Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

This is a thick and creamy mint chocolate chip smoothie with lots of protein and healthy ingredients. Ideal for breakfasts or for fueling your exercise for the day! Top it with a swirl of whipped cream and mini chocolate chips to make it as pretty as it is delicious.

What It Tastes Like

This mint chocolate chip smoothie starts with some 'hidden' healthy ingredients like fresh spinach, avocado, and banana. I love using frozen bananas in smoothies because - depending on the recipe - the banana adds thickness and creaminess without an overpowering flavor of banana. Same goes for the avocado and spinach - it adds nutritional and textural benefits without altering the overall flavor too much.

Made with a chocolate protein powder base with a dash of mint flavor, blended until thick and creamy, and topped with chocolate chips (or cacao nibs) and whipped cream (optional), this is a filling and nutritionally dense smoothie that I know you will love.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Milk: I used unsweetened almond milk when testing this recipe, though you can use any milk product that you desire, dairy or non-dairy. Try cow's milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, etc.
• Chocolate Protein Powder: Either whey or vegan (rice, pea, hemp) powders will work with this recipe. If you have a favorite brand of chocolate protein powder, use it!
• Mint Extract: This extract differs from peppermint extract in that it adds spearmint into the mix, mellowing out the flavor. You can use peppermint extract instead - it is more easily found in grocery stores - but use a bit less than what is called for in the recipe to avoid the flavor overpowering the shake.
• Vanilla Extract: Because I add this to basically everything - a universal flavor enhancer.
• Frozen Banana: Half of a frozen banana adds thickness and nutritional value without too much banana flavor.
• Avocado: Spoon in half of a fresh avocado for thickness, fiber, even more protein, and beneficial vitamins. If you don't keep fresh avocados around, you can leave this out.
• Baby Spinach: Toss in a small handful for added vitamin K and magnesium. You won't be able to taste it!
• Agave Nectar: Used as a natural sweetener, you can use any sweetener you wish (Swerve, erythritol, Stevia, Splenda, etc..). You can even use a teaspoon or so of honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind those will add a different flavor to your smoothie.
• Mini Chocolate Chips or Cacao Nibs: You can add these on top or stir them into your glass. They put the chip into mint chocolate chip smoothie and add a fun chocolate crunch.
• Whipped Cream: You can absolutely leave this out, but if you want to swirl on some whipped cream... go for it (I do!)

How To Thicken This Smoothie

Do you prefer a thick and luscious smoothie? There are a few ways to achieve this. Most importantly, make sure you are using a good, high-powered blender to mix your smoothies so that your ingredients are well-pulverized.

For multiple smoothies and shakes we use our Vitamix Explorian, which is simply an amazing blender - it makes the smoothest shakes I have ever had!

For single servings, however, we love our Magic Bullet! it's really easy to use and clean and makes quick work of smoothies when you need to be time efficient.

But now, here are some ways to thicken up your mint chocolate chip smoothie!

• Xanthan Gum: my favorite secret weapon! This popular thickener gives smoothies and protein shakes a creamy, thick texture that reminds me of a Wendy's Frosty. You only need ¼ tsp to ½tsp!
• Ice: Yes, just adding a little extra ice can give your smoothy a frosty side and will add thickness. Be careful, however, as too much ice can leave little ice crystals and crunchy bits in your smoothie (again, high powered blenders work best!)
• Oats: Add a few tablespoons of oats to soak up some of the liquid when blended.
• Greek Yogurt: Replace some of the milk in the recipe with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Other Optional Add-Ins

While this mint chocolate chip smoothie already has lots of healthful ingredients like banana, avocado, protein powder, and spinach, here are a few other ideas for things to throw in (just a teaspoon or two)

• Ground Flax Seeds: A great source for omega-3 fatty acids.
• Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are loaded with fiber, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, amino acids, and protein!
• Chia Seeds: These seeds have omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, manganese, and magnesium.
• MCT Oil: Popular in keto diets, these oils offer energy and satiating power for overall weight loss support.
• Maca Root: Provides vitamin C, fiber, and copper.

There's lots more, too! Let me know your favorites in the comments!

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