Healthy Chocolate Protein Coffee Smoothie

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This Protien Coffee Smoothie is a personal favorite of mine when I need a high-protein, healthy smoothie. It is naturally sweetened and helps you meet the grams of protein you need in a day with a bonus coffee fix.

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If you are someone looking to uplevel your traditional chocolate banana smoothie with a whole foods smoothie, this recipe is for you.

Loaded with healthy ingredients, this healthy chocolate protein smoothie is next-level good helping you get your chocolate and caffeine fix in the same drink!

5 Benefits of a protein smoothie

Protein smoothies offer several benefits that can support overall health and fitness goals. Here are five key benefits:

1. Muscle Recovery and Growth: Protein is essential for repairing and building muscle tissue. After a workout, consuming a protein smoothie can help speed up muscle recovery by providing the amino acids necessary for tissue repair and growth.
2. Weight Management: Protein is known to help increase satiety and reduce appetite, which can aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake. Including protein-rich smoothies in your diet can help control hunger and support weight loss or maintenance goals.
3. Convenience and Portability: Protein smoothies are easy to prepare and can be consumed on-the-go, making them a convenient option for individuals with busy lifestyles. They provide a quick and nutritious way to get essential nutrients, especially when time is limited.
4. Nutrient Density: Protein smoothies can be customized with various nutrient-dense ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy or plant-based protein sources. This allows you to pack a variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants into a single serving.
5. Energy Boost: Including protein in your smoothie can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a sustained release of energy throughout the day. This can be particularly beneficial for preventing energy crashes and maintaining steady energy levels, which is important for mental focus and physical performance.

Remember that the effectiveness of protein smoothies depends on the overall context of your diet, exercise routine, and individual nutritional needs. It’s important to choose high-quality protein sources and balance your smoothies with a variety of other nutrients to ensure a well-rounded diet. And nothing replaces the advice of your doctor.

What you need to make this Protein Coffee Smoothie

To make this chocolate shake like smoothie you only need a handful of ingredients. These include:

Cold brew coffee:

For the cold brew, you can make your own or use store-bought. You could even use left over coffee that you stuck in the fridge if you were feeling extra lazy.

Milk of choice:

This recipe calls for almond milk (unsweetened and unflavored) but you can use whatever milk choice you love for smoothies. Dairy or non-dairy will work for this recipe.

Hazelnut butter:

This ingredient is so delicious and a great addition to the protein smoothie, but to make this healthy and keep it non-dairy for me, I use Justin’s Hazelnut Butter. You could sub this for any nut butter you would like including chocolate almond butter.

Chocolate protein powder:

A good protein powder will really elevate the way your smoothie tastes. Be sure to use a chocolate protein powder that you enjoy. I love Jocko Molk Protein * or for a vegan option I like Tone It Up*.

Collagen powder: I added collagen to this recipe for two reasons. I love the benefits of daily collagen. But I also love how it boosts protein without flavor. If you don’t have collagen powder feel free to omit it or replace it with another scoop of chocolate protein.

Frozen ripe banana:

Frozen banana is what makes this thick, delicious and creamy texture. Be sure to freeze beforehand, and choose a ripe banana for freezing. To make it easier to have this shake anytime you want, you can make frozen ripe bananas in a batch!

How to make this Chocolate Protein Shake

Tips for the tastiest smoothie

Blender tips:

• Layer your ingredients into the blender in the order listed. This is so everything blends optimally.
• If you are not using a high-powered blender you will need to cut your banana into slices. This can be done when frozen, just be careful.

Consistency tips:

If you have ever wasted your time making a smoothie only for it to come out a really gross consistency you will want to follow these tips!

• Be sure to use a frozen banana not fresh. This will make a GIANT difference in the texture of the smoothie.
• Don’t add more liquid. Use a tamper instead if the ingredients get stuck. Adding more liquid will change the consistency and flavor. If you must add more liquid because your blender won’t budge (this shouldn’t happen with this recipe) add 1 tablespoon at a time.

More smoothie recipes

• Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
• Detox Wild Blueberry Arugula Smoothie
• Strawberry Mango Banana Smoothie
• The Hidden Veggie One (Banana Orange Celery Smoothie)

Recipe

Tips for finding a healthy protein powder for your shake and smoothie

When choosing a clean and healthy protein powder without artificial ingredients, it’s important to be mindful of the product’s ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing practices. Here are five tips to help you find the right protein powder:

1. Read the Ingredients List: Carefully examine the ingredients list on the protein powder packaging. Look for products with a short list of recognizable and natural ingredients. Avoid protein powders that contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, and preservatives.
2. Choose Whole Food Sources: Opt for protein powders made from whole food sources, such as whey protein from grass-fed cows, pea protein, brown rice protein, or hemp protein. These options are less likely to contain additives and artificial ingredients.
3. Check for Certifications: Look for certifications like “USDA Organic,” “Non-GMO Project Verified,” or “Certified B Corporation.” These certifications indicate that the product has undergone third-party testing to ensure it meets certain standards for quality and ingredient transparency.
4. Avoid Added Sugars: Be cautious of protein powders that contain high amounts of added sugars, as they can negate the health benefits of the protein. Choose unsweetened or minimally sweetened options, and consider adding natural sweeteners like honey or fresh fruits to your smoothies if desired.
5. Research the Brand: Look into the brand’s reputation and transparency. Research their sourcing practices, manufacturing processes, and commitment to quality. Brands that prioritize clean and natural ingredients will often provide detailed information about their products on their website.