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Today I’m giving you a Red Velvet Smoothie with rich chocolate flavor, just the right amount of sweetness, and that velvety texture you want in a creamy dessert. And that gorgeous red color? It comes from a little bit of beet. Don’t worry—you won’t taste it at all.

This luscious smoothie satisfies my sweet tooth, gives me natural energy, and feels festive enough to share with someone you love. Don’t let the spinach fool you. If you’re exploring my world a chocolate smoothies, this recipe is a winner.

delicious red smoothie

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a role in creating that classic red velvet flavor—rich, creamy, and just sweet enough—while still being nourishing.

  • Coconut milk: Creates a creamy, dessert-like texture and adds healthy fats for satiety. Check out the best coconut milk brands to use in smoothies.
  • Frozen strawberries: Provide natural sweetness, a slight tang that red velvet is known for, and help thicken the smoothie for a milkshake feel.
  • Spinach: Adds fiber, iron, and folate while giving the smoothie a nutrient boost without changing the flavor.
  • Medjool dates: Add caramel-like natural sweetener that has fiber and minerals for steady energy.
  • Beet, raw: Gives the smoothie its signature red velvet color and adds antioxidants—no earthy taste, promise.
  • Cacao powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and antioxidants for that classic red velvet vibe. Explore my other cacao powder recipes you might like.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness.
  • Coconut whipped cream: Adds a decadent flavor and look to this smoothie.

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How to Make a Red Velvet Smoothie

For the smoothest, creamiest texture, blend this smoothie in two simple steps. For more in-depth instructions, check out my how to make a smoothie guide.

  1. Blend the base. Add spinach and coconut milk to the blender and blend until completely smooth.
    Tip: If you’re using one of my recommended blenders for smoothies, you can wait to blend until step 3.
  2. Add the flavor. Add frozen strawberries, Medjool dates, beet, cacao powder, and vanilla extract.
  3. Blend until velvety. Start on medium speed, then slowly increase to high until thick, smooth, and creamy.
  4. Serve and enjoy. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away, or top with coconut whipped cream for a festive dessert smoothie.
Red velvet smoothie in a stemmed glass with heart-shaped strawberries.

Ingredient Swaps

This smoothie is flexible and forgiving—use what you have.

  • Strawberries: Frozen cherries or raspberries also pair beautifully with chocolate for a fun twist.
  • Coconut milk: Swap with cashew milk or oat milk for a lighter texture.
  • Medjool dates: Use 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1 tablespoon date syrup for easier blending.
  • Beet: Replace fresh beet with ½–1 teaspoon beet powder for the same vibrant color.
  • Cacao powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder works just as well with a slightly milder chocolate flavor.

More Chocolate Smoothies

If you’re craving more sweet, nourishing chocolate smoothies, there are plenty of delicious options to keep things fun and satisfying. A chocolate peanut butter smoothie brings that rich, salty-sweet combo that feels like a treat but fuels you well. You might also like a chocolate strawberry smoothie is bright and fruity with a classic chocolate-covered-berry vibe. A chocolate cherry smoothie adds a deep, slightly tart flavor that pairs beautifully with cocoa. And you can’t go wrong with a chocolate banana smoothie—it’s creamy, comforting, and always a crowd favorite.

If you make this red velvet smoothie recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. 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.

Red velvet smoothie in a stemmed glass with heart-shaped strawberries.
4.66 (20)

Red Velvet Smoothie

Jen Hansard
This Red Velvet Smoothie is rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweet with a silky, dessert-like texture. Made with strawberries, cacao, coconut milk, spinach, and a touch of beet for color, it’s a healthy treat that tastes indulgent but fuels you with real food.
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Blend: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Blend spinach and coconut milk until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth.
  • Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, if desired.
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Recipe Notes

  • Use frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
  • Swap spinach for the leafy greens of your choice.
  • Swap Medjool date with the natural sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, honey, etc.)
  • Use canned coconut milk for a richer, creamier smoothie.
  • Use carton coconut milk for a lighter smoothie.
  • Unsweetened cacao powder can be swapped with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 16 oz | Calories: 289 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 216 mg | Potassium: 655 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 18 g | Vitamin A: 2842 IU | Vitamin C: 95 mg | Calcium: 70 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Common Questions

What kind of coconut milk should I use?

Both will work fine in this smoothie recipe. Canned coconut milk gives a thicker, creamier texture. Carton coconut milk is much thinner and less caloric— which is what I usually use.

Can I use cocoa in a red velvet smoothies?

Yes—you can use cocoa instead of cacao in this smoothie. Cacao is less processed with a slightly richer, more intense flavor, while cocoa is more processed and tastes smoother and milder. Both work well here—just be sure to use unsweetened cocoa or cacao so the chocolate flavor stays balanced.

Do I need to add spinach to this recipe?

Nope! If the spinach is throwing you off, leave it out. I like to add leafy green vegetables to most of my smoothies for the added health benefits, yet it’s totally up to you!

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About the Author

Jen Hansard

I’m the mom who swapped Lucky Charms for green smoothies— and never looked back. Here you’ll find smoothie recipes and plant-based recipes made simple and tasty.

4.66 from 20 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Comments

    1. Hi Angela,

      Great question! Our recipes make two 16oz servings!

  1. Is there another type of flavoring that anyone has used besides the chocolate? I am allergic to chocolate. I wasn’t sure if there were other options for unsweetened flavored powders. Thanks in advance!!

    1. Hi Alicia,

      Thanks for reaching out! Would your allergies allow you to use carob powder? Carob is a chocolate substitute made from the roasted pods of the carob tree. We recommend using slightly less carob powder because its flavor is stronger than the flavor of cocoa.

      Hope this helps!

  2. Hi Lori Jo,

    Thanks for reaching out! Our recipes are here to inspire you, please don’t feel like you need to follow them to a T. We suggest following the Simple Green Smoothie Formula of 2 cups liquid base, 2 cups leafy greens, + 3 cups fruit, but change it up, and blend what works for you!

    Cheers 🙂

  3. You gave a substitute for dates (Bananas, honey, + maple syrup), but I’m allergic to bananas and don’t like dates. What else could I use in place of dates? Thanks!

    1. Hi Lori,

      Have you tried using honey or maple syrup? They’re both great options for replacing dates in this recipe if you’re allergic to bananas.

      Cheers 🙂