Vegan Chocolate Smoothie

Ingredients

• 590 ml (2 1/2 cups)almond milk
• 10 g (2 tbsp)cacao powder
• 1/2 largeavocado
• 1 large, frozenbanana
• 24 g (2 tbsp)chia seeds
• 32 g (2 tbsp)almond butter
• 6dates
• 0.5 g (1/4 tsp)nutmeg

Instructions

1. 1

   Add ingredients

   Put all the ingredients into a high-speed blender.

2. 2

   Blend until smooth

   Blitz until the mixture has a smooth consistency.

3. 3

   Add a topping

   Add an optional topping to the smoothie.

What is a chocolate smoothie?

A chocolate smoothie is a blended drink made with cacao or cocoa for a chocolate flavour. Smoothies are popular in the United States as a quick breakfast or snack, with ingredients varying from fruit and milk to seeds and nut butters.

This vegan version gets its creamy texture from avocado and almond butter, while frozen banana and dates bring sweetness. Cacao and nutmeg round out the flavour.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 415 calories, 7g protein, 35g carbs, 32g fat.

The banana and dates provide most of the carbohydrates, while almond butter, avocado and chia seeds contribute much of the fat; almond milk, chia seeds and nut butter also provide some protein. Serve a glass alongside a protein-rich option, such as unsweetened soya yoghurt, to make a more balanced breakfast.

Why these ingredients work

Frozen banana: it chills and thickens the drink as it blends, so you can serve the smoothie straight away.

Avocado and almond butter: these give the mixture a rich, creamy body. Almond milk helps keep it pourable.

Dates and cacao: dates sweeten the earthy, bittersweet cacao. Nutmeg adds a gentle warm spice.

Getting a smooth blend

Blending: add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender, as directed, and blend until no obvious pieces remain. If the mixture stalls, pause the blender and scrape down the sides before continuing.

Texture: the finished smoothie should pour easily but still feel thick and creamy. Blend for longer if you can see pieces of date or chia seeds.

Adjusting the consistency

For a thicker drink, use a little less almond milk; for a thinner one, blend in more. Add any extra liquid gradually so you do not make the smoothie runnier than you want.

The dates can vary in size and softness, so check the flavour after blending. If the drink is not smooth yet, give it another short blitz.

Serving the smoothie

Divide the blended drink between two glasses and add an optional topping if you like. The recipe does not specify a topping, so choose one that suits your preferences.

Serve it soon after blending, while the frozen banana keeps it chilled and thick. It can stand in for a quick breakfast or accompany toast for a more substantial meal.

Timing and preparation

The recipe takes 10 minutes in total, with no separate cooking step. Measuring the ingredients before blending makes the short preparation straightforward.

Use a frozen banana as listed to help create a cold, thick texture without waiting for the drink to chill.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a ripe banana for a naturally sweet, well-flavoured smoothie.
• Make sure the banana is frozen before blending for a chilled, thick result.
• Add the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until the dates are fully broken down.
• If the smoothie is too thick to pour, blend in a little more almond milk.
• Taste after blending and adjust the amount of nutmeg in a future batch to suit your preference.

Variations

• Extra cacao: add a little more cacao powder for a deeper chocolate flavour.
• Soya milk: use unsweetened soya milk instead of almond milk for a different plant-based base.
• Cinnamon: swap the nutmeg for cinnamon for a different warm spice note.
• Coffee: blend in a shot of cooled espresso for a mocha-style variation.
• Toppings: finish with a sprinkle of cacao powder or chia seeds if you would like added texture.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using an unfrozen banana: the smoothie will be less chilled and thick; freeze the banana before blending.
• Adding too much liquid: the drink can become thin; start with the listed amount and add more only if needed.
• Stopping too soon: chunks of dates or chia seeds may remain; blend until the texture is smooth.
• Using a small blender jar: ingredients may not blend evenly; use a high-speed blender with enough capacity.
• Forgetting to check the flavour: dates vary in sweetness; taste the smoothie once it is blended.

How to store

This smoothie is best served straight after blending, when it is cold and creamy. If needed, refrigerate it in a covered container and drink within 24 hours; shake or blend again before serving, as it may separate.

Frequently asked questions