Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
- Banana (1, ripe & frozen): Makes the shake creamy and naturally sweet. Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber for energy, and they create a milkshake-like thickness without needing dairy or added sugar.
- Hemp seeds (2 Tbsp): Tiny seeds loaded with plant protein, omega-3s, and fiber. They make the shake more satisfying and nutritious, and you won't even notice them once blended.
- Gluten-free oats (1/4 cup): Thicken the shake and add complex carbs for lasting energy. Oats are full of soluble fiber to aid digestion and keep you full. (Using certified gluten-free oats keeps the recipe gluten-free.)
- Natural peanut butter (2 Tbsp): Adds healthy fats and extra protein for richness and satiety, along with a delicious nutty flavor. You can substitute almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter to change the taste or meet dietary needs.
- Chia seeds (1 Tbsp): Help thicken the shake and contribute fiber, omega-3s, and a bit of protein. These support good digestion and add nutrients without affecting the taste.
- Cacao powder (1–2 Tbsp): Provides chocolatey goodness without any added sugar. Cacao is high in antioxidants and delivers rich flavor in a healthy way, satisfying those chocolate cravings naturally.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1½ – 2 cups): A light, dairy-free base that helps everything blend smoothly. It's low in calories and sugar. Use more or less almond milk to adjust thickness.
- Vegan chocolate protein powder (1 scoop): The star ingredient that boosts protein by roughly 20 grams. A quality plant-based protein blend (pea and brown rice protein) helps with muscle recovery and keeps you full. Now that you know what each ingredient brings, let's get blending!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Making this shake is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Prep your ingredients: Make sure your banana is peeled, broken into chunks, and frozen. (Using a frozen banana is key to a thick, frosty shake without adding ice.) Gather the rest of your ingredients so everything is within reach.
- Load the blender: Pour about 1½ cups of almond milk into your blender first to help everything mix. Next, add the frozen banana pieces, peanut butter, hemp seeds, chia seeds, oats, and cacao powder. Finally, add the scoop of vegan chocolate protein powder on top.
- Blend until smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high for 30–60 seconds until you have a smooth, creamy mixture with no chunks. If the blender struggles, stop and add a bit more almond milk. If the shake looks too thick to sip, blend in a little extra liquid.
- Taste and adjust: Pause to taste. If you'd like it sweeter, add a pitted date or a drizzle of maple syrup and blend again (the banana usually makes it sweet enough). Want it more chocolatey? Add a touch more cacao and blend briefly.
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Serve and enjoy: Pour the shake into a glass (this recipe makes about 1 large or 2 small servings) and enjoy it immediately while it's cold and frosty. That's it — sip and savor your delicious, nourishing vegan chocolate shake!
Variations and Customization Options
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to suit your needs or cravings. Here are some variations to try:
- Swap the nut butter: Want a different flavor or have an allergy? Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead. Each will give a unique taste and nutrient profile.
- Mix up the flavor: No chocolate protein powder on hand? Use vanilla protein powder and add a dash of cinnamon for a cozy twist. For a mocha hit, blend in a teaspoon of instant coffee with the other ingredients. You'll get a delicious coffee-chocolate flavor.
- Sneak in greens: For extra nutrients, add a handful of baby spinach or kale to the blender. It will turn the shake greenish, but you won't taste the veggies because the chocolate and peanut butter flavors dominate. It's an easy way to sneak in some greens.
- Weight Gain Tip – Boost the calories: Need a higher-calorie weight gain shake? Simple tweaks can increase the energy content. Use soy milk instead of almond milk (it's higher in protein and calories), and add some extra high-energy ingredients. For example, throw in an extra half scoop of protein powder or an extra spoon of nut butter, and drop in a couple of dates for more carbs. These add-ins pack in more calories, turning your drink into a satisfying vegan weight gain shake that still tastes amazing.
Remember, recipes are a starting point – feel free to get creative. Just keep the core ingredients balanced so you retain that creamy texture and great taste.
Conclusion
This new vegan chocolate shake recipe proves you don't have to sacrifice taste for nutrition. It packs all the benefits of a vegan protein shake into a dessert-like treat that can energize you in the morning, help you recover after a workout, or satisfy a late-night sweet craving without derailing your goals. Blend it up and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness in every sip, letting it fuel your journey toward a healthier, stronger you. And remember, BPI Sports is here to support you every step of the way with delicious recipes and quality nutrition.