VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIA SMOOTHIE

A nutrient-packed, creamy chocolate smoothie ready in 5 minutes

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes (30 minutes if soaking chia)
Total Time: 5-30 minutes
Servings: 1-2
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Cost: $3-5 per serving

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

High-speed blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Alternative: Food processor or immersion blender (texture will be less smooth)

Chia seeds soaking in almond milk in a clear bowl on a modern kitchen countertop with wooden utensils and cream-colored ceramic bowls in the background.

INGREDIENTS:

Base:

1 ripe banana (240g) – fresh or frozen
1 cup (240ml) almond milk
2 tablespoons (30g) chia seeds
2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter
1 handful fresh spinach
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
3-4 ice cubes

High-end blender mixing banana, almond milk, chia seeds, and cocoa powder in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash and copper pots

METHOD:

Optional pre-step: Soak chia seeds in ¼ cup almond milk for 15-30 minutes until gel-like
Add banana, remaining almond milk, chia seeds (soaked or dry), cocoa powder, and vanilla to blender
Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth
Taste and add sweetener if needed, blend briefly to combine
Pour into glasses and serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes to thicken

Chocolate smoothie being poured into a glass in a modern, well-lit kitchen with green tile backsplash, wooden utensils, and copper cookware

CRUCIAL TIPS:

Use frozen banana for extra thickness
Don’t skimp on blending time – chia seeds need to break down completely
If too thick, add almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time
If too thin, add ice or more frozen banana

STORAGE & VARIATIONS:

Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 24 hours (will thicken significantly)
Scaling: Recipe doubles easily – maintain liquid-to-solid ratio

Common Mistakes:

Using sweetened cocoa powder or milk (makes it too sweet)
Adding too many chia seeds (becomes gluey)
Not blending long enough (results in grittiness)

See also Perfect Morning Green Smoothie

Variations:

Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop vegan protein powder
Green Version: Include 1 cup spinach or kale
Lower Sugar: Replace banana with ½ avocado
Extra Rich: Add 1 tablespoon coconut cream

Chocolate chia smoothie in a tall glass in a modern kitchen with daylight illuminating the scene.

This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced chocolate smoothie that’s both indulgent and nutritious. The chia seeds provide omega-3s and fiber, while cocoa adds antioxidants. It’s thick enough to satisfy but smooth enough to drink through a straw.

I’ve tested this recipe countless times in my kitchen, and it’s become my go-to post-workout treat. The key is really in the blending time – don’t rush it if you want that perfectly smooth texture.