I had a little trouble coming up with the title for this smoothie. I couldn’t use Chunky Monkey in the name because there are no walnuts in this smoothie. And I couldn’t call it Elvis Something-Or-Other because there is definitely no bacon. Instead, there is chocolate protein powder, 1/2 a banana, cacao nibs, peanut butter, and pretzels. The perfect combination! I know the pretzels might be throwing you off a bit, but trust me that there is just the slightest pretzel flavor in this protein shake, and the touch of salt really brings out the chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
I love adding cacao nibs to my smoothies because they are healthier than chocolate chips. Cacao nibs have so many health benefits that I didn’t even know existed until I did a little research. Check out this great article for more information on antioxidants, fiber, and more found in cacao nibs. The nibs also add a little texture to the smoothie when they are all ground up in the blender.
I know it’s still freezing temperatures where many of you live, but let’s wish for spring by making this killer protein smoothie!
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I used whey)
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- 1/2 tablespoon cacao nibs
- 5 mini salted pretzels
- 1/2 cup milk or water
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid or ice to reach desired consistency.
- Top with crushed pretzels, cacao nibs, and chocolate syrup!
Do you import your protein powder?? Where can I get some so I can make this stuff tomorrow!!!???
GNC baby!! You can also make it without protein if you don’t have any. Enjoy!
Oh this is happening ASAP! Its also crazy hot and humid here in Australia at the moment, perfect smoothie weather. Thanks Katie, love, love, love this!
Same for me here in Mexico. Smoothies every day for us! Enjoy!
Pretzels in a smoothie – I am intrigued! Seeing it enhances the chocolate P/B taste – I am thinking I need to give it a go. Your pictures are so tempting!
Definitely give it a go and let me know what you think. I was pleasantly surprised!
Love that you added pretzels! Pretzels and animal crackers were my favourite snacks growing up (still are actually!)…I wonder how animal crackers would taste?! Too far? Hmmmm
No! I love animal crackers and for some reason I want them right now, chocolate covered… for breakfast.
Oh my good lord. Why haven’t I seen this before??!! Amazing!
Hi lady!! LOVE your pics!! Which photo editing software do you use???
Thanks, Brooke! I use Photshop nowadays but was using Picmonkey in my early days.
Good old photoshop. Man! I have tried getting into it a few times, but have trouble finding a version to download (did you pay full price for your version? crazy!), how to get that ‘authorization code’ and then once I’ve gotten it downloaded (before, trial is now over) I was overwhelmed and couldn’t figure out how to use it! You’ve got to have a tip or trick for that…. ?? Signed, Confused! 😉 lol
Also: what did you use for the backdrop!!? Just thick white corrugated poster board??? glued into a box?
I do the monthly payment and it’s $9.99 for me. It’s pretty economical and I’m not a student to get the discount on the one time payment version. You should definitely check it out. It has brought my pictures and collages to a completely different level and I’m learning tons!
Totally love the idea of the pretzels in this shake! I’ve never heard of cacao nibs though. Where do you find those?
The pretzels really make this special with the touch of salt! You can find cacao nibs at Whole Foods or other natural stores. Or you can buy them discounted at Vitacost using this link: http://goo.gl/cGNpzz
Hi Tracy!
In Canada, you can buy raw cacao nibs in the Organic Baking section at Superstore or Save On Foods in the baking section, organic area! 😉
Thank you for the info Brooke! I’m excited to find some and try this smoothie!