This creamy vegan Chocolate Mint Smoothie is frosty, refreshing and feels super indulgent (but is actually packed with nutritious ingredients)! It's thick and creamy with rich, deep cocoa flavor perfectly complemented by bright peppermint. This smoothie is plant-based, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and paleo too!
One of my favorite things to create in the kitchen is a good smoothie. I love taking a popular dessert and using it as inspiration for a plant-based smoothie! Chocolate and mint is one of those classic flavor combinations that almost everyone loves, and I've been wanting to make a smoothie version! This Vegan Mint Chocolate Smoothie is totally refined sugar-free. With cauliflower and almonds to create a creamy base, I added a little bit of high-quality cocoa powder, fresh mint, and dates for sweetness. If you're craving something indulgent and refreshing, this is your smoothie!
I used a Sprouts Brand Vegan Protein Powder to amp up the nutrition in this smoothie. Vanilla or chocolate protein powder adds a perfectly subtle touch, while keeping my decadent dessert smoothie totally plant-based and nourishing! As a vegan home cook, Sprouts is my one-stop shop for baking and cooking ingredients. They have fresh produce, a fully-stocked bulk section, and a vitamin section with all kinds of plant-based goodness!
Cauliflower in Smoothies
Cauliflower is my go-to smoothie secret ingredient! When it's frozen and blended into your smoothies you won't be able to taste it, but it adds a creamy texture and tons of incredible nutrients. Cauliflower is a nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable that's low in calories while also offering dietary fiber, vitamin C and folic acid.
The Best Protein Powder for Smoothies
I'm obsessed with Sprouts Vegan Protein Powder right now! I like the vanilla flavor best for this recipe but of course, chocolate would also be delicious in this Vegan Mint Chocolate Smoothie. I find it in their vitamin department and I usually buy two flavors for variety!
Vegan Mint Chocolate Smoothie
You can get fresh, minty flavor in your smoothie with either fresh mint leaves or peppermint extract. I like a pretty subtle touch of mint and I think the mint leaves have the freshest, most authentic smoothie. If you do use peppermint extract I suggest the tiniest drop to start out. You can always sample and add more if you'd like! I used unsweetened almond milk in this smoothie. It gives the perfect, creamy base and allows the cocoa and mint flavors to shine! For a nut-free vegan mint chocolate smoothie, use your favorite milk alternative, such as oat, and omit the scoop of almonds.
How to Naturally Sweeten Smoothies
I use and love Medjool dates all the time! They're perfectly sweet without being overpowering and their chewy texture works so well for desserts and smoothies. Dates are high in fiber and potassium, so they also add some awesome nutrition to your recipes in addition to their sweetness!
More Healthy Vegan Dessert Smoothies (all refined sugar-free):
Creamy Vegan Cranberry Smoothie
Vegan Salted Tahini Date Chocolate Smoothie
Healthy Chocolate Mocha Smoothie
Strawberries & Cream Veggie-Filled Smoothie
Vegan Healthy Birthday Cake Smoothie
Download my Smoothie E-Book: Rock Your Blender for my favorite smoothie recipes of all time. The smoothies in my e-book are exclusive content not offered on the blog!
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Creamy Vegan Mint Chocolate Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy vegan Chocolate Mint Smoothie is frosty, refreshing and feels super indulgent (but is actually packed with nutritious ingredients)! It's thick and creamy with rich, deep cocoa flavor perfectly complemented by bright peppermint. This smoothie is plant-based, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and paleo too!
Ingredients
- 6 soft pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup blanched slivered almonds (optional but adds a nice creaminess to the smoothie)
- 1 cup frozen riced cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder or cocoa powder*
- 1 ¼ cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 20 large fresh mint leaves (or a tiny drop or two of peppermint extract)**
- tiny pinch of salt (helps bring out the flavors - trust me!)
- 2 cups ice (add at the end after the first blend)
Optional Smoothie Boosters
- handful or two baby spinach or any leafy green
- ½ avocado (makes it extra creamy)
- 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 scoop of Sprouts Vanilla (or Chocolate) Vegan Protein Powder
Instructions
- Add dates, almonds, cacao/cocoa powder, almond milk, vanilla, mint and a tiny pinch of salt to your blender.
- Add any smoothie boosters you plan to use.
- Blend from low to high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add ice and blend again until smooth and creamy. Use your blender's tamper/plunger if needed.
- Add more milk if it is too thick. Add more ice to make it thicker/frostier. I personally love a thick, frosty, creamy smoothie!
- Taste and adjust flavors if needed. At this point you can add more vanilla, dates, cocoa powder or mint.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
* Use a good quality cocoa powder or cacao powder here. It should be a vibrant dark brown in color.
** Add more mint for a stronger mint flavor. I like a subtle hint of it personally but feel free to add more if you like! I find a little goes a long way though. Especially if using the peppermint extract. My preference is the fresh mint leaves - I think it gives the freshest and most authentic flavor to the smoothie.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blender
This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. All opinions are my own.
Bekka says
This smoothie is absolutely delicious! Perfect blend of chocolate and mint without being too sweet or overpowering. What a yummy treat!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Bekka! So happy you enjoyed this one. If you get a chance to give it a five star rating that would be so appreciated and helpful to my business. Thank you again! Best, Elaine
Bekka says
I just made this again for the first time in a while and it’s absolutely delicious! I added some mint chocolate protein and hemp seeds as smoothie booster. One of the best smoothies by Elaine so I had to come on and comment again!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Bekka! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one again! Love to hear about your additions - sounds great!