I’ll show you how to make Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream that doesn’t taste like a protein shake! Lots of folks are just freezing chocolate protein shakes and turning them into ice cream with the Ninja Creami. I can’t do it. It still tastes like a protein shake….only colder. I need more flavor and other things to get rid of the protein shake taste. So, after several attempts to get the flavor right, without adding TOO many extra things, I did it. I made chocolate protein ice cream that tastes like chocolate ICE CREAM and not like a protein shake!!
This recipe comes in at 255 calories, 31 grams of protein, 5 grams of sugar, 4 grams of fat, and 29 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition facts.
If you’re just starting out with meal replacement shakes or just trying to add a little extra protein to your diet, you can do it by making your own ice cream. And, I’m here to tell you, it can still taste good…like really good! I was 100% against making protein ice cream. I had zero interest in it. I made some for my husband and then he ended up going out of town when it was ready to be eaten. So, I drew the short straw and ended up being the one that had to try the protein ice creams.
I didn’t think it would happen…but I was pleasantly surprised! Honestly, I had VERY low expectations. Now, don’t get me wrong…there were some big-time fails! Let’s not even talk about the lemon disaster and the disgusting butter pecan concoctions that I came up with.
But, after several attempts, I think I MASTERED the chocolate protein ice cream. It’s just so good and creamy. When I tasted it, I actually used the word gelato to describe it. I KNOW! It’s definitely NOT gelato. But the fact that it tastes like and has the texture of gelato is really saying something!
I’ve tried freezing just the protein shake. I highly discourage you from doing this when it’s so quick and easy to add a couple of ingredients to turn a protein shake into a magnificent ice cream. Protein shakes on their own end up tasting like a very cold and very bland protein shake. It’s really not good.
Can I freeze a protein shake and make ice cream?
Sure, you can. But you'll regret that decision pretty quickly. When frozen, protein shakes are not very flavorful and are quite bland. I highly recommend adding extracts, pudding powder, fruit, syrups, or just about anything to the protein shake before freezing it. Something as simple as vanilla extract or cocoa powder goes a very long way!
This is a great chocolate base recipe to start with. Feel free to add any mix-ins that you would like. The sky is the limit! Keep in mind that anything additional that you add will change the nutritional value of the recipe. But, I tried to keep the calories and sugar levels pretty low so that other things could be added in while still staying a little healthy.
Tips for making Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
You can use almost anything as a mix-in. Try adding cookies, candies, fresh fruit, cereal, brownies, or even nuts. I would try to stay away from adding in nut butter like peanut butter, sauces, and spreads. Adding these things in will not create ribbons of flavor. Instead, they will fully incorporate into the base of the ice cream. Sometimes, mixing these types of ingredients in will turn the ice cream to more of a soft serve consistency and you may not be able to scoop the ice cream because it has softened up too much.
There are a few reasons. Usually, your freezer is not between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit or you do not have the correct amount of fat, sugar, or dairy in the recipe. The quickest and easiest way to fix this issue is to add in a tablespoon or two of liquid and respin.
Normally, if you are eating ice cream for dessert, the serving size is 4 ounces or half a cup. The Ninja Creami pint containers are 15 ounces and the deluxe containers are 24 ounces. So, ½ cup is a serving size. This can vary if you are making meal-replacement ice cream. Sometimes, a full pint is one meal. It just depends on what type of diet you are following.
Many have found that freezing the ice cream without the lid helps reduce the bump that sometimes gets created during the freezing process. While this may work sometimes, it does not always work. If your ice cream has a large bump in the middle, you can try to flatten or scrape it down with a warm spoon or vegetable peeler.
I like to use chocolate almond milk in this recipe because it adds additional chocolate flavor. But, it also adds calories and sugar. So, if you would like, you can use unsweetened almond milk instead.
Click HERE to see a full list of substitutions. Some substitutions provide a less creamy texture.
Looking for more Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes?
Ingredient Substitutions for making Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream:
The full ingredient list is at the bottom of this post in the recipe card.
Chocolate Protein Shake- I used a premier protein chocolate shake. You can use any brand that you would like. Just be sure to taste the shake before using it to make sure that you like the taste.
Chocolate Almond Milk- You can use any milk or milk substitute. The chocolate adds more flavor but it also adds more sugar and calories. So, if you would prefer, you can use unsweetened milk.
Sugar-Free Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix- Be sure to use INSTANT pudding mix that has not been made yet. You only use the powder for this recipe.
Dark Cocoa Powder- I prefer to use dark cocoa powder because it provides a stronger chocolate flavor. Make sure you use unsweetened cocoa powder.
Directions for making Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream:
Directions for Making the Ice Cream Mixture
- Pour the chocolate protein shake, ¼ cup of chocolate almond milk pudding mix, and cocoa powder into a small blender and blend together until the pudding mix is completely combined with the liquids.
- Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container.
- Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid getting a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, freeze with the lid off of the container.
Directions for Processing the Ice Cream Mixture
- After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer.
- Place the pint container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and then process on “LITE ICE CREAM.”
- If the ice cream is dry or crumbly looking, pour in a tablespoon or two of chocolate almond milk and then respin. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times.
- Remove the pint from the machine and enjoy!
Save for Later on Pinterest!
Recipe
Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
Rate this Recipe
Equipment
Add Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin To Make Leftover Ice Cream Scoopable Right Out of the Freezer
Per 16 ounce pint: *Add 1 Teaspoon to full fat/full sugar bases *Add 1.5 teaspoon to high protein bases *Add 2 teaspoons to low sugar/low fat lite bases. Freeze and process per the recipe. Take the leftovers out of the freezer and scoop without having to reprocess. ***This is a guideline and adjustments may be needed based on your recipe.
Original, Breeze, Swirl, and Deluxe Ingredient Measurements
Use the multiplier below to adjust quantities based on the machine that you own. ***If you have the Original, Breeze, or Swirl machine, which use 16 ounce containers, choose the 1X option. ***If you have the Deluxe or XL machine, which use 24 ounce containers, choose the 1.5X option.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 11.5 Ounces (326 g) Chocolate Protein Shake
- ¼ Cup (59 ⅐ ml) Chocolate Almond Milk
- 2 Tablespoons (2 Tablespoons) Sugar-Free Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
- 1 Tablespoon (1 Tablespoon) Dark Cocoa Powder
Optional
- 1-2 Tablespoons (2 Tablespoons) Chocolate Almond Milk
Instructions
Make the Ice Cream Mixture
- Pour the chocolate protein shake, ¼ cup of chocolate almond milk pudding mix, and cocoa powder into a small blender and blend together until the pudding mix is completely combined with the liquids. Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container.
- Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid getting a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, freeze with the lid off of the container.
Process the Ice Cream
- After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer.
- Place the pint container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and then process on "LITE ICE CREAM."
- If the ice cream is dry or crumbly looking, pour in a tablespoon or two of chocolate almond milk and then respin. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times.
- Remove the pint from the machine and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Optional ingredients are not included in the nutrition information.
Recipes that use allulose:
Allulose is a low calorie sweetener that your body doesn't fully digest, so it provides only 0.4 calories per gram instead of 4. That's why the calorie total doesn't match what you'd expect from the carb count. Calories from allulose are calculated based on metabolized carbohydrates. Allulose contributes fewer calories than standard carbohydrates.
Leave a comment and rate this recipe!
Keep scrolling to see my newest recipes!
-
Ninja Creami Berry Blast Protein Ice Cream
If you are tired of forcing down protein shakes and you are looking for a better way to hit your macros, then you have to try this Ninja Creami Berry Blast Protein Ice Cream. It is packed with real mixed berries, loaded with protein, and it tastes like an actual dessert instead of something you are forcing yourself to eat because it is good for you. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries come together to create a bold berry flavor that is bright, fruity, and absolutely delicious. This recipe comes in at 279 calories, 26 grams of protein, 19 grams of sugar, 6 […]
-
Ninja Creami Low Calorie Strawberry Whip
If you love strawberries and you love frozen desserts but you don’t love all the calories that come with store-bought ice cream, then you are going to want to make this Ninja Creami Low Calorie Strawberry Whip right away. Think of it like a homemade strawberry version of the famous pineapple Dole Whip, but made right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients. It’s light, it’s creamy, it’s packed with real strawberry flavor, and it seriously feels like a sweet treat you shouldn’t be allowed to have on a diet. But you can. And that’s the best part. This recipe […]
-
Ninja Creami Watermelon Sorbet
If you love a fresh, sweet watermelon as much as I do, then you have to try this Ninja Creami watermelon sorbet. It is made with just one single ingredient, fresh watermelon, and it comes out smooth, creamy, and packed with that sweet, juicy watermelon flavor that just screams summer. No added sugar, no dairy, no fuss. Just watermelon. That’s it! This recipe comes in at 91 calories, 2 grams of protein, 19 grams of sugar, 5 grams of fat, and 23 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition facts. […]
-
Ninja Creami Blue Raspberry Cotton Candy Protein Ice Cream
If you love fun flavors and protein-packed desserts, this Ninja Creami Blue Raspberry Cotton Candy Protein Ice Cream is going to be your new favorite treat. It’s sweet, creamy, and it’s got a ton of cotton candy flavor in the ice cream base and in the mix-ins! Not only does it taste great, but the texture (and color) is AMAZING! Made right in the Ninja Creami ice cream machine, this recipe brings a playful twist to high-protein frozen desserts while keeping things light and refreshing. This recipe comes in at 351 calories, 27 grams of protein, 16 grams of sugar, 14 […]
-
Ninja Creami Coconut Cream Pie Protein Frozen Yogurt
If you love coconut creami pie, you’re going to love this recipe! Ninja Creami Coconut Cream Pie Protein Frozen Yogurt is creamy, lightly sweet, and 37 grams of protein per pint. With toasted coconut yogurt, whey protein, and a hint of vanilla and coconut extract, it tastes just like dessert with some extra protein and without the extra calories. This recipe comes in at 404 calories, 37 grams of protein, 6 grams of sugar, 19 grams of fat, 42 carbs, 18 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all […]
-
The BEST Ninja Creami Full Fat/Sugar/Dairy Recipes
Check out my favorite classic Ninja Creami ice cream recipes made with real dairy and real sugar. These are just good, old-fashioned ice cream flavors with no special diet focus, no swaps, and no compromises. If you are new to the Ninja Creami or just want dependable recipes that taste like actual creamy ice cream, this is exactly where to start. You will find familiar favorites like chocolate chip, chocolate lovers ice cream, Butterfinger, M&M ice cream, mint chocolate chip, strawberry ice cream, frozen yogurts, and even Dole Whip style treats. These recipes are meant to be fun, nostalgic, and […]
-
Ninja Creami Low Calorie Grape Kool-Aid Ice Cream
I love experimenting with low-calorie ice creams, and this Grape Kool-Aid version is a fun throwback to drinking Kool-Aid as a kid. Using 2% milk, allulose, sugar-free instant vanilla pudding, and just a touch of grape Kool-Aid powder, this pint comes together with the perfect balance of sweet and fruity flavor. It’s creamy, satisfying, and still keeps the calories low. This recipe comes in at 257 calories, 12 grams of protein, 18 grams of sugar, 7 grams of fat, 81 carbs, 33 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for […]
-
Flodesk Email Marketing Platform That Finally Made Email Easy (and less stressful!)
Your email platform should make your life easier. It shouldn’t feel confusing, clunky, or like a full-time job to figure out. If you want beautiful emails that are quick to create and backed by great customer service, Flodesk is the one for you. It’s basically the only email tool that hasn’t made me want to throw my laptop out the window. ***I am a Flodesk partner but all of the opinions below are mine. I wouldn’t make a post about something that I didn’t actually like enough to recommend. Email matters. It’s one of the best ways to stay connected […]
-
Ninja Creami Blueberry and Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt
If you’re looking for a light and fruity frozen treat that’s simple to make, this Ninja Creami Blueberry and Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt is the perfect recipe. It’s made with just four ingredients: blueberry yogurt, coconut yogurt, vanilla bean paste, and blueberries. The Ninja Creami machine does all the work for you, creating a soft, creamy texture that tastes amazing every time. This recipe comes in at 598 calories, 23 grams of protein, 71 grams of sugar, 23 grams of fat, and 75 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition […]
-
Ninja Creami Cinnamon Green Apple Protein Ice Cream
If you love the flavor of warm cinnamon and tart green apples, this Ninja Creami Cinnamon Green Apple Protein Ice Cream will be your new favorite recipe. It’s sweet, creamy, and packed with protein, making it a dessert you can actually feel good about eating. Every spoonful tastes like a crisp fall day in the best way possible. This recipe comes in at 248 calories, 25 grams of protein, 18 grams of sugar, 5 grams of fat, 49 carbs, 25 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition […]
-
Ninja Creami Low Calorie Horchata Ice Cream
This is a unique recipe for making Ninja Creami ice cream that tastes like horchata. It’s low in calories and includes a couple of secret ingredients to achieve amazing flavor and perfect texture while keeping the calories super low. This recipe comes in at 250 calories, 9 grams of protein, 8 grams of sugar, 17 grams of fat, 60 carbs, 12 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition facts. You’re probably wondering what horchata is and what it tastes like. Horchata is a drink that started in […]
-
Ninja Creami Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
If you enjoy a creamy, fruity, frozen, sweet treat, you’ll love this Ninja Creami Strawberry Frozen Yogurt. Made with just two simple ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make at home using your Ninja Creami. This recipe keeps things simple with no hard to find, complicated, or unusual ingredients, just pure, delicious strawberry flavor in every bite. This recipe comes in at 401 calories, 23 grams of protein, 65 grams of sugar, 6 grams of fat, and 66 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition facts. Making frozen yogurt at home […]
-
What to Do With Ninja Creami Leftovers and How to Keep Them Soft After Refreezing
Are your leftovers frozen solid? Don’t panic…this is NORMAL! One of the tricky things about Ninja Creami ice cream is the leftovers can become rock solid, like a chunk of ice, after refreezing. Usually, the leftovers are not soft enough to scoop. This can be problematic if you don’t want to have to process leftovers every time you want to eat them or if you have added mix-ins (mix-ins get completely mixed into the ice cream if you process them again). A couple reasons why the leftovers are not scoopable… How to resolve this issue… How to use FOOD GRADE […]
-
What is the ideal freezer temperature for Ninja Creami creations?
If you freezer temperature is not ideal, your Ninja Creami creations might not turn out as expected. If the freezer is too cold, the ice cream could be very hard or dry and powdery. If the freezer is not cold enough, the ice cream is likely to be softer than expected and oftentimes will be icy. What temperature should the freezer be set to? The recommended temperature for the freezer for Ninja Creami treats is between -7 and +9 degrees Fahrenheit. This calculates to be between -21.7 and -12.8 degrees Celsius. A few tips on properly freezing Ninja Creami creations Not […]
-
What Do You Do About the Bump on Ninja Creami Ice Cream? Can It Damage the Machine?
Let me start off by saying that not all bumps are treated equally. This is not a one-size-fits-all all answer. The information in this post is for informational purposes only and is based on my own personal experiences and the experiences of the folks in the Ninja Creami Community on Facebook. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This is one of the most common and controversial troubleshooting issues with the Ninja Creami. Sometimes after freezing Ninja Creami creations, a mound or hump can develop on the top of the ice cream. Per the instructions from the manufacturer, the top […]
Joanna says
I followed this recipe to a T and it made my creami lock up and the blade disengage, twice. made sure it froze level across the top, left it sit for 30 minutes too. Almost couldn’t get the part with the handle out of the machine. Had to let the whole container melt on the counter and pour it out. don’t know what to do to make protein icecream if it just locks up the machine.
Lauren Cardona says
I’m sorry that happened to you. The recipe does not say to thaw the ice cream for 30 minutes before processing. Doing so can greatly change the texture of the ice cream and it doesn’t process the same in the machine. If your machine is locking up using one of my tested recipes as written, you need to contact Ninja, as that should not be happening. There may be an issue with your machine.
Elizabeth says
Would glycerin help make this more scoopable. I don’t wanna eat the entire thing in one sitting, but I also don’t wanna have to deal with re-spinning it every time.
Lauren Cardona says
Food grade vegetable glycerin does help keep the Ninja Creami ice cream scoopable after processing and freezing the leftovers. The amount needed varies on the recipe but there is a little section in all of my Ninja Creami recipe cards that give guidance on how much to use for different types of recipes.
Cynthia says
I love this recipe!! It’s one of my very favorites!!!
Cynthia says
I love this recipe!! It’s my favorite chocolate protein treat!! Comes out perfect every time! I would give it 6 stars!
Sherree Tierney says
This is the best recipe that I have done. No ice no little pellets of ice cream. I followed this recipe exactly. It rates the best for taste and texture. No respin. I did have to leave it out a little before I spun it. So happy!
Lauren Cardona says
Woo Hoo!! I’m so glad you liked it! I agree, it has THE BEST texture!!