3 Chocolate Protein Shake Recipes for Muscle Gains and a Tasty Treat

If you're like me, part of your routine includes scooping protein powder into a glass of water and downing it as quickly as possible. I'm not throwing shade at protein drinks, it's just become a quick, daily ritual to help me build muscle. And sure, when I'm scooping the same whey protein flavor day after day, my taste buds get bored.

But variety is the spice of life, so to add some joy to your protein consumption, shake things up and add some fun to your protein slushie. We've got three protein shake ideas and recipes to help you squeeze a little extra protein into your day.

How to Make a Protein Shake

To make an at-home high-protein shake, you'll need a few things you probably already have in your kitchen. A blender and ice are necessary to give your drink that slushy-like quality, while a few simple ingredients can help you create a creamy, satisfying shake without much effort.

For an even simpler, yet still refreshing protein drink, try out our dirty protein soda recipe.

Chocolate Protein Shake Recipes

These chocolate protein smoothies are simple, creamy, smooth, and feel like an indulgent treat whether you're drinking one for a post-workout snack, an early morning breakfast, or a late-night dessert.

Read More: How to Eat or Drink Protein Powder

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake

This peanut butter and chocolate protein shake is a classic, and we swapped in some PB2 for half of the peanut butter to keep that creamy taste you're after with less fat and fewer calories. But you do you! Skip the PB2 and go all peanut butter or load up on PB2 and save the peanut butter for later.

Estimated macros: ~375 calories, 41g protein, 22g carbohydrates, 16g fat

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate Purist® Whey Protein Powder
• 1 cup milk or milk alternative
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
  
• 1 tbsp PB2
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Ice cubes as needed

Instructions:

1. Toss all the ingredients into a blender.

2. Serve.

Mocha Chocolate Protein Milkshake

This is my favorite way to drink coffee. It feels like a Frappachino, but does a Frappachino have around 25-30 grams of protein? I think not. Also, you can use whatever type of coffee you have on hand. When we're all out of cold brew, I just brew a cup of fresh joe, let it cool for a wee-bit, and we're off to the races.

Estimated macros: ~205 calories, 30g protein, 11g carbs, 6g fat

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate Purist® Whey Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
• 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Splash of coffee creamer
• Ice cubes as needed

Instructions:

1. Toss all the ingredients into a blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy, with a milkshake-like consistency.

3. Enjoy!

Boozy Chocolate Protein Milkshake

It's ladies' night (Samantha brought her husband, but he's basically one of the girls) and it's time for some booze — if you choose to imbibe. But what if your cocktail could double as a protein shake? Alcohol and protein? Yeah, that fits my macros. This boozy, chocolatey cocktail is a party hit in my home, and you can swap the vodka for bourbon, dark rum, amaretto, irish cream liquor, and more.

Estimated macros: ~250 calories, 30g protein, 10g carbs, 5g fat

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate Purist® Whey Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative
  
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 oz vodka
• Ice cubes as needed

Instructions:

1. Blend the protein powder, milk, cocoa powder, and ice cubes

2. Add your shot of vodka and blend until smooth.

3. Serve in a chilled glass with a spray of whipped cream on top.

Why Purist Nutrition Protein Powder?

Each batch of Purist® grass-fed whey protein powder is NSF Sport Certified and third-party tested, so you know that what's on the label is what you're getting. Purist Nutrition is also backed by Clinicians' Choice, is sustainably made and ethically sources, with no artificial sweeteners, and Certified Plastic Neutral.

For a limited time, when you make any purchase from Purist Nutrition — whether you're loading up on NSF Sport Certified protein powder, creatine, hydration, or pre-workout — you'll score a FREE Ice Shaker Bottle (retails for $40). From someone who has one and has tried almost every other protein shaker/blender bottle on the market, this thing is the best. My drinks stay cold for hours, the removable agitator mixes my protein powder and keeps ice cubes from sneaking out while I sip, and I never have a problem with leaks.

Takeaway

Pull down the blender, grab some ice, and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate protein shake that'll help give you the protein you need to support your goals. And what's really fun with these protein shake ideas is that you can get creative and use substitutes, add-ins, and whatever you have lying around your fridge for the perfect homemade concoction for your taste. 

FAQs

How can I make protein shakes taste better?

Your bases are what primarily flavor your protein shake, so start with a protein powder flavor and liquid (milk, almond milk, water, etc) that you like! You can also add some sweetness with fruit, honey, or maple syrup, or reduce some bitterness with a punch of salt.

What's a quick and easy chocolate protein shake recipe?

If you're crunched for time, you can make a chocolate protein shake in just a few minutes. For the simplest smoothie, blend together a scoop of chocolate protein powder, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, half a cup of milk or a milk substitute, and ice. Play around with the ingredients you have to make a quick and easy shake.

How do I make healthy protein shakes?

"Healthy" can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. When it comes to protein shakes, a healthy recipe is one that fits your individual nutrition needs, tastes good, and helps you reach your goals. That might mean prioritizing protein, keeping calories in check, addming more fiber or nutrients, or simply choosing ingredients you enjoy and can incorporate into your routine.

Rosie Borchert is a NASM-CPT, former Nike Volleyball coach, and writer whose work has appeared on BarBend, Tonal, REP Fitness, ABC, Netflix, and Amazon Studios. If anyone would like to hire her to play beach volleyball, snowboard, binge watch TV, or go climbing, please get in touch.

This article was reviewed by Ashley Boyer, ACE-CPT and Fitness Nutrition Specialist, for accuracy.