This Ninja Creami mint chocolate chip ice cream combines refreshing peppermint flavor with chocolate chips while delivering high protein for muscle support and satiety. The recipe uses protein powder and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and sugar, keeping calories moderate and macros optimized for high-protein diets.
Contents
- 1 Recipe Overview
- 2 Ingredients
- 3 Step-by-Step Instructions
- 4 Ninja Creami Settings for Best Results
- 5 Why This High-Protein Recipe Works for Diets
- 6 Customizations and Variations
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 7.1 How much protein does this Ninja Creami ice cream have?
- 7.2 What is the best Ninja Creami setting for mint chocolate chip?
- 7.3 Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream crumbly or icy?
- 7.4 Can I make this recipe without protein powder?
- 7.5 How long does the finished ice cream last?
- 7.6 Is this mint chocolate chip recipe low sugar?
- 7.7 Can I use fresh mint instead of extract?
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Total Time: 24 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 pint (2 servings)
- Protein: 25β35g per full pint
Approximate Nutrition per Full Pint
300β350 calories | 25β35g protein | 10β20g carbs | 8β15g fat (Varies by milk and powder choice. Higher protein versions reach 50g+ with 2 scoops isolate.)
Ingredients
- 1.5β2 cups low-fat or ultra-filtered milk (Fairlife for higher protein)
- 1β2 scoops vanilla or mint protein powder (30β50g total; whey isolate preferred)
- 2β3 Tbsp full-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess and extra protein)
- 1 Tbsp sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix (for thickness)
- ΒΌβΒ½ tsp peppermint extract (use peppermint, not mint extract)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1β2 Tbsp zero-calorie sweetener (monk fruit, allulose, or Swerve)
- 3β5 drops green food coloring (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1β2 Tbsp sugar-free dark chocolate chips (Lilyβs recommended) or chopped dark chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base: Add milk, protein powder, Greek yogurt, pudding mix, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, sweetener, salt, and food coloring to a blender or Ninja Creami pint.
- Blend: Blend or immersion-blend until smooth with no lumps.
- Freeze: Pour mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container (stay below max fill line). Freeze upright for a full 24 hours until completely solid.
- Process: Place frozen pint into the Ninja Creami machine. Select Lite Ice Cream setting and process once.
- Adjust Texture: If the texture is powdery or crumbly, add 1β2 Tbsp milk and select Re-spin.
- Add Mix-ins: Create a hole in the center of the ice cream, add chocolate chips, and run the Mix-In cycle.
- Serve: Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency or refreeze for firmer texture.
Pro Tip: For maximum protein (up to 60g+), use 2 scoops whey isolate and Fairlife milk. For lower calories, substitute unsweetened almond milk.
Ninja Creami Settings for Best Results
- Primary: Lite Ice Cream
- Follow-up: Re-spin (if needed after adding liquid)
- Final: Mix-In for chocolate chips
Protein-heavy bases often require one re-spin for creaminess. Avoid over-spinning to prevent chocolate chips from becoming too fine.
Why This High-Protein Recipe Works for Diets
Protein powder and Greek yogurt replace high-fat, high-sugar ingredients while the Ninja Creami delivers scoopable texture. This version supports high-protein eating plans without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It stays low in added sugar when using sugar-free options.
Customizations and Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk + full-fat coconut milk and plant-based protein powder.
- Extra Creamy: Add Β½ tsp xanthan gum or increase pudding mix.
- Stronger Mint Flavor: Start with ΒΌ tsp peppermint extract and adjust by drops. Fresh mint leaves can be blended in for natural flavor.
- Lower Carb: Rely on allulose and sugar-free chocolate chips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much protein does this Ninja Creami ice cream have?
25β35g per full pint with 1β2 scoops of protein powder. Versions with 2 scoops of whey isolate can exceed 50g.
What is the best Ninja Creami setting for mint chocolate chip?
Start with Lite Ice Cream, re-spin if crumbly, then use Mix-In for chocolate chips.
Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream crumbly or icy?
Insufficient freeze time (needs full 24 hours) or high protein content. Add liquid and re-spin to fix.
Can I make this recipe without protein powder?
Yes. Increase Greek yogurt and milk, but protein will drop to 10β15g per pint.
How long does the finished ice cream last?
Up to 2 weeks in the freezer. Re-spin or let sit 5β10 minutes before serving if hardened.
Is this mint chocolate chip recipe low sugar?
Yes. With sugar-free pudding, allulose/monk fruit, and sugar-free chips, total sugar stays under 10g per pint.
Can I use fresh mint instead of extract?
Yes. Blend 5β10 fresh mint leaves into the base for natural mint flavor and color, though peppermint extract provides more consistent intensity.