This is a variation of our dairy free smoothies base recipe. A banana coffee smoothie is a great way to start your morning, recover from a workout, or satisfy a craving for something cold, creamy, and sweet!
Must-Know Cooking Skill
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Coffee Smoothie with Banana
If you want to make this smoothie for breakfast and are usually crunched for time in the morning, place all of the non-frozen ingredients in your blender’s jar and place it in the fridge the night before. Add the frozen ingredients in the morning and blend!
If your frozen banana coffee smoothie is too thick after blending, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice.
Prefer a stronger coffee flavor? Feel free to add an extra 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder.
While we like the added nutrition boost that leafy greens add, they do change the color of the smoothie, so use caution if serving to picky eaters!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Almond Milk: substitute soy milk for a higher protein smoothie. You can also substitute any other milk alternative; cashew, coconut, and oat would all be good choices. If you are not strictly dairy-free, you can also substitute regular milk. Choose a fat content that works for your overall diet.
- Banana: substitute avocado for the fresh banana for a similarly creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Instant Coffee: substitute instant espresso powder or a shot of espresso. Feel free to substitute decaf instant coffee if you prefer a lower caffeine version.
- Leafy Greens: if using, choose spinach or kale. If you are unsure about the flavor of greens in your smoothies, start with spinach. Spinach has a milder flavor than heartier greens like kale. Do not use arugula or mustard greens.
Coffee Smoothie Recipe Variations
“Should I add protein powder to my smoothie?” We don’t recommend it! By adding a few simple ingredients to your morning smoothie, you can satisfy your protein needs and avoid expensive protein powders with questionable ingredients! Nuts, nut butters, and seeds are all great plant-based protein sources. A peanut butter banana coffee smoothie is one of our favorite protein-boosted variations!
If you are not strictly dairy-free, you can also add a scoop of Greek yogurt to make a coffee smoothie with yogurt.
Add any other ingredients of your choice, such as spices, natural flavor extracts, oats, or coconut milk.
Need some smoothie recipe inspiration?
Use our dairy-free smoothie base recipe as a guide to make it your own or try out these other variations!
Which Blender is Best for Smoothies?
Any blender will work! While a Vitamix probably makes the creamiest smoothies, any full-size blender, single-serve blender, immersion blender, or even food processor will do the job.
Is this a Healthy Dairy Free Smoothie?
While eating whole fruit is normally best, a smoothie can be a great way to get lots of fruits and/or vegetables in one easy serving. The featured ingredients in this instant coffee smoothie recipe are bananas, dairy-free milk alternatives, and coffee, plus leafy greens if you choose to add them!
Bananas
Bananas contain fiber and potassium. The natural sugar in bananas (and all fruit) does not count against your daily sugar budget. Aim to include fruit in all of your meals so that you fill up on beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, and phytochemicals!
Which Dairy-Free Milk Alternative Should I Buy and Use?
It seems like there’s a new milk alternative coming out every other week. There are now options available made from pea protein, bananas, oats, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, macadamia nuts, pecans, cashews, coconuts, and of course the originals: rice, soy, and almond. When choosing a milk alternative, try to limit added sugars, gums, and stabilizers.
Some varieties, like cashew or oat milk are creamier, and therefore create a thicker smoothie.
Need some recommendations? Here are a few of our favorite brands:
Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Nut Milks
Hungry for more? Read our plant based milk vs. cow’s milk article!
Coffee
Coffee contains essential nutrients including riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin. It is also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help lower the risk of different cancers, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Type 2 diabetes. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Because coffee contains caffeine – a stimulant – it is important to limit overconsumption, as high doses can increase anxiety, disrupt sleep, and cause gastrointestinal distress. Extremely high doses of caffeine can even be toxic. (6)
Leafy Greens
Leafy green veggies are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote health and help fight diseases. Blending spinach into a dairy-free smoothie is an easy way to help promote your health.
For more information about which ingredients are best, check out our ingredient guide!
Instant Coffee Banana Smoothie Serving Suggestions
Dairy-free smoothies are a great accompaniment to a healthy breakfast. Pair with our overnight oats, energy bites, whole grain pancakes, muffins, or granola for a satisfying meal.
Will Smoothies Keep in the Fridge?
Keep leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the next day. They can hold for longer than a day in the fridge but often will start to separate. Simply shake before drinking!
Want more delicious breakfast recipes?
Try out these favorite base recipes, and as always, adjust to YOUR taste!
Greek Yogurt Smoothie Base Recipe
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Whole Grain Pancakes Base Recipe
Banana Coffee Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1 frozen banana (~1 cup)
- 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee powder*
Additions to YOUR taste
- 1 cup loosely packed leafy greens
- 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Enjoy!
