Chai Spiced Banana Smoothie

Chai Spiced Banana Smoothies – This chai banana smoothie is such a yummy change of pace! The chai spice blend is fantastic–you’ll want to put it on everything! (Vegan, Paleo)

Originally Posted March 2014. Post and photos updated Aug 2021

Do you ever see a recipe in a book or online that you just can’t stop thinking about? I was that way a few years ago with chai spice mixes. I couldn’t stop thinking about ways to use it…oatmeal, granola, smoothies…yum!

We’ve been making this chai banana smoothie for over 7 years now, and it never disappoints! It’s a yummy flavor and never disappoints.

These chai spice banana smoothies are substantial, filling, and just different enough to break up the greens-n-fruit smoothie routine. I’m always and forever on the hunt for healthy proteins and fats for us to eat. These have almond butter, which also lends a velvety texture, and flax or chia seeds, which lend protein, fiber, and healthy fat. The leftovers (if you have any) also make fabulous popsicles. 

I like my smoothies on the thicker side, but if you want yours thinner, you can easily add a bit more almond milk. But fair warning: after trying a chai banana smoothie, you’ll want to toss this spice blend into everything!

Here’s What Goes Into Our Chai Spice Banana Smoothie:

• Chai Spice. I’m using our Homemade Chai Spice Mix for this smoothie. It’s a gorgeous blend of warm spices that works well in everything from this smoothie, to cakes and muffins, to drinks and desserts. SO GOOD. So easy.
• Frozen Bananas. I will forever use this foolproof method for freezing bananas. It makes them freeze quickly, store well, and blend more easily when you’re ready to use them.
• Almond Milk (Or Your Favorite). We almost always use unsweetened almond milk for this chai banana smoothie, but you can absolutely use whatever your family loves and drinks.
• Almond Butter or Peanut Butter. My very favorite way to make this banana smoothie is with peanut butter, but almond butter is also gorgeous with chai spice. You could also sub cashew butter or leave it out if you don’t tolerate nuts.
• Ground Flax, Chia, Collagen, or Hemp. For some protein and healthy fats, I love using a bit of this vegan protein powder (made from ground hemp, chia, and flax), or you can use unflavored collagen protein (my other favorite!) for a dairy-free paleo option.

FAQ + TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST BANANA CHAI SMOOTHIE:

THE BEST WAY TO FREEZE BANANAS FOR SMOOTHIES. Any time I have ripe bananas, I use this method to freeze them for smoothies. It works like a charm and makes blending so much easier later!

WANT TO ADD GREENS? You can easily add 1 cup of spinach, though the color is admittedly a bit funky. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, I always recommend blending your greens + liquid first before adding any of the other ingredients. It helps get the smoothest texture! If you’ve got a high-speed blender (I swear by this one), greens should be the very last ingredient you add.

GET YOUR TEXTURE JUST RIGHT. We’re mega fans of banana “nice” cream, so keep thing these smoothies thick feels almost as luxurious as soft-serve ice cream when we serve it for snack. If I’m sipping this in the morning, I usually make it a bit thinner by adding more almond milk to the blender. It’s totally your preference! You can even add some ice for a frosty texture.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER CHAI SPICE. Our chai spice blend makes PLENTY (much more than you need for a single smoothie), so I recommend keeping it in an airtight jar or container. It’ll keep for several months without losing its potency. If you’re not sure you’ll use it all, you can absolutely halve or quarter the recipe for the spice blend.

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