Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream

Directions

1. 1Whisk the milk, protein powder, peppermint extract, and pudding mix until smooth.
2. 2Pour into a Creami pint, staying under the max-fill line.
3. 3Freeze flat for around 24 hours.
4. 4Spin on the Lite Ice Cream preset.
5. 5Re-spin if the texture looks crumbly.
6. 6Add the mini chocolate chips and run the Mix-In program to distribute them.

Tips

• Freeze your pint completely flat and level on a shelf for the full 16-24 hours, not tilted or in a door where temperature fluctuates, so the Creami can process it evenly into creamy texture instead of crumbly shards.
• If your first spin gives you a powdery or icy result, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream, then re-spin using the same program, and it will turn much smoother.
• Use the Ice Cream program for the closest texture to soft serve, but if you want something lighter, the Lite Ice Cream program works well with this recipe since the protein powder already adds body.

Variations

• Swap regular vanilla protein powder for chocolate protein powder, keep everything else the same, and you get mint chocolate without the cocoa powder drying things out.
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of extract (almond or rum) to the base before freezing for a different flavor depth while keeping the mint and chocolate balance.
• Use a chocolate instant pudding mix instead of vanilla pudding mix, reduce the sugar-free vanilla pudding to 1/2 package, and you get richer chocolate flavor.

FAQ

Can I use regular milk instead of Fairlife Skim Milk?

Yes, regular 2% or whole milk works fine, though Fairlife adds extra protein which keeps the texture smoother when spun. If using regular milk, you might want to add a splash of heavy cream to the base before freezing.

Why didn't my pint freeze solid after 24 hours?

Your freezer may be too warm or the container wasn't placed on the coldest shelf. Freezer temperature should be 0 degrees F or below. Try moving the pint lower in the freezer or wait another 4-6 hours and check again.

What if I don't have a Ninja Creami?

This recipe is designed specifically for the Creami's shaving and spinning action. Without it, you would need a different ice cream-making method, but it won't give you the same texture.

Can I make this recipe with less sugar?

The pudding mix already contains sweetener, and the protein powder is usually unsweetened. If you want less sweet, use half the pudding mix and skip adding extra sugar, then freeze and spin normally.

Nutrition

Per serving · makes about 2 servings · estimated