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This creamy, protein-packed smoothie is made with rich dark chocolate, juicy orange, and a pinch of cinnamon.
My friends have recently started referring 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.
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.
Garnish with an orange slice, and enjoy!
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.
More Smoothies to Try:
- Chocolate Oatmeal Smoothie
- Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
- Peach Protein Smoothie
- Green Detox Smoothie
- Blueberry Cinnamon Smoothie
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.
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.
Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie
Equipment
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
- Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and puree until smooth. Add some ice if too thin, add water if too thick.
YUM-ME!! I can’t wait to try this after my workout today!! Thanks Liz! oxox
I hope you love it Gwen!!
what can be sub for flaxseed meal/GOOGLO
You can use Chia seeds or just skip it!
Awesome-sounding smoothie recipe! Will have to try it. Smoothies are my favorite breakfast these days.
Me too Susan! One stop shop. :)
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.
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!
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.
Geez that sounds delectable!
This is my kind of smoothie! Congrats to Allysa!
That color is amazing, meal in a glass, LOVE!
Thank you so much!!!
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 :)
I love the whole orange because it’s not as sweet as the juice and also gives you a good boost of fiber. :)
I’m a huge smoothie fan, and any smoothie with chocolate flavor is a good smoothie in my book! Thanks for sharing!
I add cocoa powder all the time – I just can’t help it!
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
I am so thrilled for you Alyssa!! So glad you enjoyed your shower!!!
This smoothie looks amazing. I love the classic combination of chocolate and orange. Thanks for inviting me to Alyssa’s baby shower.
I’m so glad you were able to participate!!!
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!
Awww congrats on your pregnancy!
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!
Girl – you’re doing just fine. ;-) Eat those cookies!!!
This is such a thoughtful, healthy recipe for a busy mom. The combination of orange, chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon looks especially delicious!
Thank you so much Mary!
Liz! love smoothies like this! packed with protein and still delicious! Have a great time in Chicago this weekend!! and thanks for hosting!
Thank you so much for participating!!
I love orange and chocolate together! This looks great.
It’s a classic combo!
Such a great option for a quick and easy shake! Chocolate and orange is definitely one of my favorite flavor combos!
quick and easy is my middle name – lol. Thank you so much for participating!
This is my kind of smoothie. And always YAY for babies! :)
This sounds like the perfect way to start the day, or get a midday boost. Love the addition of cinnamon.
I love chocolate and cinnamon together – always have!
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
Thank you so much Faith!! Had a blast co hosting!
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 :)
I wish this party was in real life!! Thanks so much for joining!