Why make this protein shake?

A thick chocolate peanut butter shake should taste like a milkshake, not like chalk. This one skips protein powder and gets its protein from whole foods instead: JOI Organic Peanut Base for that roasted peanut butter flavor, JOI Organic Hemp Base blended into water as the milk, plus soy yogurt for extra creaminess. JOI lists 4g of protein per serving of the peanut base and 5g per serving of the hemp base, so you know exactly where it comes from. Two squeeze bottles replace a jar, a carton and a scoop, and both go straight into the blender with no spoon to lick clean. Expect a frosty, spoon-thick shake in 5 minutes, sweetened only by banana and dates.

Why this recipe is so easy

• One blender, no protein powder, no carton milk.

• Milk is made in the blender jar at the same time.

• Frozen banana means no ice needed for thickness.

Recipe card

• Servings: 1 large shake (about 16 oz) or 2 small

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: none

• Total time: 5 minutes

• Category: Beverage, Breakfast, Snack

• Dietary: vegan and dairy-free by ingredients

• Equipment: blender

Ingredients

• 1 cup cold water

• 1 tbsp JOI Organic Hemp Base (blended with the water, this becomes the hemp milk)

• 2 tbsp JOI Organic Peanut Base, used directly

• 1 large ripe banana, sliced and frozen

• 1/2 cup plain unsweetened soy yogurt (or 1/2 cup silken tofu)

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 to 2 pitted Medjool dates, or 1 tsp maple syrup

• Pinch of salt

• 3 to 4 ice cubes, optional, for a frostier shake

• Optional topping: an extra drizzle of peanut base and cacao nibs

Directions

1. Add the cold water to the blender first, then squeeze in 1 tbsp hemp base. Blend 10 seconds to make the hemp milk.

2. Squeeze in 2 tbsp peanut base, then add the frozen banana, yogurt, cocoa, dates and salt.

3. Blend on high 45 to 60 seconds, until no date flecks remain and the shake is completely smooth. Add ice and pulse if you want it colder and thicker.

4. Too thick to blend? Add water 2 tbsp at a time. Too thin? Add a few more frozen banana slices.

5. For the coffee-shop look, squeeze a zigzag of peanut base around the inside of the glass before pouring, then top with cacao nibs.

Why the JOI squeeze bottle works here

Shakes are a half-awake morning recipe. Squeezing both bases straight into the blender means no peanut butter-coated spoon, no measuring cup to rinse, and an easy glass drizzle that looks like a coffee shop shake.

Customizations and substitutions

• Coffee version: replace 1/2 cup water with chilled brewed coffee. For a full coffee shake, try our blended iced protein coffee.

• Peanut swap: use JOI Almond Base in place of peanut. All JOI bases are made in a facility that also processes tree nuts, so this is not an allergy-safe swap without checking the label.

• Creamier: double the hemp base to 2 tbsp, or add 2 tbsp hemp hearts.

• No banana: use 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice plus 1 extra date for sweetness.

• Similar flavor, different mood: our tahini date coffee shake.

Storage

• JOI bases: pantry, cool and dark.

• Finished shake: best fresh. If you must hold it, refrigerate in a sealed jar and drink the same day; shake or re-blend first. It thins as the banana thaws.

• Freeze leftovers in an ice pop mold for a frozen treat.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do you get protein in a shake without protein powder? Use whole-food sources: a peanut base, a hemp seed base, soy yogurt or silken tofu. Check the labels to total the protein for your exact amounts.

2. Can I make this without yogurt? Yes. Add another 1/4 cup frozen banana and 1 extra tbsp peanut base for body.

3. Can I use regular peanut butter? Yes, but many jarred peanut butters include sugar, salt or oils. A single-ingredient base keeps the flavor clean.

4. Can I prep this the night before? Pre-portion the banana, dates and cocoa in a freezer bag. In the morning, blend with water and both bases.

Make JOI part of your kitchen

Pair JOI Organic Peanut Base with JOI Organic Hemp Base and shakes, milk and toast are covered all week. New to hemp? Start with our guide to making hemp milk (link to Recipe 3 once live).