Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie

The Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie is the ultimate morning pick-me-up or post-workout recovery drink. It masterfully blends the intense aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the decadent taste of cocoa, all while delivering a healthy dose of protein to fuel your body and muscles. The natural sweetness and creaminess from a frozen banana create a perfectly balanced, thick texture, making it both a delicious treat and a nutritious meal in a glass.
Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a smoothie, a blended drink known for its thick, creamy texture. It falls into the breakfast category due to its energizing ingredients like coffee and protein, making it an ideal meal replacement to start the day.

Serving

This is a substantial, cold, non-alcoholic smoothie best served in a large pint glass or tumbler. Its thick consistency makes a wide straw enjoyable for drinking.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml (15 oz)
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This smoothie doesn't have a single inventor but evolved from the health and fitness community's desire to create convenient, nutrient-dense meals. It combines the world's most popular morning beverage, coffee, with the post-workout staple, a protein shake. The addition of banana and cocoa powder turned a functional drink into a delicious, mocha-inspired treat that satisfies cravings while supporting an active lifestyle.
Origin
This is a modern creation, likely emerging in the early 21st century with the rise of smoothie culture and the fitness boom in Western countries, particularly the United States. It's a popular recipe shared across health blogs, social media, and gyms rather than having a specific geographical origin.

Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie

This drink is commonly known as the Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie. Alternative names like Mocha Protein Smoothie or Coffee Chocolate Power Shake highlight its key flavor components and functional benefits, appealing to coffee lovers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Original name
Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie
Alternative names
  • Mocha Protein Smoothie
  • Coffee Chocolate Power Shake
  • Java Chip Protein Smoothie

Characteristics overview

This smoothie boasts a rich coffee and chocolate flavor profile, balanced by the natural sweetness of banana. Its aroma is an inviting mix of coffee and cocoa, while the texture is exceptionally thick, smooth, and creamy.
Flavor
Chocolatey, Coffee, Rich, Creamy, Slightly Sweet
Aroma
Coffee, Cocoa, Banana
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Coffee, Chocolate
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep brown, Opaque, Thick
Texture
Thick, Creamy, Smooth
Seasonality
Year-round, Energizing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by its high creaminess and moderate sweetness, with a pleasant bitterness from coffee and cocoa. It is a completely non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and non-spicy beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a frozen banana, chilled coffee, and almond milk for the base. For the signature flavor and function, add chocolate protein powder and unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Frozen Banana1 large
    Using a frozen banana is key to a thick, creamy, cold smoothie without needing ice.
  • Chilled Brewed Coffee120 ml (4 oz)
    Strongly brewed coffee or a shot of espresso works best. Can be decaf.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk120 ml (4 oz)
    Can be substituted with any other milk, dairy or plant-based (oat, soy, coconut).
  • Chocolate Protein Powder1 scoop (approx. 30g)
    Use your favorite brand. Whey, casein, or plant-based (pea, soy, hemp) all work.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder1 tablespoon
    Enhances the rich chocolate flavor. Use cacao powder for more nutrients.
  • Maple Syrup1 teaspoon(optional)
    Optional, for extra sweetness. Can also use honey, agave, or a date.

Ice type

  • None (if using frozen banana)

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment is a high-speed blender capable of smoothly combining the frozen banana and other ingredients.
  • High-speed blender for a smooth consistency.

Instructions

To make this smoothie, simply combine a frozen banana, chilled coffee, almond milk, protein powder, and cocoa powder in a blender. Blend until perfectly smooth and serve immediately.
1. Prepare your coffee ahead of time and allow it to chill completely in the refrigerator.
2. Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender: the frozen banana (broken into chunks), chilled coffee, almond milk, chocolate protein powder, and cocoa powder.
3. If using, add your optional sweetener like maple syrup.
4. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed.
5. Pour the smoothie into a large glass.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of cacao nibs or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnishing is optional but can enhance the experience. Sprinkle some cacao nibs on top for a delightful crunch or dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
  • Cacao nibs for a crunchy texture.
  • A light dusting of cocoa powder for presentation.

Dietary Information

This smoothie contains caffeine from coffee and may contain nuts depending on the choice of milk (e.g., almond milk). It is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and vegan when made with plant-based milk and protein powder.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This smoothie is moderately caloric, providing substantial energy. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes primarily from the natural sugars in the banana.
Calories
Averagely 350-450 kcal / 1464-1883 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 40-50g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-25g
Sugar level

Occasions

This smoothie is perfect for a quick and energizing breakfast on the go. It also serves as an excellent post-workout recovery drink to replenish energy and repair muscles, or as a healthy pick-me-up to beat the afternoon slump.
  • Breakfast
  • Post-workout snack
  • Mid-afternoon energy boost
  • Healthy dessert

Pairing suggestions

As a meal replacement, this smoothie is quite filling on its own. If you desire more substance, it pairs well with simple, healthy snacks like a small handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, or a slice of whole-grain toast with a healthy fat like avocado.
  • A handful of nuts or seeds
  • Rice cakes with avocado
  • A piece of whole-grain toast

Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie: The Ultimate Energizing Treat

The Chocolate Coffee Protein Smoothie is a delicious and highly functional beverage designed for those with an active lifestyle. It offers the rich, satisfying flavors of a mocha latte in the form of a thick, creamy smoothie. Packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and a caffeine kick, it's the ideal choice for a nutritious breakfast, a rewarding post-workout refuel, or a simple, healthy treat. Its preparation is incredibly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and a blender for a perfect result every time.