With an easy method and nutritious ingredient list, this Chocolate Protein Shake is a great on-the-go breakfast or snack for any age—toddler on up to adults. It stores in the fridge for up to 3 days, too.
Chocolate Protein Shake
I am always looking for easy, filling breakfast ideas that I can make ahead of time for both myself and the kids, and this protein shake has been on repeat in recent months. I love it as a less expensive option to the store-bought protein shakes (from brands like Orgain) and because I can make it using ingredients I usually have on hand.
It has the texture of a thick chocolate milk and can sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Which means you can make a big batch and serve it up for a few days in a row.
This is a satisfying breakfast to drink when you’re short on time, it works as a meal component, snack, or drink, and it’s just so creamy and delicious. (It’s great for postpartum days, too!)
(You may also like my Toddler Protein Shakes and my Weight Gain Smoothie.)
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this recipe so you know what to buy or pull out of the fridge and pantry.
- Milk (dairy or nondairy): You can use any type of milk in this recipe, though I recommend using one that has both fat and protein to ensure that it’s satisfying. I make it with whole milk.
- Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium, and helps the texture of the shake be very creamy.
- Banana (very ripe): You can use fresh or frozen very ripe banana in this chocolate smoothie to add natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Cocoa powder: I use unsweetened cocoa powder to add the chocolate flavor here.
- Maple syrup (optional): I usually add a little maple syrup to balance out the flavors and to ensure that the mixture tastes sweet enough. Taste it and decide based on the sweetness of the bananas.
- Peanut butter: We like this shake with the addition of peanut butter, though you can skip it if needed or preferred, or you can use another nut or seed butter such as almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
- Protein powder (optional or dried milk powder): This is an optional addition to increase the protein and satisfaction from the drink. Most kids get plenty of protein without us trying, so I usually only add this if I’m making it for myself and I want to be sure that I stay full for a few hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until very creamy, starting on low and working up to high.
- Serve immediately or store for future use.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 36 hours. Serve cold. You can also freeze in an ice cube tray and blend with additional milk for a future smoothie if desired.
The containers show in this post are the Weesprout Toddler Drinking Cups, which come with a straw lid and a flat lid for easy storage.
Best Tips for Success
- Use whole dairy milk or a plant milk with fat and protein in it (like soy milk, Ripple Milk, or Good Karma protein milk).
- Sweeten to taste after blending.
- Swap in mango for the banana if desired.
- Try my homemade Protein Powder or one of my favorite Protein Powders for Kids.
Related Recipes
Smoothies
Favorite Yogurt Drinks
Nutrition
What’s the Best Milk for Toddlers?
Breakfast
Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment below to share.
Quick Chocolate Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (dairy or nondairy)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup banana (very ripe)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon protein powder (optional or dried milk powder)
- Optional add-ins: handful baby spinach, raw cauliflower, or avocado; 1-2 teaspoons hemp seeds
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until very creamy, starting on low and working up to high.
- Serve immediately or store for future use.
Equipment
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake before serving. Serve cold.
- Use whole dairy milk or a plant milk with fat and protein in it (like soy milk, Ripple Milk, or Good Karma protein milk).
- Sweeten to taste after blending.
- Swap in mango for the banana if desired.
- Try my homemade Protein Powder or one of my favorite Protein Powders for Kids. Or skip the added protein.
What could I sub for the banana?
Frozen or fresh mango would be an option.
I LOVE this smoothie. I’ve actually been making it for years now and it’s my daughter’s breakfast basically every morning. My ratio is slightly different: 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 banana (frozen), 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, 2 Tbsp peanut butter. For my daughter, I use Carnation Instant Breakfast powder because it was recommended by our pediatrician. I also add 1 Tbsp neutral oil, like grapeseed or avocado oil, for my daughter (for weight gain). For myself, I use plain unsweetened cocoa powder. I love this smoothie and would definitely recommend it!
I LOVE this smoothie. I’ve actually been making it for years now and it’s my daughter’s breakfast basically every morning. My ratio is slightly different: 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 banana (frozen), 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, 2 Tbsp peanut butter. For my daughter, I use Carnation Instant Breakfast powder because it was recommended by our pediatrician. I also add 1 Tbsp neutral oil, like grapeseed or avocado oil, for my daughter (for weight gain). For myself, I use plain unsweetened cocoa powder. I love this smoothie and would definitely recommend it!