No Gatekeeping: My Spicy Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe Is Addictive

RecipesNo Gatekeeping: My Spicy Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe Is Addicting

Author: Hannah FryeJuly 27, 2023

Assistant Beauty & Health EditorBy Hannah FryeAssistant Beauty & Health EditorHannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.Image by Tatjana Zlatkovic / StocksyJuly 27, 2023

Sometimes a berry smoothie hits the spot; other times a blend loaded with greens is just what you need. But occasionally, you might just crave something different.

If that's the case, let me introduce you to my favorite avant-garde smoothie blend that I've handcrafted to perfection: a beverage inspired by chocolate-covered cherries with an unexpected twist.

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How to make a spicy chocolate cherry smoothie

Serves 1

What you'll need:

A blender
2 cups frozen cherries
1 frozen banana
1 scoop mindbodygreen chocolate beauty & gut collagen+ powder
2 cups milk of your choice (I prefer almond)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
A dash of chipotle chili powder
A dash of cayenne

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Method & substitutions

The how-to is similar to any smoothie recipe: Just chuck in all your ingredients and blend to your desired consistency. It's also easy to tweak to your liking; if this recipe sounds almost perfect, consider the substitutions below:

If you don't want spice: Sub cinnamon for chili pepper and cayenne.
If you don't like chocolate: Add a scoop of mindbodygreen unflavored beauty & gut collagen powder (yes, it's truly unflavored).
If you don't have collagen: If you want to skip the collagen, swap in the protein powder of your choice or cocoa powder—but consider skipping the maple syrup if your powder already comes sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweetener.
If you want it extra creamy: Sometimes I go with ½ cup less milk to make it even thicker, creating a texture similar to a milkshake.
If you want toppings: I'm a fan of smoothie toppings, so I'll occasionally add cacao nibs, almond shavings, granola, chia seeds, or fresh cherries to supercharge my blend.
If you want more greens: I understand that smoothie recipes present an easy spot to get more greens in your day. If you want to make your blend more nutritious via greens, I'd suggest spinach, as it's less likely to interrupt the flavor profile than something like kale—but you can pick your favorite. You can also opt for a greens powder if that's more your jam. (Our favorites here.)

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Why add collagen?

beauty & gut collagen+ powder

A powerful daily ritual for glowing skin and strong hair & nails*

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Luckily, this collagen powder is entirely free of artificial sweeteners that leave a nasty aftertaste, so the blend truly does taste like rich chocolate-covered cherries.

Plus, the consistency of the collagen powder makes the blend even creamier.

Texture aside, our collagen powder boasts plenty of skin and gut health benefits, making it a worthy addition to any smoothie recipe. Here's a comprehensive guide to these benefits if you want to learn more.*

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The takeaway

If you want to shake up your smoothie menu, add this unique and spicy chocolate-cherry blend to your list. Bonus hack? Try adding a scoop of collagen powder for added skin and gut support.* Here, you can find even more smoothie recipes to try out.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you. Hannah Frye author page.

Hannah FryeAssistant Beauty & Health Editor

Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more. She previously interned for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends, holistic skincare approaches, must-have makeup products, and inclusivity in the beauty industry. She currently lives in New York City.

Original Article