Skinny Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

When my sweet tooth hits, I want to eat something right away. But I also know if I fill up on cookies I’ll be shaky and hangry in no time. Instead, I like to whip up a mint chocolate chip smoothie that can both satisfy my sweet tooth and give me lasting energy without the crash.

This chocolate mint smoothie takes sweetness to the next level in a smart and wholesome way. It relies on the natural sugars in fruits like bananas, ensuring you still get all the fiber. Plus, with the addition of cacao powder (a natural source of caffein), you’ve got a delicious energy booster in a cup!

Don’t let the spinach in this keep you from blending the ultimate minty flavor dessert smoothie today.

Why This Smoothie Rawks

This skinny mint chocolate chip smoothie isn’t just a delicious dessert-inspired treat—it’s also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth! Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your blender lineup:

• The cacao powder delivers a natural energy boost with its caffeine and antioxidant content, so you can crush your day without the dreaded sugar crash.
• Spinach and avocado team up to provide fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins that support heart health, regulate blood sugar, and keep your digestion happy.
• Banana and Medjool dates bring the perfect touch of natural sweetness (bye-bye, processed sugar!) while delivering potassium and fiber to keep you energized and satisfied.
• Fresh mint adds that refreshing, cooling kick you love while also supporting healthy digestion and fighting inflammation.

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Ingredients

Even my dessert-like mint chocolate chip smoothie uses whole food, plant-based ingredients. I love getting creative with food and figuring out just the right combos of unique ingredients to bring the flavor and texture I want.

• Almond Milk: A versatile and creamy base, almond milk is easy to find in most grocery stores. Choose unsweetened for a neutral flavor or vanilla for a hint of sweetness. Check out my best almond milk brands guide.
• Spinach: This vibrant leafy green adds a subtle earthy flavor and beautiful color to your smoothie. Look for fresh, crisp leaves at the store or farmers’ market for the best quality.
• Mint Leaves: Just a few mint leaves can add a refreshing pop of flavor to your smoothie. Pick up fresh mint in the herb section—look for bright, aromatic leaves.
• Banana: A frozen banana creates a creamy, thick texture and a natural sweetness. Choose ripe bananas, freeze them peeled, and they’ll be ready when you are.
• Avocado: Perfect for adding richness and creaminess to your smoothie. Avocados bring a mild, buttery flavor. Fresh or frozen chunks both work—just pick avocados that are slightly soft to the touch.
• Medjool Dates: These naturally sweet gems add caramel-like flavor to your smoothie. Look for plump, soft dates in the produce or bulk section or order them online. Don’t forget to remove the pits!
• Cacao Powder: A single tablespoon of cacao powder delivers a deep, chocolatey flavor. Look for high-quality cacao in the baking aisle to make your smoothie indulgently rich.
• Cacao Nibs (Optional): Sprinkle cacao nibs on top for a satisfying crunch and a hint of chocolate. They can be found in the baking or health food section. You can also order them on Amazon.

How to Make a Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

Since this smoothie has leafy greens, I like to use my two-blend method for the smoothest finish possible. 

1. Combine spinach, mint leaves, and almond milk in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Check that no leafy chunks remain to ensure a smooth texture. (The gaps between your teeth will thank you!).
3. Toss the remaining ingredients into the blender. This gives your blender the chance to break down the leaves before blending everything else and is really a no-fail way to avoid leafy smoothie chunks.
4. Blend again until completely smooth and serve with your favorite toppings, like cocoa nibs or fresh mint leaves. 

Easy Swaps and Add-Ins

Before running off to the store for some new-to-you ingredients, check your kitchen for these easy swaps.

• Swap almond milk: No need to make a smoothie with almond milk if you’ve got another kind of dairy-free milk on hand that will work great in this recipe. Cashew milk, oat milk, or coconut milk would work great in this healthy mint chocolate chip smoothie. Here are 5 dairy-free milk recipes that I love making.
• Swap mint leaves: While fresh mint leaves are the ideal choice, you can use mint extract if you don’t have any on hand.
• Swap cacao powder: Use 100% unsweetened cocoa powder in place of cacao powder for almost the same great flavor.
• Add frozen fruit: To make the smoothie cold, include at least one frozen fruit. I love to freeze bananas and toss them into any smoothie. Here’s a step by step guide on how to freeze bananas.
• Add plant-based protein powder: Most of us don’t need bodybuilder amounts of protein and weird ingredients in many commercial protein powders. Give my plant-based Homemade Protein Powder recipe a go for a super clean, super fine powder to add healthy fat, fiber, and 10 grams of protein to this smoothie or any smoothie for that matter!

More Healthy Dessert-like Smoothies

Love when a smoothie can double as a dessert? So do I! Save these recipes for your next dessert night or to use as a great afternoon energy boost:

• Red Velvet Smoothie: Seriously brings the red velvet flavor in a glass.
• Chocolate Cherry Smoothie: Another rich, chocolate and fruit smoothie for all those chocolate-covered fruit lovers.
• Cinnamon Date Smoothie: Breakfast vibes whenever you want with this warming cinnamon smoothie.
• Strawberry Vegan Milkshake: All the love of a milkshake without any of the dairy in this delightful and fresh strawberry shake!

If you make this mint chocolate smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.