Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream

Make this protein packed Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe the next time you're having ice cream cravings but also need to hit your protein goals for the day. This homemade mint chocolate ice cream is dairy free, refined sugar free and made in the Ninja Creami ice cream maker. 

Making protein ice cream in the ninja creami machine has become my new favorite past time. I have a sweet tooth that won't quit, but I also have health & fitness goals that are important to me, so making protein packed desserts at home, like this creamy ice cream recipe, it crucial for me to maintain balance in life.

I aim for 150 grams of protein per day, which I typically prefer to get from sources like lean meats meats like boneless skinless chicken breasts, but I always leave room for a protein powder dessert at the end of the day. If you're like me, then I think you'll really love this Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. It has an ultra creamy texture & refreshing mint flavor that will make you second guess it's actually good for you!   

If you're a fan of classic ice cream flavors, you can try my dairy free Strawberry, Coffee, Chocolate or Vanilla ice creams. For even more of my favorite ice cream flavors, you can check out this post full of delicious protein packed Ninja Creami recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It is better for you. The best part about this protein ice cream recipe is that it is made with dairy free milk, dye free food coloring & no added refined sugar so it is perfect for those on special diets. It can also be vegan friendly too, depending on the protein powder you use.
• It is customizable. You can change the ice cream base to suit your preferences by using either chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
• It is delicious! And so much more fun than a protein shake & the perfect guilt-free treat!

Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Almond Milk. My preference is to use unsweetened almond milk; I like Califia Farms new 3 ingredient organic almond milk, however you may use sweetened or vanilla almond milk if you like. You may also use unsweetened oat milk which will make a nice creamy ice cream.
• Full-fat Coconut Milk. I find the canned coconut milk that works the best has a little bit of guar gum, which is a plant-based thickener. Thai Kitchen & Whole Foods in house brand coconut milk are my personal favorites, but if you’d like to stay away from gums, Trader Joe’s has a great option. I do not recommend using low fat coconut milk as it will make the ice cream base less creamy. 
• Medjool Dates. For added sweetness, I use Medjool dates. You may replace them with 1-2 tablespoon of real maple syrup instead if you do not have any on hand.
• Vanilla Bean Paste. To really amp up that classic vanilla flavor, using vanilla bean paste or even whole vanilla beans is preferable. If you don’t have those on hand, vanilla extract is just fine.
• Vanilla Protein Powder. It’s important to note that you should enjoy the taste of your protein powder, or you won’t enjoy the taste of this ice cream! If you don’t have a protein powder you are loyal to, I recommend trying Equip Foods. My personal favorite is their grass fed beef isolate protein because it mixes super well and creates an incredibly creamy texture. You can use PRETTYDELISH to save 15% off your first order.
• Sea Salt. This is optional, but I always like to add a pinch of Celtic sea salt to the ice cream base.
• Dye Free Food Coloring. If you're partial to your mint ice cream being a green color rather than the color of a simple vanilla ice cream base, I like to use Color Kitchen dye free food coloring.
• Dark Chocolate Chips. I prefer to use refined sugar free chocolate gems from Hu Kitchen but you may use whatever type of chocolate chips you like.
• Peppermint Extract. Be sure to use food grade peppermint extract & not an essential oil. You can find mint extracts in most grocery stores or of course on Amazon.

Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Step By Step Instructions

1. Make the ice cream base. Add the almond milk, coconut milk, dates, protein powder, vanilla, peppermint extract, food coloring & sea salt to a blender. Blend until smooth. You may find that a few small bits of the dates remain if your blender is not high speed; this is ok. You can strain them out or leave them in, it’s up to you.

2. Freeze the ice cream base. Pour base into the ninja creami container right up to the max fill line. Place storage lid on the container and freeze for a minimum of 8 hours. Ninja recommends at least 24 hours but I don’t have that kind of patience and find that 8 hours is plenty.

3. Mix the ice cream. Once the base is frozen, place pint into the outer bowl ensuring the bottom of the pint is securely in the bowl. Lock the outer bowl lid in place & place bowl assembly into the Ninja Creami motor base, locking it into place.  For your first spin you will choose the “Lite Ice Cream” function.

4. Respin. Once the first spin is complete, you will need to respin the ice cream mixture in order for it to become super creamy. My best creami prep tip is to add about 2-3 teaspoon additional almond milk, just enough to cover the top of the pint, before you respin.

5. Add mix ins. After respinning, add the dark chocolate chips to the mint ice cream base, then place back into the creami machine & choose the "mix-ins" function.

Expert Tips, Tricks & Favorite Mix-Ins

• Be careful not to add too much mint extract! It can be tempting but I found that more than 1 to 1.5 teaspoons can lead to a flavor that is more akin to toothpaste than ice cream. Trust me, even the extra ½ teaspoon makes a huge difference!
• Add chocolate cookie pieces or this Protein Buncha Crunch as mix ins.
• Swap out the vanilla protein powder for chocolate & add 2 tablespoon of cocoa powder to make dairy free mint chocolate ice cream.
• Ninja’s instructions state that you cannot use the “respin” feature followed by the “mix in” feature. I ALWAYS respin my dairy free ice cream, because it needs this in order to be creamy, and I use the mix in function after with no trouble.
• Before respinning, I recommend always adding a little bit more almond milk, or dairy free milk of choice. Just enough to almost cover the top of the pint container is perfect, about 2-3 tsp. This is an easy way to ensure the final result is super creamy.

How To Store Dairy Free Mint Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

• If you do not finish your pint in one sitting, smooth over the ice cream that is left in the container with the back of a spoon. Place the lid back on & freeze. You will need to run the leftovers back through the same steps in the Ninja Creami when you are going to enjoy it again. Note that if you added mix ins, the machine will end up pulverizing them!

More High Protein Ninja Creami Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you're as addicted to making homemade ice cream as I am, I know you will love these simple ninja creami healthy recipes the next time you're in need of a refreshing homemade treat!

​Classic Chocolate Ice Cream

Chocolate Cookies & Cream

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Buncha Crunch Ice Cream

Peach Cobbler Ice Cream

Cereal Milk Ice Cream

Single Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream

Copycat Klondike Protein Ice Cream Bars

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!