We like to use raw cacao powder in our recipes even though it’s rather expensive. Luckily, a little goes a long way. It’s made from the cacao nut, and is minimally processed at a low temperature, preserving most of the fiber, nutrients and antioxidants.
Cocoa powder is also made from the cacao nut, but is more processed, and at a higher temperature. Most cocoa powder is then alkalinized (Dutch-process) which makes for a smoother, but less rich flavor. Cocoa powder still contains some of the nutrients and is less expensive than cacao powder. Either one will work in this recipe, but make sure you buy the unsweetened type (not a cocoa drink mix that contains dairy and sugar).
If you have a powerful blender, add 1-2 pitted dates instead of the honey.
| Prep Time | |
| 5 minutes |
|
|
|
Easy!
Moderate
Serves:1person
Serving Size:2 cups
|
Try this decadent, but protein packed smoothie for breakfast, or as a snack. Some research suggests that dairy inhibits the absorption of cacao’s antioxidants, so we use non-dairy milk. If you have a strong blender, you can use 1-2 pitted dates to sweeten it instead of honey. Add more cacao powder and/or sweetener, to taste.
Tools:blender, measuring spoons
|
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 cup almond milk or coconut milk
- 1/2 banana (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder or cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 scoop unsweetened protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- Add ice cubes up to the 1-cup mark of the blender container.
- Pour in enough almond milk to reach the 1-cup mark (about 1/2 cup).
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.