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Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Shake
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⏱ 3 min total
💪 38g protein
🍽 1 large shake
Mint chocolate chip is one of those flavors that goes from comforting to amazing once you put it in a protein shake. The mint cuts through the chocolate, the cacao nibs add real crunch, and the whole thing comes in at 38g of protein per glass. Real mint leaves or pure peppermint extract beat any mint-flavored powder on the market. With a frozen banana and a handful of ice, you get a milkshake-thick texture that tastes like the green-tinted scoop from your childhood, minus the sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate whey protein
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
- 1 frozen banana, broken into chunks
- ⅛ tsp pure peppermint extract (start small, it is potent)
- 4 to 5 fresh mint leaves (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp raw cacao nibs (for chocolate chips)
- ½ cup ice
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (if using vanilla whey)
Equipment
- Blender: any standard blender works, no need for a Vitamix
- Tall glass: 16 to 20 oz, frozen for 10 minutes makes it stay colder
- Measuring spoons: be precise with the peppermint extract, ⅛ tsp is the right dose
- Wide straw: the cacao nibs need clearance
Instructions
- Add milk, frozen banana, mint leaves and peppermint extract to a blender. Blend for 15 seconds to mince the mint.
- Add vanilla whey (and cocoa powder if using vanilla), and ice. Blend on high for 25 seconds until completely smooth.
- Stop the blender, taste-test. If you want more mint, add a single drop of peppermint extract and pulse twice. Do not over-add: too much and it tastes like toothpaste.
- Add the cacao nibs and pulse 2 to 3 times only. You want them broken into chip-sized pieces, not blended into dust.
- Pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a mint leaf and the rest of the cacao nibs on top. Drink immediately.
Macros
420
Calories
38g
Protein
38g
Carbs
12g
Fat
Per shake, made with vanilla whey, almond milk, and a frozen banana. Macros shift slightly if you use chocolate whey instead (skip the cocoa).
Substitutions
- No fresh mint: extract alone works. Increase to ¼ tsp to make up for the missing leaves
- No cacao nibs: use 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips, chopped. Less crunchy but melts nicely
- No frozen banana: use 1 fresh banana + ¾ cup ice. The shake gets thinner, so add an extra ¼ scoop whey
- Lower carb: skip the banana, use 1 tbsp sugar-free vanilla pudding mix + 1 extra cup ice
- Vegan: use a vanilla pea protein and oat milk. Texture is slightly chalkier but the mint masks it well
Tips
Peppermint extract is the silent assassin of this recipe. Use a quarter of what you think you need. Start at ⅛ tsp, blend, taste, then add a drop at a time. There is no rescuing a shake that is too minty: it crosses into mouthwash territory fast. Fresh mint leaves are gentler and harder to overdo. For the chip texture, add cacao nibs at the very end and pulse only 2 to 3 times, never run the blender. If you want a green color, blend a handful of spinach with the milk before adding anything else. The flavor disappears under the mint completely.
Which Powder Works Best
Vanilla or mild chocolate whey work best, you do not need a mint-flavored powder. Three reliable picks, all tracked daily on our best-value page:
Optimum Nutrition
Gold Standard Whey: Vanilla Ice Cream
Soft vanilla cream flavor lets the peppermint extract take the lead. Blends ultra-smooth.
Compare prices →
Dymatize
ISO100: Vanilla
Lactose-free isolate with 25g protein per scoop. Clean vanilla base, almost no aftertaste.
Compare prices →
MyProtein
Impact Whey: Vanilla
Budget-friendly with a milder vanilla. Mixes beautifully with mint and cacao.
Compare prices →
FAQ
Do I need fresh mint or is extract enough?
Extract alone works fine if pure peppermint oil is the only ingredient on the bottle. Fresh mint adds an aromatic top-note that brightens the shake, but it is optional.
Can I use mint-flavored protein powder?
Some brands make a Mint Cookies and Cream flavor that fits perfectly. Skip the extract entirely if you do.
Why is the color brown instead of green?
The cocoa pulls the color brown. For green, skip the cocoa, use vanilla whey only, and blend in a handful of spinach. Or use 1 to 2 drops of natural green food coloring.
Are cacao nibs safe to eat raw?
Yes, they are minimally processed cocoa beans. Slightly bitter, with a satisfying crunch and almost zero sugar. A good alternative to mini chocolate chips.
Can I make it a smoothie bowl?
Yes. Halve the milk, double the frozen banana, and add ¼ cup Greek yogurt. Top with cacao nibs and fresh mint.
How much sugar is in this?
Around 15g, almost entirely from the banana. A scoop of mint chip ice cream has 14g of added sugar plus 10g of fat.
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