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At 9 months pregnant in the dead of summer, watermelon is one of my biggest cravings! I got creative a few weeks ago with these 3-ingredient watermelon gummies, and can’t wait for the day I can have one of my frozen watermelon margaritas again. But for now, fresh watermelon sounds the best – and fresh watermelon happens to be the only ingredient in this watermelon shaved ice recipe. Just fresh watermelon, cut into spears, frozen solid, then shaved into a bowl. This healthy frozen treat couldn’t possibly get any easier (or more delicious)!

frozen watermelon spears on a baking sheet.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Shaved Ice

  • Only 2 ingredients – You don’t need any added sugar, syrups, or flavorings.
  • Naturally hydrating – Watermelon is over 90% water and rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
  • Perfect for summer – Cold, sweet, and incredibly refreshing.
  • Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free – Great for nearly every dietary preference.
  • Fun to make – Grating frozen watermelon turns it into a fluffy, icy treat that’s just as fun to prepare as it is to eat.

Can I Make This With Any Other Fruit?

Yes! This recipe works well with frozen mango, pineapple, or cantaloupe. Just make sure the fruit is firm enough to grate after freezing. Watermelon works especially well because of its high water content and natural sweetness, but feel free to experiment with other frozen fruits for different flavors and colors.

watermelon shaved ice in a small bowl with a spoon.

Recipe Variations and Toppings

  • Tajin or chili lime seasoning – Add a spicy, tangy twist!
  • Coconut milk drizzle – For a creamy, tropical flavor.
  • Fresh mint or basil – Chopped herbs elevate the flavor beautifully.
  • Fruit syrup or honey – Optional if you want it a little sweeter.
  • Top with berries or shredded coconut – Adds texture and color.
watermelon shaved ice in a small bowl with a sprig of fresh mint.
5 from 1 vote

Viral Watermelon Shaved Ice

This viral watermelon shaved ice is the ultimate healthy summer treat made with just frozen watermelon and a splash of fresh lime juice! It’s refreshing, naturally sweet, and perfect for hot days when you want something light and hydrating. This easy 1-ingredient recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and ready in minutes – no ice cream maker needed!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 cheese grater

Ingredients

  • 1 whole watermelon
  • fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  • Cut the watermelon into spears, then freeze the spears for at least 2 hours.
  • Once the watermelon is frozen solid, use a cheese grater to shave the watermelon into a bowl. Top the shaved watermelon with fresh lime juice.

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!

healthy milkshake in a glass with whipped cream on top.

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.

healthy milkshake in a glass with whipped cream and a strawberry on top.

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!
healthy milkshake in a glass with whipped cream and a strawberry on top.
5 from 2 votes

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
Total Time: 5 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!

Nutrition

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