Healthy Chocolate Milkshake (Mockshake Recipe)

Healthy Chocolate Milkshake, a quick homemade “mockshake” drink that is a cross between a smoothie and milkshake. This chocolate milkshake recipe has no added sugar, gluten free, and can also be made dairy free. Great way how to make a milkshake without ice cream!

Healthy Chocolate Milkshake recipe for you that is perfect if you’re trying to control those post holiday sugar cravings or doing some kind of sugar detox cleanse! Hands down, this “mockshake” is my kids’ favorite after-school heathy milkshake snack right now! It’s like a healthy smoothie recipe for kids that they will love and they’ll think they are getting a sweet treat.

I love that this chocolate milkshake is easy to make, healthy, and best of all, it fills my kids up so they don’t ask me a million times what’s for dinner. NO, technically it’s not a milkshake, but we call it a milkshake so my kids think they’re getting a treat.

It’s more of a cross between a smoothie and a milkshake. It’s also sugar free (or at least no added sugar), gluten free, and can also be made dairy free. If chocolate isn’t your thing, check out my Peach Smoothie recipe.

So many variations that you can easily personalize this healthy chocolate milkshake!

Only 6 ingredients in this healthy chocolate milkshake – frozen banana slices, almond milk (milk, coconut milk, or other milk substitute), almond butter (or other nut butter such as peanut butter or peanut butter powder), ice, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.

No added sugar in this mockshake except the sugar found naturally in the products such as the banana.

Put all the ingredients in the blender, blend for a little while, and you’re done!

Difference Between Smoothie and Shake:

So like I said this homemade Healthy Chocolate Milkshake, is technically a cross between a smoothie and shake.

Depending on who you ask, you may get a difference opinion on what the difference is between a smoothie and milkshake. Typically, a milkshake contains mostly ice cream while a smoothie contains mostly fruit (fresh and/or frozen).

Both smoothies and shakes contain some kind of liquid such as milk or milk substitute like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.

Smoothies may also contain yogurt or cottage cheese to get a creamy texture.

There’s of course a lot of overlap between the two and smoothies and shakes can be quite similar!

How to Make Milkshakes without Ice Cream or Milk:

Not everyone can have milk for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s a milk allergy, sensitivity, or whatever the case may be, thankfully there are numerous milk alternatives that can easily be found in many local grocery stores. That’s why this Healthy Chocolate Milkshake is a great alternative to a chocolate milkshake with ice cream and/or milk.

If you’re wondering how to make a milkshake without milk, milk substitutes such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk just to name a a few, are great alternatives.

However, if you’re also not using ice cream, it’s hard to get that creamy milkshake texture. To compensate for that, frozen bananas give a great creamy frozen texture. Some people also like to use ripe avocados for that creamy texture. The frozen bananas in this milkshake are key for that creamy texture.

How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies and Milkshakes:

Like I said, you’ll need some frozen bananas for this milkshake to get that creamy texture. Do you ever wonder how to freeze bananas for smoothies or other frozen drinks?

First, you can generally substitute a room temperature banana BUT the texture of your smoothie, milkshake, or whatever you’re making will be quite different. Please use frozen bananas!

Don’t worry though, freezing bananas can be quick and easy! What I like to do, is thinly slice the ripe bananas and place the banana slices on silicone mats (silpats) on baking trays and place in the freezer for an hour or two or more. When the banana slices are frozen they peel right off the silicone mats and are easy to store in resealable bags.

I like to make a big batch of frozen banana slices at one time to last me a few weeks. If you just need a little frozen banana quick, you can chop your banana into small pieces or very thinly slice the banana and freeze on wax paper or a silicone mat. Place in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes or until frozen or mostly frozen.

Please note, for best results you should start with a ripe banana. Under ripe and over ripe bananas don’t work very well. Under ripe bananas will have an off bitter taste and over ripe bananas will be too mushy to slice or chop for freezing.

Best Blenders for Smoothies and Milkshakes:

Of course you’ll also need a blender to make this milkshake. Ever look for a blender and completely overwhelmed at all the options? Yep, SO many choices!

There’s really no best smoothie blender, but be sure to check smoothie blender reviews. Models can change often so it’s not always easy to compare.

When choosing a blender, make sure you also look for one that has sharp blades and strong motors especially if you’re making a lot of drinks with frozen fruit, ice, or other hard food. I’d also check the warranty as some blenders don’t last long or could use replacement parts frequently.

You don’t need a super expensive blender, but if you’re planning to use your blender for a lot of things on a regular basis, many people like Vitamix blenders. However, they can be quite pricey, heavy, and bulky. They are strong though, and I haven’t heard too many complaints.

For a less expensive option, I’ve been very happy with my Ninja Professional Blender (currently less than $100). Love that it comes with smaller personal cups along with the regular size larger pitcher. I’ve had mine for awhile and no problems. I also bought extra individual cups so my kids can make their own smoothies and milkshakes.

Another great option if you’re looking for a smaller blender or something even less expensive, is a personal blender. These blenders are smaller and great to make individual drinks. They are smaller and cheaper, but since they are smaller they can limit you to what you can make. Great option though, if you don’t have the room or money for another option.

Few final notes on this healthy chocolate milkshake…

I personally like to use unsweetened coconut milk and peanut butter powder rather than the almond milk and nut butter. All personal preference though.

Again, you should definitely use FROZEN banana slices. You could use a regular banana but the consistency of the milkshake will be very different.

Different cocoa powders taste different. So use your favorite or try a different brand for a less bitter taste.

Feel free to add in some of your other favorite add ins like flax seed, protein powder, etc.

So good, it’s almost like a chocolate milkshake! Top with a little whipped cream (or a dairy free whipped cream option) and even a few sprinkles and it’s a fun treat!

Here’s a quick video my son put together showing how to make these easy Chocolate Mockshakes!

Hope you enjoy this easy Healthy Chocolate Mockshake Recipe! Whether you call it a chocolate smoothie, chocolate mockshake, or chocolate milkshake, it’s delicious! A great healthy snack that will fill you up for hours.

More in the mood for a green smoothie? You might like this easy Kale Apple Smoothie!

(This post for Healthy Chocolate Milkshake was updated January 2018, so may look a little different than the previous version. However, the recipe is basically the same.)