Chocolate Protein Smoothie Recipe with Banana and Avocado

By Roel van den Bogaard, personal trainer and founder of Aurora Personal Training in Eindhoven.

Make this chocolate protein smoothie with frozen banana, avocado, cocoa, chocolate protein powder, whole milk and honey. Blend the six ingredients until smooth and serve in a glass or bowl. With a banana that is already frozen, it takes approximately 5 minutes to prepare.

Frozen banana makes the smoothie cold and thick. Avocado adds creaminess, while cocoa and chocolate protein powder provide the chocolate flavour.

Below, you will find the recipe first, followed by blending tips, variations and answers to questions about protein and portions.

Recipe at a glance

The time needed to freeze the banana is not included. The recipe makes one batch; divide it between a glass, bowl or smaller portions according to your needs.

1. Prepare the ingredients. Use a banana that was peeled before freezing and preferably cut into pieces. Remove the skin and stone from the avocado half.
2. Fill the blender. Add the milk, avocado, frozen banana, cocoa, chocolate protein powder and honey. Follow your blender manufacturer’s recommended loading order.
3. Blend until smooth. Blend into a creamy mixture without large pieces. If necessary, stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula. Never put a spoon or spatula into a running blender.
4. Pour and serve. Transfer the smoothie to a glass or bowl.
5. Add optional toppings. Choose toppings to suit your taste and serve immediately.

Freeze the banana in pieces

A whole, solidly frozen banana is harder to blend than smaller pieces. Peel and slice it before freezing.

Keeping frozen banana pieces ready means you only need to measure the remaining ingredients when you want to make the smoothie.

Use ripe avocado

Ripe avocado blends more easily. A firm, unripe avocado can leave pieces in the smoothie.

Avocado mainly contributes creaminess. How strongly you taste it also depends on its ripeness, the cocoa and the protein powder.

Allow the ingredients to circulate

If the blender struggles, stop it, loosen the mixture and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for frozen ingredients.

The smoothie should be creamy. Avoid automatically adding large amounts of extra liquid, as this changes the recipe’s proportions and flavour.

You can choose how to serve the same basic recipe.

In a glass: blend thoroughly and use toppings sparingly if you want it to be easy to drink.

In a bowl: serve with a spoon and add toppings such as granola, cacao nibs or banana slices for texture.

For a thicker bowl, using less milk is one possible variation. Adding oats is another option, but it changes the composition and nutritional values. These adjustments are not part of the original recipe.

Milk and chocolate protein powder provide protein. The exact amount depends mainly on your product and scoop size.

A scoop of protein powder is not the same weight across every brand and is not pure protein. Check the label to see how much powder your scoop holds and how much protein it supplies.

To calculate nutritional values:

1. Weigh the protein powder used.
2. Calculate the values using your product labels.
3. Include the other ingredients and any toppings.
4. Divide the total by the number of equal portions you make.

Read more about macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Enjoy it for breakfast, after training or at another time that suits your day. There is no compulsory timing that makes this particular combination more effective.

Whether it suits you as breakfast or a snack depends on your needs and the rest of your diet. With whole milk, avocado, banana, honey and toppings, it can be a substantial serving.

After strength training

The smoothie combines protein with carbohydrates and fats. It can fit into your eating pattern, but that does not automatically make it a perfect recovery meal.

Your training, overall nutrition and recovery all matter. Read our guide to nutrition and muscle growth.

Before strength training

Choose a time and amount that feel comfortable. A large, creamy smoothie immediately before demanding exercise does not suit everyone.

Adding extra oats or dates is not a standard requirement. Match any additions to your needs and what you tolerate well.

It can be, provided the amount fits your overall eating pattern.

High in protein does not automatically mean low in calories. Whole milk, avocado, honey and toppings also provide energy. Adding more ingredients does not necessarily make it more suitable for weight loss.

Consider the whole batch and how much you actually drink.

Is the recipe sugar-free?

No. It contains honey and naturally occurring sugars from ingredients including banana and milk. The protein powder may also contain sugar, depending on the product.

This recipe does not establish that the smoothie prevents an energy crash or keeps everyone’s blood sugar stable.

With Greek yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is a possible addition. It changes the flavour and consistency. The amount of protein it adds depends on the yoghurt you choose.

Lactose-free

Replacing the milk alone may not be enough. Check the chocolate protein powder and any toppings too.

Lactose-free milk is one option. Almond or oat drinks change the nutritional values and do not automatically provide as much protein as milk. Lactose-free is also not the same as suitable for someone with a cow’s milk allergy.

Vegan

The original recipe is not vegan because it contains milk and honey. The protein powder may also be milk-based.

For a vegan variation, replace all relevant ingredients and check the toppings. These substitutions change the original recipe.

With gluten-free toppings

Choose granola labelled gluten-free when needed. Also check the protein powder and all other ingredient labels.

The easiest preparation is to peel, slice and freeze the banana in advance. Measure the dry ingredients and keep them ready separately.

Add the milk, avocado and honey when you are ready to blend. This helps preserve the fresh flavour and cold, creamy texture.

Serve immediately where possible. If taking the smoothie with you, use a clean, sealed bottle and keep it chilled. Add crunchy toppings just before eating.

Does the banana need to be frozen?

For the original recipe, yes. Frozen banana makes the smoothie cold and thick. A fresh banana produces a different result.

Can you leave out the avocado?

You can as an adaptation, but it changes the texture and composition. The original recipe contains half an avocado.

Should you use cocoa powder or drinking chocolate?

Use cocoa powder as specified in the recipe. Drinking chocolate is a different product and may contain sugar and milk powder.

Can you make it without protein powder?

That changes the flavour, consistency and protein content. Milk still provides protein, but the result will differ from the recipe above.

Why is my smoothie too thick?

Frozen banana, avocado and protein powder all affect thickness. Check the quantities and make sure everything is thoroughly blended. Adding liquid is a possible adjustment, but it changes the recipe.

How many calories does the smoothie contain?

This depends on the size of the banana and avocado, the protein powder, the amount of honey and any toppings. Without those details, we do not provide an exact calorie figure.

Which allergens does this recipe contain?

The original recipe contains milk. Protein powder may contain additional allergens. Toppings can introduce peanuts, nuts, soya and gluten. Check all product labels.

For another recipe, try our protein pancakes with oats and Greek yoghurt.

You can alternate breakfasts according to what you enjoy, the time available and your needs.

At Aurora Personal Training in Eindhoven, we consider how training, nutrition and recovery fit your goals and schedule.

Having a few recipes you enjoy making can help establish a routine. We look at your overall eating pattern and what is practical in your daily life.

Would you like to discuss how your nutrition and training work together? Book a free intake at Aurora Personal Training.