This is my go-to vegan protein smoothie recipe. I even use a variation of it for ice cream replacement. It’s fast to make, super healthy, and easy to put in a cup and drink on the way anywhere. I have this for breakfast almost every day in the summer. At just over 300 calories it’s an easy meal replacement for any time of the day!
This recipe includes a few simple ingredients and lots of possible variations! It’s vegan, vegetarian, and hey, even if you eat meat, this is a great way to get more vegetables and protein in your diet. Maybe most importantly, it tastes good. So many protein powders taste like chalk. This includes 21 grams of protein AND it’s chocolate! What’s not to love?!
In case you’re wondering, yes, I do actually drink my smoothie out of a crystal glass whenever possible. I have 3 sets of crystal glassware I thought for some reason I needed 20 years ago but wouldn’t let anyone use. They sat in a china cabinet for decades and were brought out once a year for a holiday meal. So, now I use them whenever I can – for smoothies, water, oatmeal, whatever. Makes me feel oh, so fancy!
You can secure most of the items listed in this recipe from my Amazon Store Health & Wellness page. I have the almond milk and Orgain protein powder on monthly auto delivery so I never have to worry about running out. I love that the almond milk is shelf stable and the 30-calorie version. Where I live, that can be difficult to find in the stores.
Vegan Protein Smoothie Ingredient List
Ingredients
- 8 oz (1 cup) Unsweetened Almond Milk (30 cal)
- 4 oz Water
- A hand full of baby spinach or some broccoli sprouts (10 cal)
- 2 scoops Orgain Chocolate Fudge Protein powder (150 cal)
- 2 T. Powdered peanut butter (45 cal)
- 1/2 frozen banana (80 cal).
- Ice (The amount depends on how thick you want it. I’d start with a cup and add from there.).
Blend in Vitamix or Ninja until blended.
The banana in the recipe basically wipes out any taste of spinach. I’m not a big fan of spinach for breakfast but hey, if you are, leave the banana out. Truth be told, you could leave the spinach out. The protein powder is plant-based but the spinach just gives it an added punch of greens.
Variations
*Add cinnamon or vanilla, for extra flavor
*Instead of spinach, try kale or even cucumbers.
*Leave out the frozen banana and spinach and use a shaker cup to blend (and save 90 calories).
Why I Love This Protein Powder
Two points of interest here. I have tried so many different vegan protein powders I can’t begin to tell you. They are mostly just awful! I love chocolate and Orgain has outstanding flavor! I actually make smoothies with this powder for dessert. In addition to getting 21 grams of protein per serving, I love that it has 0 grams of sugar. It comes in Vanilla too and I often add a 1/2 scoop to my yogurt in the morning for some added protein.
I personally think of smoothies in the spring and summer but I also use this protein powder to make pudding in the fall and winter. As a matter of fact, I concocted a Nutty Pudding recipe and lost over 40 lbs by eating it daily as part of an attempt to decrease the total sugar in my diet. The point is that protein powder isn’t just for smoothies! I add the vanilla flavor to my yogurt, a bowl of oatmeal, and all kinds of other things. It’s a great way to get a little more protein in your diet without all the calories. Here’s the link for that Nutty Pudding Recipe.
Vitamix vs Ninja
The second point is about the Vitamix. I know there are lots of blenders out there. There is nothing I have put in the Vitamix that it couldn’t handle. I’ve even made hot soup in the Vitamix.
The price tag for the Vitamix is steep and honestly, it has more power than most people need. After years of professing my love for the Vitamix, I finally tried a Ninja.
I confess, I now own a Ninja, use it daily, and it performs well.
You can view all the kitchen appliances and gadgets I can’t live without on my Amazon StoreFront in the appropriately labeled “Idea List”, Kitchen Stuff I can’t Live Without
I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe!
Additional Healthy Recipes You Might Like
Other healthy recipes you might enjoy:
Nutty Pudding Recipe (How I lost 40 lbs eating this daily)
Chia Seed Pudding: 4 Different Flavors
Summary
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Whether you are just trying to incorporate more plants in your diet, are transitioning to a vegan or plant-based diet, or just want something for those days you are in a hurry, this Vegan Chocolate Protein Smoothie is one tool you need to have in your tool kit!
