Better-than-Starbucks’ Java Chip Frappuccino – Protein-Packed!

The weather is getting warmer! Yay! And I hope you all had a GREAT Easter weekend.

If you want a way to enjoy warmer weather and keep the Easter treats going but without the guilt…I have the thing for you!

One of my favourite things about summer used to be Starbucks’ frappuccinos.

Sure I always felt like crap after drinking them (it’s the sugar for me, I just don’t do well with it), but they were soooo good! Creamy, sweet, refreshing and cool, some (my favourites of course) were chocolatey…

The winner for me was the Java Chip Frappuccino because I just loved those chunks of chocolate chips on my tongue. So yum!

Well, I’ve mentioned many a time my need for more protein in my diet, and shakes are one of the best ways for me to get this protein. I was trying to come up with a new and exciting shake flavour and realized I could try a protein version of a frappuccino. So then my mind got whirring and then I ended up with…well, THIS:

I sent my sister this recipe as soon as it was done because she’s pregnant and in need of extra protein and iron – this drink gives you 24% of your daily iron needs!!!

The stats? Well, one serving couldn’t fit in the tall glass in these pictures, so bear in mind this makes a HUGE serving. I would say a Starbucks’ Grande size for sure. I can easily have half of this for a snack.

But in one drink is:

• 225 cals (versus 340 cals in a grande Java Chip Frappe from Starbucks)
• 6.6g fat (2.7g saturated) (versus 9.3g fat in Starbucks’ version – 6.7g of which are saturated)
• 18.2g carbs (versus 64g!!!! in Starbucks’ – this is the sugar, people!)
• 21.5g protein (versus 6.7g in Starbucks’ version)

This drink is creamy, chocolatey, sweet and indulgent. Just with a way better nutritional profile. There’s really no contest ;).

PS. If you aren’t a coffee drinker, just omit the coffee – easy!

This shot was taken about 90 seconds after I finished shooting the drink…that’s how good it is 🙂

Anna’s Protein-Packed Better-than-Starbucks’ Java Chip Frappuccino!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 scoop protein powder (my powder gives me 12g protein in 1/2 scoop)
1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1 shot espresso (I use decaf)
1/2 cup almond milk
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 packets stevia (or sweetener of choice)
1 cup ice cubes
1 tbsp chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Blend everything except chocolate chips together until smooth. If you want it thinner, don’t add as many ice cubes. If you want it thicker, add more!

2. Add chocolate chips to blender and blend for about 20-30 seconds more.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional information is per frappuccino (above recipe makes 1):