3 Dessert Smoothies That Are Actually Good for You
Who needs ice cream when you can cool off with these delicious nutrient-packed treats?
When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.
In the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth with something cool as the temps warm up? We whipped up three dessert-inspired smoothies and gave them a healthy twist. Grab your blender and choose from a unique and rich combination of chocolate and tahini, an energizing matcha milkshake, or a tropical coconut and strawberry smoothie bowl.
The Nutrition Scoop
Although we had dessert in mind when we came up with these treats, they’re suitable for a healthy breakfast or snack, too. That’s because they don’t go overboard on the added sugars, and the sugars they do contain are balanced out by a healthy combo of protein, carbohydrates, and fat to help keep your energy levels stable—something everyone can benefit from.
Chocolate Tahini Smoothie
(shown above)
½ cup unsweetened vanilla soy milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 medjool date, pitted and chopped (if it is hard, soak in warm water for about 20 minutes first)
1 banana, frozen in chunks
2 tablespoons tahini (substitute almond or peanut butter, if desired)
1 tablespoon whipped cream
Black sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
Makes 1 serving
Nutrition information per smoothie: 244 calories, 5 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 54 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 31 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 7 g protein, 46 mg sodium
Matcha Milkshake
Photo: Stephanie Clarke Photo: Stephanie Clarke
⅓ cup low-fat milk
½ cup vanilla ice cream
1 teaspoon matcha powder
½ banana, frozen in chunks
Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour into a glass and sprinkle with extra matcha powder.
Makes 1 serving
Nutrition information per smoothie: 215 calories, 8 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 33 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 25 g sugars (8 g added sugars), 6 g protein, 75 mg sodium
Strawberry and Coconut Cream Smoothie Bowl
Photo: Stephanie Clarke Photo: Stephanie Clarke
½ cup lite coconut milk
½ cup plain regular low-fat yogurt
1½ cups frozen strawberries
1 teaspoon honey*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut
2 fresh sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons granola
*If you prefer a sweeter drink, add another teaspoon of honey. This will add 20 calories and 5 grams of added sugars to the amounts below.
Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. Pour into a bowl and top with shredded coconut, fresh strawberries, and granola
Makes 1 serving
Nutrition information per smoothie: 273 calories, 12 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 38 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 23 g sugars (6 g added), 9 g protein, 100 mg sodium
Top Blenders From CR's Tests
These four blenders, listed in alphabetical order, will serve up smooth smoothies.
