It’s hard to believe that you can whirl up a frosty chocolatey drink that is as good tasting as it is good for you. But indeed that’s the case with this Chocolate Cherry Bomb Smoothie. It packs more than 30 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber with no added sugar. The cherries add natural sweetness while cacao adds rich, chocolate flavor plus it has a heap of fresh spinach. It’s a win-win-win.
Cherry Chocolate Powerhouse
The combination of cherries and chocolate is not only delicious, it’s an antioxidant powerhouse. Both ingredients have plant phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties associated with decreased risk for chronic disease. In addition, cherries have been shown to help with muscle recovery, which is a good reason to enjoy this smoothie after a morning workout.
Cacao Versus Cocoa Powder
You say cocoa, I say cacao, and indeed they are slightly different versions of the same plant. Here’s the lowdown:
- Cacao is the less processed un-roasted form of beans from the cocoa plant. Once the beans are roasted and ground, it becomes cocoa powder.
- Cacao is higher in the anti-inflammatory properties that chocolate is famous for. It also has more than double the protein and more than double the calories of cocoa powder. One tablespoon of cacao (the amount in this smoothie recipe) has 25 calories and 2 grams of protein. The same tablespoon of cocoa powder has 10 calories and less than 1 grams of protein.
- The roasting process diminishes some of the bitterness in cacao, which is part of why cocoa powder is what’s typically called for in baking.
Options for Protein
Adding a scoop of protein powder is part of what makes this smoothie satisfying enough to be a meal. The addition of almond butter helps, too. If you don’t have or don’t care for protein powder, consider using a protein-rich milk, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or pea milk. You can look here for ideas on how to boost protein in smoothies without leaning on protein powder or try any of the following:
- 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds adds 10 grams of protein
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder adds 6 grams of protein
- 1/2 cup of cottage cheese adds 14 grams protein
- 3 tablespoons non-fat dried milk powder adds 8 grams protein
- 3 ounces of firm tofu adds 7 grams protein
If you like this Chocolate Cherry Bomb Smoothie, you might like:
Wild Blueberry Brain-Boosting Smoothie
Pineapple Orange Green Smoothie
Pineapple Kale Protein Smoothie
Chocolate Cherry Bomb Smoothie
A creamy, frosty, and flavorful smoothie that packs a nutritious punch.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao or cocoa powder
- 1 big handful baby spinach (about 1 packed cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (or other nut or seed butter)
- 3 ice cubes
- 1 scoop unsweetened, unflavored protein powder or 3 tbsp collagen peptides (see notes)
Instructions
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Put all of the ingredients in a blender and run until creamy and smooth. Pour into a glass and drink immediately.
Recipe Notes
If you don’t have or don’t want to use protein powder, you can add any of the following for a boost of protein: 3 tbsp hemp seeds, 3 tbsp dried peanut powder, 3 tbsp non-fat dried milk powder, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 3 ounces firm tofu