Name: Caramel Protein Shake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 1 cup non-dairy milk (cashew, almond, oat milk); 1/4 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 tbsp cashew butter; 2-3 pitted Medjool dates; 2 tsp coconut sugar; 1 cup ice; 1 serving Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)

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While green smoothies are my first love, I definitely need a protein boost after a long run. This caramel protein shake recipe combines the power of plants, including chickpeas, and translates nicely from a post workout recovery drink to a fun date-night dessert. I’m not kidding when it comes to the rich flavor of this caramel shake either!

The power of plant protein

When we think about protein, we often think about meat. Yet plants offer incredible protein benefits as well. 1 serving of chickpeas contains 3 grams of protein, 12% of the RDI of folate, 2 grams of fiber, and 14% of the RDI of manganese. This caramel protein shake has 1/4 cup of chickpeas, so that’s 6 grams of protein in 1 ingredient!

Here are some more of my fav plant protein sources:

Lentils (8.84g per 1/2 cup)
Almonds (16.5g per 1/2 cup)
Cooked quinoa (8g per 1/2 cup)
Chia seeds (2g per 1/2 cup)
Hemp hearts (5g per 1/2 cup)
Broccoli (2g per 1/2 cup)

I love to run, so I need good sources of protein to fuel my body + my workouts. With so many great options from plants, I’m sure to find exactly what I need to feel great and maximize my exercise efforts.

Plant powered protein boost for your caramel shake

In my search for clean protein options for my smoothie, I kept coming up short on clean protein powders. I didn’t want gums, chemicals, and additives to take away from the plant power I was already blending. I created Protein Smoothie Boost to add an extra 10 grams of protein to any smoothie you make. It is made with only organic ingredients, all from plants, and no extras. According to the hundreds of rave reviews its gotten, Smoothie Boost is virtually tasteless, not gritty, and blends in seamlessly with all kinds of smoothie recipes. #plantpowered

If you want to take this caramel protein shake to the next level, then use Protein Smoothie Boost to turn this smoothie into 18.2 grams per serving!

Caramel shake recipe

When I think of the perfect shake, I want it smooth, creamy, and sweet. I use homemade cashew milk for my caramel protein shake recipe, since it is super creamy. Natural Delights Medjool dates are basically nature’s candy, they are so perfectly sweet + caramelly. Organic chickpeas provide protein, as well as extra creaminess. Coconut sugar adds a touch of extra sweetness, yet isn’t needed if the dates make it sweet enough already for you.

How to chill your caramel protein shake

When I can’t wait for this caramel protein shake to chill out in the fridge before drinking, I add ice cubes to cool it down into a refreshing beverage. I don’t like to add ice when blending this shake, because I don’t want a watery drink.

Smoothies for work outs

Not only are smoothies + shakes a great way to start the day, they are also great for workouts. Whether you need a light meal before a workout, or a refreshing recovery beverage, smoothies are a great source of fuel! Add a few of these to your meal planner for some truly awesome plant power:

You can find even more workout smoothie recipes on my Daily Blends App, I have a whole section dedicated to my go-to recipes.

How do you feel about blending chickpeas? Let me know in the comments how your caramel protein shake turned out; I’d love to know what you think!