This thick, indulgent shake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peppermint with the perfect creamy texture. It's packed with protein and customizable to your taste preferences, making it a satisfying and nutritious treat.
A thick, protein-packed peppermint mocha shake that's low in calories, full of flavor, and easy to make.
Macros per serving (approx.):
- Calories: 160-210
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Fat: 2-4g
- Carbohydrates: 12-14g
Ingredients List:
- Standard Ingredients:
-
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (20-25g protein)
- 120g (1/2 cup) unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 120g (1/2 cup) brewed coffee (cooled) OR 8g (1 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder + pinch of cinnamon
- 2g (1/2 tsp) peppermint extract
- 120g (1/2 cup) ice
- 10g (about 1 tbsp) sugar-free instant pudding mix
-
Vegan Alternative Ingredients:
- 1 scoop plant-based protein powder (check for 20-25g protein per serving)
- 120g (1/2 cup) unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 120g (1/2 cup) brewed coffee (cooled) OR 8g (1 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder + pinch of cinnamon
- 2g (1/2 tsp) peppermint extract
- 120g (1/2 cup) ice
- 10g (about 1 tbsp) sugar-free instant pudding mix (ensure vegan-friendly)
-
Gluten-Free Substitutions:
- All ingredients listed are gluten-free. Ensure that your protein powder and pudding mix are certified gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brew coffee ahead of time and let it cool (or use iced coffee).
- If using the cocoa powder and cinnamon alternative, combine them in the blender.
- Add all the ingredients (protein powder, almond milk, coffee or cocoa powder/cinnamon, peppermint extract, ice, pudding mix) to the blender.
- Blend until smooth and thick. Adjust with more almond milk or water if needed for desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes & Tips:
Texture and Sweetness Adjustments:
- If you prefer a sweeter shake, you can add a little stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or your preferred low-calorie sweetener.
- To make the shake even thicker, add more ice or a few extra grams of pudding mix. Alternatively, add a frozen banana for natural creaminess.
Nutritional Advice:
- This shake is a great post-workout snack or meal replacement thanks to its high protein content. It also includes healthy fats and a bit of fiber for balance.
Optional Toppings:
- Top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a few chocolate shavings, or a dash of crushed peppermint candy for extra flavor and fun.
Substitutions from Ingredients with Similar Calories:
- Protein Powder: You can swap for a different flavored protein powder like vanilla or mocha (adjusting sweeteners accordingly).
- Almond Milk: Substitute with any milk of choice (coconut, oat, or cashew milk), keeping the calorie content in mind.
- Coffee: If you’re avoiding caffeine, you can use decaf coffee or a coffee-flavored protein powder instead.
- Sugar-Free Instant Pudding: You can swap for a regular pudding mix, but the calories will increase.
Tips for Lowering Calories:
- Use a lower-calorie protein powder (some have fewer than 100 calories per scoop).
- Substitute almond milk with a lower-calorie option like unsweetened coconut milk or water.
- Skip the pudding mix for a lighter version, and adjust texture with more ice or frozen cauliflower for a creamier consistency.
This shake gives you the flexibility to choose between a traditional brewed coffee base or a cocoa-cinnamon alternative, while still keeping it high in protein and low in calories.
