Name: Mocha Protein Shake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
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

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: 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

Mocha protein shake with chocolate syrup lining the glass.

My standard protein shake consists of chocolate protein powder blended with a ripe banana (frozen if available) and spinach. I 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. I’ve been growing to love cottage cheese. Although I don’t care for eating it plain, I 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. I wanted to make this protein shake live up to its name so, in addition to the cottage cheese, I 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, I always put some type of greens in my smoothie. It’s an easy (and delicious) way to sneak a handful of greens into your daily diet. Baby spinach is my go-to because I 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 the best mocha flavor, with no added calories or fat. You’ll feel like you’re drinking a premium milkshake (almost!).

Overhead view of mocha protein shake, surrounded by scattered coffee beans.

Recipe Variations

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 quick add-in to your smoothies. If you want to skip the protein powder in your smoothie, I 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. My 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 my chocolate banana milkshake, made with ice cream. It’s fabulous! Take a look at all my milkshake recipes for frosty treat ideas.

More Recipes Using Cottage Cheese

Usually I hide cottage cheese like in these lemon poppyseed pancakes or chocolate protein pancakes. They’re made in a blender so the cottage cheese is smooth and undetectable. Cottage cheese does double duty as a “sauce” and a cheese on this pita flatbread with asparagus. You can also let cottage melt into an egg white casserole for extra protein.

Recipe