Chocolate Oat Smoothie

When you need a filling, quick, and nutritious breakfast - this Chocolate Oatmeal Smoothie is the answer! Made with whole grain rolled oats, banana, and Greek yogurt  - this smoothie tastes is healthy and delicious. 

I am going to be honest. I am not the biggest smoothie fan of smoothies for breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I love a smoothie for a snack or post-workout recovery drink, but in the morning I want something to chew. 

But sometimes smoothies are just the most convenient choice. They are a terrific option for a quick breakfast or meal on the go. When made with the right ingredients, they can be just as satisfying and tasty as a traditional breakfast. 

One of the easiest ways to make a smoothie more filling is with oats! This smoothie incorporates rolled oats to give it more staying power. The oats are blended with banana, yogurt, almond milk, and chocolate. It's creamy, packed with protein and fiber, and I promise it will keep you full all morning. This Banana Oatmeal Smoothie is also great if you want something without chocolate.

This oat smoothie can be made with almost any fruit you have on hand. I like to use bananas because they add more natural sweetness, but any fresh or frozen fruit can work. 

Main Ingredients

• Rolled oats: Old fashioned oats, or rolled oats, are something I always have in the house. Quick-cooking or instant oats can also work in a smoothie. Do not sue steel cut oats because they won't break down enough in standard blenders.
• Banana: To add natural sweetness and creaminess to the smoothie, a banana is a perfect option. Ripe and browned bananas add the most sweetness. If the banana isn't very ripe, consider adding some hiney r maple syrup. 
• Greek yogurt: Adding yogurt to the smoothie adds protein, calcium, and probiotics. Greek yogurt has slightly more protein than regular yogurt, but either will work. Flavored yogurt can also be used to add some sweetness and change up the flavor profile.
• Almond milk: Any milk will work in this smoothie.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: To add a rich chocolate flavor to the smoothie, add unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder. Chocolate protein powder could also work.

Recipe Ideas and Substitutions

Here are some ways to customize this chocolate oat smoothie and make it your own.

• For a richer flavor and healthy fats, add some nut butter to the smoothie. Peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower butter are all great choices.
• If bananas aren't your favorite, swap in another fruit like berries, pineapple, mango, or papaya. This can be made with or without the chocolate flavor depending on which fruit you choose.
• Boost the nutrients in this smoothie by adding chia seeds, flax seeds, maca powder, or hemp seeds.
• Add even more flavor with ground cinnamon, turmeric, or ginger. 
• Add some greens to the smoothie with a handful of fresh spinach or kale.  Frozen cauliflower florets are another great way to sneak in extra veggies.

Tips for Making the Best Oat Smoothie

• If you are using an older or low-power blender, add the oats to the blender first. Pulse them a few times to break them down into flour before adding the other ingredients.
• When making smoothies, always start by adding the liquid. This helps the blender to blend smoothly and not get stuck.
• If the bananas in the smoothie are frozen, skip the ice for a richer flavor.
• The sweetness in this smoothie is very dependent on the bananas. Always use very ripe bananas if possible.