Mocha Protein Smoothie

This mocha protein smoothie is creamy and ultra-chocolatey with a subtle coffee flavor. It’s packed with 37 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber. Perfect for a filling breakfast or post-workout drink.

Mocha Protein Smoothie:

Rich, ultra-chocolatey, and packed with protein, this mocha smoothie is SO good. I like to make this one on busy mornings when I don’t have time for carb-laden favorites, i.e. pancakes.

The protein keeps me full until lunchtime. I live for the subtle coffee notes and rich chocolate flavor.

You can easily customize it. For a sweeter smoothie, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a pitted date.

Key Ingredients:

• Instant espresso – A simple way to add rich coffee flavor! And you can add as much as you like without watering down the smoothie. I used one teaspoon of Cafe Bustelo’s espresso instant coffee, enough to make 1 cup of coffee.
• Cocoa powder – I used dutched or dark cocoa powder. It’s darker than regular cocoa powder and less bitter. Hershey’s brand sells it right next to their regular cocoa powder.
• Chocolate protein – All protein powder brands vary in taste and quality. Use a brand you know you love! I used an organic chocolate whey protein from my local Publix. Plant-based works great too!
• Frozen bananas – The magic ingredient for an ultra-creamy texture! Peel two bananas, cut them in half, and transfer them to a zip-top bag, then freeze overnight.
• Milk – You can use regular or plant-based. I used unsweetened almond milk. For even more protein, use dairy or soy milk.

How to Make a Mocha Smoothie:

This coffee protein smoothie is super simple! As always 🙂

• Combine ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine the cocoa powder, espresso powder, protein powder, frozen bananas, and milk of choice.
• Blend: Start the blender on it’s low setting, then gradually increase the speed to high. This is especially helpful with a Vitamix and reduces stalling. Blend until smooth.

• Taste and adjust: Taste for flavor and sweetness level. If you like it sweeter, add maple syrup or a date and blend to incorporate.
• Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy frosty and cold!

Variations:

This coffee smoothie lends itself well to mix-ins and swaps. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

• Peanut butter – Add a scoop of peanut butter for plant-based protein and a rich, nutty flavor!
• Oats – Add 1/4 cup of rolled oats for filling whole grains.
• Hemp hearts – Add 1 tablespoon of hemp hearts for extra protein and omega-3’s!
• Smoothie bowl – Make this recipe into a coffee smoothie bowl! Just reduce the liquid to 1/2 cup and stop to scrape the blender as needed.

Storage:

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately!

I don’t recommend storing it for longer than 4 hours in the fridge. Pour it into a vacuum insulated cup first so it stays nice and cold.

Can I use cold brew in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap the milk with cold brew if you like. You may want to omit the espresso powder so you don’t have too much caffeine. If it’s not sweet enough, add a pitted date or maple syrup!

Protein Smoothie Recipes:

• Pear Banana Protein Smoothie
• Banana Protein Smoothie
• Strawberry Protein Hemp Seed Smoothie
• Protein Acai Bowl
• High Protein Smoothie Bowl