“My absolute favorite post-workout recovery drink. I also toss in a handful of spinach to up the nutrient load … delicious!”
🙂 Justin D.
Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana, a copycat Be Well Blend Smoothie King recipe, is a decadent yet healthy treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of bananas and dates with the rich, intense flavor of cacao. Blended with almond milk, blueberries, and hemp protein powder, this smoothie is not only a delicious indulgence but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout recovery drink or a satisfying snack, this smoothie will hit the spot every time.
This delicious smoothie is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Bananas provide potassium and vitamin B6, while blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health. Dates add natural sweetness and are a great source of fiber and essential minerals. Cacao is a potent source of flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health and brain function. Almond milk offers a dairy-free calcium boost, and hemp protein powder provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source perfect for muscle recovery and growth.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Smoothie King Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana ingredients are:
- banana
- blueberries
- dates
- almond milk
- cacao
- hemp protein powder
Health Benefits
Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
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Blueberries – Blueberries are a popular superfood that are low in calories and highly nutritious. They are the king of antioxidants, being absolutely loaded with flavonoids, and provide significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Blueberries protect against aging and cancer, by reducing DNA damage, and boost heart function, by preventing LDL oxidization and lowering blood pressure.
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Dates – Dates are the sweet and chewy fruit of a palm tree that are typically consumed dried. They are highly nutritious, containing significant vitamin B6, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. Dates are abundant in disease-fighting antioxidants and have been shown to improve brain function by reducing inflammation and preventing plaque formation.
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Almond Milk – Almond milk is a popular nut-based milk replacement that is naturally lactose-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan. It has a surprisingly diverse set of nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond milk is also a heart-healthy beverage for those interested in lowering their cholesterol.
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Cacao – Cacao powder, commonly used as a base ingredient for chocolate, is made by grinding up coco beans and removing the fat. Its main health benefit comes from an abundance of polyphenols, a naturally occurring group of antioxidants. Cacao powder is a heart-healthy ingredient, known to reduce high blood pressure, improve blood flow to your brain, lower the risk of stroke, and improve Type 2 diabetes symptoms.
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Hemp Protein Powder – Hemp protein powder has an earthy, nutty taste and is made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into a powder. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is a high-quality planted-based protein source. Hemp protein powder is typically used by health-conscious body builders and by those trying to gain weight or increase muscle mass.
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Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these delicious smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Vitamix blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Smoothie King Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana
The Smoothie King Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place banana, blueberries, dates, almond milk, cacao, and hemp protein powder into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
If you don’t have hemp protein powder, you can substitute pea protein or another vegan protein powder.
If you’re looking for extra sweetness, a dash of maple syrup or a handful of pitted cherries can elevate the flavor profile.
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Smoothie King Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana Recipe
Smoothie King Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana featuring rich, antioxidant-loaded cacao and natural plant-based protein. Learn how to make at home!
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries, frozen
- 4 dates, pitted
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 scoop hemp protein powder, unsweetened
Instructions
- Place banana, blueberries, dates, almond milk, cacao, and hemp protein powder into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don't have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- If you don’t have hemp protein powder, you can substitute pea protein or another vegan protein powder.
- If you’re looking for extra sweetness, a dash of maple syrup or a handful of pitted cherries can elevate the flavor profile.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 365Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 184mgCarbohydrates: 84gFiber: 13gSugar: 53gProtein: 23g
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Cacao is less processed than cocoa powder, retaining more of its natural antioxidants and nutrients. It is rich in flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and support heart health. Additionally, cacao has a more intense, pure chocolate flavor compared to cocoa powder.
Yes, hemp protein powder is generally safe for children and can be a good source of plant-based protein. It contains essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for growth and development. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your child’s diet.
More Smoothie King Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana smoothie, try more of our copycat favorites on our Smoothie King Recipes page.
Sources
Smoothie King: Website
