Name: Chocolate Pea Protein Shake (Vegan)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup water; 1 frozen banana; 1 soft Medjool date (, pitted (optional, for sweetness)); 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ((alcohol-free, if desired)); 2 tablespoons pea protein powder; 1 cup ice cubes

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I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those people who gets in a smoothie-rut. I’ll drink the same combination of blended ingredients for two or three weeks straight before I get bored with it and move onto something new. Until recently, my favorite combination has been a mix of chia seeds and hemp hearts for some hearty plant-based protein, but I ran out of my usual ingredients last week so I forced myself to try something new: pea protein powder!

As part of my ongoing partnership with USA Pulses/Pulse Canada to celebrate the United Nations declaring 2016 the International Year of Pulses, I was sent a complimentary sample of pea protein powder try earlier this year… and I’m embarrassed to say it’s been sitting untouched in my pantry for nearly 3 months. I am such a wimp when it comes to trying new things!

However, I’m glad I finally got around to it because pulses are such a sustainable protein source, which also makes them more affordable than other pricey protein powders. The jar I used from Source Naturals is less than $10 a jar (according to Amazon) for 25 servings! I also like that the only ingredient in this jar is 100% pure pea protein powder– no fillers or zero-calorie sweeteners. (And you know how I feel about zero-calorie sweeteners.)

Just two tablespoons of pea protein powder contains 14 grams of easily digestible protein, and the neutral flavor blends completely unnoticed into any shake. I do find the texture a bit chalky, so I think this protein powder works best in chocolate shakes, because for some reason it blends in better with cocoa powder than in a fruit-only smoothie. (Or maybe that’s just me.) I also love that pea protein is allergy-friendly, so it’s perfect for anyone needing to avoid eggs, dairy, soy, and nuts.

Naturally-sweetened with fruit and paired with magnesium-rich cacao powder, this smoothie packs a nutritional punch that’s perfect for any time of the day. I hope it might help you get out of any smoothie-rut you’re in, or just inspires you to try using pulses for protein this week! (They’re perfect for anyone who abstains from meat on Friday during Lent, too.)

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Chocolate Pea Protein Shake (Vegan)
Serves 1

Ingredients:
3/4 cup water
1 frozen banana
1 soft Medjool date, pitted (optional, for sweetness)
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, if desired)
2 tablespoons pea protein powder
1 cup ice cubes

Directions:

Combine the water, banana, date (if using), cacao powder, vanilla, and protein powder in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Add in the ice and blend again until the smoothie is nice thick, with a milkshake-like texture. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Pea Protein Shake in mason jars

Chocolate Pea Protein Shake (Vegan)

4.38 from 8 votes

An allergy-friendly and affordable protein shake made with pea protein!

prep5 mins total5 mins

Servings:1

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Ingredients

3/4 cup water
1 frozen banana
1 soft Medjool date , pitted (optional, for sweetness)
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, if desired)
2 tablespoons pea protein powder
1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

Combine the water, banana, date, if using, cacao powder, vanilla, and protein powder in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Add in the ice and blend again until the smoothie is nice thick, with a milkshake-like texture. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Author: Megan Gilmore

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana, chocolate, dates, shake

Per Serving: Calories: 247, Fat: 2g, Carbohydrates: 51g, Fiber: 8g, Protein: 13g

After you make this shake, be sure to sign up to take the Pulse Pledge and enjoy one serving of pulses (like beans, lentils, and dried peas) each week! I’ve already taken the pledge myself, and plan on working with chickpea flour next… I can’t wait!

Reader Feedback: Have you tried pea protein before?

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This post is sponsored as part of my ongoing partnership with USA Pulses and Pulse Canada. I’m an Ambassador for the International Year of Pulses and am proud to help spread the word about these sustainable, affordable, and nutritious super foods!