The "Protein Mocha"
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In Melbourne, we take two things very seriously: our coffee and our health. We are a city of espresso enthusiasts, filtered-brew fanatics, and morning gym-goers. But for too long, there’s been a divide between the "functional" morning (the protein shake) and the "pleasurable" morning (the barista-quality coffee).
At 99th Monkey, we decided it was time to bridge that gap.
If you’ve been looking for a way to upgrade your caffeine routine without adding heaps of sugar or dairy, we have found the ultimate kitchen hack. By taking our Ready-to-Drink Chocolate Protein Smoothie and putting it through a milk frother, you can create a creamy, velvety, high-protein mocha that tastes like a luxury cafe treat but fuels you like a professional supplement.
Here is why the "99th Monkey Mocha" is about to become your new morning obsession.
1. The Science of the "Froth"
You might be wondering: Can you actually froth a protein smoothie?
The answer? YES - it becomes a dense, micro-foam that is incredibly creamy and stable. It creates that "velvet" mouthfeel that is the hallmark of a great mocha, sitting beautifully atop your espresso shot.
2. A High-Protein Hit Before Your First Meeting
The "4 PM slump" is a real thing, but often, that slump is actually caused by what we do at 8 AM. If you start your day with just a black coffee or a sugary latte, you’re setting yourself up for an energy crash.
When you use our Chocolate Smoothie as your "milk" base, you are adding 20g of plant-based protein to your morning coffee.
Why protein in your coffee is a game-changer:
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Sustained Caffeine Release: Protein slows down the absorption of caffeine into your bloodstream. Instead of a "jittery" spike followed by a crash, you get a smooth, sustained level of alertness.
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Muscle Recovery: If you’re a "fasted cardio" person or an early bird at the gym, adding 20g of protein to your post-workout coffee helps jumpstart muscle repair immediately.
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Metabolic Spark: Starting your day with protein helps regulate your appetite hormones for the rest of the day.
3. The "Clean" Mocha: No Added Sugar, No Dairy
A standard cafe mocha is often a "sugar bomb." It usually involves chocolate syrup (pure sugar), full-cream dairy milk, and sometimes even topped with whipped cream. While delicious, it can easily pack 30g to 40g of sugar and leave you feeling heavy and bloated.
The 99th Monkey Mocha turns that narrative on its head.
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Zero Added Sugar
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Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: As a 100% plant-based business, we ensure our smoothies provide that creamy satisfaction without the dairy bloat.
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Less than 1% Sugar and Fat: You’re getting the indulgence of chocolate without the nutritional "tax" that usually comes with it.
4. The Recipe: How to Make the Ultimate 99th Monkey Mocha
Ready to play barista? Follow these steps for the perfect froth every time.
The Ingredients:
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1 Freshly pulled shot of espresso
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1/2 to 1 full carton of 99th Monkey Chocolate Protein Smoothie (depending on how "milky" you like your coffee)
The Method:
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The Coffee: Pull your espresso shot into your favourite large mug.
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The Prep: Give your 99th Monkey carton a very good shake before opening. This aerates the protein and ensures a better froth.
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The Froth: * If using an automatic frother: Pour the smoothie into the jug and hit the "Hot Foam" setting.
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If using a steam wand: Treat it exactly like oat milk. Keep the wand just below the surface to create some "stretch," then bury it to create a whirlpool.
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The Pour: Slowly pour the frothy chocolate protein milk over your espresso. The foam should be thick enough to hold its shape.
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The Garnish: (Optional) Top with a dusting of cocoa powder or a few cacao nibs for that authentic cafe vibe.
5. Why Chocolate and Coffee are the Ultimate Power Couple
There’s a reason the mocha is a classic. Coffee has bright, acidic, and fruity notes, while chocolate has deep, earthy, and bitter-sweet notes. When they combine, they create a "third flavour" that is more complex than either one alone.
By using the 99th Monkey Chocolate Smoothie, you are leaning into a "Dark Chocolate" profile. It’s sophisticated, not cloying. It’s a coffee for people who actually like the taste of coffee.
6. Versatility Beyond the Mocha
While the Hot Mocha is our current favourite, the 99th Monkey Chocolate Smoothie is a year-round coffee companion:
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The Iced Protein Latte: On a hot Melbourne day, pour a chilled Chocolate Smoothie over ice and add two shots of espresso. No frothing required—just pure, cold refreshment.
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The "Mocha-ccino": Froth the smoothie on the "Extra Foam" setting and dollop it over your coffee for a thick, spoonable protein treat.
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The Dirty Coffee Smoothie: Blend a frozen banana, a shot of espresso, and a carton of 99th Monkey Chocolate Smoothie for the ultimate high-protein breakfast shake.
The Verdict: Your Morning Just Got a Promotion
You don't have to choose between your caffeine fix and your protein goals. You don't have to settle for watery "diet" coffees or sugar-laden lattes that leave you feeling sluggish.
The 99th Monkey Chocolate Protein Mocha is the ultimate life hack for the busy professional, the dedicated athlete, and the coffee lover alike. It’s creamy, it’s frothy, it’s indulgent, and it’s arguably the smartest way to start your day.
Ready to froth? You can find our Chocolate Protein Smoothies in select Woolworths stores across Australia or order yours online via our website.
Show us your latte art (or your best attempt at it) by tagging us @99th_monkey. We want to see those frothy mochas!