This Cacao Smoothie recipe will crush your chocolate cravings and is full of essential nutrients. This is a quick and easy breakfast and is a great way to start your day!
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This Cacao Smoothie was born because I wanted a healthy chocolate smoothie where chocolate was the star flavor. That means I couldn’t add frozen bananas (which usually add nice thickness to a smoothies along with natural sweetness) or any other fruit that might overpower the cacao powder.
I’m so happy with the results and can’t wait to hear what you think of this one! I think your whole family is going to love it.
Recipe Ingredients–What You Need
I love a recipe with simple ingredients, whole foods, that is easy to make. This recipe checks all of those boxes. Here’s what you need!
Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk as it has no added sugar and is what I usually have on hand. You can use Oat Milk, or coconut milk or any milk you prefer.
Cacao Powder
Raw Cacao powder and cocoa powder aren’t the exact same thing, although they can generally be used interchangeably in recipes. More about the differences below!
Almond Butter
Almond butter adds a touch of flavor without overpowering the chocolate flavor and it’s rich in vitamin E, which helps with your immune system! Peanut butter may be used also.
Dates
Dates give the smoothie a sweeter taste. Most of the sugar content you see in the nutritional content is from the dates. You can eliminate them if you prefer, but they do help add some dietary fiber as well.
Avocado
Avocado adds the best creamy texture to this smoothie, while adding healthy fat that will keep you full!
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract compliments the chocolate flavor.
Liquid Stevia
I used liquid stevia to bring more sweetness without adding any added sugar. You can use powdered stevia to taste as well. If you dislike the tase of stevia, try maple syrup.
Ice
This smoothie is better cold so don’t leave out the ice.
Optional Add Ins
You an add any of the following to increase the nutritional profile of your Cacao Smoothie: chocolate protein powder (unsweetened or stevia sweetened), organic kale or spinach, flax seeds, chia seeds, or a hint of cinnamon. Please note that the overall flavor and texture will change if you add different ingredients than the original recipe, but have fun and make it your own!
Cacao Powder Vs Cocoa Powder
Cacao powder and cocoa powder are both made from fermented cacao beans. The difference between these two products is how the bean is processed. Cocoa powder made from fermented cacao beans that are roasted, and then processed at a high temperature. The result is a less bitter, slightly darker powder that has lost some of its nutritional value. Cacao powder, in contrast, is made from fermented beans that have not been roasted. They are processed at low temperatures before being milled into a powder. The result is a powder that has a more bitter taste, but is also higher in nutritional content.
Health Benefits of Cacao
Because of the lower heat and less processing, cacao powder is more nutritious than cocoa powder. Cacao powder is produced in a way that allows it to remain high in flavanols, whereas the high heat and processing involved in cocoa powder destroys them. The flavanols have antioxidant, heart-protective, and anti-cancer properties. Cacao powder is also a good source of iron, fiber, and magnesium. Yes, cacao is more bitter than cocoa, but it’s worth it for the extra nutritional properties you’re getting!
How to Make a Cacao Smoothie
This is the easy part! Your breakfast smoothie could not be easier.
- Place all ingredients into the container of a powerful blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
If you make daily smoothies or even as often as once a week, I highly recommend the Vitamix Blender. I’ve had mine for over a decade and it’s still as powerful as ever! There is no easier way to get powerful superfoods into your daily diet than smoothies. The Vitamix never leaves behind chunks of unblended food–smoothies are smooth and creamy every time! The investment is worth it.
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
Healthy smoothies are my jam! Here are a few more you might want to try!
- Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Cranberry Smoothie
- Mango Smoothie Recipe
- Blueberry Chocolate Smoothie
- Spinach Smoothie Recipe
- Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie
If you try this simple Cacao Smoothie recipe or any of my other healthy recipes, please share it on Instagram and I’ll feature you! Also, if you try it, please leave a comment with a star rating below! Those star ratings are so helpful in helping my recipes get discovered. I appreciate you!
Cacao Smoothie Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 smoothies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 3 tablespoons cacoa powder
- 3 tablespoons almond butter
- 3 dates
- 1/2 large avocado
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-5 drops liquid stevia
- 1 1/2 cups ice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a high powered blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy!
Notes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: smoothie recipes
- Method: blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 364
- Sugar: 24 grams
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 41 grams
- Fiber: 9.6 grams
- Protein: 9.4 grams
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