. For a creamy shake, start blending on low. Gradually increase until it’s on high, let it run for 10 seconds, then reduce the speed to low right before serving. For a sweeter shake, feel free to add a pinch of maple syrup or honey.
More easy smoothie recipes
Carrot smoothie Oatmeal smoothie Healthy chocolate peanut butter smoothie Avocado smoothie
Make it more satisfying. I find adding healthy fats and fiber is a great way to make my shakes even more filling. Nut butter (my go-to is almond butter!) and frozen avocado are great options. Boost the superfoods. Add a few tablespoons of oats, Greek yogurt, or hemp seeds for a more nutrient-rich shake. Add a dash of sea salt. Not only does it amplify the other ingredients, but it adds essential minerals!
