Every café menu has a chocolate smoothie that tastes like a milkshake. This one gets its sweetness from Medjool dates and banana, its richness from coconut milk, and its deep chocolate flavour from raw cacao.

A splash of coconut water lifts it so it isn’t too heavy, and it is easy to turn into a post-workout drink with a scoop of protein.

Serves 2 · Prep 5 min

Ingredients

Smoothie

• 240 ml organic coconut milk drink, or ½ tinned coconut milk plus water
• 100 ml organic coconut water
• 1 large frozen banana, sliced
• 3 Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tbsp raw cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
• Pinch of sea salt
• A handful of ice
• 1 scoop chocolate plant protein (optional)

To finish

• Cacao nibs and coconut flakes or desiccated coconut

Method

1. Soften the dates. If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain. This keeps the smoothie silky.
2. Blend. Add the liquids first, then the banana, dates, cacao, nut butter, salt, ice and protein, if using.
3. Blend until thick. Blend on high for 60 seconds until completely smooth.
4. Serve. Pour into glasses and top with cacao nibs and coconut.

Tips

• Allergy note: Nuts and peanuts are among the 14 allergens that must be declared in the EU and UK. Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Mocha version: Add a shot of cooled espresso.
• Thicker shake: Use less coconut water and add an extra handful of ice.
• Sweeter: Add 1–2 teaspoons coconut sugar syrup.

FAQ

Cacao or cocoa?

Either works. Raw cacao is less processed and slightly more bitter; cocoa is milder.

Can I make it without banana?

Yes. Use ½ frozen avocado and one more date.

Is it vegan?

Yes, with a plant-based protein powder.