Chocolate Protein Smoothie

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: Under 5 minutes
• Planning Ahead: None
• Morning Effort: About 5 minutes
• Protein: 27 grams
• Fiber: 16 grams

Nessy's Note

Chocolate for breakfast? Always a yes from me. (Chocolate banana overnight oats are one of my favorites!)

This thick and creamy smoothie tastes a bit like a chocolate milkshake but is secretly packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats to fuel your morning.

Because sometimes you want to start your day with something that feels like a treat but that helps you feel good all day long.

• Greek Yogurt- This helps make the smoothie high protein without the need for protein powder (as it does in Greek yogurt overnight oats).
  • Substitution: Skyr works well and is high in protein also. You can also sub with another kind of yogurt but note that the protein content will vary.
• Chia Seeds + Flaxseeds- These help to thicken the smoothie as well as add fiber. I chose to include both as a way to increase the plant diversity of the smoothie.
  • Substitution: You can use all flaxseeds or all chia seeds or you can leave them out. Oatmeal also works to thicken the smoothie.
• Cocoa Powder- Gives the smoothie its chocolate flavor so don't leave it out!
• Almond Butter- The toasty flavor of almond butter pairs so well with chocolate (it's what I use for brownie baked oatmeal, too) and makes it taste even richer along with adding some healthy fats and a bit of protein to the smoothie.
  • Substitution: Any nut or seed butter will work but almond or cashew keeps the flavor more neutral compared to peanut butter (though PB + chocolate is a great combo too!).
• Dates- These naturally sweeten the smoothie and add a bit of fiber. I use about 5 Noor dates but you can also use about 2 Medjool dates. Add more or fewer to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
  • Substitution: You can also sweeten the smoothie with a banana (but I find the flavor is stronger) or try something like honey or maple syrup.
• Frozen Cauliflower- One of my favorite ways to incorporate a serving of veggies into breakfast is cauliflower in smoothies. You can't taste it and it helps to thicken the smoothie.
  • Substitution: Frozen zucchini or ice cubes can be used instead.
• Salt- Just a pinch brings out the cocoa flavor.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Protein Smoothie

• Layer for Proper Blending. Did you know that the order you put ingredients into the blender can help it blend better?
  • If using a blender cup with the blade on top, add frozen and hard ingredients first (like frozen cauliflower), then seeds and almond butter and finish with the yogurt and liquid on top.
  • If using a standard blender with the blade on the bottom, the order is the opposite: Liquids and yogurt, then seeds and finally frozen or heavy items.
• Soak Hard Dates. For smoothest blending, if your dates are hard, place them in a cup of hot water for a couple of minutes (while you measure out the other ingredients).
• Check Your Dates. Also, occasionally dates can have mold inside so ensure that you look at the inside before adding them to your smoothie so they don't ruin it!

More Breakfast Smoothie Recipes...

• Banana Matcha Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
• Blueberry Banana Smoothie