Chocolate Protein Shake

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This decadent chocolate protein shake is filling and nutritious. It’s so easy to make at home in a blender with just 4 ingredients.

Recipe Highlights

This chocolate protein shake is a cold beverage made with unsweetened almond milk, date syrup, cocoa powder, and chocolate protein powder.
Rich and flavorful, the protein shake is ready in just 2 minutes.
Enjoy this shake as a post-workout snack, a filling breakfast, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.
The ratio of almond milk and protein powder in this recipe produces a creamy drink.

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What Are Protein Shakes?

A protein shake is a thick beverage made of a liquid and protein powder. The liquid can be water or milk. The consistency of a protein shake is thick, but pourable. It’s thinner than a smoothie.

Protein shakes are a great way to get a lot of protein at once. This is important for building and repairing muscle, especially after working out.

6 Chocolate Protein Shake Benefits

1. Offers Antioxidants

Cocoa powder is a good source of antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are beneficial because they reduce damage to cells, which might lower the risk of chronic disease.

2. Increases Fullness

By drinking this chocolate protein shake, you’ll be able to add more protein to your diet. Protein is the best nutrient for promoting satiety, or fullness. This means the shake will help reduce hunger and keep you full.

3. Enhances Gut Health

The antioxidants in cocoa powder can increase the growth of good bacteria in your gut. This is important because having enough good gut bacteria is needed for healthy digestion.

4. Supports Immune Function

When your gut is healthy, so is your immune system. That’s because gut bacteria controls your immune response. Since this chocolate protein shake is good for the gut, it can also help your immune system.

5. Protects Brain Health

Inflammation naturally increases in the brain over time. This can lead to problems with brain function, especially as you get older. However, the antioxidants in cocoa powder can reduce this inflammation.

6. Strengthens Muscles

Exercise makes your muscles form tiny tears. Protein is needed to repair these tears and make the muscles stronger.

RELATED: Peanut Butter Protein Shake

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for a chocolate protein shake on a table.

Unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk has a mild, nutty flavor that tastes great in protein shakes. Be sure to use unsweetened almond milk to keep it healthy. To increase the protein content of this shake, replace the almond milk with cow’s milk or soy milk. These options are both high in protein.
Date syrup: A natural sweetener made of Medjool dates.
Cocoa powder: This protein shake gets most of its flavor from cocoa powder. For best results, use a quality cocoa powder without added sweeteners.
Chocolate protein powder: A chocolate protein powder will emphasize the chocolate flavor of this shake. You can also use vanilla or unflavored protein powder, but the chocolate flavor won’t be as strong.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Variations

Extracts: To elevate the flavor of your protein shake, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, mint extract, or coconut extract.

Nut butter: Chocolate and nut butter is a classic pairing. Try adding 1 tablespoon cashew butter, almond butter, or peanut butter to the recipe. These ingredients will add good fats, antioxidants, and additional protein.

Spices: Another flavorful add-in is ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Use ½ teaspoon per recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Date syrup poured into a blender with almond milk.

Step 1: Pour almond milk into the blender. Add date syrup.

Always add the liquid first.

Cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, date syrup and almond milk in a blender.

Step 2: Add chocolate protein powder and cocoa powder.

Step 3: Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.

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Expert Tips

For a thicker protein shake, add a few ice cubes. It should be the last ingredient to go in the blender.
For a stronger chocolate flavor, add another 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Adding more cocoa powder won’t sweeten the drink since there isn’t any sugar in it.
Leave out the date syrup if you want a less sweet shake.
Protein shakes taste best when enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator. Be sure to drink it within 2 days.

Questions You May Have

Are chocolate protein shakes good for you?

Yes, especially if it’s made with minimal sweeteners and high-quality ingredients.

Are protein shakes better with water or milk?

Although you can make protein shakes with water, they taste better with milk.

How much cocoa powder do you add to protein shakes?

Start with 1 tablespoon and taste the shake. If you want a stronger flavor, add another 1 or 2 tablespoons, then blend for 10 seconds.

If you tried this Chocolate Protein Shake recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.