This Healthy Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie is quick and easy, full of delicious chocolaty flavor and full of good for you ingredients! Just 7 ingredients, no added sugar, and an option for dairy-free. In fact, this chocolate smoothie is so good that you’ll think you’re having dessert for breakfast. Great for your morning routine or an after workout pick-me-up.
Chocolate Almond Smoothie
Smoothies are one of my favorite breakfasts. They’re easy to make, taste like dessert and the big bonus, healthy too!
Since I’m always freezing fruit of all types when it’s in season or if it’s gotten ripe too quickly, I can make just about any smoothie flavor I like, any time I want. My favorites have got to be Chocolate Caramel Smoothie Bowl and Chocolate Blackberry Mojito.
And, if you’d rather sleep-in in the morning for those extra few minutes, like my husband, just keep a few key ingredients on hand and you can whip one up any time, quickly and easily. All you need for most is frozen bananas, milk and yogurt, Greek or nondairy in my case, a protein powder, some chia seeds and almond or peanut butter. These few staples will take care of most smoothie needs.
This chocolate almond butter smoothie is my go-to when I’m in the mood for chocolate. Rich, thick and flavorful, it’s almost like dessert without the guilt! All it takes is 7 ingredients and less than 5 minutes to make. Perfect for busy work or school mornings, no morning blahs in my house, and even better as an after workout pick-me-up.
What’s in this Chocolate Smoothie?
What’s in this Chocolate Smoothie?- Milk – You can use any milk here whether it’s dairy, which can supply a good amount of protein and calcium, or non-dairy. I always use almond milk or cashew milk in most of my smoothies. I’ve even used unsweetened coffee creamers for a little added thickness.
- Vanilla Yogurt – Using Greek yogurt can supply additional calcium and important probiotics or you can opt for non-dairy, such as a soy or almond milk yogurt alternative.
- Protein Powder – is a great addition to give a boost of protein to this smoothie. In addition, whey protein supplies an amino acid that is absorbed by the body quickly and is said to speed up muscle recovery after exercise.
- Dark Cocoa Powder – ‘cause any chocolate is a good thing! (but especially dark chocolate)
- Almond Butter – contains antioxidants and has been shown to help in decreasing “bad” cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease and controlling blood pressure.
- Almonds – are one of the richest sources of nutrients and contain powerful antioxidants, as well as phosphorus for strong bones and Vitamin E to aid in repairing muscles after a workout.
- Bananas – are rich in potassium, antioxidants and dietary fiber. They are also are good source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, manganese, niacin & folate
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoothies
Is a smoothie a healthy breakfast?
Smoothies in general, made with protein and healthy fats, with just a bit of sweetener, are a healthy choice. However, all fruit smoothies are something that might taste good but deliver a high calorie count and loads of sugar.
What can be used to thicken a smoothie?
Frozen fruit is a great addition to any smoothie, which can help make a smoothie into a smoothie bowl.
Don’t want to add frozen bananas? Add an avocado to get that same creamy effect.
For seasonal smoothies, try pumpkin puree. It makes a great Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.
And lastly, ice is always great for thickening it up.
Does a smoothie lose nutrients if made the night before?
Yes, it will lose a slight bit of nutrition but not all. It will keep relatively well in the refrigerator for 1 day or in the freezer for 3 months.
What Healthy Foods Can Be Added To a Smoothie?
For variety, try adding leafy greens like kale and spinach. Stick with spinach in most smoothies for no discernable taste difference.
Nuts, nut butters and seeds can always be added.
Any kind of berries can be used as well as mango, oranges, pineapple and peaches.
How to Make a Healthy Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie
- Place milk and yogurt into blender cup or container. (photo 1)
- Add protein powder. (photo 2)
- Sprinkle in cocoa powder. (photo 3)
- Add almond butter. (photo 4)
- Sprinkle in sliced almonds. (photo 5)
- Lastly, add frozen bananas and blend. (photo 6)
Wake up to this delicious and healthy chocolate smoothie with almond butter for a great way to start your morning. Let’s hear it for dessert for breakfast! Yum!
More Delicious Smoothies
Apple Pie Smoothie from 2 Cookin Mamas
Apple Banana Smoothie from Know Your Produce
Tropical Chia Smoothie from 2 Cookin Mamas
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of your favorite milk I used almond milk (soy or coconut can also be used)
- 1 small container vanilla-flavored yogurt
- 1 scoop protein powder I used vanilla but, for added richness, chocolate-flavored can be used
- 1 Tablespoon dark cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons almond butter
- 2 Tablespoons sliced almonds
- 1 banana sliced and frozen
Instructions
- Layer ingredients in order given in blender or blender cup. Blend until smooth.
Notes
What Healthy Foods Can Be Added To a Smoothie?
- For variety, try adding leafy greens like kale and spinach. Stick with spinach in most smoothies for no discernable taste difference.
- Nuts, nut butters and seeds can always be added.
- Any kind of berries can be used as well as mango, oranges, pineapple and peaches.
Nutrition
This post has been updated with clearer instructions and new photos. The original post was first published on July 7, 2014.
