Chocolate Almond Protein Shake

Fuel up on protein with this chocolate almond protein shake. It’s simple and made with just 5 ingredients in 2 minutes.

Recipe Highlights

• Quick and simple, this chocolatey, nutty protein shake is the perfect post-workout snack.
• The chocolate almond flavor comes from cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and almond butter.
• Thanks to the high protein content, this drink is filling and satisfying.
• Ready in just 5 minutes, this recipe is so easy to make at home.

RELATED: Chocolate Almond Smoothie

What Are Protein Shakes?

Protein shakes are high-protein drinks made with water or milk. The milk can be dairy or plant-based. The protein comes from protein powder. This is a nutritional supplement made from animal or plant sources.

Drinking a protein shake is a great way to recover after a workout. It’s also helpful for reducing hunger between meals.

Ingredient Notes

• Unsweetened almond milk
  Be sure to use an unflavored and unsweetened version to keep it healthy.
• Almond butter
  For the most nutritious choice, pick an almond butter that’s made of almonds and nothing else.
• Date syrup
  Date syrup is a natural sweetener that blends well in protein shakes. It also tones down the bitterness in the cocoa powder. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of date syrup.
• Cocoa powder
  To ensure the shake is healthy, use 100% cocoa powder without added sugar.
• Chocolate protein powder
  Both vegan and whey-based protein powders work in this recipe. Using chocolate protein powder will emphasize the chocolate flavor, but you can also use unflavored protein powder.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pour unsweetened almond milk into the blender.
   Starting with the liquids will prevent air pockets.
2. Add almond butter.
3. Add date syrup.
4. Add cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder.

5. Blend until smooth.
   Start on a low speed, then increase to high.
6. Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.

Optional Add-Ins

Extracts

For an easy way to elevate the flavor of your shake, add ½ teaspoon extract. Almond extract will deepen the almond flavor. Vanilla extract also works well in this recipe.

Seeds

If you want to increase the protein of your shake, add 1 tablespoon seeds. Tasty options include hemp seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Seeds are also rich in anti-inflammatory fats.

Fruit powder

Chocolate and almond are delicious with fruit flavors. Try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons fruit powder to the shake, like strawberry powder or banana powder.

Expert Tips

• Skip the date syrup if you want a less sweet drink.
• Instead of a blender, a shaker bottle can be used although the blender does a better job.
• For an icier protein shake, add a few ice cubes. It should be the last ingredient to go in the blender.
• Before adding protein powder, check the packaging. The serving size for some powders might be more than 1 scoop.
• Your protein shake will taste best when it’s freshly made. If you want to store leftovers, keep it in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 2 days.

Related

• Chocolate Smoothie
• Chocolate Collagen Smoothie
• Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
• Almond Milk Smoothie
• Cookies and Cream Protein Shake

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