Chocolate Berry Smoothie

This chocolate berry smoothie is rich and indulgent, but packed with whole foods! It makes a filling breakfast or afternoon snack. It's packed with immune-boosting antioxidants from the berries and cocoa.

Chocolate Smoothie with Mixed Berries:

This chocolate berry smoothie is ultra-chocolatey with a brightness from the berries! It satisfies my chocolate cravings, plus it's jam-packed with feel-good ingredients.

Bananas for Manganese and Potassium. Peanut butter and Greek yogurt for protein. Oats for fiber. Mixed berries and cocoa powder for healthy antioxidants. And a smidge of honey to sweeten it up.

My husband's been making this chocolate fruit smoothie for over a decade!

Key Ingredients:

• Banana - A sweet, yellow banana is key! It creates a creamy consistency and natural sweetness. Plus it adds potassium and fiber.
• Peanut butter - I've learned that peanut butter tastes great in nearly all types of smoothies - even green! Don't skip it!
• Greek yogurt - For some high-quality protein. I prefer Costco's Kirkland brand or Fage. Both are thick and creamy!
• Quick-cooking oats - Quick oats add less texture than rolled oats. They're full of fiber and whole grains, plus they add some oatey flavor.
• Dutch cocoa - Dutch processed cocoa has a rich, smooth flavor and dark color! You can find it right near the natural cocoa. Both kinds are unsweetened.
• Frozen berries - Any brand is fine! I prefer to buy my frozen fruit at Costco. It's reasonably priced and they have organic options.
• Almond milk - I buy unsweetened to avoid excess sugar.
• Honey - A little bit of honey to sweeten it up.

How to Make this Berry Chocolate Smoothie:

This chocolate smoothie is simple! It's as basic as dump everything in the blender, whizz it up, and pour it into a glass.

But for those who like more guidance:

• Combine ingredients: I make it a habit to start with soft, non-frozen ingredients. It's easier on the blades to get everything moving.
• Blend: I start the blender on low speed to reduce stalling. Once it's moving, increase the speed. If it won't move, add a splash more liquid.

• Pour: Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into glasses and enjoy it right away! Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Expert Tips:

• If it's a little too thick, add more almond milk, but pour it in slowly. You can always add more, but you can't take it out!
• If you make a lot of smoothies, I highly recommend a high-speed blender for a smoother consistency. Even budget-friendly brands carry high-speed models. I own a Vitamix, and I love it!
• For the right consistency, use frozen fruit! Fresh fruit won't thicken up nicely and tastes more like pulpy juice.

Are smoothies healthy?

This is somewhat of a loaded question. A smoothie is only as healthy as the ingredients it contains.

You can find takeout smoothies around every corner. Heck, the ice cream store by our house sells them. Oftentimes, shop-bought smoothies are packed with processed sugar.

When you blend up your own smoothie, you control the ingredients, no "smoothie bases" allowed. A smoothie packed with whole foods is a great way to add nutrients, protein, fiber, and antioxidants into your day!

Smoothie Recipes:

• Panera's Green Passion Smoothie
• Carrot Banana Smoothie
• Berry Almond Milk Smoothie
• Tropical Iron Rich Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Avocado Chocolate Smoothie