Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Christin Gillespie

This Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie is a deliciously healthy protein recipe! Packed with rich cacao, organic pumpkin puree, energizing superfoods, cozy fall spices, & more, it’s the perfect wholesome smoothie to enjoy as a post-workout breakfast this season!

Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie in a glass with a straw in it, topped with coconut butter and cacao nibs, sitting on a white marble counter with white pumpkins in the background.

Rich, creamy, & pumpkiny, with a cacao nib crunch. This Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie is all that & more.

I’ve shared a Creamy Cacao Superfood Protein Smoothie before, but it was time to pumpkin spice things up!

While the two recipes are quite similar, this one is bursting with all the pumpkin goodness you could ask for. The pumpkin puree gives it the perfect creamy texture, the cacao nibs add a satisfying crunch, & the blend of superfoods takes it to a whole new level.

If you’re ready to elevate your pumpkin smoothie game this fall, this chocolatey, protein-packed creation is exactly what you need!

Reasons You’ll Fall for This Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie

Loaded with Superfoods: Extra nutrition with every sip, no taste sacrificed!
Full of Pumpkin Spice Flavor: With the inclusion of pumpkin puree & seasonal spices, it’s like drinking a chocolate fountain of fall. Are you drooling yet?!
Protein-Packed: Over 30 grams of plant-based protein to keep you satisfied & energized all day.

Superfoods Health Benefits

Besides the pumpkin, what sets this chocolate protein smoothie apart is the addition of powerful superfoods. These nutrient-dense ingredients provide an extra boost your body desires for optimal health. Here are just a few incredible benefits you’ll receive by including superfoods in this blend:

High-Vibrational Energy
Reduced Mild Stress & Promoted Relaxation
Decreased Inflammation
Hormonal Balance
Improved Cognitive Function

For additional superfood information, be sure to check out this Superfoods 101 post!

Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Protein Smoothie in a glass with a straw in it, topped with coconut butter and cacao nibs, sitting on a white marble counter with white pumpkins in the background.

Ingredients

Organic Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works in this recipe; just be sure to use homemade or trusted brands—I like MALK Organics, Three Trees, or Native Forest.
Organic Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use organic pumpkin puree & NOT pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with lots of sugar, preservatives, & other unhealthy ingredients you can’t pronounce. I love using Farmers Market Foods for a clean, organic option.
Organic Ground Flax Seeds: These tiny nutritional powerhouses are rich in fiber & essential minerals.
Organic Superfoods: More specifically, organic gelatinized maca powder, organic mesquite powder, organic lucuma powder, & organic tocotrienols. If you only have a few of these on hand, no worries—use what you have, & if you don’t have any, the smoothie will still be delicious without them. If you’re super confused about superfoods, review this Superfoods 101 post to learn about their amazing benefits.
Organic Raw Coconut Butter: This adds a dose of healthy fats that help keep you full, energized, & focused. It’s naturally a little sweet with no added sugars, oils, or salt. Just pure coconut goodness. Yum!
Honey: A teaspoon of Manuka or local raw unfiltered honey adds a hint of natural sweetness & health benefits.
Organic Cacao Plant Protein: Adding a scoop of protein powder helps to keep you full & satisfied longer. When selecting a protein powder brand, it’s crucial to look at the protein content and, most importantly, the ingredients. Check out this Cleanest Plant-Based & Vegan Protein Powders post to learn what to look for, the best brands, & recommended daily protein intake.
Organic Cacao Powder: Don’t confuse this with regular cocoa! Cacao powder is minimally processed & packed with antioxidants. Review this Cacao Powder 101 post to learn more!
Organic Pumpkin Spice: Duh?! Pumpkin spice is non-negotiable in this blend.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors & adds trace minerals.
Organic Frozen Banana: Using a frozen banana creates that thick, creamy smoothie texture we all love.
Organic Cacao Nibs: They add texture & a rich, chocolatey bite with every sip. Obsessed!

How to Make

Blend the Liquids & Powders. First, add the non-dairy milk, pumpkin puree, seeds, superfoods, coconut butter, honey, cacao plant protein, cacao powder, & spices to a high-speed blender. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
Blend the Frozen Ingredients. Next, add the frozen banana & blend until smooth. If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, & scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated. You may need to add a little more liquid depending on how thick/thin you like your smoothies.
Blend the Cacao Nibs. Add in the cacao nibs & blend on medium for about 20 seconds, just enough to keep a little crunch in every sip.
Serve. Pour into a chilled glass & enjoy!

Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie in a Vitamix on a white marble counter.

Smoothie Add-Ins

Feel free to customize this Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie to fit your taste & needs. Here are a few easy ways to level it up and make it even more nourishing & delicious:

Organic Hemp Seeds: Add in a tablespoon of organic hemp seeds for a boost of healthy fats, protein, omegas, & minerals.
Organic Coconut Yogurt: Enhance the creaminess with a scoop of organic plain coconut yogurt.
Organic Greens: Greens are packed with so many minerals, vitamins, & antioxidants. I recommend baby spinach if you’re new to green smoothies, but kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, or mixed greens all work.

Tips for Making the Perfect Smoothie

As a daily protein smoothie maker, here are my top tips for getting it just right every time:

Use a Frozen Banana: The ice & creaminess of a frozen banana adds thickness & chill, without watering down the flavor.
Adjust Liquid Amount: If your smoothie is too thick to blend, don’t worry! Just add a bit more liquid, open the lid, scrape down the sides if needed, & blend again. When possible, always use a larger high-speed blender instead, as it will blend the ingredients much better.
How to Make: Blend your liquid first & powders first, before adding the frozen banana. This trick helps the powders fully dissolve & avoids clumps. It’s my go-to method!
Smoothie Blending Tip: Start your blender on low to medium speed. Going straight to high can make it challenging for your blender to properly blend the ingredients smoothly. Thus, gradually increase the speed.
Blend Cacao Nibs Last: Add the cacao nibs at the end so they don’t fully blend into the smoothie. This way, they keep their crunch & add a fun bit of texture to every sip. It’s that slight crunch that takes this smoothie to the next level.
Chill Your Glass: There’s nothing better than sipping a cold, creamy smoothie—especially when it tastes like a chocolate pumpkin milkshake. Pop your serving glass in the freezer while you blend to keep every sip refreshingly chilled!

Smoothie FAQs

Do I have to use a frozen banana?

Frozen banana is key for that thick, creamy texture. If you’re using a fresh banana instead, just toss in a handful of ice cubes to keep your smoothie cold.

Don’t like bananas or allergic to them? No problem—you can easily swap it out! Try using ½ cup of frozen organic zucchini, organic cauliflower florets, organic coconut meat, or organic avocado chunks instead. These options still give you a smooth, creamy consistency without the banana flavor.

If you go banana-free, I recommend using 2 teaspoons of honey in the recipe to retain that natural sweetness.

Is it healthy to have a smoothie?

This smoothie may taste indulgent, but it’s packed with clean, nourishing ingredients. Plus, I’d never share something that isn’t truly healthy. With protein, healthy fats, & superfoods, it’s the perfect post-workout breakfast to fuel your day.

Unlike many store-bought or trendy smoothies loaded with sugar and fillers, this one keeps it real & balanced.

What is the best protein powder to use?

I used an organic cacao plant protein powder in this pumpkin superfood smoothie—it adds creaminess, rich flavor, & a solid protein boost. When choosing a protein powder, always check the protein content and, more importantly, the ingredients. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this Cleanest Plant-Based & Vegan Protein Powders post to learn what to look for, the best brands, & how to calculate your daily protein intake based on your lifestyle & goals.

Another way to give your blend a clean fall twist: swap the cacao protein powder & pumpkin spice for one scoop of Truvani’s Pumpkin Spice Plant-Based Protein & 5 teaspoons of organic cacao powder!

How can I add protein without using protein powder?

If you don’t have cacao plant protein on hand, substitute with 5 teaspoons of organic cacao powder. To amp up the protein, add 1–2 tablespoons of organic raw almond butter—it won’t significantly alter the flavor but will add extra richness & nutrients.

Do I have to add superfoods?

Even though this is a superfood smoothie recipe, you are not required to add them. However, I do recommend looking into them, as there are incredible benefits to consuming them regularly. And if you only have a couple of superfood powders, that’s great! Use what you’ve got! For a deeper dive into what superfoods are, their benefits, & how to use them, check out his Superfoods 101 post!

Can I make this smoothie recipe in advance?

Totally! Feel free to make this Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie recipe as is or double it for later. To achieve the best results, review this How to Prepare Smoothies in Advance post.

Creamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe in a glass with a straw in it, topped with coconut butter and cacao nibs, sitting on a white marble counter with white pumpkins in the background.

More Protein Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

If you make thisCreamy Cacao Superfood Pumpkin Smoothie recipe, please leave a review & rating below. I love hearing from you, & it helps others learn more about the blog as well. Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram & TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.