Ingredients:
· ½ cup brewed coffee cooled
· ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or other milk of your choice
· 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
· 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
· ½ teaspoon caramel extract
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1½ - 2 cups ice
Optional: whipped topping and/or salted caramel syrup for garnish
Instructions:
· Add all ingredients to blender and combine! Garnish with whipped topping and salted caramel syrup, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
For purposes of calculating nutrition information, I used my favorite Chocolate Protein Powder made by Syntrax. (which has 25 calories per scoop). You can substitute with a different protein powder, but the nutrition information may vary.
COOK'S TIPS AND RECIPE VARIATIONS:
If you’re preparing this healthy smoothie for kids, you can omit the protein powder and substitute with Greek yogurt. Since the protein powder adds not only thickness, but also flavor to the smoothie, you’ll want to use a sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt or use a plain Greek yogurt and add your own sweetener, to taste. You will also need an additional 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for that chocolate taste. The taste and texture of the smoothie recipe with yogurt will not be quite the same as the protein powder version, but your family will still love it!
Keep the healthy smoothie recipe low sugar by using unsweetened vanilla almond milk and a sugar free protein powder.
I prefer whey protein for flavor and thickness in this smoothie, but if you prefer a plant-based breakfast, you can substitute with a vegan protein powder.
You can find caramel extract in the baking aisle of most grocery stores (near the vanilla extract) or online. Don't skip this ingredient -- it MAKES the shake!