This keto chocolate protein shake makes a refreshing breakfast or dessert that is nutritious, filling, and keeps hunger at bay! Plus, it has a whopping 31 grams of protein and is a great way to fuel your day on a keto diet.
❤️ Why you'll love it
This keto protein shake comes together in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients and a good blender. It’s rich, chocolatey, and surprisingly filling, making it perfect when you need something fast that actually keeps you satisfied. If you’re new to keto, go ahead and meet your new daily obsession!
🥘 Equipment Used
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Use your high-speed blender to make this low carb smoothie in no time.
🧾 Ingredients Used
- Protein powder: I use Isopure Zero Carb protein powder for this recipe. I like that it has zero carbs and is flavorless. You can, of course, use your favorite low-carb protein powder.
- Cacao powder: Viva Naturals Certified Organic Cacao Powder is one of the best cacao powders I've ever tried. It is not as bitter as some others and always has a pleasant, fresh taste. It is also vegan and gluten-free. If you have a favorite brand, you can use that as well.
- Monk fruit sweetener: My favorite sweetener is Monkfruit sweetener with erythritol. I love that it does not have any cooling effect or weird aftertaste.
- Unsweetened almond milk and heavy whipping cream: Unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk provide a liquid base, while heavy cream provides bulk and more fat. Make sure they are both low-carb and don't contain hidden sugars.
- Almond butter: You can use almond butter or substitute it with any nut butter you like.
- Salt: I like to add a pinch of salt to neutralize the cacao powder's bitter taste. You can also add more sweetener and omit the salt, but I don't like mine overly sweet.
- Vanilla extract: For an extra dose of flavor!
🔪 How To Make Keto Chocolate Protein Shake
- Add the almond milk first, then add all the other ingredients in a personal blender or nutribullet.
- Add some ice, if you want, and blend.
- Top up with zero-carb whipped cream, cinnamon, or shaved chocolate.
🥫 Storing and Reheating
Shakes don't tend to store very well and this low carb protein shake may start to separate in the fridge after a few hours, especially if you add ice. Another option is to add all of the ingredients for this keto chocolate shake to your blender cup, store it in the fridge, and then blend when you need it.
You can also freeze extra shake in popsicle trays for keto chocolate protein popsicles.
💭 Tips and Variations
- Skip heavy cream and add 1 extra tablespoon almond butter for a dairy-free or vegan version.
- Add a scoop of collagen powder and blend longer for a thicker, creamier shake.
- Freeze leftovers for a healthier ice-cream vibe, then thaw in the fridge for about an hour.
- Use chocolate protein powder instead of cacao and sweetener for a shortcut.
- Add frozen strawberries for a chocolate-covered-strawberries twist, but count the extra carbs.
- Sprinkle in chia seeds for an easy fiber boost.
- Toss in a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold.
🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
This delicious keto shake can be eaten as a meal replacement or a healthy keto dessert! Feel free to add your favorite toppings to this keto chocolate protein shake, like sugar-free whipped cream (look for it at your grocery store), cinnamon powder, keto chocolate chips, or shaved unsweetened baker's chocolate.
👩🍳 Frequently asked questions
Why is my keto chocolate protein shake bitter?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is a bit bitter by default because it contains no added sugars. Adding just a pinch of salt helps to neutralize this. If it still tastes bitter, check the expiration date. I have noticed that the older it is, the stronger the bitter taste. Keep the container or bag sealed properly to maintain its freshness.
Can you do protein shakes on keto?
Yes! Homemade keto shakes are a great treat that can also be used as an occasional meal replacement on those busy mornings. It's important to watch your carb count to ensure you are sticking to your keto guidelines. My recipe has 4 g net carbs and is suitable for a low-carb diet. Double-check that all of your ingredients are free from added sugars, which can unintentionally add too many carbs. Find the best keto smoothies for weight loss here.
How often can you have protein shakes on keto?
That really depends on you. I'm not a nutritionist and everyone is different. It's usually best to prioritize real food as much as possible. Even though keto shakes can fit into your keto lifestyle, it's a good practice to enjoy them occasionally and focus on eating real meats, proteins, and vegetables as often as possible. Always seek medical advice from a trained medical professional.
📚 Related Recipes
Enjoy these other keto desserts and breakfast recipes!
Keto Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
📖 Recipe
Keto Chocolate Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 scoop protein powder approx 2 tbsp
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the almond milk first, then add the other ingredients.1 scoop protein powder, 1 tablespoon cacao powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener, 1 cup almond milk, ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon almond butter, pinch of salt
- Add some ice, then blend on high in a blender or nutribullet.
- Top up with zero-carb whipped cream, cinnamon, or shaved chocolate.
Notes
- Skip heavy cream and add 1 extra tablespoon almond butter for a dairy-free or vegan version.
- Add a scoop of collagen powder and blend longer for a thicker, creamier shake.
- Freeze leftovers for a healthier ice-cream vibe, then thaw in the fridge for about an hour.
- Use chocolate protein powder instead of cacao and sweetener for a shortcut.
- Add frozen strawberries for a chocolate-covered-strawberries twist, but count the extra carbs.
- Sprinkle in chia seeds for an easy fiber boost.
- Toss in a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold.
Nutrition
Tayo Oredola is the founder of Low Carb Africa, where she shares healthy, low carb dishes with global flavors. She is passionate about teaching people how to cook drool-worthy dishes while losing weight and living their best lives. Tayo’s recipes have been featured on MSN, Women’s Health, Parade, Yahoo News, Pure Wow, Essence, and other online publications.
OMG this is sooo good!
Thank you so much, Debbie!
This was AMAZING! I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and replaced almond butter with natural peanut butter and I may have this every morning now. Thank you!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Michelle. It's one of my favorite breakfast shakes too!
The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were easy to get. The drink however was way too bitter. I’m guessing it is the sweetener. If I make it again I’ll omit the sweetener and use bananas or something instead (I’m not doing keto, just healthier eating).
Keto chocolate drinks taste slightly bitter and sometimes this depends on the brand and freshness of the cacao powder you used. Also, did you add a little salt? It helps balance out the bitterness. And if you're not on the keto diet, banana and honey will work well.
Hi, I will totally try this recipe, but I want to as what I can use as a substitute instead of protein powder. Thanks
You can omit the protein powder but it might be less filling. If you try it, let me know!