Sometimes you want to satisfy a chocolate craving and get your caffeine fix at the same time. Sure, you could pop into your local coffee spot for a mocha frap, but most sweet blended coffee drinks pack in a surprising amount of calories and sugar, even without whipped cream.
For example, a 16-ounce (Grande) Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks made with 2% milk and whipped cream contains: 400 calories, 14 grams fat (9 grams saturated), 65 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber, 61 grams sugar, and 5 grams protein. Removing the whipped cream saves you 110 calories and 11 grams of fat, but you’re still looking at 58 grams of sugar.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cold black coffee
- 4 oz 1% milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk)
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 a frozen banana
- 1 cup ice
- 1 large handful baby spinach (optional)
Directions:
1. Layer ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
Per serving (~16 ounces, made with 1% milk, chocolate whey protein powder, and baby spinach):
220 Calories, 3 grams fat, 26 grams carbs, 17 grams sugar (from naturally-occurring fructose and lactose in the banana, whey protein, and milk), 30 grams protein.
You can drink as is or feel free to garnish with a teaspoon of chia seeds, a pinch of coconut flakes, or whatever else you like.
Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian, health coach, and writer with a passion for helping others experience a happier, calmer life and a balanced relationship with food. For those in need of some healthy-eating inspiration, Jess created five day's worth of delicious make-ahead lunches to make it even easier to eat well on a busy day. For more information on Jess, check out her website and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
Main Photo Credit: FabrikaSimf/shutterstock.com; Second Photo Credit: Chachamp/shutterstock.com
