This chocolate strawberry protein shake is a perfect post workout shake recipe to refuel or healthy snack to increase energy. It has a surprising and satisfying crunch from cocoa nibs and is a healthy smoothie recipe you can customize.

Sometimes you want a loaded green smoothie and sometimes you want a simpler fruit smoothie. This recipe for a strawberry chocolate protein smoothie is just that. With only three main ingredients, it’s easy, but it’s also customizable with add ins to fit your needs.

Fruit smoothie recipes, and especially smoothies ‘out’, are often high in sugar. They usually have sweet fruits, sweetened protein powder and maybe even fruit juice added in too. I wanted to make this smoothie lower in sugar while still tasting great.

So how can you make a smoothie that’s low in sugar taste good? I find using neutral ingredients paired with flavorful ones works best, especially when there’s minimal ingredients or more delicate flavors like strawberries.

Are Strawberries Good For You In A Smoothie?

Berries, including strawberries, are a lower glycemic and low sugar fruit. They also provide lots of fiber and micronutrients like vitamin C. They don’t add as much sweetness to a smoothie as tropical fruits like bananas or pineapple, but are a nutritious addition. Berries typically pair well with other sweet ingredients like banana or lightly sweetened yogurt, like in this recipe.

Strawberry Smoothie Ingredients

Strawberries

Of course, strawberries go into strawberry shakes. I use frozen strawberries to make it easy, but you can definitely use fresh if they’re ripe and in season. I also like to thaw frozen berries before blending to make it easier to blend smooth.

Yogurt (protein)

My go to brand of yogurt is Siggi’s. It’s not technically Greek yogurt, but it has as much protein and better texture in my opinion. I also like that there’s less added sugar than other brands. The strawberry yogurt has 7g of added sugar. If you want to avoid all added sugar, you can use plain yogurt, it just won’t taste as strawberry-y.

Liquid

I opt for water in this recipe to keep the flavors neutral.

Cocoa Nibs (add in)

I use Navitas organic cocoa nibs. They’re nutritious and add a great chocolate flavor without adding an actual chocolate bar. They’re also crunchy, so theres small bits of crunch throughout this easy strawberry smoothie, which gives it a chocolate covered strawberry essence and a satisfying texture.

Add In Options

Avocado

This simple strawberry smoothie is great on its own, but it’s also great to add onto. These add ins might change the color and flavor of the smoothie a bit, but will still taste good. Avocado is a mild tasting, fiber rich and healthy fat addition if you’re wanting to add more substance.

Greens

Some greens are more palatable than others in smoothies. For this frozen strawberry smoothie, I’d recommend more neutral greens like spinach or spirulina powder, or even a little cauliflower (to keep the pink color!). Super greens powders and kale can be bitter and overpower the flavors here.

Coconut Oil or Coconut Milk

I love using coconut in smoothies because it adds a sweet quality without adding any sugar. Coconut also pairs well with almost any fruit, especially berries.

Almond Butter

Any nut butter will work, but almond or cashew butter will be more neutral than peanut butter. Nut butters add fiber, a little protein and healthy fats to smoothies, so it will be more of a meal.

Ground Flax

I love eating smoothies with a spoon, and adding some texture on top. Ground flax is my go to of the smoothie toppings for its fiber, nutty flavor and plant based omega 3s.

Recipe for ‘Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie’

Prep time: 15 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients

1 small )5.3 oz) container of Siggi’s strawberry yogurt
1 cup of strawberries
1 tsp-1tbsp of cocoa nibs
1/4+ cup filtered water
optional: greens, spiruluna or cauliflower
toppings: more cocoa nibs, ground flax (almond butter and/or shredded coconut would be delicious too!)

Directions

Allow strawberries to thaw a bit if you’re using frozen.
Add strawberries, yogurt and water to the blender and blend until smooth. Add more water if needed for desired thickness.
Add cocoa nibs through the top while blending just to blend, but still have crunchy bits.
If I’m eating the smoothie in a bowl or with a spoon, I like to add ground flax seed and a few more cocoa nibs to the top for texture.