Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie [Vegan, Gluten-Free, No Sugar Added, Paleo]

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This Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie is a nutritious and refreshing treat that hits the sweet spot without adding any sugar. This dairy-free smoothie recipe is also both vegan and paleo.

When I first decided to challenge myself to give up added sugar for 30 days, one of the things I wondered was, “How am I going to go a whole month without chocolate?”

And then I discovered cacao nibs.

It had already been a few days so I was in a serious state of chocolate withdrawal by then.

I don’t even think the grocery store bags were unpacked when I ripped open the package and shoved a bunch of nibs into my mouth.

All I can say is DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! I can tell you from experience that you will not have the chocolate experience you are hoping for.

The nibs, which are simply crushed cacao beans, are bitter due to the fact that there is no added sugar. While they are chocolate in its purest form, their flavor needs a little enhancing.

So, is it possible to still have a delicious chocolaty treat that hits the spot without giving into the sugar demons?

The answer is YES!

But how? Great question!

Sweetening up the flavor with some natural sugar is your best bet. For example, you can use a little honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar. But for this recipe, I chose not to use any added sugar.

Instead, I opted to incorporate ingredients with naturally occurring sugars by enlisting the help of our friends, banana and almond butter.

A Bit on Bananas…B-A-N-A-N-A-S

Bananas provide a decent amount of sweetness and are rich in a number of nutrients, such as potassium, manganese, fiber, folate, riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C and protein.

Almond Butter Power

Almond butter, even in its unsweetened form, also contains natural sugar as well as healthy fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium and vitamin E.

As an added bonus, almonds actually help regulate blood sugar.

Cuckoo for Cacao Nibs

And while both bananas and almonds contain antioxidants, organic raw cacao contains a super high amount in the form of flavonoids, making it a super superfood!

Nutritious and delicious, this VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, NO SUGAR ADDED, PALEO and WHOLE30-COMPLIANT Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie is a win, win!

And all this goodness helps keep you full and satisfied too!

So, what are you waiting for? 

How to Make This Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie

Add 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons almond butter, 2 tablespoons cacao nibs, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk and 3 ice cubes to a high-powered blender.

Blend until smooth and ingredients are well-incorporated.

Print

5 from 10 votes

Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie

This Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie is a nutritious and refreshing treat that hits the sweet spot without adding any sugar. This dairy-free smoothie recipe is also both vegan and paleo.

Course Breakfast, Drink, Snack

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan

Keyword almond butter, banana, cacao, dairy-free, gluten free, grain-free, no added sugar, no sugar added, paleo, smoothie, vegan, whole30

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 -2 (makes 16 oz.)

Calories 417kcal

Author Sherri Hall

Ingredients

• 1 medium frozen banana, peeled and sliced prior to freezing
• 2 tbsp unsweetened, unsalted creamy almond butter (I used 365 brand)
• 2 tbsp cacao nibs (I used Navitas Organics)
• 1 cup unsweetened, plain almond milk (I used New Barn)
• 3 ice cubes, standard size

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, and blend until smooth.

Suggested Equipment/Tools

High-Powered Blender

Notes

This recipes makes one 16-ounce serving or two 8-ounce servings. Nutrition was calculated based on one serving of 16 ounces.

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Information shown should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Fiber: 9g

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