If you could have dessert for breakfast, would you take it? This Thin Mint–inspired smoothie is exactly that: a nostalgic treat reimagined into a cool, creamy drink that works for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a light dessert. Inspired by a childhood trick—freezing Girl Scout cookies—this smoothie captures that thin mint flavor with a subtle minty finish, chocolatey depth from cacao, and a pleasant crunch from cacao nibs. It’s easy to make and unbelievably satisfying.
This recipe appears in my cookbook Rachael’s Good Eats. During recipe testing, it became an instant favorite—my taste testers asked for it again and again. If you love the combination of mint and chocolate, this smoothie delivers that milkshake-like indulgence while also sneaking in nutrients. I get messages about it all the time because it really is that good.
SMOOTHIE BASICS
Frozen banana is the secret to a silky, creamy texture while adding natural sweetness and potassium. This smoothie builds flavor with raw cacao powder and cacao nibs for a rich chocolate profile, and peppermint extract for that unmistakable thin mint note. Spinach adds color and nutrients without changing the taste, while hemp seeds and a scoop of vanilla protein powder round out the smoothie with healthy fats and protein.
Cacao and cinnamon (if you choose to add a pinch) deepen the flavor and contribute minerals like iron and magnesium. Together, these ingredients help provide sustained energy and may support blood sugar balance.
SHOP SMOOTHIE NECESSITIES
Here are the essentials to have on hand for this smoothie: a high-speed blender, a supply of frozen bananas and spinach, unsweetened coconut milk (or your preferred milk), vanilla protein powder, cacao nibs and cacao powder, raw hemp seeds, and peppermint extract. These basics make it simple to whip up this dessert-like smoothie any time.
BLOAT, BE GONE
Peppermint has been traditionally used to ease digestive discomfort, including bloating and indigestion. A small amount of peppermint extract gives this smoothie both its signature flavor and a soothing quality, making it a pleasant after-dinner treat or late-afternoon pick-me-up during the holidays or any time you crave something minty and chocolatey.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Unsweetened coconut milk (or other unsweetened non-dairy milk or regular milk)
- Ice
- Frozen banana
- Frozen spinach
- Vanilla protein powder
- Cacao nibs
- Cacao powder
- Raw hemp seeds
- Peppermint extract
HOW TO MAKE MY THIN MINT CHIP SMOOTHIE
For the best texture, freeze the banana and spinach ahead of time. If you don’t have frozen ingredients, fresh will work—your smoothie just may be slightly less cold.
Add the following to a high-speed blender: 1.5 cups unsweetened coconut milk, 3/4 cup ice, 1/2 frozen banana, 1–2 handfuls frozen spinach, 1 serving vanilla protein powder, 2 tablespoons cacao nibs, 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder, 1 tablespoon raw hemp seeds, and 1/8–1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste). Blend on high until completely smooth.
Pour into a glass, top with extra cacao nibs and a mint leaf if desired, and enjoy immediately.
RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS
Swap the coconut milk for any unsweetened non-dairy or dairy milk you prefer. If you don’t have peppermint extract, blend in one or two fresh mint leaves and taste before adding more. Hemp seeds can be omitted without changing the flavor— they mainly boost texture and nutrition.
If you want other protein powder options, use your favorite vanilla protein—adjust the amount to match the serving size on your product. This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt to what you have on hand.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF A MINT SMOOTHIE?
Mint adds antioxidants and is commonly used to soothe digestive discomfort like bloating and indigestion. Combined with spinach, banana, hemp seeds, and cacao, this smoothie provides fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats while still feeling like a treat.
IS IT BETTER TO USE FRESH OR FROZEN SPINACH IN SMOOTHIES?
Both fresh and frozen spinach are nutritious choices. Frozen spinach keeps the smoothie colder and blends smoothly because it’s more brittle; fresh spinach works fine if that’s what you have. Either option gives you similar vitamins and minerals.
LOOKING FOR MORE DESSERT-LIKE SMOOTHIE RECIPES?
Try these other dessert-style smoothies: Pumpkin Pie Smoothie, Peaches & Cream Smoothie, Peanut Butter Chip Smoothie, and Snickerdoodle Chip Smoothie.
Thin Mint Chip Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 3/4 cups ice
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1-2 handfuls of spinach
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs, plus more for topping
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 tbsp raw hempseeds
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp peppermint extract, to taste
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Top with additional cacao nibs and enjoy!