spinach frappe

This should really be called a banana mocha frappuccino, but I like to say spinach frapp just cause it sounds gross. Don’t get me wrong, I love my spinach. But who really wants it in their sweet blended coffee drink?

Leafy greens—fresh or frozen—turn out to be a great addition for smoothies and shakes. They add vitamins and fiber and substance to your smoothie without loading in the sugar, fat, or ice that waters down the flavor. Nor does it add any flavor of its own, so don’t worry about you frappucino tasting like a drinkable salad.

This homemade frappe has it all — sweetness from a frozen banana and vanilla soymilk, fiber from the spinach and banana, richness and antioxidants from the cocoa, a jolt of espresso, and extra protein (optional) from protein powder — without too much ice watering it down! To indulge in a mocha frappuccino for breakfast and not feel one bit of guilt? Mornings just got way sweeter.

Give it a try, and let me know just how much more you love spinach :]

Spinach frappe, by me

1 banana, cut into chunks and frozen
handful of spinach (fresh or frozen – frozen adds more bulk)
vanilla soy milk, about 2/3 cup
spoonful of chocolate protein powder (optional – adds sweetness)
½ T unsweetened cocoa powder
1-2 t instant espresso or coffee powder
few cubes of ice (I use crushed to help out my magic bullet) **try using coffee ice cubes for maximum flavor!
*I forgot to try this, but xanthan gum is apparently the key to thick + non-separating smoothies/frapps (use about 1/8 t)

Combine all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Add more milk if too thick, more ice if too runny. I topped mine with homemade vegan chocolate chips from here!