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Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake

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This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake is the most delicious, easy lactation recipe that you need! Drink one everyday!

 
When I was pregnant, I knew one thing–I was going to breastfeed.  That’s all I knew. I knew it was better for my baby than formula, and since I was planning to be a stay-at-home mom and leave corporate America, obviously breastmilk was the most economical option.  
 
I set a goal for 6 weeks. 
 
Why no one in my life told me how difficult it was going to be was beyond me.  We did great in the hospital, and then It seems like the moment we walked into our house, hell broke loose. 
 
IT. WAS. HARD. Y’ALL!!!
 
We did have a successful breastfeeding journey. I nursed both of our girls for 3 and 4 years, respectively. And, while we’ve had our ups and down, there were a lot more ups than there were downs. 
 
Luckily, I was super grateful for lactation recipes. They definitely made me feel more confident in succeeding.
 

Watch how to make this chocolate lactation smoothie: 

Do Lactation Recipes Work?

One of the things I hear most from friends who reach out to me about breastfeeding is that they are scared they won’t produce enough milk.  And my answer is always, “it’s very rare that a mom actually have production issues, however, you can take precautions and be proactive in helping your supply.” I’ve been working to create some great, easy recipes to share so moms have great options when they need them.  
 
So how can this recipe help with lactation?  
 
Oats and Flax are known help boost milk production, while the peanut butter is a great protein to make sure you are getting the calories you need while satisfying your hunger since you are probably stuck on a couch nursing a baby.

**Note:  If you are truly concerned about your milk production, please reach out to an IBCLC and/or your local La Leche League. You can also read our post about Lactation Boosting Foods to increase your milk supply. 

What ingredients are in a chocolate peanut butter banana lactation milkshake?

The ingredients sound pretty straights forward.  Of course you need: 

  • cocoa powder
  • peanut butter
  • and frozen banana

But you will also need: 

  • rolled oats (old fashioned)
  • ground flaxseed
  • milk (dairy free if needed)
  • ice to make it thicker 

That’s it, just 7 ingredients for this easy and delicious recipe

Do I have to be lactating to enjoy this milkshake?

I get this question a lot when some moms see this post shared in a Facebook group or on Instagram.  They love the combo, but they either didn’t or are no longer nursing.  The good news ….No! You don’t. 

If you look at the ingredient list, there is nothing in there that the average person couldn’t enjoy.  It just so happens that the combination of ingredients seem to help lactating mothers.  

In fact, Andrew has drank this milkshake on more than a few occasions. I’ve had it not breastfeeding.  And it’s a great one to give to your little ones, since it’s all natural ingredients.  Even though there’s a little bit of chocolate, it’s natural cocoa powder and we don’t use any added sweeteners. 

What oats are best for lactation?

We prefer old fashioned rolled oats over quick oats.  While both are whole grains and the same product, old fashioned oats have not been processed, thus are more in their true form.  

You can definitely use quick oats if you have them on hand and do not have old fashioned oats, but we do prefer the later.  

Also, it’s important to note that you should not use instant oats in this recipe.  They will soak up the milk too quickly and you will end up with something more like overnight oats (delicious, but not what you want for this recipe). 

Helpful Tips for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake: 

  • If you do not want a “grainy” lactation smoothie, then add the oats and flax seeds first and pulse to grind into a fine powder first.  Then, add in the remaining ingredients and blend thoroughly.  
  • If you are nut free, you can sub with sunbutter, but the taste will be different.  We find sunbutter a little more powerful in flavor than peanut butter, so adjust the level of cocoa or even add a splash of maple syrup. 
  • Other nut butters, besides peanut butter, may also be used. 
  • I’ve made it with both fresh and frozen bananas.  Both are great.  You may need to add a bit more ice with a fresh banana to make it as thick.
  •  100% Cacao is slightly bitter since there are no sweeteners. If you are looking for a sweeter taste, add 1/2 to 1 full tablespoon of raw honey, agave, or maple syrup.
  • Subbing milk for coconut or almond milk, or even water is always an options, though the taste will be different.

The tips above will help ensure that you are able to create a Top 8 Allergen Free lactation smoothie if that is something that you need. 

What are other lactation recipes that I should try?

Once you try this delicious lactation smoothie, we are sure that you are going to be looking for other delicious recipes to try!  Good news, is that we have a few that are too die for.  Some, maybe even better than this recipe (is that even possible!?) Here’s some ideas: 

We hope that you love these recipes! 

5 from 8 votes
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake is the most delicious easy lactation recipe that you need! Drink one everyday! 

Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Lactation
Keyword: lactation recipes
Servings: 1 milkshake
Calories: 557 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp flax seed (up to 2 tbsp if you are really looking to boost milk production)
  • 2 tablespoon 100% cacao powder
  • 3/4 cup milk (use dairy free if needed)
  • 2 cups ice
  • Toppings optional: Whipped Cream, powdered chocolate, sliced bananas
Instructions

  1. In a blender, add the oats and give it a quick pulse or two. 

  2. Add remaining ingredients, except ice, and blend until well combined. 

  3. Add 2 cups of ice until well blended. 

  4. Enjoy with a thick straw or a spoon!

  5. *Feel free to skip the ice if you just want a smoothie.

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

 

**See tips in post about making this a Top 8 Allergen Free smoothie.

Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake
Amount Per Serving (1 milkshake)
Calories 557 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 18mg6%
Sodium 234mg10%
Potassium 1178mg34%
Carbohydrates 64g21%
Fiber 13g54%
Sugar 27g30%
Protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 370IU7%
Vitamin C 10.2mg12%
Calcium 269mg27%
Iron 3.7mg21%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.


**The pictures below were the original pictures for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake which you may have seen floating around Pinterest.  It’s the same recipe, we’ve just gotten a lot better at photography!
 
 
Originally publish May 2014. Updated 3/31/2017 and again on 5/6/2019.

Related posts:

Peanut Butter Apple Pie Lactation Smoothie Recipe Lactation Energy Bites No Bake Lactation Protein Bar Recipe Strawberry Coconut Cashew Lactation Smoothie

Comments

  2. How often did you drink this smoothie a day? And how long did it take for you to notice an increase in your supply?

    Reply

    • Hi Danielle, We typically drink one smoothie like this a day. However, our supply was already well established by the time we started making them. All breastfeeding moms are different and we encourage all moms who think they need to increase their supply to have a visit with an IBCLC or Lactation Consultant in person.

      Reply

  4. Hi there, I was wondering if this smoothie really works? my supply is really really low and ive tried everything to help boost it so far nothing is helping…

    Reply

    • Hi! We can’t say for sure as everyone is different. We know it helped us. If you believe you have a supply issue, we highly encourage you to seek out an IBCLC first to determine the cause.

      Reply

  5. This recipe looks delicious! I’m definitely going to try it as I’m breastfeeding my 12 week old son!

    Reply

  6. Is there anything that could be substituted for the banana? Not really a fan of that flavor in drinks. Maybe avocado? Is there something about the banana that is specific to lactation, or is it just there for sweetness/flavor?

    Reply

    • Definitely not there for specific lactation purpose. Leave out or could definitely add the avocado (healthy fat helps) if you like that flavor

      Reply

  8. I can’t wait to try this recipe, however, do you have any suggestions for substituting the 100% cacao powder for another flavor? Chocolate and I don’t really get along that well. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply

  9. Will steel oats work as well? I heard that is the best ‘oat’ booster. I can’t wait to try this and so many others I’m finding here! Thanks 🙂

    Reply

  11. I’ve heard brewer’s yeast is good to help with lactation. Can I substitute Brewers yeast for the flax seed or does the flax seed do something specific for this smoothie?

    Reply

  13. Delicious shake! Just made it and looks like I found a different option for sneaky breakfast.

    Reply

  14. This sounds amazing! Can this be made the night before and kept in the fridge? I don’t want to wake the house with the blender.

    Reply

    • Hi Alysia! If your going to make it the night before, I’d recommend grinding the oats to the consistency of flour before you add everything else. Leaving whole would make for some potentially chewy smoothie bits.

      Reply

  15. I add a Tbsp Brewers yeast for an extra lactation boost and blend it with the oats and flax before adding the rest. Seems to be helping! Thanks!

    Reply

  20. I drink this pretty much everyday! I love it! I add brewers yeast and stevia! Do you by chance have the nutritional facts on this? Just trying to add it to my food journal. Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • OMG you just made my day! Thanks for sharing that you make it so often! So the nutritional value is going to vary slightly depending on brands you use but roughly – 552.5 calories, 25.8g of protein and 15g of fat. Hope that helps!

      Reply

  21. Can this shake be made using almond milk? I’ve had to go dairy free, as my little one has a cow’s milk protein allergy.

    Reply

  22. I have made one every day this week! The first one I made as listed but with a tbsp of brewer’s yeast added as well (which I could not taste at all- thank goodness). Amazing! The last two times I used some Dagoba Drinking chocolate that I had laying around instead of just cocoa powder- even better, but less healthy. Then today I was feeling extra unhealthy and added the Dogiba powder and chocolate syrup on top..:over the top amazing! This is my third child and man, do o wish that I had this recipe with all three 🙂 THANK YOU!!!

    Reply

  23. This smoothie is soooo yummy! I added 1/2 T of chia seeds and tried coffee in it for my morning fix. Super good! I look for ward to trying it with almond milk too.

    Reply

  24. Hi, Larisha
    Thank you for such a nice recipe. It looks super delicious to me. Those peanut butter and frozen banana are looking so good and the cacao powder and milk add so much flavor to them. I will have to try it soon!

    Reply

  26. 5 stars
    I cant 100% say its from the smoothie but I already have over 600 bags at 6+ ounces each frozen and my son is only 7 weeks old. I do think this has helped alot! I want to have 6 months frozen so that I can stop pumping at around 6 months. At this rate I will be able to stop sooner if I want! I make this in a 2-3 day batch and drink it in the morning and sometimes afternoon. So tasty!

    Reply

  27. 5 stars
    Okay so I first tried this recipe with regular milk and didnt care for it but forced myself to drink it cuz of the benefits…then I tried it with coconut milk and ermagawdddddd…its amazing! I also threw in a some chocolate chips and a splash of vanilla extract. Oh my was it good or what.

    Reply

  29. 5 stars
    This shake is delicious! I made it while breastfeeding first baby all the time. I now have a 12 week old and looked the recipe up again this morning. It was just as good as I remembered. I shared it with my now almost 2 year old and she loves it as well! Thanks fornthe recipe!

    Reply

    • OMG You totally just made my day. I’m so happy that you love it! Make sure to check out some of our other lactation recipes or let me know if you’re looking for a specific flavor combo and I’ll work on making one!

      Reply

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