4-Ingredients, Paleo, Vegan, Quick & Easy:
Summer mornings call for cold, tasty breakfast treats. My Cocoa Cold Brew Smoothie is the perfect go-to since it’s super easy to make before you head out the door and packed with nourishing ingredients to help you feel awesome.
Can I just point out what a delicious combination coffee and chocolate make? They are such a sweet little pair, not to mention enjoying them together in the morning is pretty much a guarantee that you’re going to have an awesome day.
Cold brew coffee is pretty trendy right now, but for good reason. It’s got a great balance of flavors – naturally sweeter, more mellow, and less acidic than regularly brewed coffee. For these reasons, it has an amazing taste plus it’s gentler on your belly.
If you haven’t tried cold brew yet it’s actually super easy to make at home! Just grab a big jar, pour 4 cups of water over 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee, and leave it in the fridge overnight. The next day, use a coffee filter to strain the cold brew into a pitcher and you’re ready to enjoy over ice. It’s reallllly good with some vanilla almond milk, too.
Why You Should Drink This Cocoa Cold Brew Smoothie
This Cocoa Cold Brew Smoothie is naturally sweet and creamy thanks to frozen banana and it’s got a nice dose of filling, body fueling protein from some chocolate protein powder.
When it comes to protein powders, there are unfortunately lots of awful ones out there – both when it comes to taste and ingredients. I always look for plant-based vegan proteins, made without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners and flavors (and of course gluten-free too). My personal favorite, after trying A LOT, is the Garden of Life Organic Raw Protein. It uses sprouted grains and seeds, which makes their nutrients more bioavailable and easily digestible. It’s also soy-free, certified organic and Non-GMO, and has a really smooth texture and yummy taste. Garden of Life also makes a really good Grain-Free Protein Powder if you are doing the strict Paleo thing.
You can find the Garden of Life Organic Raw Protein in a few different flavors for all of your smoothie needs; here’s a like to the Chocolate one I used for my Cocoa Cold Brew Smoothie:
[easyazon_link identifier=”B007SYSQ7K” locale=”US” tag=”foodtofeelgoo-20″]Garden of Life Protein Powder – Raw Organic Protein Powder, Chocolate, Vegan [/easyazon_link]
(As a member of the Amazon Affiliates Program I do get a small commission when you purchase something through these links, but it’s at no extra cost to you!)
A little ground flaxseed makes this smoothie a bit thicker and gives you some super healthy, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, plus digestion supporting fiber. Pouring in the cold brew helps you blend it all together. It’s packed with antioxidants and some caffeine for your morning pick-me-up. Also, the fiber, fat, and protein from the other ingredients help to slow your body’s reaction to the caffeine, so you don’t feel jittery and you get a more sustainable energy boost.
How You Can Make It
Simply pour all your ingredients into a blender: frozen banana chunks, cold brew, chocolate protein powder, and ground flaxseed. Blend it up until super smooth and creamy. If you want to make it into a smoothie bowl, add ¼ cup less coffee and top it with some yummy ingredients like cacao nibs, walnuts, and bananas. That’s all, my friend! Super easy. This is such a delicious way to kick off a sunny summer morning.
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Cocoa Cold Brew Smoothie
Prep
Total
Yield 1 smoothie
This creamy smoothie is the perfect combination of coffee and chocolate, naturally sweetened with banana and full of protein.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 medium or large frozen banana
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 scoop unsweetened chocolate protein powder
Instructions
Add all ingredients to blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Notes
To make your own cold brew:
Just grab a big jar, pour 4 cups of water over 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee, and leave it in the fridge overnight. The next day, use a coffee filter to strain the cold brew into a pitcher and you’re ready to enjoy over ice.
Courses Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Making this! Thanks for sharing!
You are very welcome Tristan! Thanks for checking out my recipe!