Many people are taking the easy route by freezing chocolate protein shakes and transforming them into ice cream using the Ninja Creami. However, I just can’t do it. It still tastes like a protein shake—just colder. I need more flavor and extra ingredients to eliminate that distinct protein shake taste. After multiple trials, I finally achieved the perfect balance, creating chocolate protein ice cream that genuinely tastes like chocolate ice cream, not a frozen protein shake!

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If you’re new to meal replacement shakes or simply looking to incorporate more protein into your diet, making your own ice cream is an excellent option. And let me tell you—it can taste incredible! Initially, I was completely against making protein ice cream. I had no interest in it whatsoever. The only reason I even tried was because I made some for my husband, and he happened to be out of town when it was ready. So, I was left with no choice but to taste it myself.

I didn’t expect to like it—but I was genuinely surprised! To be honest, my expectations were extremely low. Of course, not every experiment was a success. Let’s not even mention the disastrous lemon attempt or the awful butter pecan version I created.

After much trial and error, I believe I have perfected chocolate protein ice cream. It’s incredibly creamy and rich. When I first tasted it, the word “gelato” even came to mind. Now, I know—it’s definitely not gelato. But the fact that it has a gelato-like texture speaks volumes!

I’ve tried simply freezing protein shakes, and I strongly advise against it. It’s so quick and easy to add just a few extra ingredients to transform a basic shake into delicious ice cream. Frozen protein shakes by themselves taste bland, cold, and unappetizing. Trust me, you don’t want that.

Can You Freeze a Protein Shake to Make Ice Cream?

Yes, you can—but you’ll regret it. When frozen, protein shakes lose much of their flavor and become dull. I strongly recommend adding extracts, pudding mix, fruit, syrups, or other ingredients to enhance the flavor before freezing. Even something as simple as vanilla extract or cocoa powder can make a huge difference!

This recipe serves as a fantastic chocolate base, and you can customize it with any mix-ins you desire. The possibilities are endless! Just remember, any additional ingredients will alter the nutritional content. However, I designed this recipe to keep calories and sugar relatively low, leaving room for extra mix-ins while maintaining a healthy balance.

Tips for Making Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

What Mix-ins Pair Well with Chocolate Protein Ice Cream?

Almost anything can work! Consider adding cookies, candies, fresh fruit, cereal, brownies, or nuts. However, I suggest avoiding nut butters, sauces, or spreads. These ingredients won’t create swirls of flavor but will instead fully blend into the ice cream base. This can sometimes cause the ice cream to become too soft and lose its scoopable consistency.

Why Does My Ninja Creami Ice Cream Look Like Dippin’ Dots?

If your ice cream looks like tiny beads, it’s likely due to a few factors. Your freezer may not be at the optimal temperature of 9 to -7 degrees Fahrenheit, or the recipe may not have the right balance of fat, sugar, or dairy. The easiest way to fix this issue is to add a tablespoon or two of liquid and run another spin cycle.

How Many Servings Are in a Ninja Creami Pint?

For regular ice cream, a standard serving size is 4 ounces, or half a cup. The Ninja Creami pint containers hold 15 ounces, while the deluxe containers hold 24 ounces. If you’re making a meal-replacement ice cream, the entire pint may count as a single serving, depending on your diet plan.

How Can I Get Rid of the Hump in the Ice Cream?

Many users find that freezing the ice cream without the lid helps reduce the bump that sometimes forms. While this trick works occasionally, it’s not foolproof. If you do get a large hump in the middle, try flattening it with a warm spoon or vegetable peeler before spinning.

What Are Some Alternatives to Chocolate Almond Milk?

I prefer using chocolate almond milk because it enhances the chocolate flavor. However, it does add extra calories and sugar. If you’d like, you can substitute it with unsweetened almond milk or another milk alternative.

Substitutes for Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream Ingredients:

• Chocolate Protein Shake – I used Premier Protein chocolate shake, but you can substitute it with any brand you enjoy. Just make sure you enjoy the taste before using it.

• Chocolate Almond Milk – You can use any milk or dairy-free alternative that suits your preference.
The chocolate adds richness, but you can opt for unsweetened milk to cut calories and sugar.

• Sugar-Free Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – Use instant pudding mix that hasn’t been prepared yet. You’ll only need the powder.

• Chocolate Protein Shake – I used Premier Protein chocolate shake, but you can substitute it with any brand you enjoy. Just be sure you like the taste before using it.

• Chocolate Almond Milk – Any milk or dairy-free alternative will work based on your preference.

• Dark Cocoa Powder – I prefer dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Make sure to use an unsweetened variety.

1. Blend the chocolate protein shake, ¼ cup of chocolate almond milk, sugar-free pudding mix, and cocoa powder in a small blender until smooth. Blend until the pudding mix is fully incorporated.

2. Transfer the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.

3. Set the container on a level surface in the freezer and freeze for 24 hours. Ensure your freezer temperature is between 9°F and -7°F. To help prevent a bump from forming on top, freeze it without the lid.

Directions for Processing the Ice Cream Mixture:

1. After 24 hours of freezing, remove the pint container from the freezer.

2. Insert the container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and process using the “LITE ICE CREAM” setting.

3. If the ice cream looks dry or crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of chocolate almond milk and respin. You may need to repeat this step a few times to achieve a smooth texture.

4. Remove from the machine, serve, and enjoy!

Protein ice cream can be delicious and exciting! With just a few simple adjustments, you can create a rich, creamy, and satisfying treat that tastes just like real chocolate ice cream. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert or a fun way to increase your protein intake, this Ninja Creami chocolate protein ice cream is a game changer!