Get your protein and coffee fix all at once with this irresistible mocha protein shake recipe. You’ll want to drink it daily!
My standard combination is for a protein shake is chocolate protein with banana (frozen if available) and spinach. Sometimes I’ll throw some ground flax seed in too. I kicked this mocha protein shake recipe up a notch with some espresso powder, pure vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and cottage cheese. Yes, cottage cheese!
Why you’ll love this protein shake
- Protein boost, compliments of cottage cheese: I’ve been slowly growing to love the stuff. Usually I hide it like in these lemon poppyseed pancakes or chocolate protein pancakes. I used it double duty as a “sauce” and a cheese on this pita flatbread with asparagus, and let it melt into an egg white casserole for extra protein. It’s also not my first time using it in a smoothie or shake. My whole family loves this peach, banana and cottage cheese smoothie. If you don’t have or don’t like cottage cheese, you could use plain Greek yogurt in its place in this mocha protein shake recipe.
- Greens: I always put some type of greens in my smoothie. You can really use whatever you have on hand, but spinach is my go to.
- Even more protein: I really went heavy on the protein in this by also adding protein powder, but you could choose either cottage cheese OR protein powder if you don’t want to go that heavy on the protein.
- Mocha flavored: Cocoa powder plus espresso powder gives this protein shake an unbelievable mocha flavor. It feels like you’re drinking a milkshake!
Make it your own
Protein shakes are forgiving, so feel free to experiment.
- Switch up the greens: Try using kale instead of spinach.
- Switch up the protein sources: Try using yogurt instead of cottage cheese.
- Switch up the liquid: Use milk, almond milk, or coconut milk instead of water.
Recipe
Mocha Protein Shake Recipe
Get your protein and coffee fix all at once with this irresistible mocha protein shake recipe. You’ll want to drink it daily!
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
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender. Serve immediately.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- Collagen boost: Add one scoop of collagen peptides to your smoothies and shakes. It will not affect the flavor or texture.
- Storage: This protein shake is best served immediately and doesn’t store well. If you do want to make it ahead, I’d advise omitting the ice because it tends to melt and dilute the smoothie.
- Variations: Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for the cottage cheese; omit espresso powder, if desired; use your favorite milk instead of water; add a ripe frozen banana either instead of the protein powder or in addition to it.
Nutrition
Serving: 1shake, Calories: 212kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 40mg, Sodium: 619mg, Potassium: 611mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 2859IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 317mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
I do a lot of blending for protein intake, I feel like 8oz is not enough liquid for that amount of ingredients. How thick does it come out to be? If I try, I’d be more inclined to do 16oz.
I love a thick shake, but you’re more than welcome to add as much liquid as you’d like or need.
Thx for this recipe. Living in the Buffalo area family was without power for three days also and did showers and laundry here. This would be a great drink to offer them while they are here.
How kind-hearted of you! They’re lucky to have you. I hope you all love this shake! Thank you for taking the time to comment. :)
Hi, I’m back. Just made this shake, it is sooo delicious.
Didn’t have any ice so I used a frozen banana.
I will have this again. Thank you.
Your pictures are beautiful.
So happy to hear you liked it — thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment, it means so much to me! Thanks again!
Will try this in a few minute.. I do not have espresso powder, and using non-fat cottage cheese.
Sounds yummy. thank you