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You’ll never guess that beans are in this smoothie. This healthy chocolate bean smoothie is made with bananas, beans, dates, yogurt, milk and spinach to make the tastiest mint chocolate chip smoothie, plus it’s full of filling fiber and protein.

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Fiber is one of those nutrients that Americans aren’t getting enough of.

And (canned) beans are a great way to get MORE fiber (and protein and micronutrients) in your diet!

As a dietitian, I advise all of my clients to eat more beans and pulses as an easy way to increase fiber (and protein).

You’ve heard it here – beans in smoothies are going to become a new trend.

Kinda like frozen cauliflower, beans are an easy addition to so many things that add extra nutrition without changing the taste or texture too much.

This works especially well with picky eaters.

We often recommend toddler smoothies for picky eaters to get some extra nutrients in because they are some of the best smoothies to do so, in my opinion.

And it helps if you have these fun kids smoothie cups!

Why Sarah Loves this Recipe

Let’s be honest – sometimes getting veggies into toddlers can be hard! But with this high-fiber and high-protein black bean smoothie, I know they are getting tons of nutrients in a tasty way! It’s a win-win for mom and kiddos!

Can beans be added to smoothies?

Absolutely. Beans are a nutritious secret weapon and a good source of protein and fiber, and blend seamlessly into a smoothie, adding nutrients and even making it creamier.

Black beans and great northern beans are my two favorites so far but I plan on experimenting with adding other beans to smoothies, too.

I think white beans or cannellini beans could be a great option.

Beans recipes for toddlers can be so versatile, as beans are incredibly easy to throw into so many dishes.

My kids have always loved beans, like these pizza beans with garlic bread.

Why We Love A Black Bean Smoothie

• Fiber – Black beans are a great source of fiber. When blending beans in a smoothie, you don’t even know they are there, but you’re getting an ultra-nutritious option! Adding beans to this smoothie brings it to a whopping 13 grams of fiber!
• Protein – A 1/2 cup of black beans provides nearly 8 grams of protein. Additionally, you’re getting protein from the greek yogurt, milk, and chia seeds or flax seeds. This smoothie has 24 grams of protein!
• Kid-friendly- Hiding beans in a smoothie works so well when it tastes like mint chocolate! Whether you need an after school snack, a pregame snack for kids, or a recovery post-workout snack after youth sports practice, this mint chocolate bean smoothie is as hydrating as it is nourishing. I will also sometimes put it in a pouch for a hiking snack! We have so many other healthy snacks in our kids snack ebook.
• Ready in minutes– As a busy mom, I need something quick when my kids are hungry and want a snack. We do offer plenty of packaged snack options for convenience and on the go, but it’s also nice to have an easy homemade, nutritious option ready at my fingertips, too.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty smoothie.

You’ll see that putting black beans in a smoothie could not be easier and helps with the creamy texture.

• black beans (cooked and cooled) – I prefer canned beans since they are room temperature. If using canned beans, make sure to drain the liquid and give them a rinse to reduce the sodium by 30%! Great northern beans work well as another alternative for this bean smoothie recipe.
• greek yogurt – I used plain, but vanilla works too!
• milk of choice – I love cow’s milk for the nutrition content (and protein), but you could also use soy milk, almond milk, oat milk or your favorite dairy-free option.
• banana – If you choose to omit the banana, you could substitute with applesauce or cauliflower.
• spinach
• seed of choice – flax seeds, chia seeds or hemp seeds
• pitted dates
• cocoa powder or cacao powder
• peppermint extract
• maple syrup

Optional additions – Here are some other optional additions you may want to try.

• peanut butter or almond butter
• fresh or frozen blueberries
• cinnamon or nutmeg
• protein powder

Let us know what your favorite add-in’s are! So many options which makes this a great toddler smoothie or baby smoothie!

This is one of many of our favorite healthy kid snack ideas! For 15+ other healthy recipes for toddlers and kids, check out our ebook!

Get More Healthy Kids Recipes!

How to Make a Black Bean Chocolate Smoothie

I prefer to use canned beans in this black bean chocolate smoothie since they are easy and ready instantly, but if you have pre-made soaked beans or anything, that works too!

You’ll simply combine everything together in a high-powered blender and blend to your desired consistency.

• If you like a thicker consistency, you can add more ice and less liquid.
• If you like thinner smoothies, use more liquid and/or omit the ice.

This bean smoothie tastes much better if enjoyed right away. However, if you want to make it in advance, it would be good for up to 2 days.

I would recommend enjoying it the same day, if possible.

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Yield: 2 servings

Mint Chocolate Black Bean Smoothie

Print

You'll never guess that beans are in this smoothie. This healthy chocolate bean smoothie is made with bananas, beans, dates, yogurt, milk and spinach to make the tastiest mint chocolate chip smoothie, plus it's full of filling fiber and protein.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup black beans (cooked and cooled)
• ½ cup plain low-fat greek yogurt*
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1 banana, fresh or frozen
• 5 pitted dates
• 1/3 cup spinach (optional)
• 2 Tbsp flax, chia or hemp seeds
• 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract (optional)
• 1 Tbsp of maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. 1. Mix all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until thoroughly mixed. For thicker consistency, add ice.
2. Top with chocolate chips or cocoa nibs if desired.
   
   

Notes

*If you like a sweeter smoothie, you can also use vanilla greek yogurt. I made mine with plain yogurt and chose to add some maple syrup to sweeten. If you use vanilla yogurt, you can omit the maple syrup.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Butternut Mountain Farm, 100% Pure Maple Syrup From Vermont, Grade A, Amber Color, Rich Taste, All Natural, Easy Pour Jug, 32 Fl Oz, 1 Qt
• 
  McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract, 2 fl oz
• 
  365 by Whole Foods Market, Pitted Dates, 8 Ounce
• 
  BetterBody Foods Organic Cacao Powder, Rich Chocolate Flavor, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Cocoa, 16 ounce, 1 lb bag
• 
  Nutiva Organic Premium Black Chia Seeds, 32 Ounce
• 
  Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed, 24 Ounce (Pack of 1)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 475Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 104mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 13gSugar: 33gProtein: 24g

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