One of the most popular questions I’ve received over the years is “How can I get my partner to eat healthier?” What I’ve come to realize is that for most people change has to happen from within. Whether it’s a personal struggle they go through or a light bulb moment they experience, many of us have to figure it out for ourselves. Plus, some people are naturally more resistant to change than others and if you push them, they repel in the opposite direction. I don’t believe in pressuring someone to eat a certain way and I don’t think that there is a one size fits all approach for everyone. Leading by example helps (and sharing great-tasting food!), but ultimately if someone is going to make any kind of change in their life it usually has to be internally motivated for it to stick. This has been especially true for my own dietary changes and the shifts I’ve seen in Eric too. I’ve been singing the praises of green smoothies to Eric for 6 years now, but it just took him one moment of internal motivation to get hooked. Go figure. Although in his defense, I think I scared him off with an utterly gross concoction I made for him years ago.
Earlier this year, Eric ditched his morning cereal in an effort to cut down the gluten and processed carbs in his diet as he was suffering from some major brain fog and wanted to experiment with his diet. He now drinks a huge green smoothie every morning and claims he is feeling better. His only problem, he says, is keeping his pants up because he dropped some weight in the process.
This year, we’ve been big fans of adding hulled hemp seeds into our smoothies for a natural protein, fibre, and omega-3 boost. One 3-tablespoon serving has an impressive 2.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, 10 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fibre. It also has oodles of manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, B6 and more. You can find the huge bags of hulled hemp seed at Costco for a good price. Hemp seeds can be a bit bitter or grassy tasting, so it does take some experimenting to find the right ratio of ingredients in a smoothie (I’ve definitely made some bad ones). Luckily, hemp pairs with chocolate effortlessly so it’s a no-brainer.
I’ve been enjoying my hemp-filled Green Warrior Protein Smoothie for a few months now. When I’m too lazy to prep all the veggies I simply add a couple spoons of hemp seed into my classic green monster recipe. Does the trick! Not long after, I decided to make a chocolate-hemp spin-off. I wanted something that I could enjoy on a hot summer day that would satisfy a craving for something sweet, chocolaty, and cold – while still packing in tons of nutrition. I made this recipe in May and was planning on sharing it during our kitchen reno this August, but recipe development has been a bit slow for me the past couple weeks so I decided to pull it out of the draft folder early. Plus, I just didn’t feel right keeping it from you given how hot and humid the weather has been lately. This smoothie has been my saving grace and has kept me from buying expensive pints of vegan chocolate ice cream more often than not.
Another thing I like about this recipe is that it makes 3 1/2 cups worth. When I’m feeling especially generous, I call this recipe “for two”, but there are definitely times when I chug it back faster than anyone can even see me make it.
Creamy Chocolate Hemp Smoothie for Two
Yield
3 1/2 cups (2 servings)
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Cool down with this creamy, ice-cold, and luxurious chocolate hemp smoothie. Enjoy the boost of protein and omega-3's that the hemp seeds provide while indulging in a lightly sweet chocolaty treat. For a fun twist, try this recipe with homemade almond milk, Coffee Shop Worthy Hazelnut Milk, or even adding homemade coffee ice cubes. This recipe is inspired by my Cheerful Chocolate Smoothie from The Oh She Glows Cookbook.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk (see note)
- 2-3 pitted large Medjool dates, to taste (I use 2)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons hulled hemp seed
- 1 large peeled and frozen banana
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 large ice cubes
Directions
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until super smooth.
Tip:
1) This recipe yields a fairly thin consistency. If you want a thicker shake-like texture, try reducing the milk to 1.5 cups instead of 2 cups or go wild and add a scoop of your favourite non-dairy ice cream. 2) If your dates are a bit firm or dry, soak them in water for 30-60 minutes before making this smoothie. You can also swap the dates for liquid sweetener if desired. Just reduce the almond milk a bit so it's not too thin.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
Was wondering if you could sub carob for cocoa? If so, what would the measurements be?
Thanks!
:)
I’ve really been trying to get my boyfriend to eat healthier (especially when he’s working so much). This smoothie looks like a promising option for the both of us!
Just made this exactly as written and it is amazing! I’m 37 weeks pregnant and it’s 90 degrees outside. Between this smoothie and watermelon, it’s going to pretty much be all I can get myself to eat while I wait for baby. No complaints here!
Is there a reason you’re not using and promoting the use of raw organic Cacoa powder instead of the dutch-processed stuff? From what I’ve seen, the raw stuff still actually has some nutrients in it. At any rate, that’s what I have in my pantry now, so will try it with the raw cacoa. Sounds yum. Maybe some strawberries too, hmmmm?
Thank you for the recipe! I love hemp seeds and I just have to make this!
How would this work as a frozen treat? Any thoughts?
Looks amazing, I have a horrible sweet tooth, it has become a need
what a healthy way to have some chocolate in my diet, definitely giving this a try
emicphany.blogspot.ca
Simply amazing!!!! I made it this morning and just love it!!!!
I love chocolate and hemp together. I make something similar to your smoothie but with added peanut butter and maple instead of dates. Yum!
Looks amazing! The dates do the trick for me! I will try it tomorrow for my breakfast. Not sure if the Mr will be tempted though!
allnnothing.com
Oh my gosh…yumm! I love my banana soft serve shakes so the added hemp seeds is an awesome addition!
This tastes amazing! I’ll be adding extra hemp protein and taking it to the gym for my post workout protein shake. Great recipe!
This is just what I needed to read right now – you are spot on. Healthy changes have to come from within. I know this from my own personal struggles with food and health!! Nevertheless, it is always hard seeing one you love suffer from health problems and wanting so badly to help them!
This hemp smoothie looks amazing and that nutritional profile is hard to beat! Can’t wait to try it!! Looks like a great way to beat a chocolate craving!
I think I need to make this asap.
First time in my life that I have had chocolate for breakfast…..won’t be the last….
I didn’t have almond milk and dates were dry (not medjool) so I put 1/4 cup of raw almonds and 4 dates overnight to soak. I think when I drained them in the morning that all the sweetness of the dates when out with the water. Anyway then proceeded with the recipe (without ice) and added agave and a bit of unflavoured protein powder to taste. Like I said It won’t be the last time I have chocolate for breakfast………
I find soaking the dates for a shorter amount of time in hot/boiling water works very nicely! (I’m just always in a hurry and never want to wait for them to soak XD haha)
I used to make a similar smoothie, but with flax seed. However, this recipe has more protein for sure because of the hemp, so it would be great after workouts :)
This looks so refreshing! Do you think raw cacao powder would be an acceptable substitute for the cocoa?
will this still be good tasting if you make the night before without the ice?, for an on the go breakfast the next day…or recommend eating fresh?
My girlfriends and I share blogs we enjoy with each other. I’m glad I found your blog. I’m a big follower of “Smitten Kitchen” and “Cooking With Mr. C.” I will now send my friends your link. I’m a mother of 5 and have to keep things interesting. Bonnie L.
I love these photos! I’ll try the smoothie once I get my hands on some hemp seed.
I am new to Oh She Glows, and am a little obsessed. This looks amazing but I HATE bananas. bleech!!! any suggestions on what I could substitute? maybe pumpkin puree? I don’t think frozen mango would work with the chocolate…
Sounds really good! How long will this keep in the fridge after its made?
Thank you for a wonderful recipe, Angela! I followed your suggestions of reducing the almond milk to 1.5 cups and using 2 dates. I substituted 2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder for the Dutch-processed cocoa and left out the cinnamon. The result was the best no-guilt chocolate shake I have ever tasted — perfect for a hot summer afternoon!! I confess, there was no sharing in this house today!!
Just made this… it’s delicious! I didn’t have hemp seeds so I added a little ground flax seed. I’ve made similar smoothies before with banana and chocolate that were too heavy on the banana flavor. The cinnamon does the trick… it keeps it from being too “banana-y”. Yum!
I am a hemp fanatic! Love this recipe and will be making it for sure! I completely agree about getting people to eat healthier. It has to be their choice. Chris and I started changing our eating habits [dropping fast food, lessening meat consumption + processed foods] at the same time. I would say the only real difference is that he took awhile longer to drop meat [eats it about once every 2 months now], but he stopped eating it at home years ago and I made sure to never pressure him about it at all. He’s also hesitant with some of my hearty creations [buckwheat bakes] and sludgy smoothies, haha. I can understand that, though! I always feel so lucky that we eat about 98% the same way. He even started to like mushrooms lately. Win! ;)
This looks delicious! I’ve never used hemp seeds in shakes before, just chia seeds. Do you like hemp seeds better? I’ll have to check my grocery store for them!
This looks so yum!! I know the recipe says 2 portions, but I feel I could have the whole thing by myself :)
I have to comment because I’ve made this about four times since you posted it and we love it. I never bother to freeze bananas because my husband doesn’t like his smoothies too cold anyway and it works great. We’ve used coffee ice cubes in it. Last night, it was too late for coffee so I threw in some dried cherries. OH MY! It was really delicious. Thanks so much.
Angela, congrats on your pregnancy and your very successful site and book. I just purchased two of them online can’t wait for them to come! I wanted to say that as a registered dietitian working in Oncology I find your blog to be amazingly helpful and a lot of the basis that I hope to share with people to eat cleaner and more wholesome food with a lot of color and a lot of fun. I look forward to your new posts every day. Take care best of luck to you.
Faron
Hi Faron, Thank you so much for your lovely note! I’m so happy you are enjoying the blog so much. Thanks for all your support. :)
Just what I needed after a week of travel with hardly any smoothies. My family drank it up!
I love the thin consitency by the way.
Hemp seeds are awesome! I always add them to my smoothies because they are SO high in protein.
Hi Angela,
I love your blog!!! I just made this smoothie without hemp seeds cause I don’t have them. Do you have any suggestions for a replacement?
Thank you!
Julie
Try soaked cashews?
This looks so amazing that I’m seriously considering making it for dessert tonight, because I don’t think I can wait until breakfast tomorrow morning! I love the creaminess that hemp seeds lend in smoothies, and this one looks extra creamy :)
I made this as an afternoon treat today for myself and my husband – AMAZING! It was so rich and delicious! I will be sharing tons of your recipes with my moms-to-be!
I’ve really been into smoothies lately, and this one looks great! It combines all of my favorite flavors!
I added a few mint leaves from my garden… so yummy!
OOOH, nice idea!!!
Hi Angela!
You are doing amazingly well to keep coming up with posts while growing that little baby at the same time! I’m sure it’s a testament to the good food you make that you have such energy – and it’s such an important and beautiful gift you are giving your baby: the healthiest possible food right from the very beginning. Well done, mama! :)
I’m sorry if you’ve already answered this question, but I don’t where else to get a reliable answer – what is (if any) the difference between cocoa powder and cacao powder?
I am going to do a happy dance as I have ALL the ingredients to make this, Yum!
Really love your creativity. You should try the same recipe with 1 tsp of cardamom (Indian twist). It will be divine. Let me know what you think.
this looks amazing! you have the best recipes on the web, seriously! I just think you do the best job on your blog (and I’m still dying to get your cookbook…birthday is coming so I’m hopeful). Thanks for creating such delicious and healthy food!
Hi Angela,
I came across your blog earlier this year and I have been an avid reader ever since! Cooking/baking is one of my favourite hobbies and I picked up your book the day it came out and have been so pleased with the results of the recipes both in the book and here on your site. Your imagination and creativity with food is truly a gift and I am so thankful you share your wonderful creations with all of us!
Last night I made your homemade Twix Bars, and my boyfriend ate nearly half the pan by the time we went to bed. Whipped this smoothie up this morning and we both gobbled it up before we got out the door!
Your banana bread muffin tops and rustic banana chocolate oat cake with pb glaze are weekly staples in my cake stand as are your oh mega carrot cookies. I just thought I’d share how much I love your recipes/blog.
I am in a very similar work situation that you described you were once in and your blog gives me the inspiration that someday I can pursue my passions and not have to go through life simply ‘getting through the day’. I completely relate to your tendency to stick to familiarity and comfort vs risks and potentially letting people down and I often feel that is what is holding me back along with fear of failure and not being prepared enough to take the leap. But I believe life is meant to be enjoyed and your words have really resonated with me. Just wanted to say thank you from one Canadian girl to another! I hope you come to Calgary someday to do a book signing.
Hi Mac, Thank you so much for your sweet words! I’m so thrilled to hear how much you are enjoying the recipes. Your encouragement truly makes my work rewarding, so thanks for that!
I hope to meet you one day in the future – I travel to Calgary now and then to see family so it’s always a possibility I can arrange a signing!
Wow! I love smoothies and I’m going to try this one tomorrow morning. Thanks for sharing the wonderful recipe!
This looks sooo delicious and seems quite an easy to follow recipe too. I think there are some great health benefits so going to try this recipe out.
Thanks for sharing :0)
@KirlySueKitchen
I just made this and it is delicious! Yes, I have made some things that has made my guy a real skeptic to change! This I know he would like and the Hemp Protein Powder I used has 11 grams of raw protein and 14 grams of fiber!
this the answer to my dreams … now i just need to get a vitamix to enjoy fully!
Whoa, this looks yummy!! It is well mixed and you can’t see any other particles in the smoothie. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I wonder what brand of mixer did you use to be able to achieve this consistency?
I have made this recipe twice this week already. It is so delicious!!
This is so delicious Angela! Bravo to you for making something so healthy that is soooo tasty! (again) Even my teenage son (who thinks he hates anything “healthy”, not to mention vegan) slurped it down and loved it! I made it last night instead of a dessert. Am having it AGAIN today! :) Thank you!!!
I bought Oh She Glows last week & I’ve been perusing your site. Now I’m making my grocery list to try out a few of your recipes. They all look so yummy, but I’m going to start w/ this one!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this recipe. Me and the Hubs love it! We even had it for dinner the other night & no complaints.
I just made this. Holy cow, it is out of this world amazing!