A healthy chocolate protein shake that tastes like a milkshake! So unbelievably creamy, you’d never know it’s good for you. Dairy free, refined sugar free, and high protein, with collagen and raw cacao powder for healthy skin.
Where do I even start with this one…
It’s my favorite smoothie/protein shake of all time and, how could it not be? It’s a healthy protein shake that tastes like a real chocolate milkshake.
You’re skeptical, I know – and I can’t blame you. But it’s true.
In fact, my daughter calls it the “Wendy’s Frosty Smoothie,” and a friend of mine who now makes the recipe regularly calls it the “Whataburger Milkshake Smoothie.” Which chocolate shake you name it after really doesn’t matter…the point is, it really is that good!
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A Chocolate Protein Shake that reduces wrinkles and cellulite
This protein shake is healthy in a lot of ways, but it features several ingredients with specific skin health benefits:
- Raw Cacao Powder –2 tsp of cocoa powder daily reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity. A single serving of this shake provides even more than that and using raw cacao powder instead of processed cocoa powder boosts the antioxidant (flavanol) content even further! Raw cacao is also a good source of prebiotic fiber to help promote blood sugar balance and gut health, both of which are important for healthy skin. (I buy this raw cacao powder)
- Collagen Hydrolysate – (aka: Collagen Peptides) 1/2-2 Tbsp of collagen daily improves skin hydration, elasticity, and aging, and even reduces the appearance of cellulite. This recipe has 2 Tbsp collagen per 12 oz serving. (I buy this collagen)
- Coconut Milk – Rich in healthy fats to help hydrate the skin, and dairy free since dairy can trigger acne and other skin issues for many. (I buy this organic full fat coconut milk without guar gum added)
- Spinach – This is an optional addition (see recipe below) that will change the color without affecting the flavor too much, and adds antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin C, which both support skin health. Vitamin C also supports the body’s utilization of collagen.
So, yes, as a registered dietitian and holistic health expert, I’m telling you to drink a chocolate shake each day to reduce wrinkles and cellulite. You are so welcome. 😉
How to Make Chocolate Protein Shake for Healthy Skin
Blend all ingredients except the ice and spinach – start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high speed, until texture is smooth. Add the ice and continue blending, again starting at a lower speed and gradually increasing to high speed until ice is completely blended in. If using spinach, add it and blend again until completely smooth. Serve immediately.
Tips and Optional Add-ins for Chocolate Protein Smoothie
- Spinach adds vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant that supports skin health and aids collagen use by the body.
- Colostrum is one of my favorite supplements for immune support and 1/2-1 tsp can be added with the other ingredients.
- Acacia powder adds 6 grams soluble fiber per tablespoon – a great way to add extra prebiotics into your diet!
- Cow’s milk can be used in place of the coconut milk if you’re not dairy free. I mostly use coconut milk but I have to admit it tastes even more like a real milkshake with the cow’s milk!
- You’ll get about 15 grams of protein in each 12 oz shake. Cow’s milk bumps it up to around 20 grams of protein.
- This smoothie is thick and satisfying, so it works well as a fast and easy meal replacement.
- The mixture can be poured into popsicle molds – it makes a great homemade fudgesicle!
- I use a Vitamix Blender, but any high powered blender should do.
Chocolate Protein Shake for Healthy Skin
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup coconut milk (cow's milk works well too)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (can sub 1-2 Tbsp acacia fiber powder)
- 1 large Medjool date, pitted (add a 2nd one if you need it sweeter)
- 2 Tbsp collagen hydrolysate (can double for more protein)
- 1 Tbsp raw cacao powder
- 10-12 large ice cubes (add more if needed to get the temperature and texture you like)
- 1 cup packed baby spinach leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except the ice and spinach in the blender, in the order listed. Blend on lowest speed and gradually increase speed to medium high until mixture is smooth. You may have to stop and scrape down the blender with a spatula mid way through.
- If using spinach, add it and blend again until completely smooth.
- Add ice and blend, again starting at the lowest speed and gradually increasing until mixture is smooth. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Spinach adds vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant that supports skin health and aids collagen use by the body.
- Colostrum is one of my favorite supplements for immune support and 1/2-1 tsp can be added with the other ingredients.
- Acacia powder adds 6 grams soluble fiber per tablespoon - a great way to add extra prebiotics into your diet!
- Cow's milk can be used in place of the coconut milk if you're not dairy free. I mostly use coconut milk but I have to admit it tastes even more like a real milkshake with the cow's milk!
- You'll get about 15 grams of protein in each 12 oz shake. Cow's milk bumps it up to around 20 grams of protein.
- This smoothie is thick and satisfying, so it works well as a fast and easy meal replacement.
- The mixture can be poured into popsicle molds - it makes a great homemade fudgesicle!
- I use a Vitamix Blender, but any high powered blender should do.
Nutrition
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For healthy skin?? Can’t wait to try this delicious treat. Making this soon. Yum!
What a delicious and healthy way to begin the day! You can’t go wrong with chocolate! YUM!
Agree! 🙂
I’ve been looking for a recipe like this since discovering that chocolate Instant Breakfast is really pretty terrible. I found it was just perfect with the spinach and coconut milk – so satisfying!
Awesome – glad you liked it!
This looks amazing! Cant wait to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
This smoothie is delicious! I love that you can sneak spinach in it and the flavor the oats add!
What a yummy smoothie recipe! My boys loved it too. Great for kids and adults with the chocolate. 🙂
Yay for kid approved smoothies! 🙂
I tried your shake yesterday and couldn’t believe how delicious it was. My wife loved the idea it was good for your skin
Awesome, Dennis!
I will be making this a part of my daily routine. I need all the skin help I can get these days.
I do miss a good chocolate shake so this make a better alternative to get my chocolate fix that is healthy.
That creamy, thick texture looks PERFECT for a smoothie. Almost can’t believe it’s so healthy too. 🙂