Hazelnut Protein Shake
Satisfy your Nutella cravings with this delicious Hazelnut Protein Shake! This simple recipe blends your choice of milk with chocolate whey protein, cocoa, flaxseed, maple syrup, and toasted hazelnuts to create a guilt-free, indulgent treat –perfect for breakfast, post-workout, or any time of the day!
If you’re anything like me, those Nutella cravings hit hard. Fortunately, I’ve got the perfect guilt-free cure –my very own Nutella protein shake!
Now, I must confess, there’s no actual Nutella in this shake, but trust me, you won’t miss it. I combined milk with chocolate whey protein, cocoa, flaxseed, maple syrup, and toasted hazelnuts for this heavenly drink to recreate Nutella’s iconic rich, nutty goodness –and it’s honestly a dream come true.
What I love most about this Nutella protein shake is that it’s a meal in a glass packed with protein and fiber. It’s perfect for breakfast, post-workout, or those times you’re in dire need of something sweet that won’t derail your health and wellness goals.
And hey, if you’re feeling rebellious, go ahead and swirl in a dollop of Nutella –because we all deserve a little extra indulgence now and then!
Recipe highlights
- Deceptively nutritious. Indulge in the richness without the calories and excessive sugar from traditional Nutella. Instead, this shake provides an impressive boost of protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
- Customizable. Make it your own with your choice of milk, sweeteners, and optional ingredients like a spoonful of Nutella for extra indulgence.
- Quick and easy to make. You can make this shake in just a few minutes for a convenient breakfast, post-workout replenishment, or anytime sweet snack.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Your choice of milk. The milk makes your shake smooth and creamy. I prefer almond milk, but you can use any milk here –cashew, coconut, soy, oat, or cow’s milk.
- Chocolate whey protein powder. I always look for protein powders with 20-30 grams of protein per serving (that also taste good, of course). If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, select a whey isolate or plant-based chocolate protein powder like pea or hemp protein.
- Unsalted hazelnuts. The star of the shake! These add a delightful crunch and that signature Nutella taste.
- Ground flaxseed. It adds a slight nutty flavor and a dose of omega-3s and fiber. Chia seeds or hemp seeds are great alternatives if you don’t have flaxseed.
- Cocoa powder. It gives your shake that rich, dark, and oh-so-chocolatey flavor. You can use regular cocoa powder, but the Dutch process version has a smoother, less acidic taste.
- Maple syrup. I used maple syrup for natural sweetness, but you can use honey, Stevia, or your favorite sweetener here.
- Ice. To keep it refreshingly cool and thick.
How to make a Nutella protein shake
Step 1: Add the ingredients. Pour the milk into your blender, followed by the chocolate whey protein powder, hazelnuts, ground flaxseed, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and ice cubes.
Step 2: Blend away. Secure the lid and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Taste and adjust. Give it a quick taste test. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s not sweet enough, add a touch more sweetener.
Step 4: Garnish and serve. Pour your delicious hazelnut protein shake into a glass, top with light whipped cream and a drizzle of hazelnut butter if desired, grab a straw, and enjoy!
Recipe tips and FAQs
- Blend in stages. Start with the milk and protein powder to ensure they mix thoroughly. Then, gradually add the remaining ingredients to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Blend until smooth. Take time blending the ingredients until silky-smooth. Be patient! This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender.
- Experiment with texture. If you prefer a thicker shake, add more ice cubes. Conversely, if you like it thinner, increase the milk.
- Adjust sweetness. Depending on how sweet your chocolate whey protein powder is, you may not need maple syrup or any additional sweet sweetener. I recommend taste-testing your shake before blending it entirely and only adding sweetener if necessary.
Variations
Ready to shake up this hazelnut protein shake? Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, nutty, or a caffeine kick, there’s a variation for everyone:
- Add frozen fruits – Enhance the chocolate hazelnut flavor by adding frozen fruit. Try blending in frozen bananas, strawberries, or raspberries for extra flavor, natural sweetness, and nutrients.
- Vanilla hazelnut shake – Swap out the chocolate protein powder and cocoa for vanilla protein powder and a dash of pure vanilla extract to create a creamy vanilla Nutella shake!
- Nut butter blend – Again, you’re welcome to blend in a spoonful of real Nutella to enhance the creaminess. Alternately, blend in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or sun butter to complement the sweet chocolate hazelnut flavor.
- Make it a mocha – Amp up the caffeine with a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee granules. The bold coffee flavor complements the chocolate and hazelnut notes perfectly.
If you don’t have hazelnuts, you can substitute nuts like almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts. Just know that doing so will change the flavor profile of your protein shake. It won’t be as Nutella-ish.
Absolutely! Adding a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale is a great way to sneak in a generous boost of nutrients. The mild flavor of greens blends well with the chocolate hazelnut flavor, so you won’t even taste them!
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, Nutella isn’t considered a significant standalone protein source. It’s made from sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa solids, and skimmed milk powder –giving it a relatively low protein content compared to the carbohydrate and fat content. But fear not –this Nutella protein shake is packed with 30 grams of protein thanks to whey protein powder, flaxseed, and real hazelnuts.
Storing instructions
Enjoy your hazelnut protein shake right away for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a day. Avoid freezing, as the mixture may separate and become grainy once thawed.
More easy protein shake recipes
- Mocha Protein Shake
- Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Chocolate Date Protein Shake
- Blueberry Protein Shake
- Peppermint Patty Protein Shake
- Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake
- Oatmeal Protein Shake with Greens
- Triple Berry Protein Shake
If you love this Nutella-inspired chocolate hazelnut protein shake recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!
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Hazelnut Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 30 g chocolate whey protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 tbsp chopped unsalted hazelnuts lightly toasted
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1-2 tsp real maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- ¾-1 cup ice
Instructions
- Blend all in a Vitamix or blender and serve immediately.
- Makes one large serving or two small (snack size) servings.
Notes
Nutrition
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This is definitely one of my ‘go-to’ styles of shakes when I need a treat!! Love the use of hemp seeds, it adds that nutty flavor that works so well with the cocoa! YUM
🙂 Love the combo, too Emily….so good!
I am AMAZED you came up with this awesome idea. Looks marvelous. So glad you shared!
Thank you so much Marsha and you’re welcome!!! 🙂
This sounds like the perfect thing to quench a Nutella craving (which are often) while staying healthy! Yum!
Thanks Rachel! It’s definitely better than a giant spoonful of Nutella…which I fight the urge to eat 😉