Choco-Mint Smoothie

Like it? Share it!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

When we want a little something extra special, we turn to this Chocolate-Mint Smoothie. It’s rich. It’s creamy. It doesn’t disappoint.

It’s also packed with leafy greens. But don’t tell my children.

Actually, they’ve seen me make it, so they already know.

“Why do you put leaves in everything?” they ask.

They’ve noticed the pattern.

“Because they’re so good.”

I don’t know what my answer was that day—they probably didn’t give me a chance before they moved to their next question—but that one seems as good as any.

Because they are good. And so full of goodness. And this smoothie is too.

Let’s break that goodness down.

The Breakdown

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, chard, and other leafy greens are a good source of folate as well as other vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E, and K. These disease-fighting veggies are good for the brain and the heart.

Banana

Often praised as a source of potassium, bananas are actually rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including manganese which is revered for its heart-and-bone-health promoting properties (10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Manganese, 2020). They are also a good source of soluble fiber and resistant starch, if they are used just before they are ripe (11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Bananas, 2020).

Almond Butter

Almond butter brings healthy fats, protein, and creaminess to the smoothie (Picincu).

Raw Cacao or Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder, or raw cacao, which is cocoa’s less processed version of itself, brings tasty chocolate flavor to the smoothie along with so many benefits, including powerful anti-oxidative polyphenols, improved blood flow, and brain health. Remember, though, that processing can drastically reduce cocoa’s beneficial properties, so try to use raw cacao or non-alkalized cocoa powder if possible ("11 Health And Nutrition Benefits Of Cocoa Powder"). We like this raw cacao powder.

Peppermint

Peppermint is refreshing, can soothe digestion, and makes this smoothie as extra special treat.

Milk

Depending on your milk of choice—be it almond, cow’s, coconut, or other—the goodness will vary. Depending on what you choose, you’ll likely get some fat, a little protein, maybe some calcium. This recipe calls for quite a bit of milk, so if you’re using coconut milk, you may want to cut it with water, as coconut milk is quite heavy.

Choco-Mint Smoothie

2 frozen bananas
1 ½ cups milk
¼ cup almond butter
2-3 cups fresh leafy greens, such as spinach or chard
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
⅛ tsp peppermint extract or to taste
Water to desired thickness

Yields 4 servings

PIN IT FOR LATER

Printable PDF

Try this smoothie? Tell us what you think. What are your favorite smoothie combos?

Sources

Healthline. 2020. 11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits Of Bananas. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-bananas#section5> [Accessed 4 May 2020].

Healthline. 2020. 10 Evidence-Based Benefits Of Manganese. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits#section10> [Accessed 4 May 2020].

"11 Health And Nutrition Benefits Of Cocoa Powder". Healthline, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cocoa-powder-nutrition-benefits#section11. Accessed 4 May 2020.

Picincu, Andra. "If You Like Peanut Butter, Almond Butter Is An Even Better Alternative | Livestrong.Com". LIVESTRONG.COM, 2020, https://www.livestrong.com/article/376742-almond-butter-benefits/. Accessed 4 May 2020.