It’s not often that I get cravings, but earlier this month I found myself hankering for all things chocolate. Cacao nibs and cocoa powder were going on everything!

I whipped up this Dreamy & Creamy Chocolate Shake as a low-glycemic afternoon snack one day. It totally hit the spot. This time of year, I keep ripe pears on the counter all the time for snacking or adding to smoothies like this one. Using just half of a pear in this shake gives it some sweetness and body without a lot of sugar. To boost the sweetness, I used a little stevia, but honey or maple syrup would work equally well.

The best part about this shake? It sneaks in some spinach! Although it’s just a handful (you don’t want to use too much or the smoothie will turn a nasty “swamp” color), it’s better than nothing and still packs in some great alkalizing power. Every little bit counts, right?

Raw cacao nibs and cacao powder lend deep, rich chocolate flavor. To help thicken it up a little, I threw in some chia seeds, too. Between the raw cacao, the chia seeds, the spinach, and some cinnamon for good measure, this deliciously creamy shake is packed with antioxidants…and you’d never know it because it tastes so good.

I love food that makes me go “Mmm” when I take the first bite (or sip), and this shake definitely fits the bill. Gulp down a glass for a quick and hydrating breakfast or snack. Even though it’s the middle of winter, I find myself craving hydrating smoothies right now as much as I do in the sweltering heat of summer. When it’s dry and gray outside, my cells love to soak up the nutrients and antioxidants in a good smoothie.

If you’d like to add protein powder to this recipe, feel free to use your favorite kind. I’m not using much protein powder these days as I find that I feel best when I don’t eat it. There are so many more unprocessed, nutrient-dense ingredients to add to smoothies (avocados, chia seeds, soaked nuts, greens, coconut oil, and more) that I don’t miss the protein powder one bit.

A few other chocolaty beverages to kick those cravings…

• Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa from Nourishing Meals
• Chocolate Sweet Potato Smoothie from The Daily Dietribe
• ChocoChia “Milkshake” from The Spunky Coconut

Dreamy & Creamy Chocolate Shake

Makes 1 smoothie

This deliciously creamy smoothie even sneaks in a little spinach! Use just a handful, though, otherwise it will turn your smoothie a murky green color instead of chocolate brown (still delicious, but not very pretty!).

1/2 ripe pear

4 ice cubes

1 handful spinach

1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)

1 tablespoon raw cacao nibs

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

Pinch of sea salt

Liquid stevia, honey, or maple syrup, to taste (I use 5 drops of stevia)

-

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until creamy and smooth. Garnish with shredded coconut or cacao nibs if you’d like. Enjoy!