Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
If you are living an active lifestyle, it can be hard to keep the refrigerator stocked with enough healthy ingredients that keep you full. Protein shakes are a quick and tasty way to fill up on nutrients that will keep you going for hours. While some protein powders result in an unpleasant, chalky flavor, there are a few simple tricks to making your protein shake taste so good, you’ll look forward to it every day.
There are tons of protein shake recipes out there, but if you love chocolate, a chocolate peanut butter protein shake is a great way to curb the craving without reaching for the cookies or peanut butter cups.
Easy Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
If youve been following this blog for long, you probably known that I love my smoothies. Ive posted a Pumpkin Smoothie, my favorite Green Smoothie and a Berry Yogurt smoothie, just to name a few. Theyre the perfect breakfast or snack on the go and are loaded with protein and fiber to keep you full and focused throughout the day.
Smoothies that are healthy and taste good are the best! And the ones that require a spoon instead of a straw are even better. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate make this smoothie extremely decadent. It tastes more like a milkshake than a smoothie. And with ingredients like flax seeds, bananas, and soy milk in addition to the chocolate and peanut butter, you get all of the flavor with none of the guilt!
This recipe makes one smoothie, but it can easily be doubled or tripled for meal-prep. I like to make a large batch and keep it in the fridge for busy mornings.
More About This Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie Recipe
I just love all the flavours here Just thinking of that peanut butter and banana and chocolate combo takes me back. Not all that far back but back to the early years of university around this time in September when I first discovered peanut butter toasted topped with sliced banana and chocolate chips. There was a solid chunk of time where PB+B+C toast was the only thing I would eat morning, noon and night. And I was convinced it was the most delicious thing ever.
This smoothie is like that but better.
Way better. Because this chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie is loaded with things like greens, plant-sourced vitamins and minerals, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics all in this smoothie thanks to Vega, of course! There is also a ton of calcium and vitamin D thanks to the Silk almond milk.
And protein! Vega One Nutritional Shake powders have 20 grams of protein per scoop! And when you add Vega and peanut butter together the result is a smoothie packed with protein and good nutrition.
And its so, so, so simple and easy making it the perfect breakfast for September and everything that comes with heading back to school, finding a new routine for fall or simply trying to shake off all the indulgences that summer had to offer.
All 5 ingredients get tossed in the blender and blend until thick and creamy and smooth.
Because smoothies dont have to be complicated.
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Is It Better To Drink A Protein Shake Before Or After A Workout
Research has shown that protein helps your muscles to repair and rebuild after exercise. Consequently, many people drink protein shakes after their workouts to aid this process.
However, new studies suggest that for increasing muscle strength and size, the amount of protein you consume per day is more important than when you consume it. Therefore, you can choose which time you prefer or is most convenient for you. Personally, I always opt to have a protein shake after exercise, but thats just what works for me.
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Our Favorite Nutritional Boosters
This easy chocolate peanut butter smoothie is great for adding your go-to nutritional boosters. Here are some of our favorites to add:
- Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals, and is especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually, a tablespoon is plenty! Heres a brand I love.
- Hemp seeds: feel free to throw a tablespoon of hemp seeds into your smoothie for a boost of healthy fats, omegas and minerals.
- More veggies: you could also try adding some frozen cauliflower for an extra boost, or adding a handful of spinach or kale. Youll never be able to taste them!
- Protein: Easily add more protein to a smoothie by adding some greek yogurt or 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder. I recommend Vital Protein collagen peptides or Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein Powder.
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Here Are Some Of My Favorite Protein Sources For Smoothies:
Nut butters – any kind of all-natural nut butter but typically almond butter and peanut butter are highest in regards to protein
Hemp seeds – out of the seeds, hemp has the highest protein
Chia seeds – another good protein source but less protein compared to hemp seeds
Flax seeds – not a lot of protein so I would recommend adding at least 2 tablespoons if using
Rolledoats – these provide not only extra protein , but some extra fiber for that satiating effect
White beans – yes, even white beans which have a very mild taste, can be added to smoothies
As you can see, there are tons of options! The choice of milk will also play a factor too. I prefer soy milk because it contains a comparable amount of protein to cow’s milk.
Can I Add Fruit To My Low Carb Smoothie
This recipe is absolutely fantastic as is. However, if you want to add a bit more fiber to this smoothie, you can add a small handful of low carb fruit. The best low sugar options are berries.
You can simply change this into a low carb strawberry smoothie by adding some fresh or frozen strawberries. Or, opt to add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead.
Just keep in mind, that this will change the nutritional info and the carb count. You’ll want to be conservative with the amount of fruit you add if you want to keep this a low carb smoothie recipe!
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Ingredients For The Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Milk
- Banana
- Dates
- Collagen or Protein Powder
A note on peanut butter Be sure to read the ingredients of your peanut butter. Most mainstream brands contain added sugar and/or added oils. These will be the kind of peanut butters that are naturally thicker or possibly labeled no-stir. I prefer peanut butter that contains only peanuts and salt. Read the ingredients to know for sure what youre eating!
A note on protein powder Protein powder can be highly processed, so be sure to read the ingredients and do some research if you want to include it in your smoothies. . For this recipe, both vanilla and chocolate protein powder works well. I havent tested peanut butter protein powder, but I think that would be good too!
Is A Chocolate Banana Protein Shake Good For Weight Loss
I think chocolate banana protein shakes are good for weight loss. Why? Because you are filling up with nutrients after exercise instead of reaching for that processed, empty of nutrition, calorie-laden protein bar.
BTW, looking for a healthy protein bar? See what makes a healthy protein bar and see my top 7 here.
Enjoying a shake made with power-packed protein powder can help you lose weight:
- The keeps you away from junk food
- Protein helps you lose weight slowly , maintaining lean muscle mass
- Protein helps beat belly fat
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Did You Make This Recipe
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This post was sponsored by Vega and Silk. I was supplied with products to build smoothie. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!
Rebecca Dwyre is the holistic nutritionist, recipe creator and photographer behind Always Nourished. Being diagnosed with PCOS in 2018 was unexpected and devastating for her. Since then shes been on her own PCOS Freedom journey and has learned so much about managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with food and lifestyle that shes made it her mission to share what she has learned so that other women with PCOS dont have to struggle like she did.
What Fruits Go With Peanut Butter
If you are making a peanut butter smoothie then I would say bananas would be my go-to fruit. As far as snack options, peanut butter tastes great with many fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries. Peanut butter also tastes great with celery and carrots if you want to have it with some veggies instead of fruits to keep the calories on the low side.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie
You don’t need protein powder to make a high protein smoothie. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie is high protein from whole food ingredients only and will keep you full for hours.
There are so many plant-based options in order to make a filling protein smoothie, without having to rely on expensive protein powders.
I’m also not a big fan of the flavor of most protein powders. They usually just end up making my smoothie taste chalky. If you have a non-chalky tasting vegan protein brand you like, let me know in the comments!
I am able to still reach my protein needs without one so I don’t think they’re absolutely necessary, but if you struggle to get in enough calories or you’re short on time, I can see the appeal.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
This high protein breakfast smoothie is made with creamy, natural peanut butter and plenty of rich cocoa. The ultimate busy-morning breakfast recipe for on-the-go!
Recently I was joking with my friend that some days I wish my six year old would be happy with a simple bowl of cereal for breakfast instead of his usual morning smoothie.
Truth be told: its not happening. He is smoothie obsessed and I have no one to blame but myself!
Now that he has started Kindergarten, Im always working to tweak his morning smoothie recipe so that he heads off to school with plenty of protein and other nutrients. This chocolate peanut butter smoothie recipe is made with unsweetened cocoa powder and is naturally sweetened with a ripe banana, no added sugar or honey needed.
For omega-3s, protein and fiber, I add in a scoop of flax seed meal. You dont taste it in the final product but it is a great nutrient boost to add to muffins, pancakes, waffles, etc.
To make the smoothie extra thick, add in extra ice or start with frozen bananas.
Your straw is waiting.
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When Should You Drink Protein Shakes
I prefer to drink my protein shake after I exercise. Thats because I want that source of protein to help my body build and maintain muscle mass. Im typically hungry also, so a quick-to-make shake is the best thing to curb my hunger pains fast.
But if you like to drink your protein shake before you head to the gym or out for a walk, thats okay as well because you get the energy you need to complete your exercise goal.
You want to spread out your protein intake throughout the day for optimum results, so as long as you are getting what you need, when you drink the shake is up to you.
Benefits Of Protein Shakes
Protein shakes satisfy hunger. Thats a big benefit in my mind because, after a workout, Im ravenous. And maybe Im heading off to work or to take the kids on an outing and need energy fast. Thats when I reach for a chocolate banana peanut butter protein shake!
More benefits:
- Protein shakes are great for muscle recovery
- Protein shakes can replace a meal
- Protein shakes can help increase muscle mass when you exercise
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Want To Make A Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie With No Banana
Banana adds creaminess and a little bit of sweetness to smoothies. Theyre also super high in potassium, which is a vital nutrient for your body.
- If you dont LIKE bananas, consider using barely ripe or green bananas in your smoothies. They have the blandest flavor. You can buy them green, flash freeze them using this method , and then you will have the least banana-tasting smoothie possible.
- As a bonus, freezing bananas takes away a lot of the banana flavor too!
- If you dont WANT banana, consider using another item that also adds creaminess and a little bit of sweetness, like yogurt or kefir.
Top Questions About Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Is peanut butter shake good for weight loss?
Weight loss only comes if youre in a calorie deficit, so if a peanut butter shake fits into what youre eating for the day and youre still in a deficit, then yes!
What should you not mix in a smoothie?
Ive written the book on smoothies , and I can tell you that anything with strong flavors shouldnt go into a smoothie.Its largely a personal preference, but I dont like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or tomatoes in a smoothie. I havent tried every vegetable, but pumpkin, shredded squash , and cauliflower all work well!
How do you make a smoothie thicker?
The key to making a smoothie thicker isnt adding MORE, but choosing the right ingredients. Frozen items will always make a smoothie thicker, as will high in pectin like blueberries. Mango and avocado are very fibrous, and they make smoothies thicker too.
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What Peanut Butter Is Best For Smoothies
There are three basic types of peanut butter: 1) Natural Creamy, and 3) Crunchy. Some types of peanut butter work better for different recipes. Most of the time I prefer using natural peanut butter because it doesnt have added hydrogenated oils or sugar. For this recipe, you can use whatever kind of peanut butter you like best.
Chocolate Protein Shake Faq
How can I make this Dairy Free?
If you are vegan, have a sensitivity to dairy, or avoid dairy for any reason at all, you can still enjoy this chocolate peanut butter protein shake! Simply substitute plant based yogurt for the Kefir in the recipe!
What can I substitute for Kefir?
Kefir is a fantastic source of many nutrients, is a powerful probiotic, and has potent antibacterial properties. It is so nourishing to your body! Sometimes, though, you may not have it on hand at home. If you dont have kefir or prefer not to use it, you can substitute greek yogurt!
What can I use instead of Almond Milk?
If you dont have almond milk, prefer a different kind, or just want to switch it up and try something else, you totally can! Regular milk or any nut or seed milk will work great in this chocolate peanut butter protein shake!
How much Protein does it have?
I think that this is seriously the best chocolate protein shake around, and I think youll agree, especially since it is a great source of protein! It has about 13 grams of protein per serving.
Whats the BEST Chocolate Protein Powder
I have tried so many different protein powders, and would have to say that my favorite whey powder is Trutein by Body Nutrition. Mr. FFF LOVES Orgain for a delicious plant based protein powder.
Flavor Variations
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A Few Key Factors To Making This The Best Protein Shake
xanthan gum makes it thick and creamy! But keep reading even if its not for you.
The weird name makes it intimidating, but its just a plant-based thickener. Xanthan gum is magical in helping it blend up thick and creamy. more like a dessert, less like a supplement- ew. I linked the exact bag I bought from Amazon. I just leave my ¼ tsp in the bag for easy shake-making! Some people feel bloated or gassy from too much xanthan, so dont go overboard.
AND, if xanthan doesnt sit well in your belly, or the name just scares you too much, or you just hate buying stuff you dont know youll use, its fine. Im editing this because in efforts to fix some tummy trouble, Ive recently stopped using the xanthan and have actually been shocked at how good is still is with frozen banana. Not like using frozen banana is some genius new concept. But I swear Id tried in the past and it didnt compare. BUT, at least with my Ninja IQ, a simple 40-50 g frozen-solid banana GETS IT DONE. I dont even miss it. Still AMAZING. Adds a handful of carbs but less than 10. Its cool.
A good protein powder
The right amount of ice!
It might vary for you, but just finding your sweet spot so its not always a crapshoot is key. Mine has been between 185-195 grams of ice.
The Blender
The Powdered Peanut Butter
A Giant Metal Tumbler
The Toppings!
My fingers are tired ready for a shake.
How Often Should You Drink Protein Shakes
How often you drink protein shakes depends on your goals. If you want to gain weight, you can have a protein-filled shake every time you do resistance training to help build muscle. For weight loss, you can reduce your calorie intake and ensure that you are still getting enough protein by maybe drinking two shakes a day.
But remember, the important thing is that the protein shake is not a protein replacement. You still need to get your requirements from other sources, too.
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