I was growing a bit bored with my almond butter oat smoothie recipe so I concocted this one to “mix things up”.  This is a bit more of a cheat but there are still plenty of healthy ingredients to make this a great breakfast smoothie or as a meal replacement.

Coffee Chocolate Banana Oat Smoothie

6 ounces vanilla unsweetened almond milk (Silk brand or Trader Joe’s purple box non-refrigerated)

2-3 TBSP Half & Half Creamer OR Whole milk

4 heaping TBSP Brown Cow Cream on Top Whole Milk Yogurt (any whole milk yogurt will do but I prefer this or Stonyfield organic brand)

1/2 CUP cold premium coffee (I make a blend of multiple regions of coffee beans from Peet’s, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or other coffee companies known for their quality) OR 3 TBSP fine coffee grounds

2 TBSP Trader Joe’s Coffee Syrup (note: if you don’t have this add 1-2 tsp of sugar in the raw to give it some sweetness)

2/3 CUP rolled oats

2/3 CUP oat bran

1 heaping TBSP semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 TBSP organic black chia seeds (Nutiva brand @ Costco)

1 medium-sized banana

1 scoop of vanilla or non-flavored protein powder

2 large ice cubes

Blend all together and pour into a large glass.  NOTE: this will make a thick smoothie so adjust accordingly and add more almond milk or yogurt if you prefer a thinner smoothie.

Coffee Chocolate Banana Oat Smoothie

Trader Joe’s Coffee Syrup

NOTE: If you’re unable to find this syrup I would check online for a substitute.  Amazon carries a few varieties to choose from.

###