Creamy Chocolate Protein Shake (30 grams!)

Learn how to make a quick, creamy Chocolate Protein Shake to support your health, wellness, and weight loss goals. This delicious, protein-packed smoothie is quick, easy, nourishing, and satisfying. Enjoy this shake for breakfast or as a pre- or post-workout meal.

One of my favorite ways to increase my protein intake is to make a delicious protein shake for breakfast (or after a great workout!). I’ve experimented with a variety of different ingredients and combinations, and dare I say, this is the best chocolate protein shake I have made to date.

I’m so happy to report that this is a super flexible recipe. Take the base recipe and make it your own. If you prefer something fruity, you can always make my strawberry banana smoothie recipe or my quick fix strawberry protein shake. Or if it’s cold outside, a protein hot chocolate is another excellent healthy breakfast option!

Smoothie vs. Protein Shake

The biggest difference between a smoothie and a protein shake is the addition of protein powder. Often when we make fruit smoothies, they don’t include very much protein, fiber or fat. They can definitely be delicious, but they’re usually not super satisfying and you may find yourself hungry shortly after enjoying your smoothie, which can make health and weight loss goals feel very challenging.

A protein shake typically contains ingredients that offer a substantial amount of staying power. For this particular chocolate protein shake, we’re using a high-quality protein powder, nut butter, plus nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables as well.

There are also other optional mix-ins that you can choose to increase the protein, fat, and fiber even more! I love hemp, chia, and flax seeds, nut and seed butter, tofu, and/or Greek yogurt (just to name a few).
Let’s get to all of the delicious details!

PRO TIP: I find the protein in combination with some healthy fat and fiber helps to keep me feeling satisfied for longer, so I don’t find myself hungry an hour or two after breakfast. I’m hoping this will help you as well!

Chocolate protein shake for weight loss:

Remember, the key to sustainable weight loss is NOT trying to eat as little as possible. Instead, you want to focus on the abundance of beautiful, delicious, nutritious real food ingredients we have to choose from.

I want you to nourish yourself and enjoy real foods that leave you feeling satiated and satisfied.

This easy, healthy chocolate protein shake is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that help you to feel great and you might already have most of them in your fridge and pantry. You’ll need:

1. Frozen banana – using frozen fruit is best in smoothies to make it thick and creamy. Just be sure to peel the banana before freezing it!
2. Baby spinach – just a handful adds a good amount of nutrients. It may turn your shake an interesting color, but don’t worry, you can’t taste it!
3. Frozen cauliflower – fills this shake with extra vitamins and minerals and also makes it extra creamy. You won’t be able to taste the cauliflower at all. PROMISE!
4. Almond butter – a bit of almond butter (or your favorite nut/seed butter) adds a bit of protein and healthy fats, plus a delicious creaminess to this shake. Use any favorite brand of all-natural nut butter, which should be just nuts or just nuts + salt (or make your own!)
5. Chocolate protein powder – You can use any type of protein powder you like. I really like the flavor and texture of whey protein powder. 
6. Cacao or cocoa powder – for enhancing the chocolate deliciousness!
7. Cinnamon – for an additional flavor boost.
8. Almond milk – feel free to use any milk you’d like. I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but coconut, cashew or oat milk would also be great choices.

Chocolate protein shake without banana:

This is a request I get a lot! People seem to love or hate bananas in their protein shakes and smoothies. If you happen to be someone who does not like bananas in their frozen treats, have no worries, this is an easy fix. Simply swap in an equal amount of frozen mango or frozen avocado. Both of these options will give the same thick, creamy texture without banana.

How to make a chocolate protein shake:

This is one of the easiest recipes ever! Simply add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. I like to use a high-speed blender, but any blender should get the job done.

If you prefer a step-by-step, here’s the simple breakdown:

1. First up, add the milk. Pouring the liquid in first helps the protein shake blend more easily.
2. Then, a handful of baby spinach goes into the blender. You can make this a big handful or a small handful. Baby spinach is very sweet and mild, so it’s a great way to work some greens into your shake without changing the flavor.
3. Next up, a serving of chocolate protein powder. I personally prefer whey protein powder because it’s super rich and creamy, but you can use a plant-based protein powder, if you prefer. Use any favorite, just be sure to look for simple ingredients and a short ingredient list.
4. Kick up the chocolate flavor, I am adding a tablespoon of cacao powder. Cocoa powder works as well.  
5. Bulk up the volume of this shake, and add about 3/4 cup of frozen cauliflower. You cannot taste it at all, but it makes the shake nice and creamy and adds a good amount of fiber, as well – one of those magical ingredients that help us feel satisfied for longer after a meal. If you don’t like or have cauliflower, try some frozen zucchini!
6. For some good healthy carbs and natural sweetness, throw in 1/2 frozen banana. If you don’t like bananas, try subbing in some frozen mango. 
7. Now, add a big fat dollop of almond butter or whatever nut or seed butter you love and have on hand.
8. And finally 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for a bit of extra flavor.
9. Blend that all up – let it get nice and rich and creamy. If you prefer it thinner, you can always add an extra splash of milk!