11 September 2015

Date and Masala Chai Smoothie

Back to school this month, so we're back to smoothies to kick start the day.

The base tends to be the same - an almond and coconut milk, banana and chai spices mix. To this, I add flax seeds, almond butter or tahini, then some superfood like acai or maca powder. For sweetener, I like maple syrup, with honey or agave as alternatives.

Recently though, I have switched to using dates instead of those sweeteners. I like it - the smoothie comes out tasting less obviously sweet plus it adds in some fibre.

I do accept the arguments against dates as an alternative to sugar, but I am using them here as a source of sugar so I think it's fine.

Is it better than the other sugar alternatives - probably no. If you want a low sugar version drop the banana and dates, then add some vanilla powder. The sugar-free version is delicious as well, but not as sweet.

Date and Masala Chai Smoothie

100ml almond milk

100ml coconut milk

1 chopped banana

1 tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp flax seeds

½-1 tsp chai masala spices

1 tsp maca powder

2-3 dates, ideally Medjool

Simple combine all the ingredients into a blender. Whizz until smooth, then enjoy.