It’s peppermint mocha season and we’ve got a delicious dairy-free recipe ready for your weekend enjoyment. With indulgent chocolate, bright peppermint, and good old-fashioned coffee, this recipe gives you that warm holiday feeling all in the form of a healthy smoothie. Our Peppermint Mocha Probiotic Smoothie features Lifeway Oat for optimal gut health with a creamy texture that is unlike any other oat milk out there. With live and active probiotic cultures, it will make you feel good all season long.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
- 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup cold-brew concentrate, or very strong cold-coffee
- 1/8 tsp. instant espresso powder
- 1 tbsp. dark cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
- 1 1/2-2 frozen bananas
- 2 dates, pitted
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 tbsp. dairy-free dark chocolate chips/chunks
- Toppings: coconut whipped cream, candy cane pieces, and dark chocolate chips/chunks
Directions
- In a high-speed blender, add the ingredients in the order listed except the toppings.
- Blend until thick and frosty.
- Pour in a glass, add toppings, and enjoy!
