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    Home » What We're Eating » Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake

    Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake

    Published: Jan 9, 2019 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe
    Long collage of Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake
    Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Smoothie with text overlay in a mason jar

    This healthy version of a Starbucks favorite combines the rich, decadent flavors of chocolate and coffee with a hint of sweet and salty caramel. Low calorie, low sugar, and high protein, my Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake is the perfect on-the-go healthy breakfast to get you moving in the morning, and it's an ideal snack when you're looking for a nutritious afternoon pick-me-up!

    Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake with text overlay

    I've mentioned my love for coffee on this blog about one, two, or ten times. Maybe it's sad to admit, but my morning cup is one of the highlights of my day! It's the little things...

    That's why I'm so excited to share today's recipe with you. It's perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, healthy breakfast (and your coffee fix) STAT! You might also enjoy a shake for a sweet afternoon snack when you need a boost to get you through until dinner.

    Mason jar full of healthy smoothie in salted caramel mocha flavor with two straws

    How to Make a Salted Caramel Mocha at Home:

    When making a cold coffee beverage, it's always KEY to use a strong coffee so that your final product doesn't end up tasting watered-down and just...blah. These days you can find bottles of dark roast iced coffee ready to go in just about any grocery store. If you prefer, you can also just brew a cup of your favorite coffee and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. Whatever is easiest!

    Overhead image of whipped cream and caramel sauce on salted caramel mocha protein shake

    What's in a Salted Caramel Mocha?

    In addition to the cold coffee, you will also need unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other milk of your choice), chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, caramel extract, salt and ice. If you want a coffeehouse-style drink, you can garnish your shake with the optional toppings: whipped cream and caramel sauce!

    Ingredients for salted caramel mocha protein shake

    This IdealLean Chocolate Brownie is my favorite protein powder, which has 0 grams of sugar and only 80 calories per scoop. It adds the perfect thick, creamy texture to the smoothie! I also like this Quest Chocolate Milkshake protein powder.

    That said, you can substitute with your own favorite protein powder — or see my notes below for a recipe variation without protein powder.

    Container of IdealLean Chocolate protein powder for protein shake

    Once you have your ingredients ready to go, this is just a 2-minute "recipe!"

    Start by adding the ice to your blender. You can play with the amount of ice in your shake, based on the thickness that you prefer. I like a THICK smoothie that I can eat with a spoon, so more ice is always my preference!

    Then just toss in the rest of your ingredients (coffee, milk, protein powder, cocoa powder, caramel extract, and salt).

    Salted caramel mocha ingredients in blender before mixing

    Whiz until thick and smooth!

    Overhead image of salted caramel mocha in blender smooth

    Once your ingredients are all combined, you can garnish your Salted Caramel Mocha with a little bit of whipped topping and salted caramel sauce, if desired. Personally, I wouldn't skip this step. That caramel sauce is a MUST in my world!

    Close up image of salted caramel mocha protein shake with pink and white striped straw

    COOK'S TIPS AND RECIPE VARIATIONS:

    • If you’re preparing this healthy smoothie for kids, you can omit the protein powder and substitute with Greek yogurt. Since the protein powder adds not only thickness, but also flavor to the smoothie, you’ll want to use a sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt or use a plain Greek yogurt and add your own sweetener, to taste. You will also need an additional 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for that chocolate taste. The taste and texture of the smoothie recipe with yogurt will not be quite the same as the protein powder version, but your family will still love it!
    • Keep the healthy smoothie recipe low sugar by using unsweetened vanilla almond milk and a sugar free protein powder.
    • I prefer whey protein for flavor and thickness in this smoothie, but if you prefer a plant-based breakfast, you can substitute with a vegan protein powder.
    • You can find caramel extract in the baking aisle of most grocery stores (near the vanilla extract) or online here. Don't skip this ingredient -- it MAKES the shake!

    Front view of glass of salted caramel mocha protein shake with whipped cream and caramel sauce

    Skip the Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino and instead whip up your own healthy version at home! Chocolate, coffee, caramel, and a little boost from some caffeine. Could you ask for a better way to start your day?

    Healthy Salted Caramel Mocha surrounded by chocolate chips

    You might also enjoy these protein shakes:

    • Cake Batter Healthy Smoothie
    • Apple Pie Protein Smoothie
    • Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
    • Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie
    Print Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake

    This healthy version of a Starbucks favorite combines the rich, decadent flavors of chocolate and coffee with a hint of sweet and salty caramel. Low calorie, low sugar, and high protein, my Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake is the perfect on-the-go healthy breakfast!
    Course Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword salted caramel mocha, salted caramel mocha frappuccino
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1 person
    Calories 100.9kcal
    Author Blair Lonergan

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup brewed coffee cooled
    • ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or other milk of your choice
    • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
    • 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ teaspoon caramel extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1½ - 2 cups ice
    • Optional: whipped topping and/or salted caramel syrup for garnish

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to blender and combine! Garnish with whipped topping and salted caramel syrup, if desired.

    Notes

    For purposes of calculating nutrition information, I used my favorite IdealLean Chocolate Brownie Protein Powder (which has 80 calories per scoop). You can substitute with a different protein powder, but the nutrition information may vary.
    Nutrition information does not include optional toppings.
    COOK'S TIPS AND RECIPE VARIATIONS:
    • If you’re preparing this healthy smoothie for kids, you can omit the protein powder and substitute with Greek yogurt. Since the protein powder adds not only thickness, but also flavor to the smoothie, you’ll want to use a sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt or use a plain Greek yogurt and add your own sweetener, to taste. You will also need an additional 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for that chocolate taste. The taste and texture of the smoothie recipe with yogurt will not be quite the same as the protein powder version, but your family will still love it!
    • Keep the healthy smoothie recipe low sugar by using unsweetened vanilla almond milk and a sugar free protein powder.
    • I prefer whey protein for flavor and thickness in this smoothie, but if you prefer a plant-based breakfast, you can substitute with a vegan protein powder.
    • You can find caramel extract in the baking aisle of most grocery stores (near the vanilla extract) or online here. Don't skip this ingredient -- it MAKES the shake!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 100.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.2g | Protein: 21.5g | Fat: 1.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Sodium: 752.5mg | Potassium: 265.5mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.1g

    This post was originally published in March, 2015. It was updated in January, 2019.

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen @ Baked by an Introvert

      March 27, 2015 at 9:33 am

      Um, do you have any left? I'm on my way over, okay! You had me at salted caramel!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 27, 2015 at 9:36 am

        Hah hah! Thanks, Jen! Sorry that it's been devoured!

        Reply
    2. Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel

      March 27, 2015 at 2:35 pm

      I cant believe how good this looks and to know its packed with so much protein too. And I have to say, those serving glasses are adorable. I have similar ones but they never had something so delicious in them before 😉

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 28, 2015 at 8:48 am

        Thanks, Kelsey!

        Reply
    3. Katie

      March 29, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      My mouth is watering as I read, thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 30, 2015 at 6:37 am

        Thanks for stopping by, Katie! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Cathy

      March 30, 2015 at 9:08 pm

      Love this idea, esp.the little added protein! Blair, I would love for you to share this at my new link party Making Memories Mondays going on now! 🙂
      Cathy

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 31, 2015 at 5:57 am

        Thanks, Cathy! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Felicia

      March 30, 2015 at 11:01 pm

      This looks so yummy that I can't wait to make one tomorrow!! All of these protein smoothies sound delicious.

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 31, 2015 at 5:56 am

        Thanks, Felicia! Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Rachel

      April 02, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      This looks so good! You have so many great shake recipes. Pinning and thank you for sharing with all of us at Merry Monday!

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 02, 2015 at 4:22 pm

        Thanks, Rachel!!

        Reply
    7. Michelle @ Taste As You Go

      June 06, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      Just popping in to let you know I've included your recipe for Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Shake in my round-up of iced coffee recipes on Taste As You Go. Thanks for contributing!

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 07, 2016 at 9:48 am

        Thanks so much, Michelle!

        Reply
      • NATASHA S GATES

        January 27, 2021 at 10:31 am

        5 stars
        Delicious!! I used Blessed Salted Carmel protein powder and it was amazing. Thanks for the recipe

        Reply
        • Blair

          January 27, 2021 at 1:28 pm

          Great! Thanks, Natasha!

          Reply
    8. Gail

      September 03, 2019 at 10:16 pm

      Sounds really good, but it seems like there’s a lot of sodium.

      Reply

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    Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you'll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It's down-home, country-style cooking!

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