Mocha Protein Shake

For a quick and easy post-workout snack, try this mocha protein shake. It’s healthy and made with just 4 ingredients in 2 minutes, but it tastes like a rich dessert.

Recipe Highlights

• A mocha protein shake combines the flavors of coffee and chocolate, resulting in a irresistible drink.
• The shake is made of oat milk, espresso, cocoa powder, and chocolate protein powder.
• Thanks to the high protein content, this drink is great for reducing hunger or recovering after workouts.
• This healthy recipe takes just 2 minutes to prepare in a blender at home.

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Protein Shakes

A protein shake is a protein-rich drink made by blending protein powder and liquid, like water or milk. Protein shakes are helpful for increasing your protein intake after exercise or sickness. They can also make you feel more full.

The protein powder gives the liquid a frothy consistency. However, since the drink has no frozen fruit, it’s thinner than a smoothie.

You can make protein shakes in a shaker bottle, but a blender is the best option for a smooth and even blend.

4 Mocha Protein Shake Benefits

1. Provides Hydration

Staying hydrated is so important for good health. Your body needs fluids to properly function. Drinking water is an easy way to stay hydrated, but it’s not your only choice. This protein shake can also help.

The unsweetened almond milk in this drink will add to your fluid intake.

2. Increases Muscle Growth

After exercise, your body needs a high amount of protein. This will help your muscles recover and get bigger. This protein shake is a great option. It’s easy to make and drink after working out.

For best results, drink this protein shake within 60 minutes of exercising.

3. Contains Antioxidants

Cocoa powder, which is used in this shake, is a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols. Antioxidants are compounds that lower oxidative stress, a major cause of disease.

For the highest antioxidant content, use a good quality cocoa powder that’s minimally processed and free of sugar.

4. Supports Satiety

High-protein foods can help reduce feelings of hunger. This includes protein shakes. Enjoy this shake when you need a filling snack in between meals or on busy mornings.

RELATED: Chocolate Almond Protein Shake

Ingredient Notes

• Oat milk: Creamy and slightly nutty, oat milk is a delicious choice for protein shakes. You can also use almond milk, soy milk, or cow’s milk.
• Espresso: Espresso adds a coffee flavor to this mocha protein shake. Cold brew, plain black coffee, or instant espresso also work if you don’t have an espresso machine or a Nespresso.
• Cocoa powder: Use a high-quality cocoa powder without added sweetener. Avoid using hot cocoa mix. Cocoa powder is made of 100% cocoa, while hot cocoa mix has sweetener and powdered milk.
• Chocolate protein powder: The chocolate flavor will emphasize the mocha taste of this shake. However, you can also use vanilla or unflavored protein powder.

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

Variations

Nut butter: Creamy and rich, nut butters pair well with mocha flavors. They also add some plant-based protein. Examples include peanut butter, hazelnut butter, or cashew butter. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter. Use 1 or 2 tablespoons per protein shake.

Extracts: To add more flavor, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. It’s an easy way to deepen the drink’s flavor without changing the texture or thickness.

Seeds: Seeds, like nut butters, have plant-based protein. They’re rich in anti-inflammatory fats as well. Try adding 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seeds to this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Expert Tips

• For an icier shake, add a few ice cubes as the last ingredient.
• You can also use 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup in place of cocoa powder. Keep in mind that chocolate syrup contains sweetener, so you might not need other sweetener add-ins.
• Check the label of the protein powder before putting it in the blender. Some powders need more than one scoop per drink.
• Store leftover protein shakes in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. The ingredients will separate over time, so try to drink it within 1 or 2 days. Be sure to shake the jar or stir the liquids first.

Questions You May Have

Related

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• Chocolate Protein Shake
• Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
• Chocolate Smoothie
• Chocolate Collagen Smoothie
• 15 Best Protein Shake Recipes

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