Cacao Almond Protein Smoothie

Ever had one of those mornings where you’re staring at your blender, wondering what concoction you can whip up that’s both drool-worthy and supercharged with nutrients? Let me introduce you to a game-changer, my Cacao Almond Protein Smoothie. You’ll totally be swooning over this one, thinking, “Where have you been all my life?”

The Magic of Cacao Vs. Cocoa Powder

One of the star ingredients in this smoothie is raw cacao powder. Now, you might be wondering: Isn’t cacao just cocoa? While they originate from the same cacao bean, their processing and benefits differ considerably.

Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing the cacao bean, which preserves all its enzymes, fibre, and antioxidants. On the other hand, cocoa powder is made by roasting the cacao at high temperatures, which, unfortunately, loses some of its nutritional value.

Cacao is a powerhouse. It is loaded with magnesium (hello, healthy heart!), antioxidants, and even a mood enhancer – thanks to its ability to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters that promote well-being. So, this ingredient isn’t just making your smoothie taste like a chocolate dream; it’s feeding your body some top-notch nutrition.

Protein Pals

Not a fan of protein powders? Find them a little too chalky? Me too. That’s why I love using protein-packed ingredients in my smoothies. Here’s the rundown on how we get 27.4 grams of protein in this Cacao Almond Protein Smoothie:

• Collagen (1 serving = 10g protein): Our body’s collagen production decreases as we age. Adding collagen can support skin elasticity, hydration, and overall joint health. Plus, it’s a beautiful protein source.
• Hemp Hearts (3 tbsp = 11g protein): These little seeds are a must-have for acne sufferers. They’re packed with essential fatty acids, protein, and minerals. They contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. On top of that, they add a lovely, subtle, nutty flavour to your smoothie.
• Almond Butter (1 tbsp = 3.4g protein): Almond butter is a protein-rich powerhouse, fueling muscles and providing sustained energy. It’s a tasty way to boost your daily protein intake.
• Chia Seeds (1 tbsp = 3g protein): Chia seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses packed with protein to support muscle health. Plus, they offer a wealth of omega-3s, fibre, and antioxidants for overall well-being.

More Blood Sugar Loving Ingredients

Not only is protein vital, but so are healthy fats and fibre for maintaining stable blood sugar. The combination of almond butter, coconut milk, and hemp hearts provides beneficial fats, while chia seeds, bananas, and dates offer a good dose of fibre. This blend ensures the smoothie can help keep your blood sugar levels even.

And what does stable blood sugar mean for you? Consistent energy, balanced moods, and clearer skin. But how does this relate to your skin? Simply put, when blood sugar goes on a wild ride, it can lead to overproduction of sebum. This excess sebum can clog pores and result in more breakouts.

And a little bonus? Cinnamon.

Adding cinnamon is a treat for those who love a touch of warmth in their smoothies. Cinnamon doesn’t just boost the taste; it packs its own health benefits. It’s a great addition, from its anti-inflammatory effects to aiding digestion and promoting stable blood sugar.

Cacao Almond Protein Smoothie

A drool-worthy protein smoothie supercharged with skin-loving ingredients like cacao, almond butter, coconut milk, hemp hearts and chia seeds.

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Author: Katie Stewart

Ingredients

• ¾ cup filtered water
• ⅓ cup full fat coconut milk
• 1 banana (see notes)
• 3 tbsp hemp hearts
• 1 serving collagen powder (see notes)
• 1 tbsp almond butter (see notes)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 medjool date (pitted)

Optional:

• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder

Instructions

• Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy, and voila, your nourishing smoothie is ready!

Notes

• Need a collagen recommendation? I rotate between Great Lakes, Organika and Vital Proteins. You can use bovine or marine collagen.
• Want more protein? Add an additional serving of collagen and/or another tbsp of chia seeds -- adjusting the liquid as needed.
• Need banana free? Swap the banana for half an avocado. Adjust liquid as needed.
• Can't have nuts? Swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. You may need an additional medjool date to account for the slightly "sweeter" almond flavour.