This easy Chocolate Hemp Seed Smoothie recipe is packed with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and healthy fats for a healthy elixir.
Chocolate for breakfast? Always. Especially when itβs this creamy, crave-worthy smoothie made with cacao, frozen banana, and protein-packed hemp seeds. It tastes like a treat, but it’s built to nourish, not just indulge!
Basically, itβs the healthiest βchocolate milkβ you will ever drink, and it only takes about five minutes to whip up.
I originally made it because I had a bag of hemp seeds I didnβt know what to do with, but also because I have no qualms about consuming chocolate for breakfast. So Iβve been doing just thatβ¦ for two weeks straight. Itβs become a full-on morning ritual at this point.
It hits that sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome, keeping me full and happy without the sugar crash. Plus, itβs the perfect way to use up those perfectly ripe bananas sitting on the counter (or stockpiled in the freezer if youβre a banana hoarder like me).
Letβs get into the chocolatey magic.
Why Youβll Love This Chocolate Hemp Smoothie
This smoothie tastes like rich, creamy chocolate milk secretly packed with powerhouse ingredients that make it a legit breakfast or snack. It is a five-minute, blender-friendly fix for any chocolate craving, and ideal for mornings when youβre short on time.
And the frozen banana? Itβs key. It brings thickness and natural sweetness, so you donβt need added sugar or patience, if you’re hoarding ripe bananas like I do.
Letβs not forget the hemp seeds. These tiny guys are superfood central. Theyβre loaded with complete protein (yep – all the essential amino acids), easy to digest, and full of omega-3s, omega-6s, magnesium, and iron.
Adding hemp seeds in smoothies is a great way to boost their nutrition quality! Here are the reasons to make this your everyday go-to:
- Chocolate milk energy, minus the crash
- Plant-powered protein and healthy fats from hemp
- Naturally sweetenedΒ
- Vegan and dairy-free
- Super fast, satisfying, and flexible
Ingredients for Chocolate Smoothie
Banana: Brings natural sweetness, creaminess, and base to the smoothie. Frozen is best for that milkshake-like texture. If youβre out, try frozen mango (though the flavor will shift).Β
Unsweetened almond milk: A light, dairy-free base that lets the chocolate flavor shine. You can use any milk you like – oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or even regular dairy milk.
Raw cacao powder:Β All the rich, chocolate flavor with antioxidant perks. Cocoa powder works too, just note itβs a bit more processed and slightly less intense.
Hemp seeds: A stealthy protein boost with healthy fats and minerals. Can’t find hemp hearts? Try chia seeds or flax seeds – though theyβll change the texture.
Ground cinnamon:Β Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the chocolate. Optional, but delicious. Nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract could work too.
Ice cubes:Β Help thicken and chill the smoothie for a refreshing finish. You can skip if your banana is super frozen or swap in more frozen fruit for a thicker blend.
How to Make a Chocolate Smoothie With Hemp Seeds
Add everything to your high-speed mixer and blend until smooth and creamy. Pulse and blend till you’re sipping perfection.
No need for a fancy blender – just make sure itβs strong enough to handle frozen bananas.
If the cacao doesnβt fully incorporate, let the mixture rest for 30 seconds, then blend again. Serve right away and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fresh banana instead of frozen?Β
Yes – just add a couple more ice cubes for thickness.
Is this smoothie sweet enough without added sugar?
Yes, if your bananas are nice and ripe. For more sweetness, add a pitted date or a drizzle of maple syrup.
How do I make it more filling?
Add a scoop of protein powder, rolled oats, Greek yogurt (if not dairy-free), or nut butter to keep you fuller longer. To keep it vegan, use a plant-based protein powder such as pea protein or rice protein.
Whatβs the difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder?
Raw cacao is less processed and retains more antioxidants and nutrients. You can use unsweetened cocoa powder instead – itβll still be delicious!
Recipe Adaptations & Additions
- Nutty boost –Β Add almond, peanut, or cashew butter for richness and protein.
- Mocha vibe –Β A teaspoon of instant coffee adds subtle espresso flavor.
- Green upgrade –Β Toss in a handful of spinach – nutrients, no green taste.
- Protein punch –Β Stir in a scoop of protein powder to make it more filling.
- Frozen treat –Β Freeze in molds for chocolate hemp pops.
- Super seeds –Β Add chia or flax for fiber and omega-3s.
- Spice it up –Β Extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- Creamier texture –Β Use a splash of canned coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Natural sweetener –Β Blend in 1-2 dates if you want a caramel-like sweetness.
What to Serve With This Healthy Chocolate Smoothie
This smoothie is rich, creamy, and nutrient-packed all on its own – perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a wholesome snack. But if you’re looking to turn it into more of a complete meal or just want a little something to nibble alongside, here are some tasty pairings:
- 5-Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars
- Berry Frozen Yogurt Bark
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Balls
- Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Other Tasty Smoothies to Try
- Apple Pie Almond Butter Protein Smoothie
- Strawberry Protein Smoothie
- Tropical Smoothie Recipe
- Blueberry Avocado Smoothie
Enjoy this dark chocolate healthy smoothie recipe with benefits!
Chocolate Hemp Seed Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ripe bananas peeled and frozen
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 Tbsp hemp seeds
- ΒΌ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large ice cubes
Instructions
- Put everything in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Take a sip to check for flavor, and add more cinnamon or a splash of pure maple syrup to your personal taste. I like adding a tiny pinch of sea salt.
I finally just stopped smoking hemp, and now I’m ready to eat it. Kidding…
I have a giant bag of hemp seed, and I’ve been so boring just by sprinkling it on yogurt. Now I know better-chocolate mylk!!
bahahaha! I’m so glad soooooooooooooombebody got the pipe reference π Of course it would be you! I’m making serious doe eyes atcha right now.
How funny! I have been craving, and I mean craving, chocolate milk lately. Which is odd for me. This smoothie sounds even better!
I’m obsessed just looking at this smoothie. I also just so happen to have a ton of ripe frozen bananas, cacao and hemp but no dates. I call that fate.
And I don’t see anything wrong with putting it in my pipe and smoking it. π
yummmm. love choconaner combinations.
Drinkable chocolate for breakfast sounds good to me! Time to restock my hemp seeds.
Wahoo! Let me know if you try the smoothie!
All I hear is chocolate π LOVE that! And now I’m all OOooo over the hemp seeds, must find those bad boys asap!
I typically buy my hemp seeds online…because actually, I buy everything online…but you can totally find them in any natural food store! π
Bananas are always in rotation in this house. It’s so annoying getting to the store and seeing a bunch of green bananas, I have no patience for that. It’s so funny you used hemp seeds in this amazing chocolate smoothie, I was just eyeing them in the bulk bin wondering what the heck I would do with them, now I know!
Yeeeees! Bulk bin hemp seeds it up! The seeds get blended up really well, so you don’t end up with a seed-y texture. It’s really just all sorts of marvelous π
I normally just throw some hemp seeds in my salads (more like an after thought), and I’m so glad you shared this smoothie recipe! I am one who always has ripe banana on hand (I can’t go a day without eating one) so this chocolate drink should come together in a snap π
You said it, a banana-a-day’s my motto! SO glad you’re interested in trying the smoothie. Hope you enjoy!
Girl, your photos are stunning! I learned my lesson a few years ago when I needed ripe bananas ASAP and no grocery store had any. Now I buy bananas every time I go to the store. If they get too ripe, I freeze ’em. Love this milk. Totally making this!
You’re speaking straight to my heart, m’dear! So glad you want to make the smoothie – I think it’s right up your alley!
I made the Oh She Glows smoothie recently as well–delicious and repeatable. Your version is next. Thanks for the recipe!
Awesome! I love that smoothie! My version is preeeetty similar to the Oh She Glows version, so they end up taking almost exactly the same. So glad you like the smoothie!! π
Yum! This is my daily breakfast. It tastes like a chocolate bar (that’s what we call candy bars in Canada) don’t you think?
It does! I was so pleasantly surprised by how sweet and chocolatey it turned out. Makes me wonder why anyone would eat cane sugar-filled chocolate when you can enjoy a creamy glass of nutrish…. I say that, but then I go eat a whole chocolate bar. Meh. Cheers to all things in balance! π
i have a bag of hemp seeds in my pantry too – i used it with your kale salad earlier. i love banana and chocolate combo together, so this is definitely happening.
Woop woop!
Looks delicious Julia! Gotta give this a try. I’m a sucker for chocolate smoothies. Pinning!
Thanks, Melanie! Glad you like the idea π
Also, your pretty photo of spilled hemp seeds made me laugh because at my house, if I tried that, there would be a little hand driving a toy train or car through there faster than I could snap a photo. π
LOL! I would just die if you posted pictures on your blog with your kidlet’s hand driving a train through the picture. This needs to happen. So cute!
I never know what to do with hemp seeds, either! I love banana chocolate shakes, so this is right up my alley. Yum!
Seriously, this is how all the hemps is getting used!
I have yet to get out and shell out the moolah for hemp seeds and cacao powder, but smoothies just might be the gateway I need π Also, I do have a mini mental breakdown everytime I see only green bananas at the grocery store- sometimes I’ll even go out of my way to go to another store to find yellow ones!
Oh Aly. Have you been having the green banana problem alllll summer looooong? Cause I have. It’s like the banana farmers are on a hurry-up-and-wait schedule because they’re solid green every time I go. I’m not joking when I say I have bananas sitting on my counter for 5 days before they’re ready to be consumed. But I digress…..let me know if you end up picking up some cacao and hemp seeds. They’re truly marvelous superfoods!
@Aly @ Aly Seeks Balance,
@Aly @ Aly Seeks Balance,
You can ripen bananas in a brown paper bag in the microwave . Low power for a few minutes. Check frequently.