When the heat picks up and you're looking for something cold, refreshing, and satisfying, most people reach for iced coffee or sugary smoothies. But what if you could make a summer drink that cools you down and fuels your body at the same time?
The chocolate flavor you crave, backed by the nutritional benefits of all-natural ingredients, is yours in this easy icy smoothie made with high-flavanol cacao powder. It contains cocoa flavanols, phytonutrients found in unprocessed cacao that may promote energy and circulation, is naturally low in sugar, and doesn't contain dairy.
Snacking on clean, filling foods that won't make you gain weight is easy with these few ingredients and absence of artificial flavors and additives.
What Makes Cocoa Dynamics Cacao Powder Different?
Most cocoa powders on store shelves go through heavy processing, often treated with alkaline to reduce bitterness. While this makes them easier to use in baking, it strips away much of the natural flavanol content. Flavanols are the plant-based compounds in cacao that give it both its slightly bitter flavor and potential wellness benefits.
Santa Barbara Chocolate’s Cocoa Dynamics Cacao Powder is different. It is crafted from cacao beans that have been meticulously chosen and have undergone minimal processing to preserve their natural nutrients. The cocoa flavanols in each tablespoon are at least 420mg, and it contains only 10 calories. There are no fillers, sugars, or additives.
In smoothies, shakes, and other recipes where you want a rich chocolate flavor with real nutrition, this powder is perfect.
Ingredients That Work Together for Balance
This shake brings together clean, plant-based ingredients that are naturally rich in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. It's a practical option for mornings, post-workout recovery, or a mid-day cool down.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 Frozen Bananas
The base is smooth and creamy thanks to frozen bananas. They are full of magnesium and potassium and are just sweet enough without any extra sugar.. - 1 Cup of Milk or Plant-Based Milk
Choose what fits your lifestyle—almond, oat, soy, or dairy milk. Each provides its own texture and protein level. The milk gives the shake a smooth finish. - 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Dynamics Cacao Powder
This amount delivers ≥840mg of cocoa flavanols, contributing deep chocolate flavor and natural plant compounds that support circulation and focus. - 1 Tablespoon Flax Seeds
As well as fiber and healthy fats, flax seeds give food a slightly nutty taste. They make the shake taste better and help keep your digestive system healthy. - 1 Cup Ice
Ice brings the temperature down and creates the frosty texture that makes this drink ideal for summer.
How to Make It
Quick Instructions:
- Add the frozen bananas, milk, cacao powder, flax seeds, and ice to a high-powered blender.
- Blend until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
This shake doesn’t require any sweeteners thanks to the bananas. It's a great alternative to smoothies or chocolate drinks that come in a box and have syrups and other processed ingredients.
Creative Variations to Try
This base shake recipe is flexible, and small additions can tailor the flavor and function to your preference.
Add Dark Chocolate Texture with Criollo Wafers
To enhance the texture and add a richer cacao flavor, blend in a handful of 100% Criollo Chocolate Mini Wafers. These will melt a little bit in the shake, leaving little bits of rich chocolate all over.
Boost Protein or Healthy Fat
Add a spoonful of:
- Peanut butter
- Cashew butter
- Sunflower seed butter
- Your favorite protein powder
These ingredients help balance energy levels and increase the staying power of the shake—great if you're using it as a small meal.
Fruit Variations for Extra Freshness
Add some sliced summer peaches or a handful of frozen blueberries. When you mix these fruits with chocolate, you get extra nutrients and a cool twist.
Add Espresso for a Wake-Up Call
If you want your shake to double as a morning pick-me-up, try adding 1–2 shots of espresso. The coffee brings boldness and complements the chocolate flavor beautifully.
The Benefits Behind the Ingredients
This shake's ingredients all do more than just taste good. As a mix, they give you energy and satisfaction without making you crash.
Bananas for Natural Sweetness and Electrolytes
Rich in magnesium and potassium, bananas help regulate muscle function and hydration. They also offer a creamy texture when frozen, replacing the need for ice cream or yogurt.
Cacao Powder for Flavanol Support
Cocoa flavanols have been studied a lot because they help with circulation, getting oxygen to cells, and supporting the heart overall. They are more concentrated in cacao powders that have been processed as little as possible, like Cocoa Dynamics.
Flax Seeds for Fiber
With soluble and insoluble fiber, flax seeds support digestive function while helping you feel fuller for longer. They also contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
No Artificial Ingredients
There’s nothing synthetic in this shake. It avoids common fillers, emulsifiers, and gums found in many store-bought smoothie mixes.
Simple, Cold, and Packed with Chocolate Power
This frosty chocolate shake hits the mark on warm days when you want something satisfying without feeling heavy. With the clean profile of Cocoa Dynamics Cacao Powder and the natural energy of bananas and flaxseed, it’s a balanced way to stay refreshed while getting more from your chocolate.
As a result? A cool, smooth drink made with real ingredients that helps you reach your lifestyle goals.
