Mint Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie

This decadent mint chocolate banana protein smoothie has over 30 grams of plant protein and powerful antioxidants—make it with just 5 simple ingredients in 5 minutes. Vegan, gluten free, nut free and soy free.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

• Has 31 grams of protein
• Tastes like dessert in a glass
• Full of antioxidants

This mint chocolate banana protein smoothie is a perfect high protein breakfast option, and can even be enjoyed as a sweet treat any time of the day! The consistency is extra creamy and thick, making it a satisfying treat. Because it is made with such healthy ingredients it leaves you feeling light and refreshed.

Cocoa powder gives this smoothie its rich chocolate flavour. There are antioxidants in cocoa powder like polyphenols, which protect your body from radical cell damage. Cocoa powder also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut. That means regularly adding cocoa powder to your smoothies can be a healthy choice.

The base of this smoothie is made with frozen bananas. Bananas are high in gut-healthy fibre and act as a prebiotic for good gut bacteria. Make sure the bananas are frozen only when properly ripe for a sweet tasting drink! Ripe bananas will be covered in small, dark speckles and smell sweet (not starchy) when peeled.

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you will need to make this mint chocolate banana protein smoothie.

Peppermint extract: Essential for the minty flavour. A handful of fresh mint leaves can be used also, just make sure to wash any dirt from the leaves before adding to the blender.

Cocoa powder: Gives the smoothie its rich chocolate flavour.

Protein powder: Any favourite chocolate vegan protein powder. Use a sweetened kind.

Frozen bananas: Creates the thick, creamy base of the smoothie and adds sweetness.

Oat milk: The liquid that brings all of the other ingredients together to blend smoothly and adds a creamy consistency.

For ingredient amounts and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Benefits

Hydrating

Staying properly hydrated is a basic requirement for optimal health. By incorporating daily smoothies you can maintain your ideal hydration level more easily. Start each morning with a smoothie for easy hydration!

High fibre

Easily get more fibre in your every day diet! In addition to being generally healthy, getting enough fibre can be extremely helpful for weight loss as it helps keep you feeling full for longer, without adding calories. Fibre also helps improve our gut health.

Nutrient dense

Vegan smoothies are a great way to get more nutrient rich foods in each day. By blending them into a single meal, it’s super quick, easy and fun! Choose ingredients like dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fruits to make your smoothies nutrient rich.

Variations

Make it sweeter

For an extra sweet mint chocolate banana protein smoothie add 1 tablespoon of agave or date syrup to the blender. This also helps to balance the taste if you are using unsweetened protein powder.

Try an alternative plant milk

This recipe uses oat milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch.

Adjust the consistency

If you prefer a thicker consistency you can try the recipe using a bit less liquid than what is suggested. If you want a thinner consistency, try adding a bit of extra liquid to the recipe.

Switch base ingredients

If you don’t like bananas then try something else as the base! Mango usually substitutes banana well. If you’re allergic to or simply dislike a suggested ingredient then try to find something with a similar texture that you enjoy the flavour of. There is no wrong way to make a smoothie, and you can always omit any ingredients you don’t have on hand.

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to blender.

• Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.

• Pour into a glass and serve your mint chocolate banana protein smoothie.

Prep & Blending

Add ingredients in the correct order

Always add liquid ingredients to your blender first. Then add powders, nut butters, nuts and seeds. Then add fresh greens and fresh fruit. Finally add your solid ingredients like frozen fruit. If using a small blender container with a twist on lid, reverse the order so that when you turn the container over to blend the frozen ingredients are farthest away from the blades.

Use a tamper

Push ingredients down towards the blades while blending using the tamper that comes with your blender. This helps to avoid thick smoothies from getting stuck, so you don’t have to stop blending and scrape down the sides of the container.

Don’t over blend

Try to blend your smoothie for less than a couple of minutes. If blended for too long, even thick smoothies will become thin. This is because the heat generated by the blades and motor of the blender heat up your ingredients while they are being blended.

Use a high power blender

For smoothies that have a perfectly smooth and creamy texture use a high powered blender such as a Vitamix. It can break down any ingredients to much finer particles than standard blenders, and more nutrients are released. A high speed blender also reduces the time you need to blend your recipe, which helps keep it nice and cold.

Chill your glass

By placing your smoothie glass in the freezer for a few moments you can help your smoothie stay cool for longer. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hot climate. Pop it into the freezer while you are prepping and blending, then take it out when it’s time to pour your finished smoothie!

FAQ’s

Can I make this smoothie without protein powder?

Yes, you can make this smoothie without the protein powder and it will still be delicious. For some extra protein add 2-3 tablespoons of hemp seeds. Hemp seeds also add a slightly nutty flavour that goes perfectly with the taste of chocolate.

Can I lose weight with smoothies?

Smoothies are an excellent weight loss food! This is because they are generally lower calorie and higher in fibre and nutrients. Due to high water content, the large volume of a smoothie helps your stomach to feel satiated. And the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, without feeling weighed down or tired like a huge meal would.

Can smoothies be refrigerated?

Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending, while they are freshest. However you can refrigerate most smoothies for 1-2 days in an airtight container such as a jar.

Can I make smoothies without a high speed blender?

Yes, you can still make smoothies with a regular blender. It might take more patience depending on the recipe, but it can work. Turn off the blender to scrape down the sides of the container, and secure the lid before continuing to blend. Repeat as needed. Alternatively you can add a small amount of additional liquid to the recipe, which should help.

How can I increase the protein?

If you wish for your smoothie to have a higher protein content, you can simply add (more) protein powder to the recipe. Plain unsweetened plant based protein will work in any smoothie. Alternatively you can try adding hemp seeds or even silken tofu.

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