The BEST Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (DF, GF)

This chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie is one of my absolute favorites! It’s creamy, chocolatey, peanut buttery-y, but HEALTHY, has over 20 grams of protein, is balanced and can still help you reach and maintain your weight loss goals.

So I used to really LOVE Dairy Queen’s chocolate peanut butter milkshakes, like actually dream about them, haha. But once I started really cleaning up my eating, reducing the processed ingredients and added sugar I consumed, and seeing and feeling the benefits, it was a lot harder for me to drink 12oz + of artificial, highly processed dairy (which I’ve always had a problem with). Especially once I knew what it was doing to my body and how it would leave me feeling.

So, when the “nice cream” craze hit several years back, I modified it to make this masterpiece, and honestly I don’t miss the Dairy Queen milkshakes AT ALL.

It’s funny how we can literally retrain out tastebuds – now whenever I do have a milkshake or ice cream somewhere out it’s usually tastes SO sweet for me or and if it’s cheap or highly processed leaves a gross taste in my mouth. Which I’m totally ok with – because I want it that much less!

So while I don’t rule it out completely (especially when it comes to local, homemade ice cream), when there’s a healthy alternative that’s full of whole, real foods, incorporates protein and veggies (yes, veggies!) that tastes just as good – it makes my decision a whole lot easier. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Why I love this chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie:

• It makes a great balanced meal, healthy snack, or sweet treat (I’ve definitely had a small one as a dessert!)
• It’s a great way to get a healthy protein packed breakfast in on busy mornings – I put mine in an insulated travel mug and bring with me in the car or to work all the time. Make sure to check out my go to green smoothie recipe or my peaches and cream green protein smoothie here.
• It’s naturally dairy free, gluten free, can easily be made paleo and keto friendly but subbing almond butter and using less banana and a keto protein powder
• It has a natural sweetness from fruit only – the goal!
• It legit tastes like a peanut butter cup, but is full of simple clean ingredients and has all of what you need (whole, real food clean ingredients full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients) and none of what you don’t – processed sugars additives and artificial flavorings
• It’s perfectly balanced with 20 grams + of protein, fiber, healthy fats and clean carbohydrates to minimize blood sugar spikes and crashes

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The BEST Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (DF, GF) Recipe

I make my smoothies in my Vitamix that I’m also obsessed with (I’ve had it 10 years, use it 1-2x a day and have dropped it, moved it, etc. and it’s still going strong!) but you can use any high powered blender (I just can’t guarantee it will taste as great :))

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie Recipe:

Smoothie Ingredients:

I’ve linked some of my favorites below!

• 1 frozen banana (unripe will be lower sugar than ripe banana) 
• 1 cup frozen spinach (I recommend spinach due subtle flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoon real creamy or crunchy peanut butter – healthy fats! (look for one with only one ingredient – peanuts and optional salt. Can sub almond butter or any other nut butter if paleo or Whole30)
• 1 T. organic unsweetened cocoa/cacao powder
• 1-1.5 c. non-dairy milk (I like unsweetened almond, but use whatever milk you prefer. Adjust based on preferred thickness – the less milk you use the more it will be like a smoothie bowl.)
• 1 t. vanilla extract (optional)
• 1-2 servings protein powder of choice (I almost always use Vital Proteins collagen, but you can easily swap for your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder)
• 1 T. flax seeds or chia seeds (fiber!)

Smoothie Recipe:

1. Slice and freeze bananas ahead of time if possible (this will make the smoothie super thick and creamy like a milkshake)
2. Fill blender with almond milk or liquid of choice
3. Add protein powder and chia or flax seeds and blend to keep them from sticking to the sides
4. Add all other ingredients
5. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes in high powered blender (I love my Vitamix here) until smooth
6. Top with crushed nuts, chopped bananas, drizzle of peanut or almond butter or whatever toppings you choose!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie FAQ’s

Q: Does this taste like banana?

• A: Once you add the cacao powder and peanut butter, you barely taste the banana. It’s more of a hint of banana flavor than anything else.

Q: Is a chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie healthy?

• A: This one is! When made with the right ingredients, like protein, fruits, vegetables, fiber from the fruit/spinach and chia or flax seeds, a chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie can be a healthy and nutritious choice, providing essential nutrients and supporting muscle recovery.

Q: How can I make this lower calorie?

• You can sub a peanut butter protein powder for the peanut butter, or do 1/2 an 1/2

Q: Can I make this smoothie as part of a low-carb diet?

• A: Absolutely! Choose a low-carb protein powder, and use unsweetened almond milk and less banana to make it suitable for a low-carb or keto diet.

Q: Is natural peanut butter necessary, or can I use regular peanut butter?

• A: Natural peanut butter with the only ingredient being peanuts and salt is recommended for a cleaner, healthy option. Peanuts themselves are a source of fats, so I don’t encourage buying one with another oil added to them as it’s typically a hydrogenated oil that’s highly inflammatory, and only added to make the peanut butter cheaper, smoother and to go further at less cost to the manufacturer.

Q: What’s the best time to have a chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie?

• A: This smoothie can be enjoyed at any time, but many people find it beneficial as a post-workout snack or a quick and satisfying breakfast. As I noted above, I also love to have it as a dessert instead of a milkshake out if I happen to be craving one.

Q: Can I use a plant-based protein powder for this smoothie?

• A: Absolutely! Choose a high-quality plant-based protein powder to make this smoothie suitable for vegans or those with dairy sensitivities.

Q: How can I make the smoothie less sweet?

• A: Adjust the sweetness by using a protein powder with no added sugars and reducing the amount of banana.

Q: Is it okay to add greens to this smoothie without affecting the taste?

• A: Yes! Spinach is in the ingredients and I almost always add spinach to my smoothies. I’ve found as long as I keep it to under one cup I can never taste it. You can also add frozen riced cauliflower for added thickness.

Q: Can I make this smoothie ahead of time for meal prep?

• A: I wouldn’t recommend making the smoothie ahead of time, but you could prep the frozen and dry ingredients and have them ready to go to dump and blend. Honestly the whole recipe and cleanup takes under 15 minutes, so I’ve found it’s a pretty easy and quick breakfast to make regardless of my schedule.

Q: Are there alternatives for those with nut allergies?

• A: Certainly! Substitute almond milk with a nut-free option like coconut milk or oat milk, and choose a seed butter (such as sunflower seed butter) instead of peanut butter.

Q: How can I make this smoothie more filling for a meal replacement?

• A: This smoothie made as is per the recipe is VERY filling! I make my green/protein smoothies to be an actual meal so it was created as such, but if you find yourself hungry shortly after, you can increase the protein content by adding an extra scoop of protein powder, add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds for added fiber and satiety, and/or increase the nut butter to 1.5-2 T instead of 1.

Q: Is the Vitamix worth it or is there another blender you would recommend?

• A: I 100000x recommend the Vitamix. (I have this Vitamix model) I got mine 10 years ago for a wedding gift, and have used it 1-2x daily ever since. I use it to make EVERYTHING – soups, sauces, smoothies, almond/cashew milk and butter. It’s durable, versatile and high powered. I’ve used other blenders and don’t think they even compare. If this one ever breaks, I won’t even question buying another one. (I think they come with a warranty too!) I also use this Ninja when at my sisters, and while it’s not ideal, it does get the job done!

So make sure to try out this chocolate peanut butter smoothie and let me know what you think!

Related: 5 Favorite Breakfast Smoothie Recipes (with the Vitamix!)