Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Michelle

Chocolate anything is good, yes? Add mint to the chocolate and toss in some much-needed protein, and I’m all in.

btw, if I had you at “mint chocolate” you definitely need my Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (with no refined sugar!) in your life.

Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Shake

This shake is one of my favorite treats for a summer afternoon… but who am I kinding? I love it in the dead of winter too.

The addition of cacao nibs to this smoothie makes it my hands-down, all-around favorite shake. To pump up the nutrition I’ll add a few handfulls of spinach if I have it and some fresh mint if it’s growing in my garden.

But I’m not gonna lie, this shake is yummy with just 3 ingredients too: milk, protein powder, and frozen banana

BONUS: leftovers turn into the most amazing protein ice pop. I show you how in this video:

{VIDEO https://youtu.be/sfTGOwa9Keo }

What is a protein shake?

Protein is a hot topic right now. Folks are finally starting to realize that while protein is super important for us, we often aren’t getting enough. Enter powdered protein, stage right. With high-protein food powdered into a flavored mix, we can add it to all kinds of things (not just a milkshake… think pancakes or coffee or hot chocolate).

Protein shakes are often made from eggs, milk, soybeans, or rice. But the tricky part is finding out the other ingredients such as artificial flavoring, thickeners, and added sugar (lots of added refined sugar). In most cases, you’ll get 10-20 grams of protein in a scoop.

But my favorite protein powders are different. Like night and day different…

How to choose a protein powder?

If you want to be using a protein powder that’s actually good for you (not loaded with sugars and artificial ingredients that are whipped up in a lab), ask a few questions.

Does it have multiple sources of protein?

The more sources of protein a powder contains, the easier it is for your body to absorb the protein. (And, afterall, if your body can’t absorb the protein, there’s no reason to be adding it to your food, right?) All of these protein powders contain 4-5 different sources of protein,

‌How is it flavored?

Typically, a protein powder relies on artificial flavors. But these protein powders are flavored with real foods like organic cacao, vanilla beans, strawberries, etc. not artificial (or “natural”) flavors mixed up in a lab.

‌Does it have any added “junk”?

I was first interested in these protein powders because I realized that they have zero junk–NO artificial dyes, flavors, or sweeteners. They also has no added fillers or junk, which can mess with your gut. I worked too hard to improve my gut health (mainly with homemade kombucha) to randomly drink things that kill the good bacteria in my gut.

‌Ask about the whey…

Does your protein powder company source their protein from the by-products of cheesemaking? If so, you’re loosing out. These protein powders are made with 100% grass-fed non-denatured whey protein, sourced directly from milk, not the by-products of cheesemaking. This means the amino acids are still intact, making it easier to absorb & digest.

Bonus, it’s free of casein and low in lactose which makes it a great option for those that are typically sensitive to whey products.

‌Is it made with stevia?

This could be a bad thing… because the processed stevia you typically find on the market has been through a 42-step process, and often causes gut issues. In fact, a lot of you will reach out to me every time I mention protein powder over on instagram and tell me you can’t use protein powder because of what it does to your stomach. I’m always happy to explain that THIS protein powder is very different. It’s sweetened with crushed up stevia leaf… that’s it. ONE ingredient. In fact, it’s the very same way I often sweeten a cup of tea, adding zero calories. I link to the stevia leaf I use below.

Are drinking protein shakes good for you?

Protein shakes can be a great way to make sure you’re getting enough protein in your daily diet. Join me for a whole series of lives we did on instagram recently all about protein: They’re all saved here, in this youtube playlist.

But do a little research with your favorite protein powder and make sure it’s using good ingredients or in the end it may not be good for you at all.

Is it OK to drink 1 protein shake every day?

I often have 1 protein shake a day. They fill you up with good stuff, helping you not eat junk food. And–the real reason I started drinking protein shakes–they help maintain muscle mass, which has been important for me in my 50s. Because people need extra protein as they age.

What do proteins do for your hair?

Protein in your diet definitely improves your hair. It will make your hair stronger and improve it’s density and elasticity. You’ll find your hair is breaking less and has less split ends.

I share about my favorite nontoxic hair products here.

Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Shake Recipe

.INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups milk

1 scoop mint chocolate protein powder (code SOULYRESTED saves $$)

1-2 frozen bananas

1-2 cups spinach (optional)

1/2 TB chia seeds

2 TB dried mint

1 TB maple syrup

cacao nibs

TOPPINGS
2 TB chocolate chips

2 TB granola

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients to blender (except for your granola or chocolate chips that you’re using for topping) and blend well.

Pour into glass and add a tablespoon or two of granola and/or chocolate chips to serve.

NOTES

The bananas make the shake sweet enough that the maple syrup is optional. Feel free to also substitute any sweetener.
I like the added nutritional benefits of chia seeds and cacao nibs, but feel free to also eliminate those.
The dried mint can be substituted with a tsp of mint extract, 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, or eliminated all together, especially if you’re using a mint chocolate protein powder.
If you have trouble with the ingredients mixing up well, you may want to partially thaw the banana or upgrade your blender. My high-power blender whips the frozen bananas up in half a minute, and the vacuum seal maintains every drop of the wonderful nutrients.
If you don’t have protein powder, you can add 3 TB of cacao and a little more chia seeds.

Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Shake cacao nibs in mason jar

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk
1 scoop mint chocolate protein powder*
1-2 frozen bananas
1-2 cups spinach optional
1/2 TB chia seeds
2 TB dried mint
1 TB maple syrup
cacao nibs

Instructions

Add all ingredients to blender (except for your granola or chocolate chips that you're using for topping) and blend well.
Pour into glass and add a tablespoon or two of granola and/or chocolate chips to serve.

Notes

*This is my favorite clean, nutritious protein powder. Code "SOULYRESTED" saves you 10% all the time.

The bananas make the shake sweet enough that the maple syrup is optional. Feel free to also substitute any sweetener.

I like the added nutritional benefits of chia seeds and cacao nibs, but feel free to also eliminate those.

The dried mint can be substituted with a tsp of mint extract, 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, or eliminated all together, especially if you're using a mint chocolate protein powder.

If you have trouble with the ingredients mixing up well, you may want to partially thaw the banana or upgrade your blender. My high-power blender whips the frozen bananas up in half a minute, and the vacuum seal maintains every drop of the wonderful nutrients.

If you don't have protein powder, you can add 3 TB of cacao and a little more chia seeds.

Grab my Pantry Checklist & lots of great deals on great ingredients

I am happy to share my pantry checklist with you because I firmly believe real food can be much more “doable” and convenient to make if we just make sure to have the important staples on hand.

I also firmly believe we all need to keep some moolah in our pockets whenever possible, so I’ve filled my pantry checklist with exclusive discount codes as well.

Go here to grab yours right now. It will take about 4 seconds & instantly save you time and money.

More drinks you’ll love:

What you’ll need to make this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Shake

I buy these chocolate chips in bulk. They’re organic AND made with a sweetener that won’t spike your blood sugar levels.

These crushed cacao beans are rich, chocolatey, and loaded with nutrients and powerful plant compounds. I love them in smoothies and shakes, or in cookies along with chocolate chips.

This protein powder is the BEST I’ve found, anywhere. Use code SOULYRESTED to save $$

This organic stevia sweetens tea with zero calories & this is the best price I’ve ever found! Use code SOULYRESTED to save $$

This maple syrup is the most delicious all-natural syrup. And it’s not just for pancakes! Use code SOULYRESTED for 10% off.

I can’t imagine making homemade peanut butter or real butter–not to mention so many delicious drinks–without this vacuum-sealed blender.

Talk to me about your mint chocolate chip protein shake…

If you have questions, leave a comment below. And please tag me on ig to show me your shake @souly.rested.

“He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9

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