This Salted mocha smoothie is a creamy, salty, & chocolatey version of your favorite drive-thru coffee drink. More protein, less sugar, equal energy boost!
Heads up this post has been updated from its original glory in 2015. It’s still my go-to morning pick me up smoothie (when not pregnant and yes I’m still preggo 39 weeks and 4 days today), just need a little new photo love! Move over Starbucks your a billion grams of sugar frappuccino doesn’t taste half as good as this cold, creamy, deliciousness version I can whip up in my kitchen in 10 minutes!
A quick note on salt. Salt, fat, and sugar are the most common “evil” nutrients (yes I just called them nutrients) my nutrition clients often think should be avoided at all costs. However, all three are required at some level for the body to function normally.
Salt is a requirement, especially for hydration and adrenal health. When we are eating a predominately clean diet with little-processed foods, we may lack salt. Many of my clients are suffering from adrenal fatigue.
They often crave salt, suffer from low energy, foggy thinking and low blood pressure (among other symptoms.) In fact, improving my adrenal health has been somewhat of an ongoing project for myself.
This smoothie contains a lot of sodium, but I don’t worry about it because to me it was the perfect way to replete after a hard workout or overnight fast. That being said if you have high blood pressure or concerns of high blood pressure, the salt will exacerbate that problem and should be avoided while the cause of inflammation causing the high blood pressure is addressed.
In that case, just leave out the salt. PS you could also add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to make this a peppermint mocha smoothie! Um, yes! I’m ready for peppermint mochas, how about you? 
Let’s talk ingredients really fast:
Protein Powder: I used whey protein powder, but you can use whatever kind you like best.
Frozen Banana: This adds a creamy texture to the smoothie. However, if you aren’t a banana fan, I would sub 1/2 cup frozen cooked sweet potato chunks.
Vanilla Stevia Drops: Adds sweetness without the calories. Feel free to omit or extra frozen banana for added sweetness. If your protein powder is very sweet, you might not need any!
Instant Coffee: Instant coffee is concentrated you don’t need that much to get your caffeine fix. Feel free to adjust the amount of instant coffee just know that if you add too much, it will get bitter!
Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk: This stuff is the best! However, if you only have unsweetened vanilla or original, that will work too. You may want to add 1-3 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to up the chocolate taste!
Ice: Do not omit.
Sea salt: If you omit this you will just have a mocha smoothie, that’s okay!
Coffee Beans: Add in fresh coffee beans at the end gives the smoothie a fun speckled look and a java chip like taste. It’s more of a garnish though, omit if you want!
Let me know if you try it! Have a fantastic Friday!
This Salted mocha smoothie is a creamy, salty, & chocolatey version of your favorite drive-thru coffee drink. More protein, less sugar, equal energy boost! #smoothie #glutenfree #paleo #vegan #smoothie
If you are a meal plan subscriber, this recipe will be appearing on your meal plan soon!
Not signed up yet? What to Eat? Meal Plans! are balanced, healthy meal plans designed by a Registered Dietitian (that’s me!) to make healthy eating more convenient. Plus they include delicious recipes from Hungry Hobby like this one! Learn More and Sign Up for a FREE Week!
Salted Mocha Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder I used whey - but use whatever you like best!
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1-2 drops vanilla stevia drops optional depending on preferred sweetness
- 1 tsp instant coffee optional
- 1 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk or use vanilla/original and add 1tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1 cup ice
- 1-2 shakes sea salt
- 1-2 tbsp coffee beans
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients (except coffee beans and salt) in a high powered blender until smooth. Add salt and coffee beans and blend for 30 more seconds.
- Pour into a cup and top with a bit of sea salt as desired!
Nutrition
Love smoothies, but don’t have a lot of time in the morning? Check out my review on SmoothieBox smoothie delivery subscription services!
Like this recipe? Definitely check out my unique and delicious protein smoothie recipe round up!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and follow @hungryhobby on Pinterest for more healthy recipes, quick workouts, and nutrition tips!
Hey, Which brand of expresso dynamic greens are you using? The link was broken and I was curious. Thanks!
Hey Beth the brand is dynamic greens the flavor is expresso I updated the link but here is another one! http://amzn.to/1HbyPeA Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Thanks for validating the use of salt for my adrenal problems.
Glad you found it helpful!
I’ve been wanting to make this for long…finally did it today. Happy to report that both hubby and I love it 🙂
This is perfect for my husband who is trying to cut off sugar in his diet. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Kelli! Thanks for this recipe! I have been drinking green juices for a whole month, and I had a craving for something new but also healthy. I found a recipe through Google, and I prepared the juice. I really liked it! Thanks for making a Nutrition Facts table as well. I will check out your page from now on to look for more healthy recipes.