This one is for all the chocolate lovers out there. There’s no need to save your chocolate intake for dessert when you can make healthy and delicious recipes like this Mint Chocolate Smoothie.

Raw and unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder is full of rich dark chocolate flavor and important nutrients. Just a couple tablespoons of cacao provides a healthy dose of flavanol antioxidants, iron, and magnesium. Sweet creamy banana perfectly complements the bitterness of the cacao and provides potassium, a super important electrolyte that plays a role in fluid balance, the nervous system, and heart health. Digestion-soothing mint leaves and extract add a refreshing and festive twist.

Try this simple 6-ingredient Mint Chocolate smoothie for breakfast, snack, or even as a healthy dessert. I’ve included a few optional additions if you’re looking for a nutrient boost or a sweeter treat.

Mint Chocolate Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, coconut, or oat)
1 banana
3 Tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
1 Tbsp almond butter
1/4 cup mint leaves, loosely packed (can omit and use more peppermint extract if you don’t have mint leaves)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2-3 ice cubes
Optional: 1 Tbsp vanilla or chocolate protein powder, 1/2 cup spinach, cacao nibs, 1 date if you want a sweeter dessert-like smoothie.