Healthier Chocolate Shake

By Jessica Campbell, MS, FNTP

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This smoothie is perfect for the end of the week when you really need a treat. I love how yummy this combination is and my kids come running when they hear the smoothie start! 

No need to feel any guilt with this smoothie! We often point to fruit smoothies as a healthier option, but they are still full of fructose, which is a form of sugar. The glycemic load of all that fruit can dangerously raise our blood sugar levels. It’s honestly a total bummer. However, the healthy fats in the frozen bananas and organic milk (or coconut milk) in the recipe below will help slow down the digestion of the glycemic load, meaning your stomach is happier and your evening treat is way healthier than ice cream! 


Mint Chocolate Ice Cream

Ingredients

  • 2 frozen bananas
  • 1.5 cups whole fat organic milk, whipping cream, or 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 handful organic baby spinach or kale
  • 3-4 fresh mint leaves and/or a few drops of peppermint extract
  • 1-2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Optional- 2 Tbsp maple syrup

 

Instructions

  1. Add bananas to blender to allow a little defrosting
  2. Add the liquids
  3. Throw in your chosen greens and mint
  4. Add cocoa powder on top
  5. Blend until smooth and creamy
  6. Serve in 6-8 oz servings


Tools to use

I use this Blendtec Blender because I do a ton of cooking and this blender is a workhorse. I've also made this in a food processor, and even just popped an immersion blender into a large glass so feel free to use whatever you have on hand.


Choose quality over quantity!

For the chocolate parts of this recipe, look for the best quality you can find; it can make or break your flavor. I used my favorite cocoa powder by Rapunzel.

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Product links:

Blendtec Total Blender, FourSide Jar, Black (New)

Rapunzel Pure Organic Cocoa Powder, 7.1 Ounce                    

 

Super Tip

This smoothie makes a delicious "fudgesicle" when frozen. Just pop the leftover smoothie into your popsicle mold (like this one) and place it in the freezer for a few hours.

All the neighborhood kids love these at our house, and I love how calm they remain afterward. Instead of a sweet popsicle spiking their blood sugar, eating a dense, heavy, healthy fat slows down digestion and slows down the blood sugar spike. It's a win-win!


Other Dessert Ideas

Need more sweet substitutes? Check out these other Food Foundation dessert recipes!