Chocolate Avocado Smoothie

Ingredients

• 240 ml (1 cup; 8 oz)almond milk or regular milk
• 240 ml (1 cup)ice cubes
• ½ largeavocado flesh
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)cocoa powder
• 1 medium-sizedbanana
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)honey or maple syrup
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon)vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla almond milk)

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the milk

   Pour the almond milk into the blender.

2. 2

   Blend until smooth

   Add the remaining ingredients and blend for 15–20 seconds, or until smooth.

3. 3

   Serve cold

   Pour into glasses and serve cold.

What is a chocolate avocado smoothie?

A smoothie is a blended drink, and this American-style version combines cocoa and banana with avocado for a thick, creamy texture. The avocado adds body without making the drink taste strongly of avocado.

The recipe works because the banana brings sweetness and the cocoa supplies the chocolate flavour, while milk and ice help everything blend into a cold drink.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 258 calories, 6g protein, 41g carbs, 10g fat.

The banana and sweetener provide most of the carbohydrates, while avocado contributes fat and the milk and cocoa contribute some protein. Pair a glass with a protein-rich food, such as yoghurt or eggs, for a more balanced meal.

Choosing the ingredients

Avocado: Use ripe flesh that gives slightly when pressed; it blends more readily and makes the drink creamy.

Cocoa: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the smoothie its chocolate taste, while honey or maple syrup lets you adjust the sweetness.

Getting a smooth blend

Order: Add the milk first, then the remaining ingredients as directed. The liquid at the bottom helps the blender get moving.

Blending: Run the blender for 15–20 seconds, checking that no avocado or banana pieces remain. If needed, blend a little longer until the texture is even.

Adjusting the texture

Thicker drink: The ice and avocado make this smoothie substantial. For a thinner consistency, blend in a little more milk.

Coldness: Serve as soon as it is blended so the ice keeps the drink chilled and the texture stays smooth.

Sweetness and vanilla

Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup can be used; start with the stated amount and adjust to taste if you make another batch.

Vanilla: Leave out the extract if you are using vanilla almond milk, as the milk already provides that flavour.

Serving ideas

Pour the smoothie into two glasses and serve it straight away. It works as a quick breakfast or snack on its own.

For a more substantial breakfast, serve it alongside toast or a savoury egg dish rather than adding extra ingredients to the blender.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a ripe banana for a sweeter, more easily blended smoothie.
• Scoop out only the avocado flesh, keeping the skin and stone out of the blender.
• Measure the cocoa powder so its flavour does not overpower the banana.
• Add the milk to the blender before the solid ingredients, as directed.
• Use vanilla almond milk and omit the vanilla extract to avoid doubling up on vanilla flavour.

Variations

• Maple version: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Dairy version: Choose regular milk instead of almond milk.
• Vanilla almond milk: Use vanilla-flavoured almond milk and omit the extract.
• More chocolate: Add a little extra cocoa powder and blend until evenly mixed.
• Sweeter blend: Add a little more honey or maple syrup to taste.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Unripe avocado: It can be firm and harder to blend; choose ripe avocado flesh.
• Skipping the milk first: The blender may struggle to catch the ingredients; pour in the milk before the rest.
• Blending too briefly: Pieces can remain in the drink; continue until it looks smooth.
• Using vanilla milk and extract together: The flavour can be overly strong; omit the extract when the milk is vanilla-flavoured.
• Leaving it to stand: Ice can melt and thin the smoothie; serve it cold straight after blending.

How to store

This smoothie is best served immediately. If needed, cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then stir or briefly reblend before serving; the colour and texture may change as it stands.

Frequently asked questions