Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie

A maca protein smoothie recipe that is fully charged with benefits. This Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie recipe is loaded with superfoods, packed with plant protein, naturally sweetened with fruit, and has the perfect crunch to it, thanks to the cacao nibs. It’s the ultimate way to begin your day and to recover post workout.

My habit of starting my day off with a nutrient-rich smoothie is a ritual that I love & the creativity of the combinations are endless. When I came up with this particular smoothie recipe, my mind was blown. Hence the name – Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie.

This almond butter smoothie recipe is not only perfectly sweet & creamy, like a milkshake, but it’s made with superfoods, plant protein, healthy fats, & has a bit of a crunch to it from the cacao nibs. It’s basically the ultimate protein smoothie.

That being said, if you’re looking for a new maca protein smoothie recipe to supercharge your day, this Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie is it!

Why You’ll Love This Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie

• Loaded with Superfoods: For added nutrition, without compromising the taste!
• Creamy & Crunchy: This maca protein smoothie recipe is super creamy & has a crunch with each sip, thanks to the cacao nibs.
• Perfect Protein Smoothie: Whether you’re making it post workout or breakfast, this almond butter smoothie recipe will have you fully satisfied, as it’s packed with over 25 grams of plant protein.
• Tastes like a Dessert: The flavor & texture in this smoothie is that of a treat, but in a healthy smoothie form.

Maca Powder Health Benefits & Nutrition 

One of the main ingredients to make this almond butter smoothie recipe different from the rest is the maca powder! If you’re new to the superfood, let me fill you in!

Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable that has a malty caramel flavor, while also having so many health benefits. It’s rich in essential minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, & iron. Maca has also been known to boost libido, treat menopause systems, & promote hormonal balance for both men & women. 

When looking for maca powder, there are two kinds: raw and gelatinized. Raw maca has not been heated and its enzymes + nutrients are at peak levels. Raw maca powder is prone to microbial contamination and it’s harder to digest. Therefore, I suggest purchasing organic gelatinized maca powder. Gelatinized maca is heated to separate the root’s start. Even though that process alters some nutrients, it makes the powder easier to digest and assimilate.

Maca is the perfect addition to this recipe, for both flavor & health benefits. Note to self though, when adding organic gelatinized maca to your smoothies, a little goes a long way.

Ingredients

• Organic Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works in this recipe, but I love unsweetend almond milk!  Just be sure to use trusted brands – I like MALK Organics or Three Trees.
• Organic Vanilla Plant Protein: Adding a scoop of protein powder helps to keep you full and satisfied longer. I love Four Sigmatic’s Sweet Vanilla Plant Protein for this recipe. It’s ​​made with real organic vanilla with no grains, gums or fillers. Oh & it’s super delicious. Nevertheless, if you have yet to try Four Sigmatic’s Sweet Vanilla Plant Protein, add your favorite vanilla plant protein.
• Organic Raw Almond Butter: It wouldn’t be an almond butter smoothie without it! Almond butter adds some extra cramines & healthy fats to this maca smoothie. Be sure that your almond butter is organic, raw, & unsalted. 
• Organic Chia Seeds: For some omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, etc. + it helps thicken this protein smoothie.
• Organic Maca Powder: Organic maca powder adds a subtle caramel like flavor to this almond butter smoothie. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants & has been shown to have helpful benefits for women’s hormones.  
• Organic Ceylon Cinnamon: Organic ceylon cinnamon adds the perfect touch to this almond butter smoothie.
• Sea Salt: A healthy pinch of sea salt is rich in a ton of minerals and beautifully enhances the flavor of this maca smoothie.
• Organic Medjool Date: Adding just one date to this smoothie adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Organic Frozen Banana: To make the smoothie extra thick & creamy, it’s best to use a frozen banana.
• Organic Cacao Nibs: Cacao nibs give this Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie lots of texture, with a little crunch with every sip. OBSESSED. 

How To Make

• Blend the Liquids & Powders. First, add the non-dairy milk, plant protein, nut butter, seeds, maca powder, and spices, to a high-speed blender. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
• Blend the Medjool Date. Add the soft medjool date to the blender and blend until smooth.
• Blend the Frozen Banana. Next, add in the frozen banana and blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, and scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated. You may need to add a little more non-dairy milk depending on how thick/thin you like your smoothies
• Blend the Cacao Nibs. Add the cacao nibs & blend for 20 seconds on medium speed.
• Serve. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately.

Optional Smoothie Add-Ins

Feel free to truly make this Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie your own! Here are a few suggestions to amp-up this maca smoothie recipe:

• Organic Ground Flax Seeds: For a great little boost of fiber & minerals, add a tablespoon of organic ground flax seeds to this smoothie.
• Organic Hemp Seeds: Organic hemp seeds will add even more healthy fats, protein, omegas & minerals.
• Organic Coconut Yogurt: Add some creaminess to this smoothie with a scoop of coconut yogurt. You may have to reduce the milk to ½ cup in this smoothie when adding yogurt.
• Organic Greens: You can get your greens in too in this maca smoothie. They blend easily & you can’t taste them. Plus, greens are packed with so many minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Spinach, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, or mixed greens all work. WARNING: it will change the color of the smoothie!

Tips for Making the Perfect Smoothie

Interested in how to make the absolute perfect maca protein smoothie recipe? As someone who makes smoothies daily, here are my TOP tips:

1. Use Frozen Fruit: Adding a frozen to this smoothie is the only way to go! The ice from the frozen fruits adds thickness to the smoothie.
2. Soak Medjool Date: If your date isn’t soft, you will need to soak your pitted date in very warm water for 5 minutes. This will help it soften up, so that it can blend nicely.
3. Adjust Liquid Amount: If you find that your smoothie is too thick to blend, not to worry! Just add a bit more milk, blend, open the cover, scrape down the sides if needed, and blend again. And when possible, always use a larger high-speed blender instead, as it will blend the ingredients much better.
4. How To Make: Add your liquid first & blend your powders first, then the medjool date, before adding your frozen ingredients. This is my personal favorite way of preparing my smoothies. By blending the liquid & powders first, it ensures that your powders blend completely.
5. Smoothie Blending Tip: Start your blender on low to medium speed. If you blend the smoothie too quickly from the beginning, it’s really hard for the blender to properly blend the frozen ingredients – so start lower and then gradually increase the speed.
6. Blend Cacao Nibs Last: The reason for adding the cacao nibs last, is because you don’t want them to get as creamy like the smoothie – you want them to retain their structure, for texture. That makes this smoothie a bit crunchy, which I love!
7. Chill Your Glass: There’s nothing better than a cold smoothie, in this case, an almond butter milkshake. Put your serving glass in the fridge or freezer while you’re making your smoothie to ensure a chilled smoothie with every sip.

Smoothie FAQ’s

Do I have to use a frozen banana?

The frozen banana in this recipe gives the Almond Butter Bomb Smoothie a thick & creamy texture. If using a fresh banana, be to add a handful of ice cubes to achieve a cold, thick smoothie. However, if you’re looking to remove the banana altogether, because you’re allergic or simply don’t like them, you can replace it with ½ cup of frozen zucchini, frozen cauliflower, or frozen avocado chunks. If you elect to make this a banana free smoothie, I recommend keeping the organic medjool date to maintain its sweetness.

Is it healthy to have a smoothie?

Duh! I wouldn’t post something that was unhealthy. Having a smoothie full of protein, healthy fats, & superfoods for a post workout breakfast is great because you’ll be getting essential vitamins, nutrients, & protein, first thing. However, some smoothies on the market or on the web can be loaded with tons of fruit, added sugar, & nonsense, making them a less healthy option. 

What is the best protein powder to use?

For this particular maca protein smoothie recipe, I love using Four Sigmatic’s Sweet Vanilla Plant Protein. It’s ​​made with real organic ingredients with no grains, gums, or fillers. If you don’t have Four Sigmatic’s Sweet Vanilla Plant Protein on hand, you can use your favorite vanilla protein powder. When selecting a plant protein, it’s crucial to look at the protein content and most importantly, the ingredients. 

How can I add protein without using protein powder?

If you don’t have protein powder on hand, no worries! To increase the protein content, you can add another tablespoon of organic raw almond butter, a tablespoon of organic ground flax seeds, and/or a tablespoon of organic hemp seeds, without changing the taste too much.

Is it okay to have maca powder everyday?

Yes! Consuming organic maca powder daily is acceptable, but the dosage varies based on your lifestyle.

Can I make this smoothie recipe in advance?

Yes! Feel free to make the smoothie as is or double it for later. Check out this “How to Prepare Smoothies in Advance” post to achieve the best results.

More Maca Protein Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

• Chocolate Maca Protein Smoothie
• Sunflower Seed Maca Protein Smoothie
• Green Maca Smoothie
• Vanilla Chai Protein Smoothie 

Sharing Is Caring!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review & rating below! I love hearing from you and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Lastly, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more deliciousness & wellness tips!

Xoxo.

Christin.

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