Chocolate Malt Protein Shake

Today’s recipe is another one of those cases where I haven’t actually tasted it at any point of the development.

See, I used to love malted milk balls and such, but that was long before my body decided that gluten was the devil. So, malted milk has been off the table for me for a LONG time.

My husband, though, has no problem with the stuff at all - so why deny him? Malt powder is DELICIOUS!

So, I decided to work up a chocolate malt protein shake recipe based on my taste memory, and just have him tell me if anything needed to be changed.

As it turned out, it was perfect on the first go!

I always love the face he makes when something I make him hits JUST the right way. It’s like you can see the second the nostalgia hits!

Here’s what he had to say about this easy chocolate protein shake recipe:

“It very much reminded me of Whoppers candy... or whatever it was that the Canadian on is called. Malties? (It’s Maltesers!).

I liked that it was chocolate malt, but wasn’t super in your face with the chocolate flavour. The chocolate really accented the malt nicely, without overpowering it.

It was WAY more decadent than I’m used to for a protein shake, which made for a nice change. It was SUPER thick and rich, just like an actual milkshake.

It’s definitely a “special treat” kind of dessert protein shake, rather than something I’d slam before a workout, though!”

On that note, it’s definitely not a low carb protein shake - the malt extract is basically a sugar, and there’s no way around that, if you’re going to replicate that chocolate malt flavour.

Anyway, now I’m getting into ingredients discussion, so let’s just move along to that section of this post!

Ingredients

You’ll only need 3 ingredients to make these Chocolate Malt Protein Shakes... and I only have a few short ingredient notes for you:

Dried Malt Extract

This recipe was specifically developed for dried malt extract, which is NOT the same as “malted milk powder”.

Malt Powder - or Dried Malt Extract (DME) is malted barley, and is a common ingredient in beer brewing.

It’s also what gives the filling of malted milk balls their flavour.

On the other hands, Malted Milk Powder - like Ovaltine - is a mixture, including malt powder, evaporated milk powder, flour, and sometimes other ingredients.

I prefer to use Malt Powder/Dried Malt Extract, as it’s the pure malt extract, and a more concentrated flavour.

DME is a fun ingredient, and I use it in a few recipes on my main blog: Montreal Bagels, Malted Milk Meringue Cookies, Hopped Popcorn, and even a Homemade Hop Spa Bath Set.

You can order it online, or find it in any brewing supply shops.

Just a heads up, though - as a barley product, DME has gluten in it.

As DME is not a common ingredient, it should be noted when you are serving it to anyone who may have a gluten allergy.

Chocolate Flavored Protein Powder

This recipe uses Chocolate Flavored Whey Protein Powder.

Personally, I keep a big canister of Revolution Nutrition's High Whey in Chocolate Cake on hand at all times, and use it in a TON of my recipes - baked goods, beverages, etc.

Use whatever chocolate protein powder that you like to drink, and fits your macros.

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Unsweetened Almond Milk has been my milk of choice for years now. It was a great dairy-free option when I could no longer handle cow’s milk, and it’s a fantastic, low carb option in general.

When it comes down to it, though... depending on your macros, you can use pretty much any kind of milk in this recipe.

As far as non dairy milk goes, Oat milk, Cashew Milk, Flax Milk, Macadamia Milk and Coconut Milk are all good options.

Almond is the most neutral tasting option, though - so just know that the other plant based milks may change the overall flavour of the malt shake a bit.

Anyway, beyond the non-dairy milk options, regular milk works, too - just a bit higher carb.

You can use whatever you like, but I’d recommend at least 2% fat, for texture reasons. Whole milk is great... I find 1% / skim milk to be too watery, IMHO.

How to Make Chocolate Malt Protein Shakes

The full recipe is in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here is a pictorial walk through:

Measure all ingredients into a shaker bottle.

Shake to combine, serve immediately!

More High Protein Drinks!

Looking for more high protein shakes, smoothies, and coffee drinks? I've developed a whole series of protein powder drink recipes:

Chai Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Gingerbread Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Matcha Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Mocha Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (Low Carb, High Protein)
Peppermint Mocha (Low Carb, High Protein)
Protein Cappuccino (Low Carb, High Protein)
Protein Hot Chocolate (Low Carb, High Protein)
Pumpkin Chai Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Pumpkin Spice Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)