Vegan Chocolate Protein Shake

This vegan chocolate protein shake made with plant-based protein powder and hemp seeds is a great alternative to smoothies if you're looking for a high-protein option. It's sweet, chocolatey, easy to drink, and perfect to keep you full until your next meal.

The perfect snack or pre-workout

I'll admit, I'm not the biggest protein drink girl. But I love that protein helps us feel satiated. That's why I usually make this shake before a workout, to keep me full until my after-workout meal.

Sometimes I'll make it as a snack in the afternoon if I'm hungry and craving something sweet. It gives me a boost of energy (thanks to the frozen banana), satisfies my sweet tooth, and keeps me full until dinner.

It can also be a great option for breakfast if you struggle with eating solid foods in the morning. In my experience, drinking smoothies for breakfast can be a lot easier. You may also wanna check my mango breakfast smoothie or banana breakfast smoothie if that's the case for you.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Frozen bananas: They give the protein shake a thicker texture and a sweeter taste. You could substitute them with steamed cauliflower for a low-sugar option (but I personally don't like it in smoothies or shakes).
• Vegan chocolate protein powder: Adds a boost of protein and a nice chocolate taste. I'm very picky when it comes to protein powders as I want them to be as clean as possible (meaning no gums, fillers, thickeners, emulsifiers, or other additives). It took me a while but I have finally found a plant-based protein that I love, which is made from seeds. No soy or pea protein!
• Shelled hemp seeds: They have a pretty neutral flavor that you cannot taste in the smoothie and (again) add a boost of protein with 3 g of protein/tablespoon hemp seeds.
• Plant-based milk: I chose unsweetened soy milk as it's the plant-based milk with the highest protein content (3.5 g protein /100 g soy milk). But you can use any plant-based milk you like.
• Cocoa powder: For a richer, even more chocolatey flavor. Trust me.

Elo's tips

• Freeze ripe bananas for a sweeter protein shake.
• Choose your protein powder wisely as it's going to largely impact the flavor of your protein shake. I had to test my way through different brands before I found one I really liked. And don't forget to read the ingredients list if, like me, you pay attention to clean ingredients.
• For a thicker, icier shake you can reduce the amount of milk you're using or add more frozen banana slices.
• Add nut butter (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter, hazelnut butter) for an even creamier texture and nutty flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Step 1: Freeze the bananas. Cut ripe bananas into slices, put them in a zip bag in a single layer, and freeze them overnight.

2. Step 2: Blend. Place the frozen banana, plant-based milk, protein powder, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. I love my Nutribullet Pro 900W for single-serve smoothies and protein shakes.