About This Recipe

This low-carb chocolate protein shake is designed to hit that sweet spot between dessert-level flavor and dialed-in macros. If you’ve ever blended a chalky shake and wished it tasted like a real chocolate treat, this recipe is your upgrade. The winning formula pairs unsweetened almond milk with whey (or your preferred low-carb protein) and real cocoa for a deep, satisfying chocolate note. A pinch of salt enhances the cocoa while a splash of vanilla rounds out any bitter edges from the protein or sweetener. The result is a thick, milkshake-like texture that still fits a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle.

Texture and mouthfeel are everything in a great shake. Two tricks make this one shine: first, blend with a generous handful of ice to incorporate air and chill the mixture quickly; second, add a small amount of xanthan gum or chia if you like a creamier body that holds up for longer without separating. If you’re training early or need a pre-workout boost, a little cold-brew coffee turns this into a mocha that wakes you up without adding carbs. For those targeting higher fats on keto, a teaspoon of MCT oil gives you sustained energy and an even silkier sip.

This shake is intentionally flexible. Use chocolate whey isolate for the boldest chocolate or vanilla whey plus extra cocoa for control over sweetness and intensity. If dairy is not your thing, a good low-carb plant protein can step in, though you may want an extra splash of almond milk to keep it smooth. Sweetness is personal, so start with a conservative amount of your favorite keto-friendly sweetener and adjust to taste.

Nutrition-wise, you’re looking at a high-protein, low-carb drink that fits neatly post-workout, as a breakfast-on-the-go, or as a late-night dessert that doesn’t derail your goals. It blends up in about five minutes, cleans up fast, and satisfies cravings without the sugar crash. Keep this one in your rotation for days when you want a fast, chocolatey win that matches your macros.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thick, creamy, and truly chocolatey
25g+ protein with minimal carbs
Ready in 5 minutes—perfect for busy days
Customizable for keto, dairy-free, or pre-workout
Scales easily for meal prep

Servings: 1

Ingredients

Base
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop (25–30 g) low-carb whey protein (chocolate or vanilla)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6–8 ice cubes
- ½–1 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose (to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Optional Boosters (choose any)
- 1 tsp MCT oil (adds creaminess and satiety)
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum or 1 tsp chia seeds (thickens)
- ¼–⅓ cup (60–80 ml) cold-brew coffee (mocha variation)

Instructions

Add almond milk, protein powder, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla, and salt to a blender.
Add ice (and any boosters you’re using).
Blend on high until smooth and thick, 20–40 seconds.
Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness; blend briefly again if needed.
Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.

Nutrition

(per serving)

Calories: ~190
Fat: ~6 g
Protein: ~26 g
Total Carbs: ~5 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Net Carbs: ~3 g

FAQ

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a low-carb plant protein and keep almond milk; add a little extra milk if it gets too thick.

Which sweetener works best?
Allulose blends very smoothly; erythritol is fine but can be slightly cooler on the palate.

How do I make it thicker?
Use more ice and a pinch of xanthan gum or a teaspoon of chia, then blend longer.

Is it good for post-workout?
Yes—high protein, quick carbs are minimal, and you can add MCT for extra energy if desired.

Can I prep it ahead?
Blend without ice, chill, then re-blend with ice right before serving for best texture.

Variations & Substitutions

Mocha Shake: Swap in cold brew for part of the almond milk.
Double Chocolate: Add 1–2 tsp sugar-free chocolate chips; pulse to keep tiny flecks.
Peanut Butter Cup: Add 1 tbsp natural peanut butter (adjust carbs to your plan).
Mint Chocolate: Add ⅛ tsp peppermint extract and garnish with cocoa dust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a chilled glass with cocoa dust on top
Add whipped cream (sugar-free) for a dessert vibe
Pair with a low-carb muffin or a handful of salted nuts post-workout

Recipe Card

Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Shake

Name: Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Shake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Low Carb / Keto
Ingredients: 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk; 1 scoop (25–30 g) low-carb whey protein (chocolate or vanilla); 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 6–8 ice cubes; 1/2–1 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose (to taste); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of fine sea salt; 1 tsp MCT oil (optional); 1/4 tsp xanthan gum or 1 tsp chia seeds (optional); 1/4–1/3 cup (60–80 ml) cold-brew coffee (optional; mocha variation)

A thick, creamy, low-carb chocolate protein shake with rich cocoa flavor, 25g+ protein, and under 4g net carbs—ready in 5 minutes.

Yield: 1 serving • Prep: 5 min • Total: 5 min

Ingredients

Base

1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop (25–30 g) low-carb whey protein (chocolate or vanilla)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
6–8 ice cubes
1/2–1 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose (to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of fine sea salt

Optional Boosters

1 tsp MCT oil (adds creaminess and satiety)
1/4 tsp xanthan gum or 1 tsp chia seeds (thickens)
1/4–1/3 cup (60–80 ml) cold-brew coffee (mocha variation)

Instructions

Add almond milk, protein powder, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla, and salt to a blender.
Add ice and any boosters; blend on high until smooth and thick.
Adjust sweetness or thickness to taste; blend briefly again if needed.
Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 190
Fat: 6 g
Protein: 26 g
Net Carbs: 3 g
Fiber: 2 g

Beverage • Low Carb / Keto • low carb protein shake, keto chocolate shake, sugar-free protein shake, high protein low carb

Final Thoughts

Loved this Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Shake? Save the recipe on Pinterest, share it on Instagram, and check out my other keto beverage recipes for more delicious low-carb drink ideas!