Win a $200 Amazon Gift Card by cooking this month’s recipe!

This chocolate protein shake is thick, creamy and sweet, basically like a delicious chocolate milkshake but healthier! The best part is, it’s made without protein powder.

I originally shared this recipe in 2015 and it’s been one of my favorite smoothie recipes ever since!

Chocolate protein shake in a glass garnished with banana slices, chocolate shavings and a drizzle of almond butter.

A Chocolate Protein Shake that Tastes Like Dessert

I love to make smoothies for quick breakfasts and snacks, especially in the summertime. This chocolate protein shake is one of my favorites because (1) It’s so deliciously thick and creamy, I feel like I’m enjoying a decadent dessert when I sip on it, and (2) It has hefty amount of protein to keep me full for hours. It’s a great snack to refuel with after a workout!

I’m not a big fan of protein powders, since I prefer to get quality protein naturally from the foods that I eat. This chocolate protein shake is made with Greek yogurt and almond butter, two of my favorite protein-rich ingredients. It’s cool, creamy and satisfying!

Why We Love This Protein Shake

  • It has over 25 grams of protein per serving, all from real food ingredients. No protein powders here!
  • It’s blends up smooth and creamy, with the most delicious chocolate-banana-almond butter (or peanut butter if you prefer!) flavor.
  • It’s a kid favorite! My kids ask me to make this chocolate smoothie all the time.
  • This protein shake is a great way to use up ripe bananas. I know I always have extras sitting on my counter!
  • You’ll need only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make it. It’s super quick and easy!

This is one of my favorites smoothies!! I make it several times a week, Thank you for sharing! 

Kim
Overhead view of chocolate protein shake in a glass garnished with banana slices, chocolate shavings and a drizzle of almond butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients, including substitution options. Find the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

  • Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and makes the shake creamy.
  • Milk: Use your milk of choice: dairy or nondairy, such as almond milk, oat milk, etc.
  • Frozen Banana: Adds sweetness and thickens this chocolate protein shake.
  • Cocoa Powder: For that chocolate flavor!
  • Almond Butter: My family prefers this shake with almond butter, but if you love peanut butter that works great in this recipe too.
  • Ground Flaxseed (Optional): Adding a few teaspoons of ground flaxseed adds a little more protein and fiber, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Ice: I like to blend in a little ice to make it extra cold and refreshing.

Success Tip: Use Frozen Banana

The secret to achieving a thick, creamy texture is to use frozen banana in this chocolate protein shake. I always try to keep frozen bananas in my freezer so that I can make this shake when a craving hits! I’ve tried this recipe with non-frozen banana and it wasn’t nearly as good (it was thin and not ice-cold refreshing like it usually is).

Protein shake ingredients in a blender.

How to Make a Chocolate Protein Shake

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. That’s it!

Recipe Tips

  • Start your blender on low speed and then gradually increase the speed as the shake starts to come together.
  • For a thick shake, start by adding less liquid and then add more as needed until your desired consistency is reached.
  • This chocolate protein shake tastes best served right after blending. I don’t recommend making this one ahead of time.
  • To make this recipe nut-free, omit the almond butter or peanut butter.
Chocolate protein shake served in two glasses with straws, garnished with banana slices, chocolate shavings and a drizzle of almond butter.

More Favorite Smoothies & Shakes

Chocolate protein shake in a glass garnished with banana slices, chocolate shavings and a drizzle of almond butter.
4.34 from 6 ratings

Chocolate Protein Shake

Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
This Chocolate Protein Shake is deliciously thick and creamy. It's made with wholesome ingredients and no protein powder. This protein shake is refreshing and satisfying, perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
Print Recipe Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, almond, dairy, etc.
  • 1 medium banana, sliced and frozen
  • ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter, or peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed, optional
  • ¾ cup ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Be sure to use frozen banana. If you use fresh banana the smoothie will be much thinner.
Serving: 1smoothie, Calories: 471kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 98mg, Potassium: 1030mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 220IU, Vitamin C: 10.2mg, Calcium: 388mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Smoothie, Snack
Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.
This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!