Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie

Luxurious, chocolatey Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie! Packs 20 grams of plant protein... without the use of protein powders! Vegan & gluten-free.

This quick & easy smoothie is super luxurious, chocolatey, and packs a serious protein punch - all without the use of protein powders! One cup soy milk and 2 Tbsp. peanut butter have about 8 grams of protein each. Plus the antioxidant-rich cacao powder adds another 3 grams (and even the banana about a gram) bringing the total to 20 grams of plant-powered protein. We typically enjoy this smoothie as a mid-day energy boost and I love the sustaining energy. Plus it's healthy but tastes like an indulgent treat! 🍫

In addition to the high protein, this smoothie is rich in many other nutrients all from nourishing, plant sources. Raw cacao (pronounced "ca-COW") is shown to be an antioxidant powerhouse, rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and a natural mood elevator. (This is the organic cacao powder we use if you're interested.) I've been trying to work more of it in my diet and it's been pretty easy with recipes like this 😉 It's great as a quick breakfast, mid-day boost, post-workout, or smoothie bowl with all the toppings! See the notes below the recipe for substitutions and other options. We love ours with a little vanilla and almond extract, but that's totally optional.

Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free
Makes 1 smoothie

Ingredients
1 cup organic soy milk
1 very ripe banana, frozen if possible
2 Tbsp. peanut butter (creamy, natural)
2 Tbsp. cacao powder (I use this brand)
1 Tbsp. maple syrup (or dates or other sweetener)
Optional: 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp. almond extract, 1 tsp. maca powder, ice cubes

Directions
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Taste and adjust if necessary.

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Serving suggestions:
Drink it as is, sprinkle with cacao nibs, or make a smoothie bowl topped with peanut butter granola, coconut flakes, banana slices, or even some fluffy coco whip.

Notes:
Feel free to sub the peanut butter with other nut butters. (Though this may affect the protein amount.)
If you don't have cacao powder, sub with cocoa powder.
I use plain, unsweetened soy milk so the sweetener amount reflects that. Feel free to lessen/omit the maple syrup if you're using sweetened milk. (We like WestSoy brand soy milk - only two ingredients... water and soybeans!)
I love adding vanilla and almond extracts for extra flavor. Just be sure to only use a tiny bit of almond extract as it can quickly overpower - I use just a couple drops or about 1/8 tsp.

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