Sometimes you just want dessert… but without the sugar hangover or the regret. Enter the Choc-Mint Dessert Smoothie — the healthy cheat code that tastes like a mint-choc chip milkshake but sneaks in spinach, banana, and protein to keep it balanced. It’s rich, refreshing, and indulgent enough to satisfy late-night cravings while still ticking the “good for you” box.
Basically, it’s dessert for breakfast (or breakfast for dessert). And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to drink this in your pyjamas.
Why It’s Good for You
- Antioxidant Rich → Raw cacao (or cocoa) provides flavonoids that support heart health and mood.
- Gut-Friendly Fibre → Banana and spinach bring fibre for digestion and steady energy.
- Protein Hit → Greek yoghurt or protein powder keeps you fuller for longer.
- Cooling & Fresh → Mint isn’t just tasty—it also soothes digestion and freshens you up.
Per Serve (approx.):
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 12g
- Fibre: 7g
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup baby spinach (optional, but sneaky and invisible once blended)
- ¾ cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, soy, or oat)
- ¼ cup Greek yoghurt or 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- ¼ tsp pure peppermint extract (or a few fresh mint leaves)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 3–4 ice cubes
Step-by-Step (Beginner Friendly)
- Load it up → Add banana, spinach, milk, yoghurt (or protein powder), cacao, peppermint extract, sweetener, and ice into your blender.
- Blend until smooth → 40 seconds should give you a creamy, frothy texture.
- Taste check → Add a splash more milk if too thick, or another drop of peppermint extract if you like it extra minty.
- Serve with flair → Pour into a glass, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with a dusting of cacao or a mint leaf garnish.
Handy Swaps
- Vegan version → Use plant-based milk and yoghurt (or just stick to protein powder).
- Extra indulgent → Toss in a few dark chocolate chips at the end for that “choc-chip” crunch.
- No banana fan? → Use frozen zucchini or cauliflower rice for creaminess (don’t worry, you won’t taste it).
- Peppermint swap → Fresh mint leaves work beautifully if you don’t have extract on hand.
Storage & Prep Tips
- Best fresh → This smoothie shines when enjoyed straight away (mint flavour is more vibrant).
- Fridge life → If you must, store in a sealed jar for up to 12 hours, but give it a shake before drinking.
- Freezer hack → Freeze bananas in portions so you can make this whenever the dessert craving hits.
Final Sip
The Choc-Mint Dessert Smoothie is proof that you can have the taste of dessert without derailing your healthy eating goals. Creamy, chocolatey, refreshing — it’s indulgence in a glass, minus the guilt.
👉 Give this smoothie a spin next time you’re craving something sweet and let me know if it’s good enough to replace your mint-choc-chip ice cream fix. And don’t forget to subscribe for more single-serve recipes that make healthy eating ridiculously simple.
