Energy Smoothie

Take on the day with this quick and easy energy smoothie. Ready in just 5 minutes, this drink is nutritious, satisfying, and tasty.

Recipe Highlights

• This 5-minute energy smoothie is made of almond milk, coffee, date syrup, vanilla protein powder, oats, and frozen bananas.
• The caffeine, protein, and carbohydrates in this drink will give you long-lasting energy.
• Filling and satisfying, this healthy smoothie will keep you full for a long time.
• Enjoy an energy smoothie in the morning, between meals, or whenever you need a pick-me-up.

RELATED: Coffee Protein Smoothie

5 Energy Smoothie Benefits

1. Provides Energy

Black coffee contains caffeine, which reduces sleepiness. It’s made without sweeteners, so it’s healthier than other mixed coffee drinks. Vanilla protein powder increases your protein intake. Protein provides energy for the body. Oats and banana contain carbohydrates, the body’s main source of fuel.

2. Increases Fullness

The protein in this smoothie will help you feel satisfied and full. Oats and banana, which have fiber, also have a filling effect. Since the body takes some time to digest fiber, it stays in the gut longer than other nutrients. This increases satiety.

3. Supports Heart Health

Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber. Beta-glucan can help lower blood cholesterol. This can protect the heart, as high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. Banana also contains fiber, further adding to the cholesterol-lowering effects of this smoothie.

4. Lowers Oxidative Stress

Oats, banana, and coffee all contain antioxidants. These are compounds that reduce oxidative stress. Fighting oxidative stress is important because it can contribute to chronic disease.

5. Promotes Good Digestion

The beta-glucan in oats is beneficial for gut bacteria. It “feeds” the bacteria, which ensures proper digestion. The fiber in bananas is good for reducing digestive issues and promoting regular bowel movements.

RELATED: Benefits of Eating Bananas

Ingredient Notes

• Unsweetened almond milk: The mild nutty flavor of almond milk tastes great in smoothies. Be sure to use an unsweetened version to keep the smoothie healthy. To increase the drink’s protein content, use soy milk or dairy milk instead.
• Coffee: Plain brewed black coffee works best with this recipe. Avoid using coffee with added milks or sweeteners, as this will change the flavor and nutrient content of the smoothie.
• Date syrup: Made with Medjool dates, date syrup is a natural sweetener.
• Vanilla protein powder: The vanilla flavor pairs well with the ingredients in this smoothie. Depending on your preference, the powder can be sourced from whey or plant-based ingredients.
• Rolled oats: Use rolled oats that only have oats as the ingredient. Don’t use instant flavored oats, which have a lot of added sugar.
• Frozen banana: This smoothie gets its thick, creamy texture from frozen banana slices. They also add natural sweetness and eliminate the need for ice, which can dilute smoothies.

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

Variations

Seeds: Seeds will make this smoothie even more filling and energizing. Examples include flax seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. It’s all thanks to the protein and healthy fats in seeds. Use 1 or 2 tablespoons per smoothie. Since seeds have a nutty flavor, it’s best to avoid overdoing it.

Nut butters: Another way to make this smoothie more satisfying is to add nut butter. Tasty options include hazelnut butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter. Pick a nut butter with no added sugar or sodium to keep it healthy. Sunflower seed butter works if you don’t eat nuts. For each smoothie, use 1 or 2 tablespoons of nut or seed butter.

Flavoring extracts: To intensify the vanilla flavor, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the recipe. If you don’t have vanilla protein powder, you can use vanilla extract and unflavored protein powder for a similar flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Ingredients

Blender Tips

Chop fruits before freezing.

When freezing bananas, always cut them first. This way, your blender will be able to efficiently puree the bananas. If you have a high-powered blender, you can chop bananas into bigger pieces. Slice the bananas into your coins if your blender is not as powerful.

Layer ingredients from lightest to heaviest.

Liquids should always be the first to go in the blender. As the lightest ingredients, they’ll help the blades move and pull everything else in.

Next, load any add-ins, including nut butters, seeds, and powders so they don’t stick to the container. Follow with any leafy greens, then fresh fruit. The heaviest ingredients, like ice and frozen fruit, should go in last.

Use a tamper to eliminate air pockets.

When you make a smoothie, air pockets can form above the blades. They can negatively affect the smoothness and consistency of your drink.

A blender tamper will help prevent air pockets. Most blenders come with one. To use a tamper, put it through the lid while the blender is on. Move the tamper in a circle to circulate the ingredients.

Don’t blend on low for too long.

Run the blender on low to start, then quickly increase to high. You should blend on high speed for most of the time. This will ensure the motor of your blender doesn’t overheat.

Empty out the blender.

Avoid wasting smoothie by using a blade scraper. This tool is designed to remove leftover smoothie beneath the blades. It’s extra helpful if you prefer thick smoothies.

Expert Tips

• For a more caffeinated drink, replace some of the milk with coffee. You can also use slightly less coffee if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
• If you prefer less sweet smoothies, skip the date syrup.
• Instead of date syrup, try a chopped Medjool date or maple syrup.
• Add a splash of milk or coffee if the smoothie is too thick. Then blend for 10 seconds to combine.
• Store leftover smoothie in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Try to drink it within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.

Questions You May Have

Related

• Almond Milk Smoothie
• Banana Protein Shake
• Coffee Protein Shake
• Greek Yogurt Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

If you tried this Energy Smoothie recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.