COCOA-NUT SMOOTHIE

Ingredients

• ½frozen banana
• 5 g (1 tablespoon)unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 1 scoopprotein powder
• 16 g (1 tablespoon)almond butter
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon)honey
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon)vanilla
• 5 g (1 tablespoon)cacao
• 125 g (1 cup)courgette

Instructions

1. 1

   Add ingredients

   Put the frozen banana, coconut, protein powder, almond butter, honey, vanilla, cacao and courgette into a blender.

2. 2

   Blend until smooth

   Blend until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Serve straight away.

What is a cocoa-nut smoothie?

A smoothie is a blended drink made from fruit and other ingredients, with roots in the twentieth-century American smoothie tradition. This version pairs banana and courgette with cacao, coconut and almond butter for a thick, chocolatey drink.

Frozen banana helps give it a chilled, creamy texture, while courgette adds bulk without taking over the flavour. Protein powder makes it a more substantial one-glass option.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 348 calories, 17g protein, 33g carbs, 18g fat.

The banana and courgette contribute most of the carbohydrates, while almond butter and coconut provide much of the fat. Protein powder supplies a substantial share of the protein, with smaller amounts from the almond butter. For a more balanced plate, have the smoothie alongside a piece of fruit or toast.

Why these ingredients work

Frozen banana: it chills and thickens the drink as it blends. Break it into pieces before freezing if you want it to be easier to blend.

Courgette: its mild taste sits quietly alongside the cacao. Use a fresh courgette and trim off the ends before measuring.

Cacao and coconut: cacao gives the smoothie its deep chocolate note, while coconut adds a gentle nutty flavour. Unsweetened coconut keeps the sweetness in check.

Getting a smooth blend

Blender order: adding the ingredients together is simple, but start on a low speed if your blender tends to let powders puff up. Increase the speed once everything begins moving.

Texture check: blend until no visible pieces of courgette or banana remain. If the mixture catches around the blades, stop the blender and scrape down the sides before continuing.

Sweetness and flavour

Honey: a teaspoon gives a little sweetness, but the banana and protein powder may already contribute enough for your taste. Taste the blended drink and adjust only if needed.

Vanilla: it softens the sharper cocoa notes and complements the almond butter. Use vanilla extract or flavouring according to what you have.

Serving the smoothie

Serve it as soon as it is blended, while the frozen banana keeps the texture cool and thick. A tall glass works well, or pour it into a lidded cup for taking with you.

For a more complete plate, pair the smoothie with toast or a piece of fruit rather than relying on the drink alone.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the banana into chunks before freezing so it is easier to blend.
• Measure the courgette after trimming its ends.
• Use a ripe banana for a naturally sweeter flavour.
• Blend briefly at first to bring the ingredients together before increasing the speed.
• Taste before serving, as protein powders vary in sweetness.

Variations

• Use a different milk: Add a splash of milk or plant-based drink if you prefer a thinner smoothie.
• Add coffee: Blend in a little cooled espresso for a mocha-style flavour.
• Change the nut butter: Use peanut or cashew butter in place of almond butter.
• Boost the spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warmer flavour.
• Make it dairy-free: Choose a plant-based protein powder.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a whole frozen banana block: Break it into smaller pieces first so the blades can catch it.
• Adding too much sweetener: Taste the smoothie before adding extra honey, as the banana and powder may already be sweet.
• Stopping too soon: Blend until the courgette is completely smooth for an even texture.
• Overfilling the blender: Leave room for the mixture to circulate and blend in batches if needed.
• Using sweetened coconut: Choose unsweetened coconut to keep the intended flavour balance.

How to store

This smoothie is best enjoyed straight after blending. If needed, cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then shake or reblend before drinking; the texture may separate or thin as it stands.

Frequently asked questions