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!
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
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).
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.
More Favorite Smoothies & Shakes
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Banana Smoothie
- Green Smoothie
- Strawberry Milkshake Smoothie
- Berry Smoothie
Chocolate Protein Shake
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.
I love that I can be healthy and still have chocolate with this smoothie 🙂
Me too!!
Thank you, Andi! I even added some uncooked old-fashioned oats to this smoothie when I made it for the kids and I yesterday and it was delicious!
i like the look/sound of this recipe! I can’t eat bananas, do have any other recommendations for fruit, or could I just leave it out?
Thanks!!
Hmmm, the banana works really well in this smoothie, but if you can’t eat bananas I’d try a pear instead. If you try it, let me know how it works! 🙂
love the smoothie
Thanks, Lisha!
This is one of my favorites smoothies!! I make it several times a week, Thank you for sharing!
I love this one as well! I’m glad you are enjoying it!
This sounds super tasty! What is your favorite green yogurt brand?
Thank you! My favorite is Fage. It’s thick and creamy and not too tart.
We made this recipe today.It was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was a nice change from my usual fruit smoothie. I can’t eat almonds so I used homemade peanut butter. (‘m wondering how it would be with cashew butter…) I added about 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a small handful of microgreens. (I add them to just about every smoothie because they add nutrients and don’t change the flavor of the shake.) I will make this again when I want chocolate.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I think cashew butter would work great, too.
This is so awesome 💖 Love that it doesn’t have protein powder 👍
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Delicious. I add some tweaks. Dark chocolate Silk Almond milk. Also a hand full of frozen cherries. So good and chocolaty.
Ooohh, I love that you added frozen cherries! Thanks for trying the recipe!
I think it was good, but it needed more cocoa powder to be chocolately enough for us. We also added 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
You can definitely adapt the recipe to your tastes. Adding vanilla is a great idea!
I love all your recipes! This one is no exception. Soooo yummy! I do tweak it a bit. I’ve made it with and without the yogurt and prefer without. I use 1/2 cup of almond milk, a scoop of chocolate protein powder and 1-2 frozen bananas, along with the almond butter and ground flaxseed, and ice. It makes enough for myself and my two grandchildren ages 6 and 3 who LOVE it! It tastes just like chocolate soft serve ice cream! It is perfect like this for me so I haven’t added anything else BUT I might try adding a few frozen strawberries one of these times. I make this at least once a week. Thank you for another delicious recipe! ❤️