This isn’t your average chocolate protein shake. Pecans, chia seeds, kefir, and cinnamon make it very filling and SUPER healthy.
I’ve developed well over 100 high protein smoothie recipes over the last decade. But I have to admit… I was shocked at how filling this one was! If you’re in need of a healthy, high protein meal replacement that actually keeps you full, then you’re going to love this recipe.
Recipe Highlights
- A complete meal! All the protein, fat and fiber to make you full and satisfied for HOURS.
- High protein: Over 35 grams per serving.
- High fiber: Thanks to whole food ingredients like chia seeds.
- Super filling: This was one of the most filling smoothies I ever drank.
Key Ingredients
Kefir
Kefir is a type of fermented milk. Because it’s fermented, it’s lower in sugar and easier to digest than regular milk. Plus, kefir is considered more “potent” in probiotics than greek yogurt, making it an excellent food for maintaining a healthy gut. As a fermented dairy product, kefir is also an amazing source of vitamin K2 and calcium, both of which are needed for bone, dental, and heart health.
Not to mention, it makes for a really creamy and filling protein smoothie!
Chocolate Protein Powder
To get enough protein in this smoothie to be a meal, we’re using protein powder — specifically Autumn’s Chocolate Protein Powder.
It’s made with 100% whey isolate for a high quality source of protein and zero added sugar. But even more important, it was specifically designed to not taste like protein powder. Most protein powders taste chalky, artificial or just “bleh”. When I set out to create our protein powder in 2021, I wanted to make something that I actually liked the taste of and looked forward to eating. Which is how Autumn’s Protein Powder was born.
And boy, does it make a tasty smoothie (and waffle. and chia pudding. and protein yogurt. and protein coffee.)
Kickstart Your Journey
Shop Autumn’s Whey Protein Powder
Our delish bestselling zero added sugar, gluten & heavy metal tested whey protein powder!
Maca Powder
Maca powder comes from a root native to Peru. It’s known as a natural adaptogen, helping the body better manage stress. Maca has been studied to improve libido and help with menopause. It also has a bit of a butterscotch flavor that works well with the other ingredients in this smoothie. However, if you don’t have maca powder on hand (or you don’t want to start using it), you can just skip this ingredient.
Equipment Needed
- blender
How To Make This Recipe
One of my favorite things about smoothies… it’s so dang easy to make! Just dump all the ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. No need to fuss over specific order. Just throw it all in there and you’re ready to go!
Ingredient Swaps
- Pecans: Sub in any of your favorite nuts or seeds. Pumpkin, walnut, cashew, peanut, almond — all would taste great here!
- Maca powder: If you don’t have this one, feel free to leave it out. It does alter the flavor slightly, but it’s more of a “nice to have” add on rather than a necessity.
- Kefir: You can use a plant-based kefir but you’ll need to up the protein by 1 scoop (1/2 serving) to make up for the lost protein from dairy-based kefir.
- Almond milk: Any unsweetened nut or seed-based milk will work. You could even use whole milk! I just don’t recommend oat milk.
- Banana: If you need a lower carb swap, use 1/4-1/2 avocado.
Storing
You can pre-blend this chocolate protein shake and keep it in a sealed mason jar in the fridge for a few days. Keep in mind it will thicken the longer it’s in the fridge. So when you go to drink it, you might want to add a few tablespoons extra almond milk and give it a little shake to thin it out a bit.
Tips From The Nutritionist
Autumn Bates, CCN, MS, BS, CPT
This is great as breakfast, but you can drink it for lunch, too! As a busy mom who also works, high protein smoothies like this one are a fast and easy way to ensure I get everything I need to feel my best and support my goals.
FAQ’s
Yes, but you need to watch out for sugar (even natural ones). You may want to opt for the avocado swap instead of banana to keep the sugar even lower.
This smoothie is a full meal! It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients to fuel your day and make you feel super satisfied.
Other Recipes You May Love
- Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie; Simple, satisfying and high protein.
- Vanilla Peanut Butter Smoothie; For the peanut butter lovers!
- Lemon Blueberry Pie Smoothie; Shockingly refreshing (and filling).
Did you love this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Chocolate Protein Shake with Kefir and Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened kefir
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 scoops Autumn's Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 2 tbsp. pecans
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. maca powder optional
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
if you’re diabetic is kefir still ok to drink / eat as yogurt bowl ? I have to really have a low sugar diet
Hi there! Kefir is usually perfectly fine because it’s fermented and naturally lower in sugar. It’s important to not add other sugars though and to choose unsweetened versions. You can also double check with your doctor that it’s a good fit!