These Mint Chocolate Chip Green Smoothie Packs are a perfect healthy option for mornings when you need breakfast in just a few minutes! This smoothie is creamy, refreshing, just a bit sweet, and feels indulgent enough that you won’t even remember that it is packed with greens.
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If you’re a mint chocolate chip ice cream lover, then this one is for you! I find mint to be SO refreshing, and I’m especially a sucker for it when it’s combined with chocolate. Today, we’re taking this classic dessert flavor combo and making it breakfast (or snack) friendly!
You have two options for this recipe: you can either make it immediately, or you can assemble it into smoothie freezer packs. I personally love having smoothie freezer packs on hand. It ensures that I’m never short on ingredients for a quick smoothie, and is a fantastic breakfast or snack option when I’m in a pinch.
We’ve also got loads of other healthy, satiating smoothie recipes, so check out our Green Tropical Smoothie, Paleo Cake Batter Milkshake, and Green Protein Smoothie Freezer Packs too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic combination of chocolate and mint
- Just 10 minutes to make 4 servings
- Healthy breakfast or snack
- Drink right away, or freeze single-serving packs to have on hand
Mint Chocolate Protein Shake Recipe Ingredients
First things first, let’s talk ingredients for this phenomenal chocolate mint protein shake. Here’s what you’re going to need. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and swaps) below.
- Bananas – I know that bananas in smoothies can be a little controversial, but in this recipe, the banana ensures a creamy, slightly sweet texture that just can’t be beat. The mint also totally offsets the banana taste!
- Spinach – To replicate the trademark green color of mint chocolate chip ice cream, and for a healthy dose of greens, we’ll be adding baby spinach to the mix.
- Mint – You have two options here: fresh mint or mint extract. While we prefer fresh mint because it has a lighter, more refreshing flavor than extract, both will work just fine.
- Cacao nibs – Cacao nibs are made from crushed cocoa beans and have a rich chocolate flavor. We add these to the smoothie because they add a wonderful crunch and are packed with antioxidants.
- Coconut milk – Coconut milk helps add an extra layer of creaminess to the smoothie, making it even more indulgent. If you aren’t a huge coconut fan, we’d recommend trying cashew milk as the next best thing.
- Protein powder – We prefer using unflavored whey protein in our smoothies because it is a complete protein and has the simplest ingredients, but feel free to use your favorite protein powder instead. If you can’t do dairy, collagen peptides are also a great option.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations and Modifications
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your taste buds:
- Mint – If you don’t have fresh mint on hand, you can use 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract in your smoothie instead. But add it in while blending the smoothie, not making the smoothie packs.
- Non-dairy milk – full-fat coconut milk gives these smoothie packs a luxurious texture. But when it’s time to blend up a smoothie pack with a non-dairy milk, use almond, cashew, macadamia, oat, or any other vegan milk you have on hand.
How to Make Chocolate Mint Protein Shakes
Making these smoothie freezer packs could not be simpler! You’ll just follow these simple steps.
- Step 1: After freezing your main components, it’s time for assembly! You’ll divide your ingredients equally into Ziplock bags, or another storage container of choice, label them, and freeze for later use.
Step 2: Add all ingredients to a blender, add non-dairy milk or water, and blend until smooth.
Recipe Tip
Go green – instead of single-use plastic bags to make these mint chocolate protein shakes, store single servings in small, releasable, reusable silicone freezer bags.
How to Serve
Serve smoothies cold, topped with cacao nibs.
How to Store
The smoothie packs will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best protein powder for smoothies is one that’s both unflavored and unsweetened so you’re not adding sugars or tastes that will compete with your other ingredients. Our go-to is this unflavored whey protein powder, which fits paleo, keto, and gluten-free diets.
There are so many options, it’s really up to your personal preference what liquid you use with smoothie packs like this one, or other smoothie recipes. Of course water does the trick to thin out too-thick mixtures. But for maximum flavor, coconut water or non-dairy milks like almond, oat, cashew, rice, coconut, or macadamia are all great smoothie bases.
There have never been more pre-made smoothie mixes on the market than there are today, and the selection can get overwhelming. Since pre-packages options tend to be pricey and the ingredients (and healthfulness) can vary so much, we opt for homemade versions instead. Not only do you know exactly what goes into them, but they’re usually much cheaper to make at home too.
More of Our Best Smoothie Recipes
If you tried this recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip Green Smoothie Packs, or any other recipe on the Fed & Fit website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Packs
Ingredients
For the Smoothie Packs:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 bananas, sliced and frozen
- 1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk, frozen into cubes
- 4 scoops unflavored protein powder
- ½ cup cacao nibs
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves*
For a Smoothie:
- 1 smoothie pack
- 1 to 1½ cups non-dairy milk of choice or water, depending on desired thickness
- Cacao nibs, for garnish
Instructions
- Make 4 smoothie packs with 1 cup baby spinach, 1 banana, 3 coconut milk ice cubes, 1 scoop protein powder, 2 tablespoons cacao nibs, and 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves each. Then freeze for later use.
- To make a smoothie, blend all of the ingredients in the smoothie pack on high with the water or coconut water, starting with 1 cup and adding up to ½ cup more until the smoothie reaches your desired consistency. Top with cacao nibs.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Just made this – and it turned out really tasty. Much more palatable than I expected – and the mint is really refreshing!
So glad that you enjoyed these, Amanda!
I heard kids shouldn’t have Protein powder. I was wondering what your thoughts are on that. I am trying to change my kids eating habits and my daughter loves mint Chocolate chip ice cream. This looks like a healthy option for her. I also thought I could make popsicles out of the smoothie too.
Anyway to sneak in some greens
I generally Stick with whey or I have grease fed all natural protein. Is isn’t bad for you-I’d just be picky about brands. Also i
Mostly use Protein for after works outs to rebuild Muscle
Grass*