If you love the taste of rich berries and strawberries with chocolate, we might have just made your new favorite smoothie. We've combined the nutrient dense berries with our cacao calm vegan collagen support for a chocolate-berry taste you will constantly crave. Plus, you are supporting your body's natural collagen production.* What could be better?
You might be thinking, but shouldn't I be staying away from chocolate? The truth is, cacao (which is in our cacao calm) actually has amazing benefits to it. Here are 5 benefits of Cacao Powder that make this smoothie guilt-free while also satisfying your chocolate craving.
- Cacao powder is high in healthy minerals.
- Cacao powder is an excellent source of healthy fat.
- Cacao powder is loaded with antioxidants.
- Cacao powder helps boost your mood.
- Cacao powder is a good source of fiber.
And do not confuse cacao with cocoa, the two are actually processed differently. Cocoa is typically processed with high heat, which diminishes its nutritional value. On the other hand, cacao powder is processed with low heat, maintaining its pure form and nutritional benefits. The best part? Unlike cocoa, which tends to contain additives and sugar, cacao has zero sugar. So you get all the chocolatey goodness without the unhealthy side effects.
Another ingredient that stars in our cacao calm vegan collagen support blend is ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a herb that is classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help our bodies respond to external stressors. They’re known for their health benefits, especially when ingested as a supplement, powder, or extract. Ashwagandha in particular has long been used to manage stress and ease anxiety and has been used for over 3,000 years as a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers that is native to India. The powder that is extracted from its roots and leaves have been shown to provide multiple health benefits.
Working together in our cacao calm collagen support blend is amla berry and ashwagandha which may actually help with hair loss.* Amla Berry has amazing benefits, which is why it is an important ingredient in all of our vegan collagen boost blends whereas ashwagandha can only be found in our cacao calm blend. We use organic Amla Berry powder in all our flavors because of its rich history in Ayurveda and how it has been traditionally used as a general tonic both topically and internally as a coolant for heat and inflammation in the body. It also is known for its ability to increase vitality, enhance digestion, stimulate hair growth, and promote longevity.*
Other amazing ingredients in this smoothie are strawberries, cherries, walnuts, and cinnamon. Strawberries and cherries are incredible sources of antioxidants (and also incredibly tasty with cacao). Walnuts add in some protein and healthy fats aka some great brain nutrients!* And cinnamon adds a little spice into the smoothie that helps bring out that chocolate-y flavor we want and love!
To top things off you can add some cacao nibs or honey to make the smoothie an even sweeter taste. Want it to be more like a milkshake? Add more ice and/or almond milk for a thicker smoothie. Top it off with some coconut whip cream!
If you loved this smoothie, you'll love some of our other dessert themed smoothies!
- Snickerdoodle Cookie Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Beauty Smoothie
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
- Vegan Chocolate Brownie Smoothie
- Good Skin Day Carrot Cake Smoothie
