Mocha Protein Shake

At a glance

What stands out: Get both your protein and coffee fix with this irresistible mocha protein shake recipe. You’ll want to drink it daily!

How long it takes: 5 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: blender
Servings: 1

Our standard protein shake consists of chocolate protein powder blended with a ripe banana (frozen if available) and spinach. We kicked this mocha protein shake recipe up a notch with a hit of espresso powder, pure vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and cottage cheese. Yes, cottage cheese!

Creamy protein shake

Protein boost, compliments of cottage cheese. We've been growing to love cottage cheese. Although we don’t care for eating it plain, we find that cottage cheese can be added to recipes for extra nutrition and pretty much go unnoticed. Keep reading for more recipe ideas.

Even more protein. We wanted to make this protein shake live up to its name so, in addition to the cottage cheese, we add a scoop of protein powder. Be aware that many flavored protein powders have added sugar and some have quite a lot. A little sweetness is good in this protein shake but if you’re watching your sugar intake, use a little less or simply skip it.

Added greens: Since eating green leafy vegetables is important for good health, we always put some type of greens in our smoothie. It’s a straightforward (and rich) way to sneak a handful of greens into your daily diet. Baby spinach is our go-to because we always have it on hand but really, you can use whatever you happen to have, as long as the greens are mild-flavored and fairly tender.

Rich mocha flavor. Everyone seems to love the coffee/chocolate combo flavor of mocha. Cocoa powder and espresso powder give this protein shake a standby mocha flavor, with no added calories or fat. You’ll feel like you’re drinking a premium milkshake (almost!).

Ways to change it

Use Greek yogurt. If you don’t have or don’t like cottage cheese, you could use plain Greek yogurt in this mocha protein shake recipe.

Switch up the liquid. Instead of using water, substitute milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.

Add a banana. If you’re looking for a little more sweetness, a ripe banana is the way to go. Store your extra overripe bananas in the freezer for a speedy add-in to your smoothies. If you want to skip the protein powder in your smoothie, we would definitely recommend adding a banana.

Skip the espresso powder. If you don’t want that little extra boost of caffeine, simply omit the espresso powder for a chocolate protein shake.

Try a different flavor. Our whole family loves this peach banana cottage cheese smoothie.

Make a shake instead. If you’re looking for more of a dessert experience, be sure to try our chocolate banana milkshake, made with ice cream. It’s fabulous! Take a look at all our milkshake recipes for frosty treat ideas.

• Yield: 1
• Prep: 5 minutes
• Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces water
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves (a generous handful)
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• ½ cup lowfat (2%) cottage cheese (or any type of cottage cheese)
• 1 cup small ice cubes, to thicken

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Serve immediately.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Notes

Collagen boost: Add one scoop of collagen peptides to your smoothies and shakes. It will not affect the flavor or texture.

Storage: This protein shake is best served immediately and doesn’t store well. If you do want to make it ahead, we'd advise omitting the ice because it tends to melt and dilute the smoothie.

Variations: Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for the cottage cheese; omit espresso powder, if desired; use your favorite milk instead of water; add a ripe frozen banana either instead of the protein powder or in addition to it.