Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie [vegan, gluten free]
Jan 24, 2019 • Updated Jun 20, 2023
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I’m sure you’re all familiar with the common misconception about vegans–that we don’t get enough protein. Well, today’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie is PACKED with plant protein, making it perfect post-workout or for a power breakfast to energize you throughout the day.
You can also shop all of the specialty ingredients I used in this recipe online, in case they’re difficult to find in physical stores near you. I’ll go through a quick description of the ingredients added, why I added them, and of course, share the final recipe with you below. This recipe is brought to you in partnership with Walmart.com, where you can find some of my favourite, daily use health food products and so many vegan and superfood products at affordable prices. If you’re trying out a vegan diet, but having trouble finding specialty ingredients, Walmart is a great resource and gives you the ability to order online, no matter where you are. You can hear more about why I’m so excited that these health food items are accessible online in my Instagram post and in my Instagram stories, but for now, let’s get back to the recipe!
The base of this smoothie is a frozen banana, plus a little bit of almond milk. If you don’t make your own almond milk at home, ordering online is an option because there are shelf stable packs you can purchase to store and have on hand. I use store-bought unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk and usually have some on hand for days when I might run out of nuts to make my own.
Meanwhile, the banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness to the smoothie, while also providing good carbs to help restore your body’s glycogen for muscle recovery. If you can’t eat bananas, cauliflower makes a good substitute, but I highly recommend sticking with banana for maximum creaminess and flavour.
The primary source of protein in this smoothie is one of my absolute favourite protein powders, the Amazing Grass Peanut Butter Chocolate protein powder which you’ve definitely seen on my feed before. It adds a whopping 20 grams of protein (from peanut, chia, hemp, pea and quinoa) as well as servings of greens and fruit. It also adds a really nice peanut butter flavour as well as a deep chocolate-y flavour (well, duh). If you prefer not to use protein powder, I’ll list a secondary option of ingredients you can add to add plant protein too! You can also opt to use a peanut butter substitute lower in fat if you wish, but I recommend using the protein powder, or my suggested alternative option in the recipe below.
On top of the smoothie, I like to add natural nut butter (opt for one without added oil or sugars), as well as a sprinkle of cacao nibs for texture. The natural nut butter adds healthy fats to this smoothie, and the cacao nibs add crunch, which I love on top of smoothies, and provide antioxidants. If I happen to have leftover greens on hand, like spinach, I’ll usually throw them in too, because why not! Smoothies are a great way to sneak greens into your diet.
I made this single serving smoothie in my Ninja Kitchen blender, which makes clean up a lot easier, especially because it serves just one. This simple smoothie is a great way to pack in nutrients and plant protein and tastes like dessert. Perfect for any fellow sweet tooths out there!
Of course, you can adjust this recipe to suit your taste and you can also go crazy with your toppings and add in ingredients. I recommend browsing the health food section for inspiration. In that section you’ll also find one of my all time favourite books on health and nutrition, which summarizes the whole food plant based diet, titled How Not to Die.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie [vegan, gluten free]
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana frozen
- 1/2-1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp cacao nibs
- 1 scoop of peanut butter chocolate protein powder
- OR
- 1-2 tablespoons of cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons of creamy natural peanut butter an oil-free and sugar free option
- 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds
- optional
- melted vegan dark chocolate
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- handful of spinach
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients except cacao nibs and blend until smooth. Add more nondairy milk to adjust texture to suit your preference. Sprinkle cacao nibs on top for extra crunch.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love & plant protein,
Love peanut butter? Try these Peanut Butter Blossoms, Peanut Butter Cornmeal Cookies or a savoury 5 Minute Peanut Sauce.
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