This Chocolate Protein Smoothie tastes just like dessert! It's made without protein powder, using whole foods (almond butter and hemp seeds) to bring naturally occurring protein instead. Frozen riced cauliflower and sliced banana give it the creamiest texture while boosting the nutrition of this antioxidant-rich smoothie. Gluten-free, vegan.
A Protein Smoothie with Real Food Ingredients
This smoothie has all the components to start the day off right! Natural, whole-food sources of protein and healthy fats from the hemp seeds and almond butter provide lasting fullness. The thick, milkshake-like texture comes from frozen cauliflower (don't worry, you can't taste it!) which adds vitamins, too. It's naturally sweetened with banana and date, which balance the bitterness of the antioxidant-rich cacao. The best part? You can prep the ingredients ahead to stash in the freezer for a quick and nourishing breakfast on busy mornings.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
Frozen banana - Rich in Vitamins B, C and E plus fiber. Adds natural sweetness and a creamy, thick texture to the smoothie.
Almond milk - Helps everything blend together into a smooth texture. Other unsweetened, non-dairy milks (e.g. oat milk or hemp milk) also work great.
Hemp seeds - These little seeds add protein, fiber and omega-3 fats. Make sure you're using hemp hearts (sometimes called shelled hemp seeds), not whole hemp seeds.
Almond butter - Boosts the protein content and brings healthy fats while enhancing the creamy texture. Cashew butter is also delicious.
Cacao powder - A less processed version of cocoa powder, rich in heart-healthy antioxidants. Brings a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Medjool date - Brings natural sweetness and fiber, helping to balance the bitterness of the cacao powder. Can be omitted or substituted with 1 tablespoon maple syrup.
Frozen riced cauliflower - Has a neutral flavor while providing a creamy texture and body. Frozen, chopped zucchini can also be used.
Pure vanilla extract and salt
How to Make Chocolate Protein Smoothie
Step 1: Add almond milk, hemp seeds, almond butter, cacao powder, date, cauliflower, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the blender.
Step 2: Blend 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and thick.
To prep ahead: Add everything except milk into jars, silicone bags, or single serve blender cups. Freeze. When ready, dump into blender, add milk and blend. If using a blender cup, add milk to the cup directly. Keeps 2-3 months frozen.
Variations
Use this smoothie as a base and switch up the flavors:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Swap the almond butter for peanut butter.
- Mocha: Swap ¼ cup of the almond milk for strong, brewed coffee.
- Chocolate-Orange: Add the finely grated zest of ½ an orange.
- Added greens: Add a handful of frozen spinach or chopped kale.
Recipe tips
- Use an overripe banana for the sweetest flavor. Freeze the slices in a single layer on a lined tray then transfer to an airtight bag and store in the freezer.
- You can adjust the thickness of the smoothie by changing the amount of almond milk.
- If you can't find frozen, riced cauliflower at the store you can easily make it. Shred a fresh cauliflower on the coarse side of a box grater, spread on a lined tray and freeze. Once frozen, tip into an airtight bag and store in the freezer.
FAQs
No, the cauliflower has a mild flavor which is masked by the addition of banana and cacao powder. It's a great way to get added veggies in a smoothie while adding a creamy, thick texture.
Yes, choose an overripe banana preferably as it has a sweeter flavor. The smoothie won't be as cold and creamy though so you may want to blend in a few ice cubes, too.
Yes, you can use a food processor to blend everything up instead!
More Chocolate Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Chocolate Protein Smoothie (Without Protein Powder)
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced frozen banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or cashew butter
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 soft Medjool date, pitted (optional but recommended for sweetness)
- ½ cup frozen riced cauliflower adds thickness, no flavor
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Add the banana, almond milk, hemp seeds, almond butter, cacao powder, date, cauliflower, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the blender.
- Blend 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and thick.
To Prep Ahead:
- Add everything except milk into jars, silicone bags, or single serve blender cups. Freeze. When ready, dump into blender, add milk and blend. If using a blender cup, add milk to the cup directly. Keeps 2-3 months frozen.
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