A Healthy Shamrock Shake has all the taste of the classic seasonal beverage with about half the calories and a bigger punch of nutrition!
Just as November is to Pumpkin Spice Lattes, March is to Shamrock Shakes. And with March being a few days away, if you’re a mint and chocolate fan like me, you’re likely excited for the start of a new month! Because I’m limiting the drive-through and concerned about the amount of sugar and sweets getting into the bellies of my dynamic toddler duo, I tried making my own twist on a healthy shamrock shake. Because my two have never tasted the fast food version AND are smoothie/shake connoisseurs, I was pleasantly please to see them gobble down this protein and produce-packed version!
Besides making this healthy shamrock shake with smoothie must-haves like spinach and banana, I used a new ingredient that those of you with a sensitivity to dairy products might be familiar with: lactose-free milk! People who suffer from lactose intolerance do not have the ability to break down lactose, or the natural sugar present in milk. Lactose-free milk is similar in nutrition to cow’s milk you’ll usually find in my fridge. I tried this smoothie with both lactose-free milk and regular cow’s milk, and both came out delicious. Neither bro could tell the difference!
So whether or not you are wanting to watch your calories OR settle your sensitive-to-dairy tummy, this healthy shamrock shake is for you. Just don’t forget the cocoa powder! The tiniest of taste buds will know a chocolatey-ingredient is missing…
- 1 medium sized banana, peeled
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup fat-free milk OR lactose-free milk
- 1 cup ice
- Optional: drop of green food coloring
- Add ingredients to high speed blender. Puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Enjoy the flavors in this fast-food classic with more nutrition a healthy #shamrock #shake! Share on X
Questions or concerns about lactose intolerance? Be sure to visit the Milk Means More website to learn how and why you can still enjoy dairy foods!
Disclaimer: I am proud to partner with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to bring you healthy recipes made with cow’s milk. Because of these great partnerships I am able to share delicious and nutritious family-friendly recipes. As always all opinion and ideas are 100% my own. Find out why Milk Means More on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
