– vegan – gluten free – refined sugar free – low fat –

Need to switch up your breakfast smoothie? This healthy chocolate cherry smoothie is a real winner. If I had to compare the taste of it with something, I would say it tastes like a cherry-flavored tootsie roll. It has the perfect amount of sweetness from the chocolate and maple syrup, and tartness from the cherries.

Smoothies are my favorite breakfast meal. They are a great way to get a large does of nutrients and keep myself hydrated and energized for the day. They never make me feel bloated or fatigued. I have found from my personal experience how important it can be to switch up my morning smoothie. I was once stuck in a pattern of eating the same exact smoothie every. single. day. And while that smoothie was incredibly delicious (I still make it all the time), I found I was getting bored and no longer looked forward to breakfast time, which is no fun! Especially with how much I enjoy eating! So I encourage you to switch up your morning smoothie! Get creative in the ways you nourish your mind and body.

Though this chocolate cherry smoothie is perfectly delicious as is, there are so many add-ins you can use to get even MORE nutrients. My very favorite add-in is a leafy green, usually kale or spinach. Leafy greens are some of the healthiest foods on the planet and should be eaten every single day. Smoothies are a great way to add them into the diet because they don’t change the taste! Some of my other favorite nutrient-dense add-ins include hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flax and medjool dates.

Kitchen essentials:

A blender or food processor
A spatula (optional)

Substitutions:

Banana: I like to add the banana for a smoother, more creamy texture. You could also use 1/2 cup of mango in place of banana.
Pure maple syrup: you can substitute any sweetener for the maple syrup, including agave nectar, date syrup, coconut sugar or cane sugar.
Nondairy milk: you can use any plain nondairy milk of choice (soy, almond, cashew, hemp, oat, etc). I recommend unsweetened milk to avoid excess sugar.
Frozen cherries: frozen cherries can be substituted for fresh cherries along with a frozen banana. If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure they are pitted! If you don’t have any frozen components, you can add 1-2 cups of ice to your smoothie.

If you like this chocolate cherry smoothie, check out some of my other favorite smoothies: