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This Chocolate Protein Smoothie is made without protein powder but packs 20 grams of protein into each glass! Enjoy it for breakfast or a post-workout drink.
This high-protein smoothie is an easy addition if you’re trying to increase your protein intake. It uses simple pantry staples and a frozen banana for sweetness.
As written, it’s vegan-friendly, but it’s also easy to customize.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Instead of protein powder, this recipe features a combination of plant-based protein sources, including hemp hearts (hulled hemp seeds), peanut butter, and your favorite milk.
Adding a spoonful of your favorite nut butter adds creaminess and extra protein. I prefer the flavor of peanut butter, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter will also work.
You can also add any other mix-ins you like, such as chia seeds or oats.
Detoxinista Tip
Dairy milk has 8 grams of protein per cup, and if you need a dairy-free option, soy milk has a similar protein profile! (This will vary slightly by brand; this recipe assumes you’ll use an unsweetened version.) If you prefer coconut or almond milk, those will work, too, but you’ll get less protein per glass.
How to Make Protein Smoothie without Protein Powder
In a high-speed blender, combine:
- 1/2 cup soy milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 handful fresh baby spinach
- 1 frozen banana, sliced into pieces
- 3 tablespoons of hemp hearts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Secure the lid and blend until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure even mixing.
If the smoothie texture looks runny, add a handful of ice cubes and blend again. This will give your smoothie a slushy texture.
Just keep in mind that the more ice you add, the more diluted the flavor will be—so don’t overdo it!
Serve the protein smoothie right away for the best texture and flavor. Turn it into a smoothie bowl by topping it with extras, like chopped walnuts, cashews, or pumpkin seeds.
Looking for more smoothie recipes? Try my favorite green smoothie, ground flaxseed smoothie, or my vegan protein shake.
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy milk (or other milk)
- 1 frozen banana , sliced
- 3 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, if desired)
- 1 handful fresh baby spinach (optional)
- 1 cup ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, combine the soy milk, frozen banana slices, hemp hearts, cacao powder, peanut butter, vanilla, and baby spinach (if using). Secure the lid on the blender and blend until smooth.
- If the texture doesn't look slushy enough, add cup of ice cubes and blend again. Keep in mind that adding ice will dilute the flavor slightly, so use only as much ice as needed to achieve the consistency you want. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this protein smoothie without protein powder, leave a comment and star rating below, letting me know how you like it.
I made this using dates instead of banana- it was delicious!!