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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.
Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie
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
Notes
Nutrition
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Krista Price
It’s like a grown up version of a Wendy’s frosty and I’M ALL ABOUT IT! My boyfriend and I are actually committing to a strict Paleo diet in February, so I know this is going to come in handy when we’re craving something sweet! So glad I found this! Pinning!
Sherri Hall
Thanks Krista! I hope you and he both enjoy it! 🙂
Nicolas Hortense
Definitely the kind of thing I need in the morning. Loving this (:
Sherri Hall
Thanks so much, Nicolas! It’s definitely a great start to the day! 🙂
Jennifer
I love this smoothie! I make a smoothie every morning and this one is so delicious!!!
Sherri Hall
Thanks so much, Jennifer! 🙂
Denise
I love cacao nibs but never know what to use them with so thank you! I found adding almond butter to smoothies makes them really filling (which is a plus for me!) Great recipe!
Sherri Hall
Thanks so much, Denise! The almond butter and cacao nibs go so nicely together. 🙂
Farwin
Lol ! Same thing happened to me too! Put them in the mouth only to find them bitter. Now I add it to my oatmeal. This smoothie looks delicious and I’ll give a try.
Sherri Hall
Too funny, Farwin! Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the smoothie! I will have to try the nibs in my oatmeal; that sounds delicious!
Analida Braeger
How lucky that I keep all of these ingredients on hand! Cannot wait to try this “nice cream” 🙂
Sherri Hall
Thanks Analida! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
Love that is nutritious and delicious a and sugar-free at the same time! It looks like something I would like to start my morning with.
Sherri Hall
Thank you so much, Nicoletta! 🙂
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
I am a huge smoothie fan, they are my go to for breakfasts! I love how you have got the chocolate flavor without the sugar!
Sherri Hall
Thank you Carrie! Smoothies are so easy for morning craziness! 🙂
Elaine Benoit
Hehe. When I read that you shoved a bunch of nibs in your mouth, I actually giggled and thought ‘oh-oh’. I’ve been there, done that. But I love cooking with them, or adding them to smoothies as you did. Your smoothie looks delicious, thick and I bet you don’t even miss the chocolate!! 🙂
Sherri Hall
LOL 🙂 Thanks Elaine! It’s super tasty! 🙂
Aleta
What a delicious combination of flavours! It would be a great breakfast on the go, or a healthy treat for my kids. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sherri Hall
Thank you Aleta! 🙂