Mocha Protein Shake
This mocha protein shake is about to be your new go-to for those busy mornings when you need caffeine and something to hold you over. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and gives you that iced coffee kick, with a boost of protein! Perfect for heading out the door, squeezing in a quick workout, or for those mornings when sitting down for breakfast just isn’t happening.
I’m a morning person.
I’ve always been a pretty early riser, but for about a year now, I’ve been an extra early riser. My alarm is set at 4:55am every morning and I love it. I know I know, now I’m one of those insufferable people who goes on and on about waking up early. But seriously, being able to get up BEFORE my small children, have one single moment of peace, get a workout AND shower before they’re up? Life. CHANGING.
Now, in order to do those things before my girls are up, I do have to hustle, because they are also early risers. I’m the type of person who wakes up hungry and while ideally I’d have time to have a nice breakfast in peace, ain’t nobody got time for that. Enter: this quick lil mocha protein shake.
Since I exercise in the early morning, but am also hungry and don’t exercise as hard on an empty stomach, I like to have a little something beforehand. Sometimes it’s a corner of my favorite banana bread, a peanut butter oatmeal energy bite, or this mocha smoothie! It’s the perfect combo of coffee for energy (no need for expensive preworkout supplements here, folks!), banana and chocolate milk for carbohydrates and protein for staying power. I also drink this as a post-workout smoothie for the same reasons!
I use one Nespresso pod, but if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use cold brew concentrate. And you can use whatever type of milk you enjoy, I love it with high-protein chocolate milk for even more ‘mocha feel.’ Enjoy!
What You’ll Need to Make Your Mocha Shake:
- I use a Nespresso pod because it’s quick and gives you the strong coffee flavor, but if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a cold brew concentrate. The key is to use something strong enough to still taste like coffee once it’s blended with everything else.
- The banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess. You can also use frozen banana if you want it extra thick and frosty.
- Chocolate milk is what really brings in that mocha flavor and adds to the overall creaminess. A higher-protein chocolate milk (like Darigold Fit) makes it a little more filling, but any milk will work.
- Use whichever protein powder you actually enjoy – it makes a difference. I tend to go with Optimum Nutrition’s vanilla flavor because it blends smoothly and the flavor isn’t overwhelming. For a plant-based protein powder, I like this SunWarrior chocolate one.
- Just a small amount of cacao powder adds a deeper chocolatey flavor. Cocoa powder works well too.
How to Make a Mocha Protein Smoothie:
Add the espresso (or cold brew coffee), ice cubes, banana, chocolate milk, protein powder, and cacao powder to a high speed blender or blender cup.
Blend until everything is fully combined and smooth. You’re looking for a thick, frosty consistency.
Pour into a tall glass, top with a strawberry if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy right away while it’s cold and creamy. YUM!
FAQs
Yes, you can. Just keep in mind that regular coffee is less concentrated, so the coffee flavor will be more subtle once everything is blended. If you want a stronger mocha flavor, espresso or cold brew concentrate is the way to go.
Swap the chocolate milk for a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk, and make sure to use a plant-based protein powder. To get that same mocha flavor, you can use a dairy-free chocolate milk or go with a chocolate protein powder.
Coffee and breakfast in one? I’m in.
If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! If you love more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Youtube – I love connecting with you all there!
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Mocha Protein Shake
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 protein shake 1x
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Your coffee and protein shake in one. This quick mocha smoothie is creamy, chocolatey, and a great option for busy mornings or a pre-workout boost.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz espresso or cold brew concentrate
- 1 cup ice
- 1/2 banana
- 2 oz chocolate milk (I like the higher protein varieties like Darigold Fit)
- 1 scoop protein powder (I like Optimum Nutrition)
- 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender or blender cup and blend until smooth and creamy. If your espresso is hot, let it cool for a few minutes first so it doesn’t melt the ice. My goal is always as thick as possible, so start conservatively with the milk and add another splash or two if needed.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
Refer to the above blog post for ingredient information, step-by-step photos and answers to frequently asked questions!
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein shake (with Darigold Fit chocolate milk and Optimum Nutrition protein powder)
- Calories: 222
- Sugar: 11.8 g
- Sodium: 169.5 mg
- Fat: 3.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 28.7 g
- Cholesterol: 61.2 mg
