No dairy for you? No problem! This easy dairy free chocolate chip shake has that classic vanilla shake flavor studded with chocolate chips. Trim Healthy Mamas, if you’ve been wondering what to use that Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder in, this is it! A great plant-based quick meal, snack, or dessert to help you stay on-plan when that sweet tooth acts up.
Dairy Free Does Not = Sadness!
I know, dairy free anything sounds like sadness if you really love all the creamy deliciousness of dairy. But whether you can’t have it (or choose not to) it doesn’t have to be sadness, I promise.
The key is finding replacements for that beloved dairy. That’s not always easy but it’s definitely do-able!
And, when you’re wanting a creamy, vanilla-y chocolate chip shake you want it as close to the real thing as possible, right?
While this shake may not be 100% exactly the same as a real, dairy-based shake (especially one made with sugar-laden ice cream), it’s pretty darn close in my opinion.
You’ve got creamy vanilla deliciousness and bits of chocolate chips – a classic and delicious flavor combo. But, there’s no dairy or processed sugars so it’s a healthy treat anyone can enjoy.
In addition to being compliant with Trim Healthy Mama diet guidelines, this recipe is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. It’s gluten free and great for a low carb diet, too.
What Do I Need For This Recipe?
I try to keep things as simple as possible, with few “special ingredients.” This recipe does, however, use a few things you may not always have on hand. You can easily substitute, though.
- Neutral flavored, on-plan non dairy milk (can also use half water for a lighter fat option)
- THM Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder (I highly recommend this but any on-plan non-dairy protein powder can be used. See my notes below on that…)
- THM Whole Husk Psyllium Flakes for fiber and thickening (or, use Glucomannan powder or xanthan gum)
- Sweetener (I love a combo of Lakanto Golden Monkfruit and a doonk of THM Pure Stevia Extract)
- Vanilla extract
- Pink Himalayan salt
- Ice
- Dairy and sugar free chocolate chips or 85% dark chocolate
I don’t personally care for xanthan gum but it works as a thickener. I like using psyllium husk to thicken shakes these days but if I used gluccie I’d add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. Xanthan gum should work if substituted the in the same amount as gluccie.
When choosing a thickener it’s good to know that both psyllium husk and gluccie have weight loss benefits. They’re both high in fiber and great for low carb foods. In addition, fiber also helps you feel full longer and may help regulate blood sugar.
Sweetener Notes
Use any sweetener to taste. I love the Lakanto Golden Monkfruit but any sweetener will work fine.
If using only pure stevia extract (the fine, white powder) I’d suggest starting with 2 or 3 doonks – a doonk is 1/32 teaspoon. Taste then add more if needed.
Or, 1 tablespoon or so of a granulated stevia product such as Pyure, a bit less of THM Super Sweet, and a bit more of THM Gentle Sweet.
My Favorite Dairy Free Replacements For This Recipe.
Any on-plan, non-dairy milk alternative works for this dairy free chocolate chip shake recipe. Keep in mind that each type of plant-based milk tastes different, with some having stronger flavors than others.
This can affect the final outcome of the shake so choose as neutral-flavored plant milk as you can.
I definitely can’t have almonds, and probably shouldn’t have coconut or soy (see my post on Doing THM With Food Sensitivities for more on that…) so my options are a bit limited for plant milks.
My absolute favorite right now is Ripple Unsweetened Original. It’s a pea-based milk, has a very neutral flavor, no soy, GMOs, nuts, or gluten, and has 8g of protein per cup! It also has 4.5 grams of fat and less than 1 gram of carbs per serving, so great for all the THM things.
They also make a fabulous half and half and I use that in my morning coffee daily. I also use it in cooking, or in shakes and smoothies to give added creaminess or when I’m out of the milk.
This post is NOT sponsored by Ripple, just so you know. I just love it! I find this brand at Kroger, Meijer, and Target so far (though the only store I find the half and half at is Kroger).
What About Whey Protein Powder Alternatives?
When I first went dairy free, including whey protein powder, I tried several different plant-based protein powders. While none of them were horrid, none of them were really spectacular, either.
At the time I was also still waiting on the release of the new THM Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder. As soon as it was launched I was lucky and got a bag before they sold out and wow, was it ever worth the wait!
This post is also NOT sponsored by THM, I’m just ever so in love with Creamy Dreamy. It’s really that good!
Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder is made from organic, cold pressed, defatted hemp hearts. One of the best things about it? It’s a very fine, white powder so it doesn’t have a gritty feel at all.
Absolutely, hands down, this is the best vegan protein powder I’ve ever tried.
So, just like with plant-based milk alternatives, the flavors of plant protein powders varies greatly and can affect the final outcome.
The THM Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder actually kind of gives this shake an almost custard flavor! Of course, if you just hate anything hemp you may not care for this. While it is very neutral in flavor I notice it does impart a slight hempy-nuttiness to some things, depending on how much you use and how many other flavors are in the dish to possibly cover it.
You can also use collagen, but it won’t be as creamy dreamy. I’d add some dairy free half and half (again, Ripple is my favorite) to make it more creamy. Or try adding a dairy free yogurt.
How To Make This Delicious Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Shake Recipe.
It’s seriously as easy as dump and blend!
The only thing to remember is to blend everything BUT the chocolate chips/chocolate first. Blend until the ice is all broken down and the shake is smooth and thick. Then add your chocolate and pulse several times until it’s in pieces small enough to not get stuck in your straw.
If you’re not needing a dairy free recipe and using whey protein powder you should add that last, with the chocolate chips. Otherwise it gets super big and fluffy when blended for longer.
Then, simply enjoy!
How To Include This Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Shake Into Your THM Meal Plan Today.
As written, this is a THM S. Your protein content, fat, carbs, and fiber may vary depending on what ingredients you use.
Since it’s an S recipe, keep this in a low carb setting. However, if you need a Crossover or S Helper, that’s fine too. Be sure to check the book for more details on those fuel types.
Almond milk has less fat than the Ripple I use so that will lower the fat content a bit if you use it. You can also lower it by using half plant milk and half water.
Here are 3 ways to add this shake to your menu…or day, if you’re not a menu planner:
- As a quick meal. Just remember THM encourages you to eat most of your meals and not rely on meal-replacing shakes. But on busy days or days when you’re just not that hungry it’s a great option.
- How about a snack? Use a bit less protein powder and you’ve got a great snack. No need for over 20 grams of protein in a snack, unless you really need extra protein.
- Dessert! If your meal is light on protein this makes a fabulous dessert that still helps you get your protein in with your meal. This is a great option for meatless meals. Load up on veggies then get your protein in your dessert.
Can I Have This In A Deep S Setting?
Deep S foods are supposed to be very low in carbs, and contain healthy fats and protein. No berries, dairy, nuts, or grains are allowed. As such, many typical (and tasty) THM friendly shake and smoothie recipes are not suitable for a Deep S setting.
However, since this recipe contains no dairy, nuts, grains, or berries, is very low in carbs, and has healthy proteins and fats it’s a great way to satisfy that crave for sweets when eating Deep S style. Just be sure your chocolate does not contain any sugar, fillers, or off plan sweeteners.
The Trim Healthy Chocolate Chips contain only chocolate liqueur, erythritol, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, Himalayan pink salt, and organic stevia extract powder. This makes them the perfect chocolate to use for a Deep S friendly shake.
In addition, you can also use Skinny Chocolate (recipe found on page 377 of the first Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook). Also, you can add some MCT or melted coconut oil if you like for more healthy fats.
Get the cookbook here
However you choose to include this in your healthy eating plan, it’s a delicious treat. And, if you have food allergies or sensitivities or need to prepare food for those who do, this healthy, plant based chocolate chip shake is perfect.
Whether you want to lose weight, make healthier food choices, or just enjoy the health benefits of plant based foods my low carb and dairy free chocolate chip shake makes a great addition to your long term healthy eating plan.
Can I Make This A FP (Fuel Pull)?
Initially, I did not even try to make this a FP shake. I just didn’t think it would be good. But, thanks to a reader’s question I hopped out to the kitchen and gave it a try.
Guess what?
You absolutely CAN make this a FP and it still tastes delicious! Of course, it’s better as an S – at least in my opinion. But it’s still tasty with lower fat and a great way to get a light treat or snack in when you need it.
How do you do that? Just make the following changes:
- Omit the plant-based milk and use all water
- Keep your chocolate chips/chocolate measurement within the 5g of fat allowed for a FP
That’s it! I used 1 square of Bake Believe Dark Chocolate Baking Bar, which has 5g of fat. It was just enough chocolate “chips” and didn’t seem skimpy at all.
One thing to keep in mind, however: I made this using the Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder from THM. I can’t say how any other brand of plant-based protein powder will taste or work in this recipe.
If you try it with another brand, I’d love to hear your thoughts on taste and texture. Your comments also help future readers, too!
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Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Shake | THM S
Classic vanilla shake flavor studded with chocolate chips - all without dairy or sugar!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ripple Unsweetened Original plant milk (or other on-plan non-dairy milk - use all water for FP)
- 1-1/2 cup crushed ice
- 2 tablespoons THM Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder (or other plant based protein, see notes)
- 1 tablespoon THM Psyllium Husk (or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon gluccie or xanthan gum, see notes)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Lakanto Golden Monkfruit
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/16 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt (2 doonks)
- 1/32 teaspoon THM Pure Stevia Extract (1 doonk)
- 1 tablespoon sugar free chocolate chips (or for FP, use an amount equal to 5g fat)
Instructions
- In a blender jar, add all ingredients except for chocolate.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust for sweetness and/or thickness level as desired.
- Add chocolate and pulse several times until chocolate is in small pieces that won't get stuck in a straw.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Protein Powder Notes
I prefer the THM Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder, which is made from organic, defatted hemp hearts. It almost gives a custardy flavor to this shake. You can use any plant-based protein powder but that will likely affect the flavor outcome.
You can also use collagen, but that will also affect the flavor. I'd add some dairy free half and half (again, Ripple is my favorite) to make it more creamy. Or try adding a dairy free yogurt.
Finally, if you can have whey protein powder, that would be delicious too. Just add it at the end when you're breaking up the chocolate or it will get really big and floofy.
Sweetener Notes
Use any sweetener to taste. I love the Lakanto Golden Monkfruit but any sweetener will work fine. I'd suggest starting with 2 or 3 doonks of Pure Stevia Extract (the fine, white powder) and adding more if needed. Or 1 tablespoon or so of a granulated stevia product such as Pyure, a bit less of THM Super Sweet, and a bit more of THM Gentle Sweet.
THICKENER NOTES
While I prefer using psyllium husks to thicken my shakes and smoothies, gluccie (glucomannan powder) or xanthan gum work as well. I'd start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if necessary.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Whole Husk Psyllium Flakes 16oz Bag
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THM Dark Chocolate Chips 8oz Bag
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THM Creamy Dreamy Plant Protein Powder
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Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender, Professional-Grade, 48 oz. Container, Black
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Pure Stevia Extract Powder 1oz Bag
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Lakanto Golden Monkfruit Sweetner, 16 oz
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High Mineral Salt 12oz Bag
-
Flavorganics Vanilla Extract, 4 Ounce
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 240Total Fat: 9.5gSaturated Fat: 3.5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 274.6mgCarbohydrates: 11.5gNet Carbohydrates: 3ggFiber: 8.5gSugar: 1.5gSugar Alcohols: 19gProtein: 24g
Nutrition information is approximate and based on the best knowledge available at the time of recipe publication. Your results may vary due to differences in ingredients. You can make your own calculations if this recipe does not include nutrition info by using an online calculator such as https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp
Angela Holmquist says
Hi! I’m excited to try this, but I’m wondering what makes it an S? The chocolate chips? Thanks!
Dawn Yoder says
Hi Angela! Yes, it’s the chocolate chips plus any fat in your non-dairy milk. While I haven’t tried this you could, in theory, possibly get this to a FP by using just water and keeping the amount of chocolate chips to 5g if fat.
If you try that let me know how it turns out for you!