Protein intake is a popular subject with our SGS community, particularly adding protein to shakes or smoothies. This chocolate protein drink is the creme de la creme, when it comes to a tasty, protein-packed simple shakes. And you can rest assured that this chocolate banana protein yumminess contains only plant-based, whole food ingredients!

chocolate protein shake
Table of Contents
  1. Can I Really Make a Protein Shake at Home?
  2. Mushroom Protein Powder = Magic
  3. How to Make a Chocolate Protein Shake
  4. Ingredient swaps
  5. More protein forward smoothies
  6. Chocolate Protein Shake Recipe

Can I Really Make a Protein Shake at Home?

You sure can! And this chocolate banana protein shake will taste way better than the one you’d buy on your way home from the gym. Store bought protein shakes often use cheap proteins like whey or pea, as well as tons of additives + chemical sweeteners to try and make them taste good.

Even if you’re not short on time, a protein shake or smoothie is still a great meal replacement option. It’s pretty amazing what you can pack into a smoothie— like superfood mushrooms from Four Sigmatic.

Chocolate Protein Shake

Mushroom Protein Powder = Magic

Now before you say, “mushrooms in a shake???” Let me explain. Certain types of mushrooms are adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances that aid the body and mind in adapting to as well as managing stress.

Stress over a long period of time can cause what’s known as adrenal fatigue. This is one of the most common struggles of the American mom, which is why we’ve made an adrenal fatigue diet smoothie for it too. The adrenal glands excrete chemicals (like hormones) that help our bodies and minds deal with stress.

Fueling your body with whole food plant-based recipes like this chocolate protein shake gives it nutrients to help fight stress naturally.

One of our team members, Lindsey, went back to college and is using this chocolate shake recipe to thrive. By boosting it with Four Sigmatic Superfood Protein Powder, it’s possible to enjoy breakfast as well as give her brain + body a healthy boost. (She’s also hoping that her classmates will ask her about her daily smoothie so she can share all about her love of smoothies. Ha!)

Plant-based protein options

I only recommend products I personally love and feel our community can benefit from. That’s one reason why I love Four Sigmatic products— they back my plant-powered passion.

If you’re looking for a plant based protein powder, yet mushrooms aren’t really your thing, then give my homemade protein powder a try. It’s got 3 ingredients: organic hemp hearts, organic chia seeds, and organic flax seeds. It also adds 10 grams of protein to any smoothie, boosting that smoothie to the perfect meal replacement.

Smoothie toppings that are tasty and delicious with Four Sigmatic superfood protein | Simple Green Smoothies

How to Make a Chocolate Protein Shake

To make this plant-powered thick and delicious shake, all you need are a few ingredients:

  • Almond milk: plant-based milk
  • Bananas: one of the easiest ways to flavor and thicken a shake
  • Dates: these natural sweeteners are rich in fiber
  • Cacao powder: this adds a rich chocolate flavor and a little caffeine to rev your engine
  • Plant-based protein powder: boost your protein intake

toppings

Now, if you wanna make this chocolate banana protein shake real fancy like I did for this photoshoot, then drizzle it with these additional superfoods:

  • Almond butter
  • Hemp hearts
  • Cacao nibs
  • sliced bananas

Honestly, you could add a little less liquid than the recipe calls for, then scoop this shake out with a spoon to really enjoy those toppings.

Ingredient swaps

Smoothies offer so many easy swap options, so don’t shy away from this chocolate protein shake if you can’t do one of the ingredients! Instead, try one of these substitutes:

  • If you need less natural sugar in this shake, then swap out 1 banana for 1/2 cup of frozen cauliflower. Still super creamy, yet lower in sugar
  • If you have a nut allergy, then swap out the almond milk for oat milk or coconut milk. Also use a seed butter as a stand-in for the almond butter instead.
  • No dates on hand? No problem! Swap in a tablespoon of maple syrup (vegan option) or honey (vegetarian option) to keep the natural sweetener flowing.
Ingredients used in a Chocolate Protein Shake include plant-based items

More protein forward smoothies

I don’t like to sip the same smoothie every day, so I’ve got several different smoothie recipes I utilize for workout recovery:

Don’t forget to rate + review this smoothie once you make this smoothie; I want to know how it turns out!

chocolate protein shake
4.78 from 94 votes

Chocolate Protein Shake

Blend up a creamy, cold chocolate protein shake smoothie made with plant-based superfood protein powder for a delicious meal or snack, or before/after a workout. Includes adaptogens to help ease inflammation.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Author: Jen Hansard
Course: Breakfast, Smoothie
Cuisine: Plant-Based, Vegan
Serves: 1 smoothie

Ingredients  

  • 1.5 cups almond milk chilled
  • 1 serving homemade protein powder
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder unsweetened
  • 1 medjool date pitted
  • 1.5 bananas sliced or halved, frozen if desired
  • Ice optional

Suggested Toppings

Instructions 

  • Blend all ingredients, except for toppings, until smooth. Add ice to make smoothie colder, if desired.
  • Divide between two glasses or jars. Top each with a drizzle of almond butter and sprinkle with hemp hearts and cacao nibs. Drink immediately.

Notes

  • Nutrition info doesn’t include optional toppings, which will add another ~100 calories per serving
  • For powder, I suggest using Four Sigmatic Adaptagens or my Homemade Protein Powder
  • To cut down on the natural sugar, swap the banana with avocado

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal, Carbohydrates: 67g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 492mg, Potassium: 990mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 175IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 511mg, Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe? Show me!Mention @SimpleGreenSmoothies or tag #SimpleGreenSmoothies!

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Rating




Comments

  1. 4 stars
    Day 10 – Anything Chocolate works for me / my only issue was my date, I chopped it but some parts didn’t get touched / however it was still Good!

    1. 5 stars
      I used frozen bananas and dates and skipped the ice…thick and so good!

  2. 5 stars
    Really enjoyed this sweet treat. For a bit of variety next time I make it, yes there will be a next time, I going to add some peanut butter powder.. it will be like a peanut butter cup yumm

  3. I think I have to resign myself to the fact that I don’t like smoothies that aren’t fruit based and have little to no banana. Just not my thing!

  4. 5 stars
    This is a delicious chocolate shake with a slight almond butter flavor. I just blended everything together and I loved it!

  5. 4 stars
    Ok tasting, but i altered the recipe a bit because I didn’t have dates or cocoa powder, only used 1 cup of milk not 1 1/2, used cashew, almond out of stock, only used 1 banana, not 1 1/2. I forgot to freeze , added chia and flax seeds, did t have almond butter, used peanut

  6. 5 stars
    I love, love anything chocolate and decadent tasting. This was the perfect combination which hit the spot to start my day off right.

  7. 5 stars
    You saved the creamiest & dreamiest recipe for last….. chocolate, chocolate & more chocolate.

    To the original recipe, I added, 1 tsp chia seeds, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder topped w/ unsweetened coconut flakes, pollen & fresh mint.

    So, So Good.

  8. 4 stars
    This was yummy. I did not add the ice or toppings but I bet that would make it even better. Delicious end to 5he challenge.

  9. 5 stars
    TODAY is my 69th birthday. What a great day to celebrate with a delicious chocolate smoothie !!

    1. 5 stars
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARGUERITE!! I’m so glad to be able to wish you wellness, happiness and friendship!! We may not know each other but we have shared a connection with each other and so many others over the last 10 days, and I actually had fun looking forward to each day and different smoothie recipes! Also, reading other peoples reviews on the recipes and different ideas and things that we each created to just be a little different. And now you are sharing your 69th birthday with us, a truly special day for you!! It’s an honor to know you, even for this brief moment of time! I hope you really enjoy your Birthday Marguerite!!

  10. 4 stars
    Just to be clear, I have a major sweet tooth so I am ALL IN for smoothies that taste like dessert! That said, I expected to like this a little more than I did. I initially thought the two tablespoons of cocoa powder was going to make the smoothie overwhelmingly chocolate-y (is there such a thing?), but I actually didn’t get that much chocolate flavor. It was still delicious, though! I added a handful of spinach, too.

  11. 5 stars
    Who doesn’t love Chocolate? This smoothie not only satisfies the chocolate that I sometimes crave but it is healthy as well. Sometimes I will add a bit of peanut butter to it to add some flavor. This one is quite filling and no too sweet, but with just the right amount to keep me going on my mornings. Another winner!

    1. 5 stars
      Chocolate goodness for breakfast! Plenty sweet and creamy. Very filling too.