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This combination is so simple, I hardly consider it a recipe, but I’ve been enjoying it far too often to keep it all to myself.

chocolate banana protein shake in a glass mug with chcocolate shavings on top

What I love most about this frosty chocolate shake is that it’s exclusively sweetened with fruit, and has a slushy texture reminiscent of an authentic milkshake. The key to this texture is using frozen banana, which is notorious for its ice-cream like qualities, and adding very little liquid, to keep the mixture nice and thick. Paired with cinnamon, which is thought to help balance blood sugar, and nutrient-rich hemp hearts, this shake packs over 10 grams of protein per serving, and will keep you satisfied far longer than a traditional milkshake!

For an even healthier spin, try adding a handful or two of fresh spinach to the mix. It adds a slightly green tint to this shake, but doesn’t affect its rich chocolate flavor.

The next time you need a post-workout snack, or just a tasty chocolate treat, I hope you give this shake a shot!

Chocolate Banana Protein Shake (Vegan, Nut-free)
Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 frozen banana*
3 tablespoons hemp hearts
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, if desired)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3-4 ice cubes (optional)
2 handfuls fresh spinach (optional)

*Tip: Be sure to peel your bananas before freezing! If you have a high-speed blender, like the Vitamix, you can leave the banana whole, but otherwise, I recommend slicing the banana into small coins before freezing, for easier and more uniform blending.

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend until thick and smooth. Adjust any flavors to taste, as desired, and serve immediately!

chcocolate banana protein milkshake

chocolate smoothie in glass with straw

Chocolate Banana Protein Shake (Vegan, Nut-free)

4.93 from 13 votes
This frosty chocolate shake tastes just like a milkshake, but is much healthier!
prep5 mins total5 mins
Servings:1

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 frozen banana*
  • 3 tablespoons hemp hearts
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, if desired)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3-4 ice cubes (optional)
  • 2 handfuls fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend until thick and smooth. Adjust any flavors to taste, as desired, and serve immediately!

Notes

*Tip: Be sure to peel your bananas before freezing! If you have a high-speed blender, like the Vitamix, you can leave the banana whole, but otherwise, I recommend slicing the banana into small coins before freezing, for easier and more uniform blending.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 1160mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 9450IU | Vitamin C: 53.6mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 10.1mg
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chocolate Banana Protein Shake

Enjoy!

Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite shake combination?

 

 

Megan Gilmore leaning on her white countertop.

Megan Gilmore

Hi, I’m Megan. A former fast food junkie turned best-selling cookbook author. I create healthy recipes made with simple ingredients to make your life easier.

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Comments

  1. Could i use a scoop of chocolate protein powder- i love Vegas choc-a-lot flavor- instead of the raw cocoa powder (or in addition to it)?

  2. I tried pineapple instead of the cacoa since bed time is an hour or so away. Turned out actually pretty decent. Also, didn’t have hemp hearts so used hulled hemp seed. I love the frothy texture that it has! I would maybe add another spice to suit the pineapple, maybe nutmeg?

    I am definitely trying this recipe again with the cacao. Thank you so much for a delicious recipe and post-workout drink!

  3. I have a Vitamix (which I swear would turn rocks into pea gravel!) and make a smoothie every morning for breakfast. It sounds crazy what I put in it but it turns out REALLY tasty and gets my morning off to a great start. Here’s the basics of what goes in (this makes two large cups of which I drink both):
    Unsweetened Almond Milk
    Greens (either spinach or a mix of kale/chard/spinach)
    Greek Yogurt (non-fat, plain)
    Mini carrots (maybe 3)
    2 dates (for sweetness)
    Whatever other veggies I have on hand, brussels sprouts, cauliflower asparagus, etc
    An ice cube of pomegranate seeds
    A quarter or third of a frozen banana
    A cup of frozen blueberries
    A scoop of chocolate whey protein power (90 cals, 18 gms protein)
    A tsp each of: cinnamon, green tea leaves, turmeric, dried wheatgrass powder, chia seeds, nutritional yeast flakes
    A tablespoon each of raw cacao powder and PB2 powder
    3 drops liquid Stevia

    I usually have it around 8am and it holds me a good 4-5 hours. I’ve been having this for breakfast for over a year now and not only have I lost weight (adding exercise, of course), but I feel with all the nutrients I’m getting each day is helping keep me healthy.

  4. I made this using sunflower seeds in place of hemp b/c I didn’t have any, and cocoa powder. It was just the right amount of sweet! I might add more cinnamon next time. Thanks! I like the almond milk suggestion.

  5. I am 3 days post dental surgery and trying to get as much nutrition in as possible. I just made this smoothie using chocolate hemp protein, pb2, cinnamon, and water. It was so
    yummy! Thank you!

  6. Yum! I just made this (spinach included) and it was good! I decided to throw in a couple strawberries that were about to go bad and also added a tablespoon of coconut oil (i’m trying to eat more fats) and a splash of almond milk to thin it out a bit from there. so good!! thanks megan!

  7. I love the chocolate banana combo, so I will definitely try this! I have some Nutiva Hemp Protein shake powder in chocolate flavor, so maybe I’ll try it with that. I always keep frozen bananas in the freezer, so I can make this today! Thanks, Megan!

  8. I love this shake! I add 1 tablespoon of Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate which means it’s not vegan but it adds 6 grams of protein.

  9. Is frozen spinach ok in these smoothie recipes? They’re easier for me to buy b/c they won’t go bad as quickly. Thanks!

    1. I haven’t tried using frozen spinach myself, but I don’t see why not! Let us know if it affects the flavor at all– you typically can’t taste the fresh spinach much.

      1. Its the only kind of spinach I ever have on hand. I use the ninja which doesn’t do such a great job blending it up, compared to the vitamix. There is definitely a slight, noticable spinach taste anytime I have used it. But I kind of expect that. 🙂

        I just asked b/c some veggies are better in certain forms. Like I’m hearing that cruciferous veggies need to be steamed to be properly digested, carrots and tomatoes are more nutritious cooked, etc…