I’m all about packing in the good stuff when I can, but the fussy eaters in my household don’t want anything to do with greens. That’s why I love this chocolate peanut butter spinach smoothie. It’s got the power of spinach hidden behind the flavors of a classic candy bar!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just 5 ingredients and a few minutes is all it takes to throw together this tasty smoothie recipe! Spinach is packed with Vitamin C and other nutrients to start your day out right, while the peanut butter chocolate combo adds protein and flavor to mask those pesky vegetables.
Smoothies are perfect for breakfast on the go – just blend and sip! It’s an easy way to make sure you get the most important meal of the day. You can even measure your ingredients ahead of time and create pre-portioned packs for added convenience.
Like most recipes, there are some simple ways to create variations as well, so you can alter the ingredients based on what you have on hand (or like best). I’ll make sure to cover some more of that below!
Ingredient List
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter powder (such as PB2)
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (I use dark chocolate)
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup spinach leaves (fresh or defrosted if frozen)
- ½ cup frozen banana slices
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use peanut butter, or any other nut butter, in place of the peanut butter powder if preferred. Also feel free to use a PB protein powder (adjust the amount based on a serving, and fill in with regular PB)!
- Instead of the cocoa powder you can also use chocolate protein powder if desired (again, use one serving and supplement with cocoa powder as needed)
- Any nut milk can be swapped in for the almond milk. Try this with coconut milk or oat milk! Chocolate flavor is great, too!
- Instead of spinach feel free to substitute kale or avocado. If you use chopped spinach instead of whole leaves, reduce to ¼ cup due to the volume difference
- You can also use a fresh banana but may need to add some ice to get your smoothie thicker. If you want no banana, opt for yogurt instead! About ¼ cup of Greek yogurt (in chocolate or peanut butter flavor is great) is a good substitution
- Optional additions include chia seeds, flax seeds, or any other nutritional supplements you’d like to add (hide) in your smoothie. Use a single serving and blend in on low at the end!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your blender’s bowl
- Blend on high, smoothie, or the puree setting (depending on your specific model’s options)
- Adjust the consistency if needed. Add more milk for a thinner smoothie, or add more frozen fruit, yogurt, or ice to thicken it
- Enjoy!
More Smoothie Flavor Variations With Greens
- Green Pina Colada Smoothie
- Seaweed Smoothie
- Pineapple Green Apple Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie
Recipe FAQs
What Are the Health Benefits of Adding Spinach to a Smoothie?
Spinach is nutrient-rich, providing vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. It boosts iron levels and promotes overall health.
As with most foods and supplements, you should discuss with your doctor or nutritional expert if adding something to your diet is advised.
Can You Taste the Spinach in a Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie?
Generally, the taste of spinach is masked by the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, especially with ripe fruits or flavorful ingredients.
You can always tweak the amounts and proportions if desired to further mask the taste.
How Much Peanut Butter Should Be Added to the Smoothie?
The amount of peanut butter depends on personal taste preferences. Generally, a tablespoon or two can suffice for a distinct peanut butter taste. Peanut butter powder typically offers a stronger flavor in the same amounts.
Additionally, consider using peanut butter flavored yogurt as an additive to increase the peanut butter flavor overall.
What’s the Best Chocolate for a Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie?
Using unsweetened cocoa powder or high-quality dark chocolate can enhance the flavor without adding excessive sugar.
Alternatively, use an unsweetened chocolate milk in place of regular or vanilla for an additional burst of chocolate flavor.
Can You Substitute Almond Butter for Peanut Butter in This Smoothie?
Absolutely! Almond butter is a great alternative and provides a different nutty flavor profile to the smoothie.
It’s also great with cashew butter, or any other kinds of nut butter you like.
Is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Spinach Smoothie a Suitable Meal Replacement?
Depending on the ingredients used, it can serve as a nutritious meal replacement, especially when incorporating protein sources like Greek yogurt or protein powder.
Most commonly, smoothies are enjoyed for breakfast, which is a lighter meal comparatively.
Are There Variations for Dairy-Free or Vegan Options in This Smoothie?
This smoothie is already dairy free, gluten free, and suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
Just make sure to double check your ingredients for cross-contamination, as while they are naturally safe, they could be processed in a facility that is not.
Can I Prepare This Smoothie in Advance and Store It?
It’s best to consume it fresh to preserve the nutrients. However, you can prepare ingredients in advance and blend when ready to enjoy.
Portion ingredients into small freezer bags, using an ice cube tray for the milk. Then, simply pour into your blender, blend, and go, saving you time in the morning.
Recipe Pro Tips
- This recipe works in a full size blender or portable (single serving) blender! In a pinch, you can also use an immersion blender in a glass, or a food processor, but expect a chunkier result
Storage Tips
- While this smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in a container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You’ll want to add ice or frozen fruit and re-blend before consuming for consistency
- For more time-saving, pre-portion all your ingredients and store them in a zippered bag in the freezer. Add a little extra milk to account for everything being frozen, then blend and go!
More Tasty Smoothie Recipes to Try
- Blueberry Pie Smoothie
- Cranberry Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Date Smoothie
- Mango Colada Smoothie
- Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Peach Strawberry Mango Smoothie
Final Thoughts
This chocolate peanut butter spinach smoothie is the perfect way to kick off your morning! Flavors of your favorite candy do a great job of masking the flavor of those dreaded greens, while you still get to reap all the benefits.
Smoothies are perfect because they take just a couple minutes to whip up, and they’re convenient to enjoy on the go. That makes them easy to add to your morning commute, and makes you less likely to skip the first meal of the day!
You can, of course, adjust the proportions based on your preferences, and even the ingredients based on what you have on hand. This recipe is naturally gluten free and vegetarian (so long as you make sure your specific brand of ingredients are) so it’s suitable for a variety of diets!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Spinach Smoothie (With Banana)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter powder (such as PB2)
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1 Cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ Cup spinach leaves (fresh or defrosted if frozen)
- ½ Cup frozen banana slices
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your blender’s bowl2 Tbsp peanut butter powder, 2 Tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder, 1 Cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, ½ Cup spinach leaves, ½ Cup frozen banana slices
- Blend on high, smoothie, or the puree setting (depending on your specific model’s options)
- Adjust the consistency if needed. Add more milk for a thinner smoothie, or add more frozen fruit, yogurt, or ice to thicken it
- Enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use peanut butter, or any other nut butter, in place of the peanut butter powder if preferred. Also feel free to use a PB protein powder (adjust the amount based on a serving, and fill in with regular PB)!
- Instead of the cocoa powder you can also use chocolate protein powder if desired (again, use one serving and supplement with cocoa powder as needed)
- Any nut milk can be swapped in for the almond milk. Try this with coconut milk or oat milk! Chocolate flavor is great, too!
- Instead of spinach feel free to substitute kale or avocado. If you use chopped spinach instead of whole leaves, reduce to ¼ cup due to the volume difference
- You can also use a fresh banana but may need to add some ice to get your smoothie thicker. If you want no banana, opt for yogurt instead! About ¼ cup of Greek yogurt (in chocolate or peanut butter flavor is great) is a good substitution
- Optional additions include chia seeds, flax seeds, or any other nutritional supplements you’d like to add (hide) in your smoothie. Use a single serving and blend in on low at the end!
- This recipe works in a full size blender or portable (single serving) blender! In a pinch, you can also use an immersion blender in a glass, or a food processor, but expect a chunkier result
- It scales easily if you want to make multiple servings at a time for others!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
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