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Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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This Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie is made with creamy banana, rich dark chocolate, juicy orange, and a pinch of cinnamon.

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prep time5 minutes

Chocolate orange protein smoothie.

My friends and colleagues often refer to me as the Smoothie Queen, and it is a crown I wear with pride. Smoothies are definitely my favorite way to start the day, and as such I am constantly experimenting and trying new recipes. This Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie is a delicious way to start your day in a healthy way that will keep you full until lunch.

Ingredients

  • Orange: Naturally sweet, juicy, and tangy as well as high in vitamin C.
  • Banana: Creamy, naturally sweet, and a great source of potassium.
  • Greek yogurt: Higher in protein and lower in sugar than typical yogurt, it is also a bit thicker, making it perfect for smoothies.
  • Protein powder: Either chocolate or vanilla flavor works well in this smoothie, I used chocolate.
  • Cocoa powder: A great source of antioxidants, and chocolate is yummy.
  • Flax seed meal: Tasteless, but adds a ton of fiber, protein, and omega 3s.
  • Vanilla: Balances out the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Aromatic, sweet, and earthy in flavor. It adds just a little kick to the smoothie.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie

Start your Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie by peeling your banana and orange and putting them in the bottom of your blender.

Next, add the protein powder and cocoa powder to the blender.

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Then add the flaxseed meal.

Follow with the vanilla.

And finish with the Greek yogurt.

Blend until the consistency is smooth. If it’s too thin, you can add some ice to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water.

Pour evenly into two glasses.

Chocolate orange protein smoothies.

Garnish with an orange slice or fun straw, and enjoy your Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie!

Substitutions

  • Make it dairy free. Use a plant-based protein powder and replace the yogurt with almond milk.
  • Change up the fruit. If you aren’t a fan of banana, you could use apple sauce or double up on the orange.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it okay to replace a meal with a protein shake or smoothie?

Yes, as long as you aren’t replacing all of your meals with shakes or smoothies. Starting your day with a smoothie is a great way to cut calories while still getting the energy you need.

When should I drink a protein smoothie?

It’s best to consume a protein shake or smoothie within 2 hours of a workout. It can be before or after you exercise.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

You can make this smoothie in bulk and freeze it, or you can make single serve, ready-to-blend bags, as I explain here.
Chocolate orange protein smoothies.

More Smoothies to Try:

Like It, Drink It, Share It!

Did you try this smoothie? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.

Liz drinking chocolate orange protein smoothie.

Whether for breakfast or an afternoon snack, for myself or for my kids, this Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie is sure to please.

Your straw is waiting.

Have you tried my


Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie?

Leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how you liked it in the 📝 comments and share it on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

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Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie

Liz Della Croce
4.25 stars average
This creamy, protein-packed smoothie is made with rich dark chocolate, juicy orange, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
CourseDrinks
Serves1

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 seedless orange peeled
  • ½ banana
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 protein powder chocolate or vanilla work
  • 2 tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa powder or regular
  • 1 tablespoon flax seed meal
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • one or two handfuls of ice

Instructions
 

  1. Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and puree until smooth. Add some ice if too thin, add water if too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 51.1g | Protein: 37.4g | Fat: 5.7g | Saturated Fat: 2.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.3g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 103mg | Fiber: 9.3g | Sugar: 28.1g

Have you tried my


Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie?

Leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how you liked it in the 📝 comments and share it on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

We love hearing from you! This helps us continue to provide free, high-quality recipes.


4.25 from 16 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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47 responses to “Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie”

  1. Deborah Avatar
    Deborah

    The amount of cocao is excessive. It makes the taste bitter. Less is more.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You’re welcome to reduce the amount of cocoa but I find it to be perfect especially with a nice large juicy orange! Either way feel free to lower how much! :)

  2. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    A bit too sweet i find protein powder chocolate and 2 tbsp cacao very intense and heavy in chocolate taste . I would reduce the cacao powder if i am putting protein chocolate .

  3. Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking Avatar
    Amy @ Amy’s Healthy Baking

    Oh Liz, you’re such a sweet friend!! This smoothie looks absolutely amazing, and I’ll drink anything with “chocolate” in the title. Maybe a little too frequently… ;) And that protein boost is definitely a necessity during the holiday season! Pinned!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Well if you like chocolate in the title you’ll like my recipe today. ;)

  4. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    This is such a fabulous smoothie! i love how it has both citrus and chocolate so you get the best of two flavor worlds.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you my friend!

  5. Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily Avatar
    Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily

    YUM-ME!! I can’t wait to try this after my workout today!! Thanks Liz! oxox

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I hope you love it Gwen!!

  6. marlene Avatar
    marlene

    what can be sub for flaxseed meal/GOOGLO

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You can use Chia seeds or just skip it!

  7. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Awesome-sounding smoothie recipe! Will have to try it. Smoothies are my favorite breakfast these days.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Me too Susan! One stop shop. :)

      1. Susan Avatar
        Susan

        Tried this for breakfast this morning and was a little disappointed, because I could not make out the orange flavor at all. I’ll have to try it again with a better chocolate protein powder (the one from Sprouts that I used today doesn’t have the best flavor, and I think that may have interfered with tasting all the significant ingredients). It still tasted nice, and was pleasantly filling.

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          Hmm…that’s interesting Susan! Mine definitely has a significant orange flavor. I’ve never tried Sprouts protein powder but I love BioChem. Also a little orange zest might help boost the orange flavor next time!

          1. Susan Avatar
            Susan

            Will definitely try the orange zest next time. That, along with a better protein powder (we usually used Designer Whey double dark chocolate) should do the trick. I’m glad for the easy solution to the problem because I do like this smoothie. It came out very nice except for the flavor issue. Thanks for the suggestion.

  8. Carol at Wild Goose Tea Avatar
    Carol at Wild Goose Tea

    Geez that sounds delectable!

  9. Gaby Avatar
    Gaby

    This is my kind of smoothie! Congrats to Allysa!

  10. Vianney Rodriguez Avatar
    Vianney Rodriguez

    That color is amazing, meal in a glass, LOVE!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much!!!

  11. Jessica @ Golden Brown and Delicious Avatar
    Jessica @ Golden Brown and Delicious

    This looks delicious!! I’ve never added a whole orange to my smoothies before, but I love orange juice in them, so I bet this is awesome. And you can never go wrong with a little chocolate :)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I love the whole orange because it’s not as sweet as the juice and also gives you a good boost of fiber. :)

  12. Jenn @ EngineerMommy.com Avatar
    Jenn @ EngineerMommy.com

    I’m a huge smoothie fan, and any smoothie with chocolate flavor is a good smoothie in my book! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I add cocoa powder all the time – I just can’t help it!

  13. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) Avatar
    Alyssa (Everyday Maven)

    Liz!!! You are toooo sweet! What an amazing surprise to wake up to. Thank you so much for organizing with Faith. You are so right about smoothies being a new mom’s best friend. I know that I am going to be putting my blender on double time in just a couple of weeks and this is one recipe I will for sure be making – the flavors sound so refreshing (especially when you haven’t slept!). Thank you! xoxoxo

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I am so thrilled for you Alyssa!! So glad you enjoyed your shower!!!

  14. Liz@Virtually Homemade Avatar
    Liz@Virtually Homemade

    This smoothie looks amazing. I love the classic combination of chocolate and orange. Thanks for inviting me to Alyssa’s baby shower.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m so glad you were able to participate!!!

  15. Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen} Avatar
    Emma {Emma’s Little Kitchen}

    YUM! I love the idea of this, and I will keep the new Mum tip in mind for when my little one arrives. Thanks for a great recipe Liz!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Awww congrats on your pregnancy!

  16. Erin | The Law Student's Wife Avatar
    Erin | The Law Student’s Wife

    Um, I just ate a chocolate cookie I baked yesterday for an upcoming post. This would be a way better chocolate breakfast alternative. Teach me to be more like you!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Girl – you’re doing just fine. ;-) Eat those cookies!!!

  17. Mary @ Bake Me A Scone Avatar
    Mary @ Bake Me A Scone

    This is such a thoughtful, healthy recipe for a busy mom. The combination of orange, chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon looks especially delicious!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much Mary!

  18. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom Avatar
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Liz! love smoothies like this! packed with protein and still delicious! Have a great time in Chicago this weekend!! and thanks for hosting!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much for participating!!

  19. Maryea {happy healthy mama} Avatar
    Maryea {happy healthy mama}

    I love orange and chocolate together! This looks great.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      It’s a classic combo!

  20. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Such a great option for a quick and easy shake! Chocolate and orange is definitely one of my favorite flavor combos!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      quick and easy is my middle name – lol. Thank you so much for participating!

  21. Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen Avatar
    Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen

    This is my kind of smoothie. And always YAY for babies! :)

  22. Heather // girlichef Avatar
    Heather // girlichef

    This sounds like the perfect way to start the day, or get a midday boost. Love the addition of cinnamon.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I love chocolate and cinnamon together – always have!

  23. Faith (An Edible Mosaic) Avatar
    Faith (An Edible Mosaic)

    This smoothie sounds amazing! I love the chocolate/orange combo and with a touch of spice it sounds incredible. Thank you so much for co-hosting with me! xoxo

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much Faith!! Had a blast co hosting!

  24. Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living Avatar
    Jeanette | Jeanette’s Healthy Living

    Thanks so much for organizing this fun celebration for Alyssa! This is definitely a new mom friendly recipe – much needed when the new baby comes! In fact, I think all moms could use one of these in the AM :)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I wish this party was in real life!! Thanks so much for joining!