A new recipe for a chocolate shake uses collagen powder to create a dessert that contains no added sugar and delivers a rich flavor, according to its creators at mindbodygreen. The drink, called a Chocolate Nutty Smoothie, is intended as a healthy alternative for people with a sweet tooth.
The recipe comes from former mindbodygreen beauty editor Hannah Frye, who previously worked in a smoothie shop. The shake is made with a frozen banana, a scoop of chocolate beauty & gut collagen+ (or unflavored collagen plus cacao powder), one date, two tablespoons of nut butter, a dash of cinnamon, and one and a half cups of almond milk or another milk of choice. All ingredients are blended until smooth.
The shake has a reported nutritional profile of 494 calories, 26 grams of protein, 55 grams of carbohydrates, and 21 grams of fat per serving. The nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
The collagen powder used in the recipe contains organic cocoa and organic monk fruit extract. According to the article, reviewers have said the powder tastes similar to a Wendy’s frosty when blended. The recipe is described as tasting like a peanut butter cup.
Collagen is included in the drink for its potential benefits to skin health. The article cites a source that links collagen supplementation to improved skin elasticity and hydration levels, as well as promotion of youthful texture. The shake is positioned as a dessert that can satisfy post-dinner cravings while also supporting nutrition goals.
The article notes that many healthy dessert alternatives fail to deliver on flavor, but this recipe is presented as an exception. The use of the chocolate collagen powder is credited with providing a decadent taste without added sugars. The brand behind the collagen, mindbodygreen, sells the product under the name beauty & gut collagen+.
Chocolate Nutty Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1 scoop chocolate beauty & gut collagen+ (or 1 scoop unflavored collagen plus 1 tablespoon cacao powder)
1 date
2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
A dash of cinnamon
1½ cups almond milk (or milk of choice)
Method:
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and serve.
The article advises that anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications should consult a doctor before starting a supplement routine. The source for the collagen skin benefits is a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (PMCID: PMC6213755).
