Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothie No Banana Recipe

I love smoothies for breakfast and post-workout, but some people don’t like smoothies that have a banana as a base. So, if you’re one of them, you should try this chocolate almond milk smoothie no banana recipe. 

This is good if you are allergic or just cutting down on sugar. 

This smoothie is thick, chocolatey, and naturally sweet. Not too much, but still, it is satisfying. 

In this post, I will show you how to make this rich and chocolatey smoothie without bananas. 

Plus, I will also give you some variations, like how you can make its high-protein version, how you can make it vegan, keto-friendly, and even turn it into a dessert style.

Besides this, I will also give you some tips, like which ingredients you can use or skip, how you can store them, and what you can eat with them for a full chocolate treat.

 

Why Make Chocolate Smoothie Without Banana?

Undoubtedly, bananas are great for texture, but they also have a very strong flavor that kind of overpowers many other ingredients.

When you want something deep chocolatey, the bananas will add a fruity sweetness that you may not want. 

Besides this, a banana-free recipe is good as it lets almonds, cocoa, and other ingredients shine.

Here are a few more reasons why I recommend you try this recipe.

• It’s lower in sugar (so if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, it’s an excellent recipe for you)
• It’s safe for people with banana allergies
• You can customize it however you want, such as you can make it thick, creamy, icy, or light
• It pairs really well with both breakfast items or chocolate desserts

By the way, bananas are not my enemy. I love eating them, but I try different chocolate recipes. 

However, this version is cleaner and gives more chocolate vibes, with almond richness, as compared to a banana-based smoothie.

Also read: White Mocha Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino Starbucks Inspired Recipe 

Ingredients for Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothie

Here are all the necessary ingredients that you need to make this chocolate almond milk smoothie with no banana at all.

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: I use Almond Breeze, and Califia Farms are good too (vanilla flavor is also a good option).
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder: You can use Hershey’s Special Dark or Ghirardelli if you want a deeper flavor.
• 1–2 tablespoons almond butter: Adds creaminess and richness. Besides this, you can also use peanut butter if you’re okay with a high amount of calories.
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt: It will add thicken to your smoothie, plus some protein, too. You can use vanilla or plain.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: It’s optional but good for extra sweetness. You can skip it if your cocoa is already sweet.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: It is also optional, but it will add a nice warm depth.
• 1/2 cup ice cubes: it’s important to make the drink cold and thick.
• Pinch of salt: It will balance the sweetness and chocolate flavor.

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder: If you go to the gym, you can add that and drink in  a post-workout or high-protein breakfast
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal: For fiber and omega-3
• 1/4 avocado: This will make your drink ultra-creamy without even adding flavor or just texture.

Also read: Frozen Hot Chocolate with Swiss Miss Recipe 

How to Make Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothie Without Banana

Here is my way of making chocolate almond milk smoothies without bananas. It is too easy, and I only use a blender for that.

Step 1: Add Almond Milk First

You first want to add almond milk to your blender. 

This will help other ingredients blend better; if you add other ingredients before it, they might stick.

Step 2: Add Cocoa + Yogurt + Nut Butter

After that, you wanted to add the following ingredients:

• Cocoa powder 
• Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
• Almond butter

These three ingredients will make your drink thick and also add some flavor.

Step 3: Add Sweetener + Flavoring

If you’re using maple syrup or honey, pour that in; adding sweetener is completely your choice.

Then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Add Ice and Blend

Add some ice cubes. 

And if you’re making it for after a workout, then you can also add protein powder or avocado.

Now, blend on high speed for around 45 to 60 seconds or until it gets smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: If you want your smoothie to be thicker, like a milkshake, you should add less milk or more yogurt. 

If you want it thinner, you should add more almond milk while blending.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Finally, you can blend it and then give it a taste. 

If it needs more sweetness or chocolate, you can add a little more cocoa or syrup and blend again for 5–10 seconds.

Your drink will be ready!

Pro Tip for thickness:

Instead of ice, you should use frozen yogurt or frozen milk cubes. 

Besides this, you can add a tablespoon of oats or chia seeds and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes; your drink will get thick naturally.

Also read: Iced White Chocolate Mocha with Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe 

Customization Ideas (Protein, Vegan, Keto, Dessert Style)

One of the best things about this banana-free almond milk smoothie is that it is customizable. You can make it vegan, high-protein, or like a dessert. Here are a few options.

1. High-Protein Chocolate Smoothie (No Banana)

• Add 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
• Use Greek yogurt or skyr
• Use almond butter if you want healthy fat
• You can add chia seeds for bonus fiber

If you use these ingredients, your almond milk recipe will be perfect for the lost workout. Plus, it will keep you full for hours.

2. Vegan Chocolate Almond Smoothie

• Use unsweetened almond milk
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt
• You should use maple syrup or dates for sweetness
• Add almond or peanut butter for richness

When using these ingredients, your smoothie drink will be more creamy, dairy-free, and 100% plant-based

3. Dessert-Style Chocolate Smoothie

• Add 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, or you can drizzle dark chocolate on the top of your drink.
• Top your smoothie with whipped cream or coconut whipped topping
• Sprinkle crushed nuts, granola, or shaved chocolate

You can consider adding these ingredients when you’re making this chocolate almond milk smoothie with no banana for your guests. 

4. Keto/Low-Carb Version

• Use unsweetened almond milk
• Instead of using maple syrup, consider using monk fruit sweetener or stevia
• You can skip yogurt or use unsweetened, full-fat Greek yogurt
• Add MCT oil or avocado for creaminess

These are great options if you’re on a keto diet or just want to reduce your daily sugar intake.

 

Ingredient Substitutions

If all the ingredients that I have mentioned aren’t available, or you just want to try something different, here are some easy substitutes you want to try:

• Almond butter: Use Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter
• Greek yogurt: Coconut yogurt, silken tofu, or protein powder. They are all good alternatives.
• Cocoa powder: Melted dark chocolate (but consider reduce sweetener)
• Maple syrup: Honey, agave, stevia, or even pitted dates are all good, perfect substitutes.
• Vanilla extract: Cinnamon, almond extract, or you can leave it out completely.

 

What to Serve with Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothie

Although you can drink this smoothie without serving it with something else.

But if you want to turn it into a full meal, especially right after a workout, here are some of my favorite pairing options that I have personally tried for breakfast:

Light Breakfast Ideas

• Whole grain toast with almond butter
• Oatmeal topped with cacao nibs and berries
• Granola bars or energy bites

Sweet Pairings

• Chocolate chip muffins
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries
• Coconut macaroons

Savory Snacks (Yes, Really!)

• Salted almonds or mixed nuts
• Cheese cubes + crackers
• Avocado toast with chili flakes

Also read: White Chocolate Peppermint Protein Shake Recipe

Pro Tips to Make It Perfect Every Time

Though this recipe is perfect, you wanna keep these things in mind for a perfect almond smoothie every time. 

• You should always add liquid first; it will help the blades spin better.
• Use frozen yogurt or frozen milk if you want a thicker texture.
• Start with less sweetener, then add more if needed. (Don’t add too much in the beginning)
• If you’re adding chia/flax, then you need to let it sit for 2 minutes after blending; by doing so, it will get thick naturally.
• You should blend your smoothie again quickly if it separates after sitting too long.

 

How to Store Leftover Smoothie

I recommend you drink a fresh smoothie every time, but if you made a large batch and want to save some for later, here is what you need to follow:

• Pour into an airtight mason jar or bottle
• Store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours
• Shake well before drinking or blend again briefly

Tip: If you are storing the leftovers for hours, it will become thicker. That’s why next time when you want to serve, you should add a little almond milk and blend it again for a few seconds, and then you can serve.

 

Why I Prefer No-Banana Smoothies

I personally have no problem with bananas. I include them in many of my smoothies. 

Because I have to maintain my weight, if I don’t add it, I start reducing and become underweight. 

However, when you are not adding banana, You won’t have its taste, plus it will not make your smoothie extra thick and overpower other ingredients’ flavors, especially the chocolate.

So I prefer a chocolate almond milk smoothie with no Banana when the other ingredients are the priority. 

Also read: Homemade Nespresso-Style White Chocolate Strawberry Drink Recip

Conclusion

This was my chocolate almond milk smoothie recipe with no banana. It’s creamy, chocolaty, naturally sweetened, plus customizable. 

You can make it protein-rich, low-carb, dessert-style, or just a chill breakfast smoothie. 

No banana means no overpowering fruitiness, and because of that, you’ll feel almond and chocolate flavor in every sip.

One more thing, it gets ready in 2 to 3 minutes, with simple ingredients, and you don’t have to be a chef to make it. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are three questions and answers regarding Chocolate almond milk smoothie without bananas:

Can I use something else instead of yogurt to thicken this smoothie?

Yes, you can use something else like 1/4 avocado, which is super creamy if you don’t want to use yogurt. 

Besides this, you can also have whey protein powder and frozen coconut milk cubes. 

You can replace bananas with any ingredient. Or even you can use any other fruit, like strawberry.

How do I make it sweeter without adding sugar? 

If you are not using sugar or maple syrup, then you should use 1 or 2 pitted Medjool dates. 

However, you want to soak them for about 5 minutes first. Besides this, you can also go with natural zero-calorie sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia. 

Can I prepare this smoothie for the week?

No, I don’t recommend that. Although you can keep it for a week using a glass jar, I have never tried this recipe.

I personally recommend storing it for a maximum of 2 days. And that’s the maximum time. 

But, if you really want to use it for a lot longer time, then you can pour it into an ice cube tray, freeze it, and then re-blend with almond milk whenever you want.