Chocolate Protein Shake

(This post is sponsored by Naked Pea, but the recipe is our own an one we make regularly!)

Some busy mornings call for a quick breakfast, and that’s when I’ll typically make a chocolate protein shake. It’s a fast and nutritious way to make a delicious breakast to-go. And it’s pretty versatile too since there are so many options for mix-ins and flavors that pair well with chocolate.

Scroll through below to learn about our favorite chocolate protein shake powders, flavor and recipe variations, and how I like to make them on-the-go! We have a recipe for you at the bottom as well as a sort of choose-your-own-adventure when it comes to chocolate protein shakes.

What Mixes Well With Chocolate Protein Powder?

There are a lot of options for what mixes well with chocolate protein powder. You could simply choose whole milk, or something plant based like almond or coconut milk which create a great combination with chocolate. Bananas are also a great option too! Check out our flavor combination ideas, or scroll to the bottom for my favorite chocolate protein shake recipe that tastes delicious.

How Do I Make My Chocolate Protein Shake Taste Better?

Even with high quality ingredients, sometimes you need just a little something extra to mask that powdery flavor of protein powder. Here are a few tips you can use to customize your chocolate protein shake and make it taste better.

• Add More Chocolate: You can never have too much chocolate. And I’ve found that adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder adds a more rich chocolatey flavor to my protein powders, even if they’re already chocolate flavored. 
• Add A Sweetener: Most protein powders are light on the sugar so that you can customize the sweetness to your own tastes. 
• Add More Fat: To get a more creamy flavored shake, sometimes it takes creamy ingredient. If you’re trying to stick to a plant-based chocolate protein shake blend, add bit of avocado, coconut oil, or even a heaping tablespoon of fresh ground peanut butter.
• Add Some Coffee: If you’re making a shake in the morning, add some coffee to it as your liquid instead of water or milk. Chocolate and coffee pair well together when it comes to good flavor combinations.

How To Make A Delicious Chocolate Protein Shake

While we have a tried and true chocolate protein shake recipe for you at the bottom that you can print out and make, I wanted to share a bunch of options so that if this is a routine breakfast or afternoon snack, you can shake thinks up a bit. Condiser it a sort of choose-your-own-adventure chocolate protein shake guide.

1 – Pick Your Protein Base

(Amount: 2 scoops, or 2 Tablespoons)
You can opt for your favorite protein powder – whether it’s whey, soy, pea, or any other plant-based protein. I like to use Naked pea protein since it is gentle on my stomach (especially if I’m traveling). Just make sure to choose a high-quality protein powder that aligns with your dietary preferences and goals. 

2 – Pick Your Liquid

(Amount: 8-10 ounces)
You’ll need a liquid to blend everything together. Whole milk is a classic option and will also give you some extra protein too. Of course, you want to make a plant-based chocolate protein shake, then almond milk and coconut milk are great options as the flavors really pair well with chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try using cold brew coffee for an extra kick of flavor and caffeine.

3 – Pick Your Fruit

(Amount: 1/4 – 1/2 cup)
When it comes to fruit, not only do they add a bit of vitamins and nutrition, but this is where you can change up the flavor as well. You could add a banana for a banana chocolate protein shake. Strawberries, raspberries, and cherries are all great fruit options for chocolate too. TIP: Use frozen fruit when you can instead of ice to get a more flavorful shake.

4 – Pick A Fat

(Amount: Varies. See notes)
For that creamy texture that makes every sip oh-so-satisfying, consider tossing in some Greek yogurt, coconut butter, peanut butter, or avocado. Not only do these ingredients add creaminess, but they also bump up the protein and healthy fat content of your shake, making it even more nutritious and filling. (NOTE: The amount you add depends on the ingredient. For yogurt, I’d add a 1/4 cup. For avocado, a quarter or a half of a haas avocado is perfect. And for nut butters and coconut butter, just a tablespoon is all that is needed.)

5 – Pick Your Sweetener

(Amount: 1-2 teaspoons)
Adding a sweetener is, of course, optional. But it does enhance the flavor of a chocolate protein shake. Using any of the fruits listed above will give it a light natural sweetness. But you could also add honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, stevia, or monk fruit. 

Why Use Pea Protein?

Pea protein powder has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason! Our personal favorite is Naked Pea. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Rich in Protein:

Pea protein powder is an excellent source of protein, making it a great choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to increase their protein intake. It typically contains around 20-25 grams of protein per serving, which is comparable to other protein sources like whey or soy.

2. Easily Digestible:

Unlike some other protein sources, pea protein is highly digestible and doesn’t typically cause digestive discomfort like bloating or gas. This makes it a suitable option for individuals with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

3. Hypoallergenic:

Pea protein is naturally free of common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, making it a safe choice for those with food sensitivities or allergies. It’s also free of lactose, making it suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant. Which is me! I always say I love cheese and dairy, but it doesn’t always love me back.

4. Complete Amino Acid Profile:

While some plant-based proteins may be lacking in certain essential amino acids, pea protein contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. This is particularly important for muscle repair and growth, as well as overall health and wellness.

5. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly:

Pea protein is derived from yellow peas, which require less water and resources to cultivate compared to some other protein sources like animal-based proteins. Choosing pea protein powder can be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for individuals concerned about the ecological impact of their dietary choice.

Chocolate Protein Shake Toppings

If you want to add a little something extra, add some toppings to your chocoalte protein shake. This will give it a little texture as well as add to the taste and visual appeal. Here are a few of the toppings I like to add sometimes:

• crumbled freeze dried strawberries
• dried banana chips
• slivered almonds
• chocolate chips
• fresh berries

MORE RECIPES WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE

• Apple Smoothie
• Green Pineapple Kale Smoothie
• Cucumer Smoothie
• Banana Overnight Oats