Chocolate Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
This chocolate protein ice cream is made with Fairlife chocolate milk, chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and sugar-free pudding mix — spun in the Ninja Creami until smooth and creamy. The entire pint has 44 grams of protein and tastes like chocolate soft serve.
Chocolate protein ice cream is a high-protein frozen dessert made by combining Fairlife chocolate milk, chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and instant pudding mix in a Ninja Creami pint, freezing overnight, and spinning until smooth. The whole pint comes in around 280 calories with 44 grams of protein — more than most protein shakes, in actual ice cream form.
I’ve made this base recipe more times than I can count and it’s the one I keep coming back to every single week. The Fairlife chocolate milk does most of the heavy lifting — it has 14 grams of protein per cup and way less sugar than regular chocolate milk, which is what makes the macros on this possible without it tasting like diet food. If you’ve never made protein ice cream in the Ninja Creami before, start here.
If you love this recipe you may also want to try my Cookies and Cream Protein Ice Cream, my Snickers Chocolate Protein Ice Cream, or browse all 33 Healthy Ninja Creami Recipes.
Ingredients
- Fairlife chocolate milk — the key ingredient. 14g of protein per cup, far less sugar than regular chocolate milk. 2% or skim both work. You can sub a pre-made chocolate protein shake and skip the protein powder.
- Unsweetened almond milk — keeps calories low. Any milk works — oat, coconut, whole dairy. Higher-fat milks make it creamier.
- Chocolate protein powder — use one you’d enjoy drinking since it drives the flavour. I use PEScience Chocolate Truffle (code BAILEY to save). Whey, whey/casein, and plant-based all work.
- Sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix — just a tablespoon but it’s the creaminess secret. Prevents ice crystals and gives it that smooth soft serve texture. Don’t skip it.
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your Ninja Creami pint container and mix well with a handheld frother until the protein powder is fully dissolved. No lumps.
- Place the lid on and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours until completely solid.
- Remove the pint and run it under warm water for 60–90 seconds, rotating as you go.
- Install in the Ninja Creami and press Lite Ice Cream.
- Check the texture. If it’s still powdery, add 1 tablespoon of milk, reinstall, and press Re-Spin. Repeat until smooth and creamy.
- Add mix-ins if desired — dig a hole in the centre, add your toppings, and press Mix-In. Serve immediately.
Storage
Protein ice cream freezes rock hard because it has so little fat and sugar — it won’t stay soft in the freezer like regular ice cream. Put the lid back on, freeze it, and re-spin on Lite Ice Cream before eating again. Keeps for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Ninja Creami chocolate ice cream crumbly? Most likely it wasn’t frozen for the full 24 hours, or there isn’t enough liquid. Add 1 tablespoon of milk and hit Re-Spin — that fixes it almost every time.
Can I use regular chocolate milk instead of Fairlife? You can, but the protein drops significantly and the sugar goes up. Fairlife is what makes the 44g protein count possible. If you swap it, add an extra half scoop of protein powder.
Do I have to use pudding mix? No, but the texture will be noticeably icier without it. If you want to skip it, use ¼ teaspoon of guar gum instead — same effect.
For more tips and tricks check out my 10 Ninja Creami Tips For The Best Protein Ice Cream.
Chocolate Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chocolate Fairlife milk
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 30g
- 1 tbsp sugar-free pudding mix
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the ninja creami pint up to the max fill line and mix well with hand held frother.
- Freeze container for 24 hours until frozen solid.
- Remove frozen pint and run it under hot water for 60-90 seconds.
- Install the pint into your machine and press the Lite Ice Cream button for the first spin.
- Check the texture. If it’s still a bit powdery, pop it back in and press the Re-Spin button.
- Check ice cream. The final product should be creamy and have a smooth texture. If your desired consistency isn't reached you can add 1 tbsp of milk and spin again on the respin setting. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
Other Ninja Creami Recipes You’ll Love
- Banana Cream Pie Protein Ice Cream
- Biscoff Protein Ice Cream
- Birthday Cake Ice Cream In The Ninja Creami
- Protein Monster Cookie Ninja Creami
- Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream
If you made this chocolate protein ice cream, leave a star rating and comment below! Share your pint on Instagram or Pinterest and tag @basicswithbails or use #basicswithbails. 🍫
About Bailey
I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…
