Healthy Milkshake (no banana!)

This healthy milkshake recipe has permanently cemented my spot as best wife ever. My husband is a huge ice cream guy, but he’ll admit – too much ice cream hurts his stomach. I often make him my no-churn vegan vanilla ice cream, and sometimes even my 2-ingredient healthy pineapple ice cream, but those take a bit more time. So this healthy milkshake is basically his way of enjoying an ice cream treat without any ice cream and in a matter of minutes! Just ice, milk (I use almond milk to keep it dairy-free), cocoa powder, and maple syrup is all you’ll need for this frosty treat. It’s even totally banana-free, because while I love banana, one of the most frequent comments on any banana-forward recipe I post is “I don’t like banana” or “what can I use instead of banana?” So, here ya have it – a healthy creamy and perfectly sweet chocolate milkshake with NO banana!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Milkshake

• Only 4 simple ingredients, no unecessary additives.
• Dairy‑free and naturally sweet, no banana – yet indulgently chocolatey!
• Low‑calorie & flexible – customizable for keto, vegan, or paleo diets.

What Makes This Recipe Healthy

• Made with unsweetened almond milk, reducing calories and sugar vs. regular milk.
• Unsweetened cocoa delivers rich flavor plus antioxidants without extra fat .
• Optional sweeteners let you control sweetness and caloric intake – use maple syrup, honey, stevia, or allulose .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sugar‑free?
Yes! Swap maple syrup for stevia, monk fruit, or allulose for a keto‑friendly version (around 100–150 cal).

What other sweeteners work besides maple syrup?
Honey, agave, dates, or even unsweetened applesauce can work – just adjust the quantity to your taste!

Can I add frozen banana?
Absolutely! Adding banana creates a thicker, fruitier smoothie; leave it out if you want a pure chocolate flavor.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

• Start with 2 Tbsp maple syrup, then adjust after tasting.
• Add more ice if you prefer a frosty shake, or 1/2 a frozen banana for a creamier milkshake.
• Freeze leftover milkshake in ice cube trays for future shakes!

Flavor Variations

• Vanilla Milkshake: Omit cocoa powder. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Optional: add 1–2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or coconut cream for extra richness.
• Strawberry Milkshake: Omit cocoa powder. Add ½ cup frozen strawberries before blending. Optional: a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Mint Chocolate Milkshake: add a few drops of peppermint extract and top with a fresh mint leaf.
• Peanut Butter Swirl Milkshake: blend in 1 Tbsp natural nut butter for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
• Mocha Milkshake: replace half of the almond milk with black coffee or espresso for a caffeine kick!

5 from 1 vote

4-Ingredient Healthy Milkshake (no banana!)

This healthy milkshake recipe is creamy, dairy-free, and made with just 4 simple ingredients – no banana or ice cream required! Choose from chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry for a naturally sweetened treat you can blend in under 2 minutes. It’s the perfect quick and refreshing dessert or snack that’s vegan, gluten-free, and totally customizable!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

• 1 blender

Ingredients

• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1/2 cup milk I used unsweetened almond milk
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, then pour into a glass and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1milkshake | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 2.8g | Sugar: 12g