Silken Tofu Smoothie (Vegan, High-Protein)

This vegan high-protein smoothie with silken tofu has an incredibly creamy texture and tastes like iced hot chocolate. And no, you don't taste the tofu! One serving contains incredible 22 grams of protein, which is just as much as a protein shake but without protein powder.

This silken tofu smoothie makes a great post-workout or afternoon snack. It has such a rich chocolate taste and a super creamy texture but you would never guess there's tofu in it. Even your kids will like it! You can also have it for breakfast or try one of these breakfast smoothies (coffee breakfast smoothie or chai breakfast smoothie).

6 reasons to add tofu to your smoothie

1. Silken tofu, also known as soft tofu is an incredible plant-based protein source that turns any smoothie into a high-protein drink. It has about 8 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is almost as much as Greek yogurt. Hence, why it's great for anyone on a vegan or dairy-free diet.
2. It's much cleaner than most vegan protein powders. Silken tofu is purely made of water, soybeans, and a coagulant, such as magnesium chloride. In comparison, many protein powders contain long lists of ingredients, including filler ingredients, sweeteners, gums, and flavorings.
3. It provides an amazing silky-smooth texture to any smoothie and blends easily with other ingredients due to its soft and wobbly consistency.
4. It has a very neutral taste that cannot be detected in smoothies, especially if they contain fruits, nut butter, or cocoa powder. It also doesn't provide a weird aftertaste.
5. It's a great substitute for frozen bananas and yogurt.
6. It's pretty affordable if you consider that one pack of 12 ounces costs between 2 and 3$ in most grocery stores.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Silken tofu is the key ingredient for this vegan and high-protein shake. You CANNOT replace it with firm tofu, which would provide a grainy texture.
• Non-dairy milk is my liquid of choice as it makes the smoothie creamier than water. I use unsweetened soy milk for its neutral taste but you could also use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or (gluten-free) oat milk.
• Cocoa powder. I like raw unsweetened cocoa powder which has a strong, slightly bitter taste. Feel free to use the cocoa powder you like best as it largely impacts the flavor of this smoothie.
• Almond butter adds both protein and healthy fats. It also gives the smoothie a nutty flavor that I absolutely love. You can replace it with peanut butter if you prefer.
• Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the acidity of the cocoa powder. Feel free to leave it out if using sweetened cocoa powder. You can substitute it with date syrup or agave syrup.
• Vanilla extract adds a hint of vanilla that pairs really well with the chocolate.
• A pinch of salt really makes all the difference and enhances the chocolate flavor of the smoothie.

Elo's tips

1. Adjust sweetness. Depending on how bitter or earthy your cocoa powder is, you may want to add a little more maple syrup.
2. Add frozen cherries or raspberries if you want a fruity touch.
3. Add the almond butter as one of the last ingredients to your blender to make sure it blends in perfectly and doesn't stick to the blades or sides of the jar.
4. You can make this smoothie in a food processor as all the ingredients are super soft if you don't have a blender.
5. Turn this smoothie into a thick smoothie bowl by adding a frozen banana and topping it with your favorite toppings (e.g., this vanilla almond granola)

Step-by-step instructions

STEP 1: Add all the ingredients to your blender. Start by draining the silken tofu to remove excess water. I simply pour the water away after opening the pack. Then, add the required amount to your blender with the milk, almond butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. I also like adding some ice cubes to make it extra cold.

STEP 2: Blend until perfectly smooth. This should take less than 30 seconds. Pour the smoothie into your favorite smoothie jar or a to-go cup and drink it right away.

Watch how to make it!

Favorite blender for smoothies

I use the Kitchenaid K400 for smoothies every single day. It's powerful enough to crush frozen fruits, provides insanely smooth results, and is super easy to clean. If you want to read all the specificities, things I love about this blender, and its pain points you can read my Kitchenaid K400 review.

Frequently asked questions