This shake is smooth, rich, chocolatey, and has a fresh burst of orange flavor that wakes everything up.
It’s a quick blender recipe that tastes like a treat but fuels you like a healthy meal.
I make this one after workouts, for busy mornings, or when I’m craving something sweet but still want to feel good about what I’m putting in my body.
Why I Love This Recipe
This shake came together by accident one day when I tossed an orange into the blender with my usual chocolate protein powder. Total game-changer.
- You get deep chocolate flavor with a clean citrus kick
- It’s filling and energizing without feeling heavy
- Great for breakfast, post-workout, or dessert
- Made in 5 minutes with stuff you probably already have
- It tastes like a chocolate orange candy, but with protein
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 ice cubes
Servings & Time
- Makes: 1 large or 2 small servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Add Fruit to Blender
Place the peeled and segmented orange and 1 frozen banana into the blender. The frozen banana makes it creamy and cold.
Step 2: Add Protein Powder and Cocoa
Add 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder and 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender. This gives it the rich chocolate base.
Step 3: Add Greek Yogurt
Spoon in 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for thickness and extra protein.
Step 4: Pour in Almond Milk and Flavor
Add 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 teaspoon honey (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. These smooth out the shake and round out the flavor.
Step 5: Add Ice and Blend
Toss in 3–4 ice cubes and blend until completely smooth.
Step 6: Pour and Serve
Pour the shake into a glass, garnish with an orange slice and some dark chocolate shavings if you like.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Tall glass for serving
Pro Tips
- Freeze bananas in advance—they make the shake thick and cold without ice
- Use a seedless orange or remove seeds before blending
- Don’t skip the cocoa powder; it deepens the chocolate flavor
- Want it sweeter? Use a very ripe banana or add a splash more honey
- Blend on high for at least 30 seconds so it’s totally smooth
Substitutions & Variations
- Use oat or dairy milk instead of almond milk
- Swap Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt
- Try chocolate oat protein powder for a nut-free version
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber
- Toss in spinach to sneak in greens (you won’t taste it)
Make Ahead Tips
- Peel and segment oranges and freeze them in advance
- Prep smoothie packs: add all dry ingredients + banana to a freezer bag and just add milk/yogurt when blending
- Store shake in fridge up to 24 hours, stir before drinking
Leftovers & Storage
If you have leftovers, keep them in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 day. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking. Don’t freeze after blending—the texture changes.
Macros (Approximate, 1 large serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 18g (mostly natural from fruit)
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The frozen banana creates a milkshake-like texture without ice cream. Oranges provide natural sweetness and vitamin C, while cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, and blending everything at high speed breaks down the citrus fibers so it’s smooth, not pulpy.
Common Mistakes
- Using fresh banana instead of frozen: the shake won’t be thick
- Not blending long enough: you might get orange pulp chunks
- Using flavored yogurt: can overpower the chocolate-orange combo
- Skipping cocoa powder: it won’t taste as chocolatey
What to Serve With
- A slice of whole grain toast with almond butter
- A hard-boiled egg for extra protein
- A handful of almonds or walnuts
- Post-workout? Pair it with a rice cake and peanut butter
FAQ
Can I use orange juice instead of a fresh orange?
You can, but it won’t be as creamy or flavorful. Whole oranges have fiber and more zing.
Do I need a high-speed blender?
It helps, but any blender will work—just blend a bit longer.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based yogurt and make sure your protein powder is vegan.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure your blender can handle the volume.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Protein Shake is proof that healthy can still be fun and delicious. It’s creamy, energizing, and feels like a little luxury in your day. Try it, tweak it, and make it your own. Let me know how it turned out in the comments—I’d love to hear your take on it!
