Getting enough protein and calories in our children can be challenging in the summer when much time is spent outside and schedules are more flexible. To resolve this problem, I like making protein smoothies with calorie-dense nut butter, whole-food protein powders, fiber-rich banana, and creamy nut milk, like this Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie.
Please talk to your pediatrician to see if protein smoothies are a good fit for your family. I started giving them, in small quantities, to mine when they were toddlers. I didn’t do it daily and used brands that favored whole foods rather than whey protein and other more processed ingredients.
It also ensured I got enough protein and calories, which can be tricky when running around children all day!
This Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie travels pretty well, provided you make it cold and keep it in an insulated thermos. Your kids will love decorating theirs with stickers like the ones with the six characters from Ruby & Friends!
Ingredients for Kid-Friendly Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie
Bananas: Bananas are loaded with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber. They are great for the growth and development of children and can help support their immune systems. Pretty impressive for such a convenient and tasty fruit!
Bananas are also easy to digest and are one of the first foods parents give their kids when introducing solids. They’re great for picky eaters because you can add them to nearly everything from pancakes to this Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie.
Whole-food protein powder, chocolate flavored: Whole-food protein powders are made from natural foods rather than isolated protein sources like whey or soy.
They are often rich in essential fatty acids, fiber, and minerals like iron and magnesium and are also usually free from additives like artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives. Common ingredients include pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein.
Almond milk: You can, of course, use water here, but store-bought almond milk is convenient and adds creaminess and a little bit of body to the smoothie. If using water, you might want to use less for a thicker drink.
Almond butter or peanut butter: Nut butters are nothing more than whole nuts ground until creamy. Look at the label and favor brands that list only nuts and maybe a little salt, without added sugar, preservatives, etc.
Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie Variations
A favorite version is vanilla protein powder with strawberries and only half a banana. You can use a frozen banana instead of a fresh one to keep it cold or add ice cubes.
You can also make this Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie thicker and turn it into a bowl by piling up nutrient-dense ingredients on top, like granola, coconut flakes, fresh and dried fruit, and more.
Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
2 bananas
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
1 large spoonful of almond butter
2 cups almond milk
Directions
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
