This Dreamy Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie is like having a milkshake for breakfast! A green smoothie packed with healthy ingredients, in the form of my favorite ice cream flavor.
Love smoothies that taste like dessert? Check out this Java Chip Smoothie, or my Green Pumpkin Pie Smoothie!
Contents
The Perfect Green Smoothie that Doubles as Dessert!
My son didn’t know “ice cream” other than these smoothies the first couple years of his life. If you use ice and frozen bananas, and have a strong blender like a Vitamix, the result will be a super creamy and thick, Blizzard-like treat. Except – packed with nutrients rather than empty calories.
We love these as an afternoon treat or a dessert at night. I keep bananas chopped and frozen so we can whip these up whenever the craving hits.
Coconut milk and bananas form an uber-creamy base, spinach gives this smoothie a vibrant green color, and peppermint extract and vanilla give it an ice cream flavor.
You’ll Love this Smoothie Because:
- It tastes just like Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream — so it satisfies a dessert craving!
- This smoothie packs in a serving of fruit and a serving of greens – a powerful way to start the day!
- It has 20 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber – meaning it will keep you full for hours!
- If you keep bananas and spinach in the freezer, you’ll always have what you need to whip this up in minutes.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen Bananas (peel, cut and freeze overnight – or your smoothie won’t be thick like ice cream)
- Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt, to keep these dairy free)
- Coconut Milk (the full fat kind. I recommend buying Thai coconut milk in paper cartons for the freshest flavor! Sub almond milk for a lower in calorie, but less “ice cream” like smoothie).
- Optional protein powder (I like BioChem Natural Whey Protein)
- Ice
- Lots ‘o Spinach (I freeze mine so I always have it on hand)
- Vanilla and Peppermint Extracts
- Dark Chocolate Chips (or chopped dark chocolate, or even cocoa nibs).
How to Make Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothies
Step 1: Add all ingredients, except dark chocolate, to a blender. Process until thick and creamy. Add additional coconut milk if you need to thin it out. I use my tamper stick to press the frozen ingredients into the blade and use as little liquid as possible – so it comes out with an ice cream consistency!
Step 2: Add dark chocolate, and pulse to break up into little pieces. Add to a glass and garnish with additional dark chocolate chips, if desired!
FAQ & Tips for the Perfect Mint Smoothie
Meal Prep for Smoothies:
- When you have bananas starting to spot, peel and chop them and put them in a freezer safe container.
- If you buy large containers of spinach, but find yourself with half of it rotting before you use it, remember to pack half of it in a plastic bag and toss it in the freezer. Frozen spinach is perfect for thick smoothies!
Is this like a Shamrock Shake?
Make this a healthy shamrock shake by omitting the chocolate and adding a dollop of whipped cream!
Can I use a flavored or vegan protein powder?
I love BioChem Whey Protein Isolate. I buy the natural/unflavored one. It has a great flavor, and adds “fluff” to smoothies (a great texture!). I add it even when I don’t need extra protein (just a tablespoon really helps) because it makes the texture so much creamier. I highly recommend trying it! Plus, it’s grass fed dairy.
However, use whatever protein powder you digest well. An unflavored or vanilla option will work in this smoothie.
Make it Dairy Free / Vegan:
- Substitute coconut or soy yogurt in place of the Greek yogurt. You can also just omit the yogurt and add additional coconut milk.
- Use collagen or a vegan protein powder in place of the whey protein.
Can I use fresh peppermint?
I have tested this smoothie with fresh peppermint. It gives the smoothie a “grassy” flavor rather than an ice-cream flavor. If you do not use peppermint extract, a very small dab of peppermint oil will work (dab some oil on a toothpick, do not try to pour peppermint oil).
For the Family:
I love giving my toddler smoothies, and this Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie is his favorite. It’s so easy to pack them with nutritious ingredients, and make them taste like a treat. This is a great one if your child doesn’t want a green smoothie, because mint is supposed to be green! And they are most likely familiar with mint ice cream, and this matches the color.
Add toppings!
Make this a green smoothie bowl (or even a smoothie in a cup) with toppings! Try:
- Toasted Coconut Granola
- Dark Chocolate Chips (or chopped 85% dark chocolate)
- Banana slices
- Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans
- Cashew Butter
Other Smoothies that Taste Better than Dessert:
- Avocado Blueberry Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Whole Fruit Orange Julius Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Strawberry Colada Green Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Dragon Fruit Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Java Chip Mocha Green Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- SunButter Breakfast Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
I’d love to connect with you on social media! Find me on Facebook or Instagram where I post daily healthy eating and lifestyle inspiration.
Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut milk full fat, canned
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain greek yogurt
- 2 bananas chopped and frozen
- 4 cups spinach fresh or frozen
- 6 ice cubes
- 20 grams whey protein unsweetened/unflavored – or use your favorite protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2-1 teaspoon peppermint extract peppermint extracts vary in intensity – so start small!
- 2 tablespoons 85% dark chocolate chopped, or sub dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add the liquid ingredients first, followed by the rest of the smoothie ingredients, leaving out the chocolate chips. Process until very smooth and creamy, and the spinach is fully incorporated.
- Add the chocolate, and pulse 5-6 times until the chocolate is broken up, but still in chunks.
- Top with more chocolate chips, and enjoy while it’s thick.
Video
Notes
- When you have bananas starting to spot, peel and chop them and put them in a freezer safe container.
- If you buy large containers of spinach, but find yourself with half of it rotting before you use it, remember to pack half of it in a plastic bag and toss it in the freezer. Frozen spinach is perfect for thick smoothies!
- Substitute coconut or soy yogurt in place of the Greek yogurt. You can also just omit the yogurt and add additional coconut milk.
- Use collagen or a vegan protein powder in place of the whey protein.
- Toasted Coconut Granola
- Dark Chocolate Chips (or chopped 85% dark chocolate)
- Banana slices
- Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans
- Cashew Butter
Thanks 🙂 You really need to try this smoothie if you love mint. My boyfriend calls this the “regular” now, and for the past 6 months or so, has pretty much refused to drink any other smoothie.
Glad you like the tips 🙂 I actually had planned on posting an entirely different post today, but got swept away and spent like 5 hours in a zone putting that together! Sometimes life inspires you 🙂
Oh yes! Now THIS sounds like my kind of smoothie. I love that you have sneaked in some veggies to give it an extra healthy boost 🙂
I have such a hard time NOT adding veggies to my smoothies- celery, zucchini, spinach, kale, doesn’t matter.
spinach!! i love it. that seriously looks so delicious – i feel inspired to try and make a healthy smoothie! i’ve been eating terribly lately and i need a kick start! 🙂 love your helpful pinterest tips, too! also, everyone starts somewhere with their blog and photos, etc – it’s wonderful to learn and grow and continue to experiment! i started my blog in 2008 using a crappy point and shoot! even though i cringe looking back at my first blog, i had a lot fun and it’s fun to see the changes over the years! 🙂 thanks for finding my blog, michelle! glad i found yours, too! 🙂
Yes, it is fun to learn and grow. And I love looking back at photos that I thought were good at the time, and comparing them to what I am doing now. And when I look at other peoples’ blogs, I realize I still have a lot to learn! But it is such a great process.
It absolutely thrills me to hear how helpful the photography posts have been for you!!!! I can see a big difference in the photos you compared. Your photos are just lovely!
When I first started reading your posts, I knew so little about photography I couldn’t get through them- but I’ve watched a video course on how to use an SLR, and have been going back through your earlier tips. What I’m working on now is having more patience to play around with lighting. I can see that’s what I need to work on in my photos, but patience is not my virtue 🙂
Great post! My photos need a lot of work. Thanks for the tips!!
I’m glad you enjoyed them. Learning from other bloggers has helped me so much. It helps me realize where I need to focus on improving. But after that, it’s patience trying to figure it out on your own!
Fantastic post! I just love this smoothie. It has such a beautiful color and it is loaded with great ingredients. I also love the spinach cubes. I’m going to try that!
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your tips, and this recipe sounds amazing!
Mouth watering !!!
Great post.
Nice tips!!
No doubt great pictures !!!
I love chocolate mint because of its fresh taste. Mint chocolate chip would be a flavor I would surely love.
What a wonderfully delicious smoothie. Those chocolate chips look so inviting… I totally get the dreamy part. 😉
Yes, totally dreamy! Coconut has that effect on food.
Thanks sooooooooo much for these tips! I had no idea the amount of work involved in a great pin. I”ll try these tips and see if my Followers will increase
I had no idea the work involved when I first started either! I learn as I watch my analytics, and as I get more practice! That’s what this blogging thing is all about 🙂 Learning, and sharing your revelations.
I really envy your photos! Hope I can get a camera soon that has good results. And of course your chocolate chip mint smoothie is very mouthwatering! I like it that you mixed a post with some pinterest tips and a smoothie recipe. I’d definitely be following you!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Try the smoothie! It’s really incredible–
Yes, Adobe products are expensive! I get a discount on the whole Creative Cloud suite because I am an educator– otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth the cost! They are amazing, powerful tools! I’ve heard good things about PicMonkey though!
Now i’m buying my own camera lol. Thank you for the tips, I will be blogging in a few weeks and this is a good help.
What camera do you use to take the shots? It looks so good. I want to try also your recipe.
By the way, I recently discovered Canva, an easy tool for bloggers who don’t have enough experience in designing or photoshop. You can try it out. Its for free.
Hi Philip– I use a Sony Nex 5. It’s a combo point & shoot/SLR, and really easy to use. A great starter camera!
I haven’t used Canva, but I’d like to check it out. I love photoshop, but am by no means an expert user. I am just learning slowly as I go!
Thanks Michelle. I’ll definitely try it out and start shooting. Well, for the photoshop I’m no expert as well, but its fun using it specially for social media posts.
Hi, I’m visiting from Pinterest. Just pinned your smoothie and can’t wait to try it. I love chocolate and mint , so this is a winner in my book, and I was happy to find the blogging tips tucked into the post as well.
I’m glad you’re going to try this smoothie! It’s mine and my husband’s favorite. I’d love to hear how you like it!
That smoothie looks amazing. Great tips, I love the fact that it is dripping down the glass, makes me want to spoon it up
I know! I am really happy with how they turned out.
Wow – gorgeous pour shots! Your updated smoothie photos sure do speak to my emotions – and now I’m wishing I had a smoothie instead of oats for breakfast!
I’ve been having green smoothies every morning because I just started making homemade granola and I need something to put it on 🙂
I love healthy recipes that look amazing like this! WOW this looks incredible.
Thank you Brandi! So do I. I think healthy food can be just as delicious and enticing as the “regular” stuff 🙂
I agree good photographs are so important. I’m in the midst of redoing some old post. And having a hard time deleted some that are close to me emotionally. This chocolate mint smoothie looks so delicious. I do love the pouring image.
I am excited to get rid of some of the old photos! I have some recipes buried in my archives that are gems, and they get no attention because of poor photography!
Wow! That sure looks goo and sounds ultra healthy!
Delicious, healthy and nutrient-dense smoothie! My day can start with his amazing smoothie, Michelle!
This smoothie looks so nice and thick. The classic chocolate mint flavour combo is always a hit…especially in the warm weather.
Dreamy smoothie is right. Super duper healthy as well. I never tried mint in my smoothie before but I should now.
Mint is such a great way to mix up your fruity smoothie routine! And I always have spinach and bananas in my freezer, so it’s easy to put these together.
What a fantastic way to satisfy a sweet tooth in a heathy way!
I had to check out this recipe. I really want to up my healthy eats. I need to learn to add the veggies to my smoothies.
I love veggies in my smoothies! You can freeze spinach, kale, zucchini, cucumbers, all work really well in smoothies. Spinach and zucchini add the least vegetable taste so are good for “beginners.” 🙂 This doesn’t taste like veggies at all– just like ice cream!
Wondering about the spinach cubes. Can i just use frozen leafy spinach instead? Can i use soy milk in place of coconut milk?
Thanks in advance!
Yes, whatever kind of spinach you find frozen will work! I can buy the cubes at my grocery store and they are just so convenient, and I like how cold and icy they make my smoothies. Just experiment with how much to add — I put a lot of spinach in this smoothie and you can’t taste it at all. You could sub soy milk, but coconut milk is very creamy and sweet, which is part of what makes this taste like a milk shake. Subbing soy won’t have the same effect. If you did that, you might need to add a touch of honey, a date, or extra banana to make up for the sweetness/creaminess. I hope you enjoy this! Let me know if you use soy and how it worked for you!
I had a similar chocolate chip mint smoothie at a restaurant recently and found myself craving it and wondering if I could recreate it today. Thanks, Michelle!
Yay! I am so glad you found this recipe — I make this more than anything else on my blog. My friends always ask me to make this when they come over!
This Dreamy Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie is amazing healthy breakfast! Definitely i’ll try your recipe next morning! Thx for sharing, Michelle!
This looks great. It is a pity that it is winter here or I will try to make it. BTW, I am not a fan of Chocolate. Can I make the recipe without it? Thank you.
I make these all winter 🙂 And yes, you can definitely make it without the chocolate chips. But I can’t imagine not liking chocolate!
The recipe looks delish! Where did you buy the glasses with the thick bottoms?
These were photographed while I was living in Malaysia and the glasses were just something I bought in a stall in a shopping mall! Nothing special 🙂 But they did work well in photos!
My two favorite flavors together are mint and chocolate so I can’t wait to make this recipe!
Thanks Lisa! I adore them!
I love your photographs! The green in this smoothie is absolutely gorgeous. I’ll have to try this one out since it looks so good!
I hope you do, Michelle! It’s a great one.
This is my kind of smoothie. I love the mint and chocolate combination and will be making this part of my breakfast and snacking routine.
This smoothie looks so delicious and decadent, but healthy too!
I love chocolate and mint together! This smoothie looks so refreshing and delicious!
Thanks Natalie! A favorite for sure!
So, I saw this had 5 Stars and decided to give it a try…then after reading the reviews I don’t think anyone actually reviewed the smoothie! I made it for breakfast this morning. It was sooo good! You were right about the mint…I went a little overboard even with the warning! If it weren’t for that it would be perfect! I’ll definitely be making this again! Thanks!
Hi Whitney, I am so glad you tried this smoothie! It’s our fav and we’ve been making it for years and years. Really good for an ice cream craving! I use an Australian peppermint that’s really mild and easier to not add too much — I will have to find a good one available in the States to recommend once I am home next week!
If you add 20 g of whey protein how come in then nutriton info there’s only 6g of protein?
Hi Sabrena! The nutrition information doesn’t include the protein powder, since it’s an optional ingredients. The whey I use is pure whey isolate so it adds just protein, no carbs or fat. The scoop is a “20 gram” scoop, which I find is often the case in containers of protein powder, which is why I add that as the measurement. I hope you enjoy this smoothie!
The chocolate and mint combination is divine, really freshens you up after a good workout.
Can you recommend substitute for coconut milk or the almond milk you add in your smoothies? This and the Orange Julius smoothie sound divine ! My girls have allergies to both nuts and coconut… I just found your blog tonight and I am so glad I did! Thank you!
You could definitely use a sub since you’re dealing with an allergy! The coconut milk gives it that thick, creamy ice cream feel. If dairy isn’t a problem, I’d suggest half and half and probably a little honey to make up for the sweetness in the coconut. And so glad you found this site! Would love to know if you have any questions or requested recipes for 2020 – in the middle of planning my year!
This is so good! I will be making this again and again ⭐️ it definitely hit the spot for the ice cream craving.
yay, so glad to hear this!
Love Love creaminess, minty flavor…dessert in a glass, with all the health benefits yea., one of my all time favorites
So glad you love this! It’s my favorite smoothie all time 🙂
Okay! To be honest I was a little skeptical about this recipe because last time I made something similar it was really bad. I decided to try this and it was so good! I made this twice already and will anytime I crave mint! I don’t taste banana or spinach but just sweet mint. This recipe is definitely a keeper! Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for letting me know, Grace! When my son was a toddler, this WAS ice cream to him. He asked for them all the time. It’s such a great combo! Now I am craving one 🙂 You should also try the Java Chip — https://sunkissedkitchen.com/java-chip-mocha-green-smoothie/ and the Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie https://sunkissedkitchen.com/pumpkin-spice-latte-smoothie/ – you’ll love them both!