A frozen banana and a spoon of peanut butter fix the chalkiness of protein powder. Extra cocoa makes it taste like real chocolate instead of “chocolate flavor.”
Ingredients
You’ll need: Blender
Method
Add the milk, protein powder, cocoa and peanut butter to the blender.
Blend for 10 seconds to dissolve the powder.
Add the frozen banana and ice; blend on high until thick and smooth.
Tips
Add protein powder after the liquid and before the fruit so it doesn’t cake on the jar.
Nutrition per serving, approximate
- Calories
- 455
- Protein
- 38g
- Carbs
- 48g
- Sugar
- 29g
- Fiber
- 7g
- Fat
- 15g
- Caffeine
- 12mg
Estimated from standard USDA values for the ingredients listed; brands vary.
Variations
Mocha: Replace ½ cup milk with cold brew coffee.
Plant-based: Use chocolate plant protein and soy milk for similar protein.
Nutrition at a glance
One serving has about 455 calories, 38 g protein, 7 g fiber and 29 g sugar (mostly from fruit). That makes it a reasonable stand-alone breakfast. Values are estimates from USDA data for the exact amounts listed; swapping milks or yogurts changes them: try our smoothie calorie calculator to check your version.
Make it ahead
Pack the solid ingredients (fruit, greens, seeds, oats) into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. In the morning, tip the bag into the blender, add the liquid and yogurt, and blend. A blended smoothie keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours; shake before drinking. More on smoothie freezer packs.
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in this smoothie?
About 38 g with whey protein and dairy milk. Soy milk keeps it close; almond milk drops it by about 6 g.
Want more chocolate drinks?
Chocolate Drink Recipes has hot chocolate, mochas and chocolate shakes.
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Gear for this recipe
Blend, twist on a lid and go. The 900-watt motor handles frozen fruit and spinach well, and personal cups mean almost no cleanup. The go-to personal blender.
- Type
- Personal
- Power
- 900 W
- Capacity
- 32 oz cup
- Warranty
- 1 year
A huge pitcher and stacked blades that crush ice and frozen fruit easily for under $100. It’s less smooth with leafy greens and seeds than a Vitamix, but unbeatable value for fruit smoothies.
- Type
- Full-size
- Power
- 1,000 W
- Capacity
- 72 oz
- Warranty
- 1 year
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