This Mocha Protein Shake tastes like a milkshake but has more fiber & protein and less calories & fat. It’s easy to make with ingredients like banana, coffee, almond milk, chocolate protein powder, nut butter, and flaxseed -and results in a luxurious blended iced mocha -AKA the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast!
This mocha protein shake is honestly the best protein drink I’ve ever tasted! It tastes like a sinfully sweet treat, but in reality, this shake is a nutrient-dense frozen protein shake you can feel good about indulging in.
The best part? These shakes deliver your morning jolt of java and a protein-packed meal replacement all in one thick, creamy, and chocolatey blended chocolate mocha.
If you crave sweet foods for breakfast or have a killer after-dinner sweet tooth, this mocha protein shake recipe is the solution. It keeps you feeling full and satisfies that sweet tooth without adding sugar. Win-win!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Great way to jumpstart the day. This shake is packed with protein and fiber, plus you get a boost of energy from caffeine in the coffee.
- It tastes like dessert. It’s just as creamy, sweet, and satisfying as a real deal milkshake made with ice cream, but it’s healthy and perfectly suitable for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and post-workout meals.
- Quick and easy. With the assistance of a blender, it’s ready in less than a minute. So simple!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Frozen banana – Use perfectly ripened frozen bananas. Overripe bananas are too soft and may make your smoothie watery (save those for Protein Banana Bread). You can buy a bag of frozen banana slices or freeze them yourself (see ‘Recipe Tips’).
- Brewed coffee (regular or decaf) – Use fresh brewed and cooled coffee, chilled instant coffee, or cold brew coffee (homemade or store-bought)t. Avoid coffee that’s been sitting in the pot all day, as it will most likely have a stale bitter taste.
- Unsweetened almond milk – I like almond milk, but use your favorite non-dairy milk. Coconut milk, oat milk, and soy milk are great options. Or, if the dairy is okay, you can use regular milk -preferably Fairlife, as it delivers 5 more grams of protein than standard milk.
- Chocolate protein powder – I used Legion Whey+ dutch chocolate whey protein powder. The ingredients are clean and macro-friendly. Feel free to use a quality protein powder that you’ve had success with in the past.
- Cocoa powder – To intensify the rich chocolatey flavor, use a good quality 100% cacao or cocoa powder.
- Nut butter – Almond, peanut butter, cashew, Nutella -anything goes! Peanut powder is also an option.
- Ground flaxseed – To boost fiber and protein without compromising flavor. You won’t even know they’re in there!
- Medjool dates – Dates are as sweet as candy and packed with vitamins, nutrients, and dietary fiber. Using them to sweeten your shake is optional, as most protein powders will be sweet enough to sweeten it on their own.
- Ice – Use more or less depending on desired consistency.
How to make a mocha protein shake
Step 1: Blend. Add all ingredients to a Vitamix or high-powered blender, and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.
Step 2: Serve. Pour the protein shake into a tall glass, garnish with a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon, and enjoy!
Recipe tips
- Freeze slightly under-ripe bananas for your smoothies and shakes. For the ideal thick and fluffy consistency, use bananas that were bright yellow and somewhat underripe before they were frozen.
- Slice bananas before freezing instead of freezing them whole. To do so, peel and slice the banana, then freeze the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the frozen banana slices to a freezer-safe bag and keep them frozen for up to 6 months.
- Add a shot of espresso. If the half cup of coffee in this shake isn’t cutting it, adding a shot or two of brewed espresso should give you a big energy boost.
Variations
Banana substitute – You can make this shake with frozen avocado or sweet potato as the base. Of course, it won’t be as sweet, but you can always sweeten it with dates, maple syrup, or honey.
Add leafy greens – Blend in a handful of fresh or frozen spinach, kale, or swiss chard. You’ll get all the nutrients without any of the taste.
Make it a mocha shake for chocolate lovers – There are a few ways to make this blended drink extra chocolatey. For instance, you could use chocolate almond milk instead of plain, blend in cacao nibs, or mix in melted 100% dark chocolate. Of course, you can use a sweeter variety of chocolate, but it comes with added sugar.
Peppermint mocha protein shake - Put a cheerful holiday spin on this recipe by adding peppermint extract or fresh mint leaves to the mix!
Storing & freezing
Storing: As with any blended frozen drink, this mocha protein shake is best immediately. If you have extra, keep it covered in the fridge for a day or so.
Freezing: You can also store this in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just know the shake won’t be as thick and creamy as it was initially after reblending.
FAQs
It appears so. Fortunately, this homemade mocha protein shake is easy to make and tastes much better!
Most of the ingredients are inherently vegan, so follow this recipe using your favorite non-dairy milk and a vegan-certified chocolate protein powder, and you’re good to go!
What else can I add for protein?
You can blend in any of these ingredients to boost the protein in your smoothies and shakes. Have fun experimenting!
- Greek Yogurt
- Rolled Oats
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Cooked Quinoa
- Chia Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
More chocolatey protein shake recipes
- Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake
- Wild Blueberry Chocolate Protein Shake
- Chocolate Date Protein Shake
- Chocolate Banana Protein Shake
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Mocha Protein Shake
Ingredients
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee chilled espresso or a strong cold brew works great here
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder I used Legion Whey+ dutch chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter I also love almond butter here- go with your favorite nut butter
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
- 1 cup ice more or less depending on desired consistency
- Optional: 1-2 pitted Medjool dates
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or Vitamix.
- Blend until smooth and garnish with a sprinkling of cocoa or cinnamon.
Notes
-
- Freeze slightly under-ripe bananas for your smoothies and shakes. For the ideal thick and fluffy consistency, use bananas that were bright yellow and somewhat underripe before they were frozen.
-
- Slice bananas before freezing instead of freezing them whole. To do so, peel and slice the banana, then freeze the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the frozen banana slices to a freezer-safe bag and keep them frozen for up to 6 months.
-
- Add a shot of espresso. If the half cup of coffee in this shake isn’t cutting it, adding a shot or two of brewed espresso should give you a big energy boost.
Nutrition
*This post has been updated from the original post published July 17, 2013
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Anonymous
Why don't you post this recipe so it is easily printed? Other sites have a print button for the recipes.
Amee Livingston
I'm working on that feature now. I hope to have it implemented by the end of the year.