Mixed Berry Chocolate Smoothie

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In the mood for something that both satisfies your sweet tooth AND is healthy?? Today we’re sharing a delicious and healthy recipe for a mixed berry chocolate smoothie. 

This smoothie is packed full of antioxidants from the mixed berries, and is sweetened with a banana and a touch of honey. The cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor that makes this smoothie taste like a indulgent treat, but it’s actually good for you! 

This smoothie is a great way to start your day, or to enjoy as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. Keep reading to learn how to make this tasty smoothie at home.

mixed berry chocolate smoothie in glass with ingredients in background

Why We Love This Mixed Berry Smoothie

We love all things smoothie at our home, and my boys are huge fans of chocolate.  Like, I’m pretty sure they’d eat anything if I covered it in chocolate (almost!).  So anytime I whip up a new chocolate smoothie recipe they are all about it. This recipe is also gluten free, dairy free and has no added sugar, just natural sugars.

I love that they are getting tons of nutrients from the berries, spinach and frozen cauliflower, and they love that it’s like a chocolate berry milkshake!  Win-win!


Ingredients in Our Healthy Mixed Berry Smoothie Recipe

Mixed Berries

Assorted frozen berries background

Mixed berries are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body’s cells from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In particular, berries are high in vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system and healthy skin. 

Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and other berries are low in calories and are a good source of natural sugars, making them a healthy option for satisfying a sweet tooth. Because of their health benefits, incorporating mixed berries into your diet can help support overall health and wellbeing.

I use a bag of frozen mixed berries that has strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, but feel free to use whatever fresh or frozen berry you have on hand.  Pretty much all berries pair well with chocolate!  Feel free to use fresh berries if you don’t have frozen.


Banana

sliced banana in bowl on wooden background

Bananas are a good source of several essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function, and vitamin B6 is necessary for brain development and function. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that can help protect the body’s cells from damage by free radicals. Bananas are also a good source of fiber and natural sugars, making them a healthy and satisfying option for a snack or part of a meal.

I love to use a frozen banana in most recipes, but since I was using frozen berries as well as frozen cauliflower, I opted for a fresh banana in this recipe.  Feel free to use either!  If using all frozen fruit and vegetables, you might have to increase the amount of liquid in the recipe a bit.


Cauliflower

Homemade Organic Raw Cauliflower Rice in a Bowl

Cauliflower in a smoothie??  Yes!  Cauliflower hides extremely well in smoothies, especially chocolate ones.  It’s a great way to sneak in more vegetables while still feeling like you’re indulging in a milkshake.

Cauliflower is a type of vegetable that is part of the cruciferous family, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. It is low in calories and is a good source of nutrients, including vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber. 

I like to buy frozen riced cauliflower as it’s already in small pieces, but my high speed blender can handle regular florets.  If you don’t have a high speed blender, I’d definitely suggest buying the riced cauliflower because you don’t want to run into a larger chunk of it.

This smoothie is still delicious without cauliflower if you choose not to add it.


Spinach

fresh baby spinach in a bowl on wooden background

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate and iron. It also contains small amounts of other essential nutrients, including calcium and vitamin C.

Spinach is my favorite leafy green to add to smoothies because it hides very well, especially in chocolate smoothies.  I’ve even been known to blend spinach in milk when baking something chocolate (and my kids don’t even know!).

If you’re new to adding greens to your smoothies, definitely start with spinach.  If you are used to green smoothies, feel free to swap out the spinach for kale, swiss chard or any other green you enjoy.

I use fresh baby spinach for my smoothies, but you can also use frozen.


Cocoa Powder

Raw Organic Cocoa Powder Used For Baking

Cocoa powder is a good choice for smoothies because it adds a rich, chocolatey flavor to your drink. It is made from cocoa beans that have been roasted, ground, and processed to remove most of the fat, resulting in a powder that is high in cocoa solids and flavor. 

Cocoa powder is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. It’s also low in calories and contains small amounts of fiber, iron, and magnesium, making it a nutritious addition to smoothies.

For even more nutrition, try cacao powder!  You can also sub a chocolate protein powder if you want to add protein to this smoothie.


Dates

Delicious dates in small bowl on wooden surface

Dates are a type of fruit that is sweet, chewy, and nutritious. They are a good choice for smoothies because they add natural sweetness and flavor. Dates are also a good source of fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and keep you feeling full. 

They are also a good source of several essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and iron and contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

I love to sweeten a smoothie with dates!  You can use any type of dates for your smoothies, but the sweet and sticky medjool dates are my favorites.  Just remember to remove the pits first!


Vanilla Extract

vanilla beans on burlap fabric

Vanilla extract is a good choice for smoothies because it adds a rich, sweet, and aromatic flavor. It is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol to extract the flavor, resulting in a concentrated liquid that is full of vanilla aroma and taste.

We buy pure vanilla extract (never imitation!) and we aren’t particularly concerned with the brand, just that it’s real vanilla extract. 

You can also scrape a vanilla bean or buy vanilla bean powder.  We used to do the beans until they got too pricey.


Almond Milk

glass of fresh almond milk on wooden background

Almond milk is a wonderful choice for smoothies because it has a neutral taste that goes well with just about any flavors. Look for unsweetened almond milk or make your own to avoid added sugar.


mixed berry chocolate smoothie seen from top

How to Blend Our Chocolate Berry Smoothie Recipe

Blending up this frozen berry smoothie is super easy!  All you need to do is add all of the ingredients to a blender, then blend on high speed until smooth.  That’s it!

If you find your smoothie is too thick, keep adding more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

If your smoothie is too thin, add more cauliflower, berries or banana to thicken it up.  You can also add chia seeds or oats to thicken.

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How to Customize This Smoothie

There are many ways to customize a mixed berry chocolate smoothie, including adding protein powder, nut butter, milk or milk alternatives, and other ingredients to increase the nutritional value or add flavor to the drink. Some suggestions for customizing a mixed berry chocolate smoothie include:

  • Make it a protein smoothie: Adding a scoop of protein powder to the smoothie, such as whey or plant-based protein, to increase the protein content and help keep you feeling full.  You can also use Greek yogurt to add protein.
  • Make it nutty: Adding a spoonful of nut butter, such as almond butter or peanut butter, to the smoothie for a boost of healthy fats, protein, and flavor.
  • Change up the liquid: Use milk or milk alternatives, such as coconut milk or oat milk, to add creaminess and nutrients to the smoothie.
  • Add superfoods: Adding ingredients to boost the nutritional value of the smoothie, such as supergreens powder or maca root powder for extra vitamins and minerals, or chia seeds, hemp seeds or flaxseed meal for fiber and healthy fats.
  • Add extra chocolate or berries: Experimenting with different flavors and textures, such as adding a spoonful of cocoa powder or cacao nibs for a chocolatey flavor, or using frozen berries instead of fresh ones for a thicker, colder smoothie.

Mixed Berry Chocolate Smoothie

Enjoy a delicious and healthy treat with our easy recipe for a mixed berry chocolate smoothie!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Smoothies
Cuisine Smoothies
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mixed frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc)
  • 1 medium banana
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 pitted dates
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in blender.
  • Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the smoothies into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Keyword chocolate smoothie, mixed berry chocolate smoothie, mixed berry smoothie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Final Thoughts on Our Mixed Berry Chocolate Smoothie

In conclusion, a mixed berry chocolate smoothie is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or refuel after a workout. The combination of fresh or frozen berries and cocoa powder creates a rich, sweet, and satisfying drink that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Customizing the smoothie with protein powder, nut butter, and other ingredients can increase the nutritional value and add flavor and really make it your own. Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast or a tasty afternoon snack, a mixed berry chocolate smoothie is a delicious and healthy choice.

Happy Blending!
Amanda

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