Chocolate Protein Green Smoothie

Smoothies are a staple in our house every morning. They take 2 minutes to put together and give me the reassurance of knowing that despite what my kids end up eating later, they’re starting their day with something good for them. I make a pitcher that’s large enough to make three servings for each of my kids, and I let them sip it while I get the rest of breakfast ready. (And if they don’t finish it that morning, I put it in the fridge, then serve it with dinner or a snack later that day—it just needs a good shake!)

This version has become a favorite in our house. It has all the flavors that kids love: chocolate, banana, peanut butter (or any nut or non-nut butter), and a whole big serving of spinach for good measure. It tastes like a treat, but it has no added sugar so they don’t start the day with a sugar high.

As a base, I use either organic whole milk or almond milk, and my kids like both. Cow’s milk gives the smoothie an extra dose of protein so it’s super filling. I also use organic baby spinach that I buy fresh, but that I stick directly in the freezer if I can’t use it all. Freezing the spinach first makes the smoothie extra frosty.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Chocolate Protein Green Smoothie

Makes 3 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups milk of your choice (cow’s, almond, coconut all taste great)

1 heaping cup baby spinach

1 ripe banana

1 heaping tablespoon peanut butter (you can also sub almond butter or sunflower butter)

1 heaping tablespoon raw cacao powder

1 teaspoon honey (optional) *almond and coconut milk are naturally sweeter, so you won’t need this, but for cow’s milk, you may want to add the extra sweetness.

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender. Puree until completely smooth and no traces of green leaves remain. Serve immediately.