Iced Mocha Shake (No Protein Powder)

This is the shake for people who ran out of powder and still want a real breakfast. Nonfat dry milk powder gives it milkshake body and 11g of protein on its own, Greek yogurt adds another 14g, and the cold brew makes it taste like something from a coffee shop. It costs a fraction of a scoop of whey. Hydrate the milk powder before you blend or you will find lumps.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups cold skim or 1 percent milk
• 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder (about 30g)
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup strong cold brew coffee, chilled
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

1. Whisk the dry milk powder into the cold milk in the blender jar and let it sit 2 minutes to hydrate. Dumping it into a full blender leaves stubborn clumps.
2. Add the Greek yogurt, cold brew, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and salt to the jar.
3. Blend on high for 30 seconds, then add the ice and blend another 30 seconds until frothy and thick.
4. Taste and adjust the coffee. Cold brew concentrate is far stronger than ready-to-drink cold brew, so start light and add more.
5. Pour over a few extra ice cubes and drink immediately, or seal it in a jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours and shake before pouring.

Tips

• Sift the cocoa powder if yours is clumpy. Blenders push cocoa lumps around instead of breaking them up and you will find them in the last sip.
• Freeze leftover cold brew in an ice cube tray and use those cubes instead of plain ice. The shake stays strong instead of getting watery as it sits.
• A pinch of salt is not optional in anything with cocoa. It cuts the bitterness and makes the chocolate read as chocolate instead of dusty.

FAQ

How much caffeine is in this?

Roughly 100 to 150mg from half a cup of cold brew, similar to a small coffee shop latte. Use decaf cold brew for an evening version.

Where does the protein come from?

About 11g from the dry milk powder, 14g from the Greek yogurt, and 10g from the milk itself, for around 35g in one glass.

Can I use instant coffee instead of cold brew?

Yes. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water, cool it down, and use that with a little extra ice.

Will it separate if I make it the night before?

A little. Keep it sealed, shake hard for 10 seconds and it comes back together, though the foam on top does not return.

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