This post is sponsored by Naked Nutrition.
If you, like me, struggle to get enough protein into your diet, then you will love these Chocolate Blackberry Protein Popsicles! These popsicles are an excellent source of protein and the perfect summer snack that will keep you cool when the days are hot. They’re also delicious AND healthy! How could you not love them?
A Lack of Protein
The more I learn about health and wellness, the more I realize this is a lifelong journey. When you feel like one area is under control, you learn there’s another you don’t. Even now, 10 years into my wellness journey, I’m still learning new things – the importance of protein being one of them!
When it comes to food, I’ve always just eaten real food. I’ve never been one to focus on the specific nutrients in the foods I eat. Instead, I’ve done my best to have a varied palette and eat various foods. However, as I move into a new season of life, I’m learning that protein is a macronutrient I need to pay more attention to, which means I have to take a closer look at the foods I’m eating.
With this newfound understanding of the importance of protein, I’m finding that I don’t always get the amount of protein I need daily. Since discovering this, I’ve tried incorporating more protein-rich foods into my meals. I’m also supplementing with high-quality protein sources, and that’s where these delicious tasting and healthy Chocolate Blackberry Protein Popsicles come into play.Â
Now that summer is here, I’m adding more protein to my daily diet with these easy-to-make, protein-packed, cooling Chocolate Blackberry Protein Popsicles. They are the perfect mid-afternoon snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, and they give me quite a bit more protein in my diet. Win!!
I’ve been using Naked Nutrition’s Ella Chocolate Collagen Protein Powder in my protein popsicles for a few reasons.
First, this protein powder is full of healthy real food ingredients. It contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It is great for the skin, hair, and nails. It’s non-GMO and gluten-free, and it tastes delicious. It’s so delicious that I sometimes simply mix it with water and drink it that way! Yes, it’s that tasty!Â
The Ella Collagen Protein Powder is made with hydrolyzed collagen, dissolving in hot or cold water. It uses both plant-based and animal-based protein sources, and it’s formulated by scientists, so all the ingredients work together synergistically to give you the results you’re looking for from a high-quality protein supplement.
I make my Chocolate Blackberry Protein Popsicles in the evening, let them freeze overnight, and voila! I have a week’s worth of protein-rich treats waiting for me for the coming week. It takes me less than 10 minutes to make them from start to finish, and they help curb my appetite between lunch and dinner, not to mention make my skin glow (and we ladies love some glowy skin – am I right?).Â
Okay, enough about how great these popsicles are and how amazing the chocolate protein powder is. I’m sure you’re ready for the recipe by now!
Chocolate Blackberry Protein Popsicles
Chocolate and blackberry flavors come together in a creamy, decadent snack that is perfect for a hot summer day. Add a crunch of toasted oats to the bottom of the popsicle to elevate this healthy sweet treat a notch or two!
Ingredients
For popsicles:
For granola topping:
½ cup oats
¼ cup almonds flour
¼ cup honey (no need to use raw honey as you’ll be heating this)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Begin by making your crunchy granola topping, if using. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well, spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 250 ℉ until toasty. Set aside to cool.
Add banana, yogurt, and milk to a blender when you’re ready to make your popsicles. Blend until smooth.Â
Add protein powder in and pulse the mixture a few times until the powder is well incorporated into the mixture. You don’t want to blend it too much as this will add air to the mixture and leave your popsicles full of holes!
Gently stir in the fresh blackberries.Â
Carefully pour the mixture into molds. Leave an inch of head space to add some granola topping if you want a crunch at the end of your Chocolate Blackberry Protein Popsicles.
Put your sticks in and freeze overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a tasty treat waiting for you!
And there you have it, friends! I hope you enjoy this healthy, protein-rich snack this summer!Â
Grab your Ella Chocolate Collagen Protein Powder, follow me over on Instagram, and then share a photo of your Chocolate Blackberry Protein Popsicles once you make them (and tag me @growingupherbal) so I can see them!
Love and light,Meagan