Plain milk kefir is doing most of the heavy lifting in this smoothie, and cocoa powder makes it taste like dessert instead of medicine. Blend in a frozen banana and a spoon of nut butter and you get something rich enough for breakfast or a midafternoon reset. For more quick kefir options, try our Sneaky Spinach Green Smoothie or Green Smoothie with Spirulina and Banana.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plain milk kefir
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, or to taste
- 4-5 ice cubes
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add the kefir, banana, cocoa powder, almond butter, flaxseed, maple syrup, and salt to a blender.
- Blend on high for 30 seconds, then add the ice cubes.
- Blend again until thick and smooth, about 20-30 seconds more.
- Pour into two glasses and drink right away while it's cold.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 195 |
| Total fat | 8g |
| Total carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
Why This Is Good for Your Gut
Milk kefir typically carries a wider range of live cultures than yogurt, including Lactobacillus kefiri and various yeast strains that yogurt fermentation doesn't produce, and this diversity is linked to better colonization odds in the gut. Ground flaxseed adds soluble fiber that these bacteria can ferment into short-chain fatty acids, feeding your gut lining while you get your chocolate fix.
Dessert for breakfast, backed by science, no apology required.
This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
