Chocolate Almond Smoothie

Name: Chocolate Almond Smoothie
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons almond butter; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; 1 frozen banana

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A decadent and healthy drink, this chocolate almond smoothie is made with 5 ingredients in just 5 minutes.

Recipe Highlights

This chocolate almond smoothie tastes like dessert. It’s creamy, rich, and naturally sweet.
The chocolate flavor comes from high-quality cocoa powder, which is high in antioxidants.
It’s made in 5 minutes by pureeing almond milk, cocoa powder, almond butter, chia seeds, and frozen bananas in a blender.

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Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for a chocolate almond smoothie on a gray table.

Unsweetened almond milk: Use unsweetened almond milk for the healthiest choice. Oat milk, which is tasty with bananas, works in this smoothie too.
Almond butter: Almond butter gives this smoothie a rich almond flavor. It also adds richness and thickness.
Cocoa powder: For the healthiest choice, use high-quality cocoa powder. Don’t use hot chocolate mix, which is a different product and contains added sugar.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds add healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber. You can also use hemp seeds or flax seeds.
Frozen bananas: Frozen bananas chill and thicken the recipe. The fruit also acts as a natural sweetener. Avoid using fresh bananas, which will make the smoothie too thin.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Variations

Protein powder: To make your smoothie even more filling, add a scoop of protein powder. Chocolate protein powder will intensify the chocolate flavor. You can also use vanilla protein powder or unflavored protein powder. This add-in is great for maintaining and building muscle.

Collagen powder: If skin and joint health is your main concern, use collagen powder instead. It’s usually unflavored, so it won’t change the taste of your drink.

Leafy greens: Baby spinach and kale are nutritious add-ins. They’re packed with antioxidants and fiber. Both options are slightly earthy. However, the sweetness of the banana will help balance the flavor. Use 1 cup of leafy greens per recipe. Add it after the chia seeds and before the frozen banana.

Extracts: For a stronger almond flavor, add ½ teaspoon almond extract. Another option is ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. The ingredient is delicious in banana-based smoothies.

RELATED: Almond Milk Smoothie

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pour almond milk into the blender.

Make sure the almond milk goes in first. Liquids should be the first ingredient into the blender.

Step 2: Add cocoa powder, chia seeds, almond butter, and frozen bananas.

Step 3: Blend until smooth. Start on a low speed, then increase to high.

Step 4: Pour smoothie into a cup. Serve immediately.

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Blender Tips

Cut fruits into chunks.

Before freezing your banana, chop it into coins. This will make it easier for your blender to break down the banana. If you have a more powerful blender, you can cut the bananas into slightly bigger slices.

Never put a whole frozen banana in your blender. This can damage the blades and container.

Start with the lightest ingredients.

Avoid randomly loading the ingredients. This can cause air pockets, resulting in an uneven blend.

Put liquid ingredients into the blender first. Follow with any nut butters, seeds, or powders, then load leafy greens. Next, add fresh fruit and vegetables, and finish with heavy ingredients like ice and frozen fruits.

Increase the speed slowly.

Start blending on the lowest speed. During this time, the blades will be able to properly chop up the ingredients. After 10 seconds, increase to high speed for the time listed in the recipe. This technique will ensure your blender’s motor stays cool.

Use a tamper to prevent air pockets.

A tamper is a tool that can be inserted into the blender as the blades are moving. You put it through a hole in the lid and move it in a circle. This makes a vortex, which pushes the ingredients toward the blades and reduces air pockets.

As long as the lid is on the blender, the tamper won’t touch the blades. The tamper has a stopper that prevents it from reaching too far down.

Remove leftovers with a blade scraper.

Using a blade scraper is the best way to avoid wasting smoothie. It allows you to scrape leftover smoothie from under the blades. You can also use a thin spatula.

Expert Tips

Ripe bananas will have the best texture and sweetness. You can tell a banana is ripe if the peel is mostly yellow with a few brown spots.
For a sweeter smoothie, add 1 tablespoon date syrup or maple syrup.
Add a splash of almond milk if the smoothie is too thick. Blend for 10 seconds to combine.
The smoothie will taste best right after you make it. If you have extra smoothie, refrigerate it in an airtight jar for 1-2 days.

Questions You May Have

Why use almond milk in smoothies?

Almond milk gives smoothies a creamy texture and has the most neutral flavor. It’s also dairy-free, making it ideal if you’re lactose-intolerant.

What is the benefit of an almond smoothie?

This almond smoothie is high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Drinking it is a great way to increase your intake of fruits and nutrients.

Can I use ice?

You can, but don’t use too much. Add a few ice cubes along with the frozen bananas. This will chill the smoothie without watering it down.

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