Mornings can be hectic, especially with little ones in tow. Finding a quick, nutritious, and kid-approved breakfast option is always a win in our household. That’s where this Chocolate Spinach Milkshake comes in. It’s become a staple in our morning routine—not just because it’s easy to make, but because it’s a delicious way to sneak in some greens without any complaints.

This milkshake combines the creamy sweetness of bananas with the rich flavor of cocoa powder, all while incorporating a generous handful of spinach. The result is a treat that tastes like a dessert but is packed with nutrients. Whether you’re serving it as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert, this milkshake is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Why this Chocolate Spinach Milkshake is Perfect for Picky Toddlers

Quick & Easy – With just six simple ingredients and a blender, this milkshake comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.​

Nutritious – Packed with potassium-rich bananas, iron-loaded spinach, and healthy fats from nut butter, this drink offers a balanced start to the day.​

Kid-Friendly – The rich chocolate flavor masks the taste of spinach, making it an excellent way to incorporate greens into your child’s diet without any fuss.​

Customizable – Feel free to swap out ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences. Use dairy or non-dairy milk, choose your favorite nut or seed butter, or add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.

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What You Will Need

2 Frozen Bananas- the bananas add sweetness and a creamy texture to the milkshake. If you don’t have frozen bananas, you can just do normal bananas and add ice.

1 tbsp Cocoa Powder- to give it the delicious chocolatey flavor!

1 tbsp Nut Butter- adds flavor and an extra dose of protein.

1/2 cup Spinach- I like to add spinach, but you could also use frozen cauliflower!

1 tsp Vanilla Extract- compliments the chocolate flavor perfectly.

1 cup Milk- gives it that creamy consistency. Use whatever milk you prefer.

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How to Make a Healthy Chocolate Milkshake

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.

Start by adding the milk, frozen banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter (or nut butter of choice), and baby spinach to your blender. If you’re using fresh banana, add a few ice cubes to help thicken the milkshake and keep it cold.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Blend everything on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Pour the milkshake into a glass or a kid-friendly cup with a straw. You can also serve it in a reusable pouch for on-the-go sipping. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze the milkshake into popsicles for a fun treat later!

Substitutions

Milk: You can use any milk you like in this recipe. Dairy milk works well, but almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk are great non-dairy options that keep the milkshake creamy and delicious.

Peanut Butter: Swap it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free version. Even tahini can work if your child enjoys the flavor.

Banana: If you’re out of bananas or prefer not to use one, try avocado for creaminess or frozen mango for sweetness with a slightly different twist.

Spinach: Baby spinach blends easily and has a mild flavor, but you can substitute with kale (preferably baby kale) if you’re looking to change things up. Just keep in mind kale has a stronger taste.

Cocoa Powder: You can use cacao powder instead for a less processed option with a deeper chocolate flavor.

Sweetener (optional): If the milkshake isn’t quite sweet enough, add a touch of honey (for kids over 1), maple syrup, or a date before blending.

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Storing Leftover Chocolate Milkashake

This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before serving, as some separation may occur.

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Common Questions

Can I make this milkshake nut-free?

• Absolutely. Swap the peanut butter for another seed butter, like sunflower seed butter. Be sure to also choose a nut-free milk alternative like oat or rice milk if avoiding all nuts.

What if my child is dairy-free?

• This milkshake is very easy to make dairy-free. Use a non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy, and double-check that your cocoa powder and any optional sweeteners are also dairy-free.

Can I use either fresh or frozen spinach?

• Yes, both work well in this kid-friendly drink! Fresh spinach blends easily and has a mild flavor, while frozen spinach is a convenient option—just make sure it’s thawed slightly for easier blending. If using frozen, start with a smaller amount (about ¼ cup) as it’s usually more concentrated than fresh spinach.

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Here are Some Other Healthy Smoothies for Kids

Blueberry Banana Spinach Smoothie – A sweet, kid-friendly blend packed with fruit and hidden greens—perfect for a quick, nutritious snack or breakfast.

Carrot Smoothie – A creamy, naturally sweet smoothie that sneaks in veggies while still tasting like a treat.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie – A creamy, fruity blend that captures the classic sandwich flavor in a healthy, kid-friendly drink.

Creamy Pumpkin Smoothie – A cozy, kid-friendly blend of pumpkin, banana, and warm spices—perfect for a nutritious fall-inspired treat.

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Tried this Chocolate Spinach Milkshake? Tag me on Instagram @reallittlemeals and show me your milkshake creations! I’d love to see them!