Want to make the Smoothie King Activator® Recovery Chocolate at home? This homemade copycat recipe uses easy ingredients you can find anywhere and tastes just like the store version. It is simple, health-focused, and perfect for recovery after tough workouts.
How I Figured Out This Recipe
When I first tried to recreate the Chocolate Activator, it was missing that rich, chocolatey flavor. It tasted a bit flat. I realized the secret was not just cocoa powder, but also a blend of real chocolate and protein.
So I added a small square of dark chocolate and switched to chocolate protein powder. That gave it the deeper flavor and creamy feel, just like the real deal!
The Activator® Recovery Chocolate Ingredients
1 scoop chocolate whey or plant protein powder: gives the muscle-repair boost with rich chocolate taste.
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: adds deep chocolate flavor without extra sugar.
1 square (about 10 g) dark chocolate (70%+): delivers that real chocolate richness.
1 banana (fresh or frozen): adds creaminess and natural sweetness.
1 cup cold low-fat milk or plant milk: makes the smoothie smooth and satisfying.
1 cup ice: keeps it cold and thick.
Optional add-ins (pick 2): Greek yogurt, peanut butter, spinach, chia seeds
How to Make The Activator® Recovery Chocolate (Copycat)
- Add chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, banana, milk, dark chocolate square, and ice into your blender.
- Add your 2 optional extras.
- Blend until it’s thick, creamy, and smooth.
- Taste and fix:
- Too thick? Add a splash more milk.
- Not chocolatey enough? Add a pinch more cocoa powder or extra dark chocolate.
- Not sweet enough? Drop in a date or a little honey/stevia.

Why This Tastes Like the Smoothie King Version
- The dark chocolate square gives that store-style richness.
- Cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder double down on flavor.
- The banana adds thickness and natural sweetness, no sugar needed.
- Milk keeps it smooth and easy to drink after a workout.
Easy Tips and Swaps
- Vegan: use plant-based chocolate protein powder and almond/oat milk.
- More protein: add extra protein powder or Greek yogurt.
- Lower carbs: skip banana; add half an avocado and use stevia.
- Green boost: toss in spinach — you won’t taste it but get the benefits.
How to Store Your Smoothie
- In the Fridge: Put in a sealed jar and drink within 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays. Blend cubes later with milk for a fresh smoothie.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving—about 20 oz)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 12 g
Note: This info is an estimate. It can change based on the protein powder and add-ins you use.
FAQs
- What makes this a recovery smoothie?
- It combines quick and slow protein (powder + milk/Greek yogurt) to support muscle repair, plus carbs from banana to replenish energy.
- Can I use low-fat milk instead of almond milk?
- Absolutely! Low-fat cow’s milk gives extra protein and creaminess, while almond or oat milk keeps it lighter.
- Can I skip the dark chocolate square?
- You can, but that square gives it real chocolate depth. Without it, it’s still good—but more like a basic chocolate banana smoothie.
Try More Recipes:
- Smoothie King The Activator® Recovery Blueberry Strawberry
- Smoothie King The Activator Recovery Pineapple Spinach
- Smoothie King Power Punch Plus
Smoothie King The Activator® Recovery Chocolate
4
servings5
minutes400
kcalA rich, homemade copycat of Smoothie King’s Chocolate Activator—packed with protein and real chocolate for post-workout refuel.
Ingredients
1 scoop chocolate whey or plant protein powder
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 dark chocolate square (about 10 g, 70%+)
1 banana (fresh or frozen)
1 cup cold low-fat milk or plant milk
1 cup ice
Optional add-ins (choose 2): Greek yogurt, peanut butter, spinach, chia seeds
Directions
- Add protein powder, cocoa, banana, milk, dark chocolate square, and ice.
- Add two optional extras.
- Blend until thick and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness.