This chilled drink blends unsweetened almond milk with cocoa powder and protein for a thick, milkshake-like consistency. It has a deep chocolate flavor and a smooth texture, as a sugar-free cold dessert or a quick breakfast option.
About This Recipe
To achieve a uniform and frothy texture, the ingredients should be blended on high speed until the ice is fully crushed and the cocoa powder is integrated. Adding a handful of ice cubes helps to incorporate air into the liquid, which results in a thicker body without the need for high-carb thickeners. If a creamier mouthfeel is preferred, a small amount of xanthan gum or a teaspoon of MCT oil can be included to help the mixture stay smooth and well blended.
The base of the shake uses unsweetened almond milk to maintain a light profile, while the protein powder gives the shake body and flavor. Real cocoa powder adds a natural bitterness that is balanced by vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, which enhances the overall chocolate notes. Because the sweetness depends on the type of protein used, adding a small amount of keto-friendly sweetener allows for a customized taste that suits individual preferences.
This shake is quick to prepare and is easy to modify for different flavors like mocha or mint chocolate. It’s easy to customize by adding a spoonful of nut butter for extra richness or topping the finished glass with a dusting of cocoa. It is best served immediately while cold and frothy to enjoy the aerated texture at its peak.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick, creamy, and truly chocolatey
- 25g+ protein with minimal carbs
- Ready in 5 minutes—perfect for busy days
- Customizable for keto, dairy-free, or pre-workout
- Scales easily for meal prep
What You’ll Need for This Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Shake
- Base
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop low-carb whey protein (chocolate or vanilla)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6–8 ice cubes
- ½–1 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose (to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Optional Boosters (choose any)
- 1 tsp MCT oil (adds creaminess and satiety)
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum or 1 tsp chia seeds (thickens)
- ¼–⅓ cup cold-brew coffee (mocha variation)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Add almond milk, protein powder, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla, and salt to a blender.
- Add ice (and any boosters you’re using).
- Blend on high until smooth and thick, 20–40 seconds.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness; blend briefly again if needed.
- Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.
FAQ
- Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a low-carb plant protein and keep almond milk; add a little extra milk if it gets too thick. - Which sweetener works best?
Allulose blends very smoothly; erythritol is fine but can be slightly cooler on the palate. - How do I make it thicker?
Use more ice and a pinch of xanthan gum or a teaspoon of chia, then blend longer. - Is it good for post-workout?
Yes—high protein, quick carbs are minimal, and you can add MCT for extra energy if desired. - Can I prep it ahead?
Blend without ice, chill, then re-blend with ice right before serving for best texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Mocha Shake: Swap in cold brew for part of the almond milk.
- Double Chocolate: Add 1–2 tsp sugar-free chocolate chips; pulse to keep tiny flecks.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Add 1 tbsp natural peanut butter (adjust carbs to your plan).
- Mint Chocolate: Add ⅛ tsp peppermint extract and garnish with cocoa dust.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a chilled glass with cocoa dust on top
- Add whipped cream (sugar-free) for a dessert vibe
- Pair with a low-carb muffin or a handful of salted nuts post-workout
Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Shake
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop low-carb whey protein (chocolate or vanilla)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6-8 ice cubes
- ½-1 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose (to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Optional Boosters (choose any)
- 1 tsp MCT oil (adds creaminess and satiety)
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum or 1 tsp chia seeds (thickens)
- ¼-½ cup cold-brew coffee ( (mocha variation))
Instructions
- Add almond milk, protein powder, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla, and salt to a blender.
- Add ice (and any boosters you’re using).
- Blend on high until smooth and thick, 20–40 seconds.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness; blend briefly again if needed.
- Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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