Healthy Chocolate Smoothie Recipe — No Banana!

This creamy, chocolatey smoothie skips the banana while staying naturally sweet and kid-friendly. It’s great for breakfasts, after-school snacks, or whenever you want a simple treat with better-for-you ingredients. For more family-focused meal ideas, see these healthy recipes for toddlers that pair well with smoothies.

Why skip the banana?

Skipping banana keeps the flavor focused on cocoa and lets you control sweetness and texture with other ingredients. It’s also helpful when you want a lower-potassium option or when bananas aren’t available or ripe.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 1/2 cups milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1–2 tbsp natural sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or agave)
• 1 tbsp nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup frozen cauliflower florets or frozen silken tofu (for creaminess without banana)
• 4–5 ice cubes (optional, for thickness)
• Pinch of salt
  Optional add-ins: spinach (a handful), 1 tbsp chia or flaxseed, 1 scoop protein powder

Equipment

• Blender (high-speed preferred)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

1. Add liquids first: pour the milk and yogurt into the blender.
2. Add the cocoa, sweetener, nut butter, vanilla, frozen cauliflower (or silken tofu), and a pinch of salt.
3. Blend on medium-high until smooth, pausing to scrape down sides if needed.
4. If too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a few more ice cubes or frozen cauliflower.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or cocoa level. Serve immediately.

Variations

• Berry Cocoa: Add 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries for a chocolate-berry combination and extra antioxidants.
• Peanut Butter Cup: Increase nut butter to 2 tbsp and stir in a few dark chocolate shavings.
• Green Chocolate: Toss in a handful of baby spinach — the cocoa masks the taste while you get extra greens.
  If you prefer no-cook, kid-ready options for hot days, check these recipes for kids with no heat for inspiration on pairing this smoothie with simple no-bake snacks.

Tips for success

• Frozen cauliflower is a neutral, inexpensive way to add body without altering flavor.
• Use unsweetened cocoa and sweeten to taste for better sugar control.
• To make it toddler-friendly, thin slightly with milk and use a straw or sippy cup to avoid choking hazards from thick textures.
• Prep ahead by measuring dry ingredients into freezer-safe packs; add milk and blend when ready.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: ~220–280 (depending on milk and sweetener choices)
Protein: 10–15g (with Greek yogurt or protein powder)
Fiber: 3–5g (with chia/flax or berries)
This recipe is easily adaptable to dietary needs: use plant-based yogurt and milk for a vegan version, and swap sunflower seed butter to make it nut-free.

Conclusion

If you like fruit-forward ideas, try the Chocolate Berry Smoothie (No Banana) for a mixed-berry take on chocolate smoothies. For a richer, nutty version without banana, consider the Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe with No Banana.