COCONUT CACAO SMOOTHIE

This coconut cacao smoothie is full of chocolatey goodness, packed with greens and perfect for a natural start to the day. I love smoothies! I enjoy being creative and coming up with different recipes using a variety of superfoods, adaptogens and herbs. I make one every morning — it's part of my daily routine and something I look forward to.

Smoothies are a great way to pack in extra nutrients, vitamins and minerals. I'm not a coffee drinker, so they are what I reach for in the morning instead. For this smoothie I chose to combine the flavour profiles of cacao and coconut because I thought they would pair nicely together to make a creamy, rich-tasting smoothie full of healthy fats, fibre, greens, antioxidants and flavonoids.

Cacao is considered a superfood and is a great source of magnesium. It is high in antioxidants and contains flavanols, and it gives this smoothie its deep chocolate character.

Coconuts are a highly nutritious whole food, rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Coconut fat is made up largely of medium chain triglycerides — mostly lauric and caprylic acid — and it is what gives the smoothie its richness and body.

Adding frozen cauliflower to your smoothie helps to lower the sugar content. Cauliflower pairs well with just about everything because it has a neutral taste. It is also high in fibre, easy to freeze and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency. It's one of my favourite ingredients to add to smoothies!

E N T E R A D A P T O G E N S . . .

I also added the functional mushrooms Reishi and Chaga, which are two of my favourites. Reishi, also known as the queen of mushrooms, is a classic adaptogen — a plant traditionally used to help the body adapt to everyday stress. It has a grounding, slightly bitter character and contains polysaccharides, antioxidants and beta-glucans. Chaga carries high levels of B-vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and has a distinct earthy profile that deepens the other flavours in this smoothie.

Maca powder rounds it out. It is a Peruvian root with a malty, slightly caramel flavour, and it is a source of vitamin C, iron, manganese and vitamin B6.

Note from Sun Potion...

We have included 2 substitution options in this recipe, where Samantha Reto's original ingredient is part of a Sun Potion blend with other herbs and adaptogens. Our Anandamide is a blend of raw cacao, classic Tocos, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Mucuna Pruriens, Maca, rose petals, Moringa, Astragalus, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, cardamom, black pepper and Himalayan pink salt — it is like a spiced raw cacao blend. Our Green Adaptogen is a blend of suma root, maca root and sound-cracked chlorella. We think they are fantastic substitutes if you are interested in adding even more herbs and adaptogens to this delicious recipe, though it may change the taste of the smoothie as it was originally intended.

Coconut Cacao Smoothie

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I taste the cauliflower?

No — steamed and frozen cauliflower is neutral in flavour. It is there for creaminess and to keep the sugar down.

What do Reishi and Chaga taste like in a smoothie?

Reishi is bitter and grounding, Chaga is earthy and coffee-adjacent. Against cacao and coconut milk both read as depth rather than as mushroom.

Can I use Anandamide instead of plain cacao?

Yes — Anandamide is raw cacao already blended with tonic herbs and spices, so it changes the flavour slightly but simplifies the recipe.

Does it have to be coconut milk?

Any plant milk works, but coconut milk is what gives this version its richness.

This coconut cacao smoothie is refreshing, rich and absolutely delicious! If you make this recipe be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Be sure to tag me on Instagram with #nutrishable (and transformational foods #sunpotion and #apotionaday)! I love seeing all of your photos of my recipe re-creations! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Don't forget to also follow Nutrishable on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram — I'd love to connect!

All images courtesy of Samantha Reto

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.