The Easy Pumpkin Cacao Smoothie You Need to Try This Fall

There’s a chill in the air and I can tell the season is changing. The laundry I just folded consisted of shorts, tank tops, and little dresses, but this week I’ve gotten out boots and cardigans. Along with fall, comes excitement about everything pumpkin. The pumpkin spice latte hashtag (#PSL) appears over a million times on Instagram. But what if you want something with a little more substance and a whole lot less sugar in the morning?

This smoothie recipe contains real pumpkin and cacao nibs that are a healthy alternative to chocolate chips. This recipe is super handy for those times when you make pumpkin bread or some other deliciousness that calls for only a partial can of pumpkin puree and you’re left with the remainder and no desire to spend a lot of time making something else. Make this to savor on the weekend, or take it to go on a weekday.

Speaking of Instagram, are you following us over there yet?

Pumpkin and Cacao Smoothie

Serves 1

Note: I like my smoothies a little less chilly this time of year, but if you like yours cold, use a frozen banana or throw in come ice cubes.

Ingredients

• 1 scoop plain protein powder

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 small banana

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon raw cacao nibs

Directions

Place everything into a blender in this order. Blend until combined, adding a little more almond milk for a thinner consistency if desired.

What are your favorite ways to eat pumpkin?