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After a long run or before a good sweat session, I don’t have time (or energy) to spend 30 minutes whipping up some macro-balanced meal. I need something quick and nourishing (and that actually tastes good). That’s exactly where this Chocolate Banana Smoothie comes to the rescue.
In just 5 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy smoothie that’s packed with natural energy, muscle-loving protein, and rich, chocolatey goodness. Blend, sip, and rawk your day!
Why this Recipe Rawks
This chocolate banana smoothie is not only quick and easy to make — it’s also a healthy, plant-based way to fuel your body for movement. Packed with natural carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a protein boost, it provides sustained energy for your workout, hike, or swim. Let’s dive in!
- Bananas provide natural energy through easily digestible carbohydrates, making them perfect for fueling workouts or speeding up recovery afterward. They’re also rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps maintain electrolyte balance, prevent cramps, and support healthy heart function.
- Cacao, known for its deep chocolate flavor, is a great alternative to processed chocolate, bringing a rich taste with no artificial ingredients. It’s loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids, which can help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Blending these ingredients with almond milk and a touch of vanilla creates a satisfying drink that feels like a treat. It’s low in calories but high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and boosts your immune system.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This chocolate banana smoothie recipe comes together with just a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what to grab and how to choose the best:
- Almond Milk: Choose unsweetened almond milk for a neutral, nutty base that keeps the sugar down. Available in the dairy aisle (refrigerated) or in shelf-stable cartons.
- Frozen Bananas: Use fully ripe bananas (spotty is perfect!) for max sweetness. Peel and slice before freezing so they blend up thick and creamy. If you don’t have time to freeze, you can blend a fresh bananas. Just add a few ice cubes to chill it down and thicken to create a chocolate banana milkshake texture.
- Cacao Powder: Adds a bold, slightly bitter chocolate note, great contrast to the banana’s sweetness. Look for unsweetened cacao in the baking aisle or natural foods section.
- Spinach: Go for fresh, organic spinach with tender leaves for a mild flavor and smooth blend. You’ll find it in the produce section, usually pre-washed in bags or clamshells.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of pure vanilla deepens the flavor with warm, sweet notes. Choose real vanilla over imitation for the best taste.
- Almond Butter: Adds rich, nutty depth and extra protein. Choose natural almond butter with minimal ingredients (just almonds or almonds + salt). My favorite brand is Barney Butter which uses almonds from my home state of California. You can also try my homemade nut butter.
Cacao Powder Vs Cocoa Powder
Cacao powder and cocoa powder both add chocolatey flavor to smoothies, but they differ in how they’re processed and what they offer. Cacao powder is less processed and made from raw, unroasted beans, so it retains more antioxidants and nutrients—making it a great option for a health boost. Cocoa powder is roasted, giving it a smoother, sweeter taste but with fewer nutrients. Both work in smoothies—choose cacao for nutrition, cocoa for classic flavor.
How to Make a Chocolate Banana Smoothie
There’s so many ways to make a chocolate banana smoothie, but I’m gonna show you my health-focused version. It’s been my favorite for awhile now (tastes like a milkshake), so I have a feeling I’m gonna get you hooked on it too.
- Blend the spinach and almond milk together until smooth.
- Add the frozen banana, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and almond butter, then blend again until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
Ingredient Swaps
Whether you’re missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up, you can easily customize this chocolate banana smoothie without sacrificing flavor or creaminess:
- Swap almond milk: No almond milk on hand? No problem! You can easily substitute with oat milk or cashew milk for a creamy, dairy-free base.
- Swap almond butter: Any nut butter will do the trick here. Choose one with a clean ingredient list just nuts (and maybe a pinch of salt), and skip the versions loaded with extra oils or preservatives.
- Swap cacao powder: If you can’t find cacao powder, 100% cocoa powder is a great alternative. Want to make it even more decadent? Add a drizzle of maple syrup to transform your smoothie into an indulgent, yet wholesome treat.
- Add protein powder: You can also boost the protein in your smoothie by using my homemade protein powder. One serving adds 10 grams of protein! I created this protein powder because I wasn’t happy with the ‘clean’ options on the market.
Common Questions
Absolutely! Adding chocolate, whether in the form of cacao powder, cocoa powder, or melted chocolate, enhances the flavor of a banana smoothie with a rich, indulgent twist. This classic combo offers both natural sweetness and deep flavor, making it a favorite for smoothies, desserts, and more.
Yes, you can enjoy a smoothie with cocoa daily by balancing ingredients to suit your preferences, using natural sweeteners, milk or dairy alternatives, and unsweetened cacao for a flavorful and satisfying drink. Just be mindful of portion sizes and added sugars to keep it a nutritious part of your routine.
Yes, a chocolate banana smoothie can absolutely be healthy, especially when made with wholesome ingredients like unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder, ripe bananas, and plant-based milk. Bananas provide natural sweetness, fiber, and potassium, while cocoa adds antioxidants and a rich chocolate flavor. To boost the nutrition even more, add ingredients like spinach, chia seeds, or nut butter for healthy fats and protein. Just be mindful of added sugars or sweetened chocolate products to keep it a nourishing option.
4 More Chocolate Banana Smoothies
This smoothie really does taste like a chocolate banana milkshake! My dad would be proud. Here’s some more smoothies that use cacao powder and bananas:
If you make this chocolate banana smoothie recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. If you are getting the milkshake vibes, let me know! Plus, your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Healthy Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- 1 banana frozen
- ½ cup spinach
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp almond butter
Instructions
- Blend banana, spinach and almond milk in blender until smooth.
- Add cacao and vanilla and blend again.
- Pour into a cup and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
- Add in homemade protein powder for a protein boost.
- Swap the almond milk with the dairy-free milk of your choice.
- Add in 1 cup spinach to get the benefits of leafy greens.
Jen. could we use almonds, instead of almond butter. What would be the difference?
Hi Rose! You could try almonds in the place of almond butter. The consistency would be different but the taste would probably be pretty similar. Let me know how it goes!
I made this today with my ninja smoothie blender. It turned out delicious! I added 1 scoop of salted caramel isopure protein powder. I will definitely make this again!