🍌 Dark and Creamy Chocolate Banana Smoothie {19g protein}

With 240 calories, this dark and creamy chocolate banana smoothie is healthy and delicious. High in protein, this healthy milkshake is perfect for and easy breakfast, nutritious snack, or an indulgent dessert.

The calories and macros for this Chocolate Banana Smoothie is 240 calories, 19 g protein, 25 g carbs, and 7 g fat (and only 1 WeightWatchers Points)

With the right combination of ingredients, a protein smoothie can make it feel like you aren’t dieting at all! In fact, it can feel downright indulgent on your weight loss journey.

The last few decades have seen a massive improvement in the taste of protein powder. Back in the early 90’s, drinking a protein shake was similar to gagging my way through a colonoscopy prep.

But these days, you can find delicious protein powder with healthy ingredients in a variety of flavors. (check out our latest protein powder taste test here)

In the early 2000’s, smoothies started gaining popularity. Made with a variety of fruits and veggies blended together, anyone trying to get healthy was gulping down green smoothies to pack in the nutrients.

Now, there’s been a melting together of the perfect fruit smoothie, with tastier than ever protein power. These drinks are really the best of both worlds. I can’t get enough of them, and I’ve been making my smoothies in a variety of ways.

One of my FAVORITE smoothies is a Chocolate Banana Smoothie! And I’m not alone. The Vegan Dark Chocolate banana smoothie at the Smoothie King restaurant is the number one Smoothie seller.

What ingredients are in the Smoothie King Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana

Considered as part of their “Be Well Blends”, the Smoothie King Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana Smoothie is WILDLY popular! The ingredients in their smoothie is simply:

• Bananas
• Dates
• Blueberries
• 100% cocoa and
• Vegan protein powder

But, be careful! Their 40 ounce cup has 710 calories, 160 g carbs, 21 g protein, and 2.5 g of fat. It also has 19 WeightWatchers points. Those calories and carbs are even higher than most Crumbl Cookies!

But even their 20 ounce (which is comparable to the chocolate smoothie recipe here) is 350 calories, 10 g proteins, and a whopping 80 grams of carbs.

My healthier recipe for the chocolate smoothie beats that by 100 CALORIES and saves you 55 grams of carbs.

How to make a low calorie, low fat chocolate banana smoothie

OK!! Let’s break down this thick shake recipe by ingredients. It’s so easy to make. You just need a good, high powered blender, and the following ingredients.

• Unsweetened almond milk– A staple for any smoothie or shake is going to be some liquid. I like to use the Unsweetened vanilla almond milk because it is only 30 calories per cup. You get the flavor of vanilla, without the sugar or calories. Plus, if you want a vegan shake, almond milk is a great choice.
• Chocolate Protein powder. For this recipe, I used the Clean Simple Eats Brownie Batter protein. I’ve mentioned many times, for vanilla protein, I use the Optimum Nutrition, but for flavors, I enjoy Clean Simple Eats. They always have fun new flavors to try. (this affiliate link has a discount code) The CSE has no added sugar, it’s gluten free, and includes digestive enzymes for those with sensitive stomachs. You can also just use your favorite brand of chocolate protein, and there are even some vegan chocolate proteins out there, although I have not taste tested any of them.
• Frozen banana- CRITICAL to the creaminess and thickness of this shake is 1/2 of a frozen banana. The flavor is mild, so even if you don’t like banana, don’t skip this. The chocolate definitely overpowers it. But, the creaminess is unbeatable.
• Nonfat Greek yogurt– for a little extra protein, thickness, and creaminess, Nonfat plain greek yogurt is a winning add-in.
• Cocoa powder- to give it a strong chocolate flavor, I added extra cocoa. While you only need a teaspoon, you can increase it to a tablespoon of 100% cocoa powder if you like a rich, dark chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla extract- because it makes everything better!
• Ice cubes– Essential to making this chocolate banana smoothie taste like a milkshake! Just like how I recently made cotton candy protein ice cream I realized that JUST by using ice and water in a food processor, Ice has a surprising ability to turn this protein drink into a frozen delight.
• Optional: whipped cream topping– because I ALWAYS have a can of whipped cream. It’s only 15 calories for two tablespoons and makes a boring smoothie just like dessert!!
• Sugar free chocolate chips– For sprinkling on top, or blending into your shake, or both! Sugar free chocolate chips have been so smooth and creamy. They literally taste like full fat and full sugar chocolate chips to me.

Extra add-ins or ingredient swaps

There are some other ways you can make this smoothie taste a little different, or add some extra nutrition. Some popular add ins or ingredient swaps include:

• PEANUT BUTTER!– This is a popular add in for a chocolate smoothie. If you love peanut butter and chocolate together, you’ll love this. Plus, a little healthy fat is good for satiety. Also, if you are looking to GAIN weight, adding a fat like peanut butter can make this smoothie still healthy, but contain the extra calories you want to gain weight.
• STRAWBERRIES– Chocolate and strawberries have long been a delicious combo (who doesn’t love chocolate covered strawberries!) So, adding a few strawberries is a great idea.
• BLUEBERRIES– The Smoothie King Dark Chocolate Banana smoothie includes blueberries. Blueberries are good for your brain, and high in antioxidants.
• COTTAGE CHEESE– Yes, cottage cheese is a great addition to a smoothie. You can also swap the greek yogurt in this recipe for cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is High in protein, and low in calories. It’s been a long time go-to food for someone trying to lose weight.
• MILK– Instead of almond milk, you can use cow’s milk. It’s creamy, delicious, and packed with calcium.
• ALMOND BUTTER- Like peanut butter, the healthy fats in almond butter are good for keeping you full. Instead of a snack or dessert, this smoothie could be a breakfast that keeps you full till lunch.

Tips for the best, creamiest smoothie

There’s only a few things that can make the difference between a “protein drink”, and a protein shake that tastes like a milk shake.

1. Use a good blender. This is essential for a smooth smoothie. You don’t want chunks of frozen banana or ice getting in the way of a good blend.
2. Don’t forget to freeze your bananas- Using a frozen banana instead of a fresh banana will give it the creaminess you are looking for in a good smoothie.
3. Don’t forget the ice! Again, to make a smoothie taste like a milkshake, blending in the ice until it’s smooth will help.
4. Drink it right away. It’s so quick to make this, and making this drink ahead of time just doesn’t taste as good. The ingredients start to separate, and it’s no longer slushy. Just trust me and make it to drink right away.

So, that’s it! I’m making a video that I’ll link to if you want to see how easy and delicious this can be. And always, if you make this, tag me on social media so I can see it!

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