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    Home » Recipes » Smoothie

    Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie

    Jun 24, 2018 by Kaitlin

    A thick and chocolatey healthy Chunky Monkey Vegan Protein Smoothie. It's naturally sweetened and has 20 grams of plant protein... with NO protein powder!

    Two chunky monkey protein smoothies in a glass topped with cacao

    This vegan chocolate chunky monkey smoothie is super luxurious, and full of plant-based protein. With no protein powder!

    One cup soy milk and 2 tablespoons peanut butter have about 8 grams of protein each.

    Then the antioxidant-rich cacao powder adds another 3 grams. Even the banana adds about a gram, which brings the total to 20 grams protein.

    It provides sustaining energy, and is also pretty healthy but tastes like an indulgent dessert.

    Pouring chunky monkey smoothie into a glass

    Ingredients for Chunky Monkey Smoothie

    For this recipe you will blend in a blender:

    • Soy milk: Or other dairy-free milk of choice such as almond milk, cashew milk, etc.
    • Ripe banana: Try to find one that is very ripe or over ripe. (The more brown spots, the sweeter it will be.) You can also use frozen bananas for a creamier texture as well.
    • Peanut butter: I use creamy and natural peanut butter. I haven't tested this with other nut butters such as almond butter or sun butter, but I'm guessing they would work great too.
    • Cacao powder: Or substitute unsweetened cocoa powder. This is what provides the rich chocolate taste.
    • Pure maple syrup: This is a great natural sweetener with tasty maple flavor. But feel free to substitute dates or your own favorite sweetener if desired.

    Cacao: Studies show raw cacao (pronounced "ca-COW") is an antioxidant powerhouse. Plus it is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and is also a natural mood elevator.

    Overhead view of chunky monkey smoothie topped with cacao

    Customizing

    Vanilla + almond extract: We enjoy ours with a little vanilla and almond extract added to the mixture for more flavor.

    More protein: If you would like to add even more protein, go ahead and include one scoop chocolate protein powder.

    Serving

    Garnish: Enjoy as is, or top your glass with cacao nibs, vegan chocolate chips, or even coconut whipped cream before serving.

    Versatile: This healthy smoothie is great as a quick protein-rich breakfast, mid-day boost, or post-workout snack.

    Make it a smoothie bowl! You can also enjoy this as a smoothie bowl with Peanut Butter Granola, coconut flakes, sliced banana, or your own favorite toppings.

    Two glasses of chocolate smoothie with banana and cacao

    For more inspiration, also browse all vegan smoothie recipes.

    Two chunky monkey protein smoothies in a glass topped with cacao

    Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie

    A luxurious, chocolate smoothie with 20 grams of plant protein... with no protein powder! Great for breakfast, mid-day boost, or post-workout.
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 1

    Ingredients

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

    Instructions

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

    Notes

    Peanut butter: Substitute with other nut butters if desired. (Though this may affect the protein amount.)
    Soy milk: I use plain, unsweetened soy milk. Feel free to decrease or omit the maple syrup if using sweetened milk.
    Added flavor: Vanilla and almond extract adds great 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.
    Smoothie bowl: Make this a smoothie bowl served with granola, sliced banana, coconut flakes, coco whip, or your own favorite toppings.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    476
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    23
    g
    35
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    5
    g
    31
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    7
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    9
    g
    Potassium
     
    1160
    mg
    33
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    61
    g
    20
    %
    Fiber
     
    9
    g
    38
    %
    Sugar
     
    36
    g
    40
    %
    Protein
     
    20
    g
    40
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1003
    IU
    20
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    27
    mg
    33
    %
    Calcium
     
    385
    mg
    39
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this healthy vegan Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie, also check out:

    • Bedtime Golden Turmeric Milk
    • Vegan Almond Maple Cookies
    • Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats
    • Healthy Vegan Chocolate Milkshake

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Smoothie Recipes

    • Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
    • Healthy Vegan Cake Shake
    • Creamy Banana Matcha Smoothie
    • Tropical Sunshine Smoothie

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Cassie

      October 18, 2022 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      This was SO good! We added both the vanilla & almond extracts. Definitely going in the smoothie rotation!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        October 18, 2022 at 1:42 pm

        Great to hear, Cassie! So glad you enjoyed.

        Reply
    2. Marianne Hill

      June 27, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      Hi Kaitlin. Have you tried this with any other type of non-dairy milk? I need to stay away from soy. Wondering if any of the other ingredients should be adjusted accordingly. Sounds yummy!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        September 05, 2018 at 3:06 pm

        Hi Marianne! I haven't but that should work just fine! Cashew milk would be a great one to keep the thick & creamy consistency. But any others would work very well too! Hope you enjoy! -Kaitlin

        Reply

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    The Garden Grazer - Kaitlin profile photo

    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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