Fuel up on protein with this chocolate almond protein shake. It’s simple, healthy, and made with just 5 ingredients in 2 minutes.
Jump to:
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.
Chocolate Almond Protein Shake Health Benefits
Increases Fullness
The high protein content of this shake will help reduce hunger.
Protein is an important nutrient for satiety, which means it will keep you satisfied.
Helps Muscle Growth
After working out, it’s recommended to consume protein within 1 hour. This will help your muscles repair and grow.
You can do this by drinking a chocolate almond protein shake. The high protein is needed for muscle growth.
Increases Hydration
Your body needs water for many functions, like metabolism and digestion.
You can get water from all types of liquids. This includes almond milk, which is used in this smoothie.
Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants are healthy compounds that protect cells. They work by reducing oxidative stress.
Cocoa powder is a good source of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant.
RELATED: Chocolate Protein Shake
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
For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.
- Pour unsweetened almond milk into the blender.
Starting with the liquids will prevent air pockets. - Add almond butter.
- Add date syrup.
- Add cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder.
- Blend until smooth.
Start on a low speed, then increase to high. - Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
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.
Questions You May Have
Use almond milk for the best flavor and texture. You can use water, but your shake won’t be as tasty.
A chocolate protein shake can be healthy if it’s made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This recipe uses 100% cocoa powder with natural sweetener.
You can use any type of milk in this protein shake. Cow’s milk will add more protein, but the almond flavor will be slightly less.
Related
- Chocolate Smoothie
- Chocolate Collagen Smoothie
- Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
- Almond Milk Smoothie
- Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
Want to save this recipe to Pinterest for later? Pin it now to your Pinterest board!
Chocolate Almond Protein Shake
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon date syrup
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put unsweetened almond milk, almond butter, date syrup, cocoa powder, and chocolate protein powder to a blender. Secure lid.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth.Start the blender on LOW speed for 5 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for a full minute.
- Pour shake into a cup. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- Be sure to use an unflavored and unsweetened almond milk to keep it healthy.
- For the most nutritious choice, pick an almond butter that’s made of almonds and nothing else.
- 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.
- To ensure the shake is healthy, use 100% cocoa powder without added sugar.
- 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.
- Skip the date syrup if you want a less sweet drink.
- 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.