“Simply delightful! The cinnamon and cloves make it taste like a Christmas smoothie while the whey protein makes it a great apres ski recovery shake.”
~ Annie
Chai, a popular Vitamix smoothie recipe, is semi-sweet and soothing protein-packed tea smoothie that serves up some delicious spicy highlights. A sweet and creamy almond milk and banana base, with cleansing green tea, complimented by deliciously flavorful cloves and cinnamon. The perfect drink after spending the day realigning your chakras at the spa!
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Vitamix Chai smoothie ingredients are:
- bananas
- green tea
- almond milk
- oats
- cinnamon
- cloves
- Collagen Boost, optional
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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Green Tea – Green tea is widely claimed to be one of the most healthy drinks on the planet. It is loaded with powerful bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, the potent catechin epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine, and the amino acid L-theanine. Green tea improves brain function and protects against neurodegenerative diseases, increases fat burning, and reduces your risk of developing certain cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.
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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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Oats – Oats are one of the most healthy grains you can eat, being packed with fiber, loaded with essential nutrients, and 100% gluten-free. They are high in manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B1, and vitamin B5. Oats are widely used to lower cholesterol and prevent oxidization of LDL cholesterol.
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Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is high in powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and is loaded with cinnamaldehyde, which also provides significant health benefits. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory, helps reduce cholesterol, improves sensitivity to insulin, and aids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
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Cloves – Cloves, a sweet and aromatic spice, are the flower buds of an evergreen tree and offer several health benefits. They are a rich in manganese and are loaded with the unique antioxidant eugenol, which is known to be 5 times more effective at fighting free radicals than vitamin E. Cloves are also known for their ability to promote liver health and for their ability to help stabilize blood sugar levels in diabetics.
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Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make this Vitamix smoothie. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the smaller Vitamix One blender as it is 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 Vitamix Chai Smoothie
The Vitamix Chai smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place bananas, green tea, almond milk, oats, cinnamon, cloves, and ice 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.
A stronger black tea, such as Earl Grey, can be substituted for the green tea without significantly changing the flavor profile.
Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the almond milk and still keep this delicious smoothie dairy-free.
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Vitamix Chai Smoothie Recipe
Vitamix Chai smoothie tastes like a slightly sweet tea-based milkshake with a hint of clove and cinnamon spice. This recipe will show you how to make one.
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen, sliced
- 2 cups green tea, brewed with two bags
- 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1/4 cup oats, rolled
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon, ground
- 1/4 tsp cloves, ground
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1 scoop Collagen Boost, optional
Instructions
- Place bananas, green tea, almond milk, oats, cinnamon, cloves, and ice into a Vitamix 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.
- A stronger black tea, such as Earl Grey, can be substituted for the green tea without significantly changing the flavor profile.
- Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the almond milk and still keep this delicious smoothie dairy-free.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 259Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 303mgCarbohydrates: 81gFiber: 6gSugar: 47gProtein: 22g
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indian chai?
Indian chai, often referred to as “masala chai,” is a traditional spiced tea beverage from India that typically includes black tea, milk, sugar, and a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. This beverage is enjoyed for its rich, warming flavors and is often consumed as a part of daily life in India, as well as in special occasions and ceremonies.
Is green tea good for you?
Yes, green tea is beneficial for health as it’s rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, particularly a type known as catechins, which have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Additionally, it contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine that can promote relaxation and combined with a modest amount of caffeine, provides a balanced energy boost.
More Vitamix Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Chai smoothie, try more of our popular favorites on our Vitamix Smoothie Recipes page.
Source
Vitamix: Website
