A small McDonalds Shamrock Shake will set you back 460 calories and 64 grams of sugar! Do your health a favor, and make your own delicious and healthy shamrock shake recipe at home.
How to make a healthy Shamrock Shake
The popular McDonalds Shamrock Shakes are back again.
And although those mint milkshakes might taste good for the few minutes they last, even the smallest size shamrock milkshake is full of empty calories and sugar, chemicals, additives, and food dyes.
So here is a quick, simple, thick, and super creamy recipe for how to make your own homemade healthy shamrock shake, right in your own kitchen.
Readers also love these Black Bean Brownies
Watch the step by step healthy shamrock shake recipe video above
Homemade healthy milkshakes
While I’ve always believed indulging in unhealthy food every once in a while is fine, I’ve also never been big on moderation.
If I enjoy something, I want it all the time!
With these healthy shamrock shakes, you don’t have to drink them in moderation.
The easy recipe takes under five minutes to make, uses natural ingredients to get that classic green hue, and it has NO refined sugar whatsoever.
Think of how much sugar you’re saving by drinking ZERO grams of refined sugar instead of 64. This healthy shamrock shake recipe is also way under 460 calories.
Trending right now: Vegan Hot Chocolate
Vegan shamrock shake ingredients
The recipe calls for the following: milk of choice, frozen spinach (or a few drops of food coloring), pure peppermint extract, chocolate chips or cacao nibs, and a frozen banana.
There’s no matcha required, and a banana free option is also included in the recipe.
While they don’t taste exactly like a McDonald’s thick shake (although if you use canned coconut milk, they are surprisingly milkshake-like), I actually like these vegan milkshakes even better. They don’t give you the lethargic consumed-too-much-sugar feeling when you’re done.
Feel free to use your favorite milk of choice here. Sometimes I use coconut milk for a more decadent shake, but more often I will use nondairy cashew milk or almond milk.
Lately when I’ve been making the plant based shakes, I haven’t bothered to turn them green. The white ones are still just as good, although admittedly not quite as fun.
*If you’re a chocoholic, try the Chocolate Shamrock Shake Recipe.
Healthy shamrock shake serving suggestions
These healthy green smoothies are great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Try serving them with a Tofu Scramble or these whole grain Banana Oatmeal Cookies, for a healthy breakfast you’ll want to make all year long.
Or enjoy one as a festive St. Patrick’s Day dessert. You can even add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to turn it into a high protein post workout treat.
One shamrock protein shake will have around 25-30 grams of protein!
What’s your favorite milkshake flavor?
Mine’s always been mint chocolate chip. Although I do love the flavor, it’s the vibrant green color that enthralls me more than anything else.
Think of those gorgeously green Shamrock Shakes from McDonalds or the bright mint chocolate chip milkshakes from Baskin Robbins.
It goes back to when I was three years old and loved anything blue. Since our local Baskin Robbins didn’t make blue ice cream at the time, mint chocolate chip was the next best choice.
I went through a phase in middle school where I’d drink a Baskin Robbins mint chocolate chip milkshake every single day after school.
And now?
Well now it’s been over seven years since I first came up with this vegan and healthy shamrock shake recipe, and yet here I am still making them for myself at least once a week!
Try topping your Shamrock Shake with homemade Coconut Whipped Cream.
The recipe was inspired by this Green Smoothie Recipe.
Healthy Shamrock Shake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 frozen banana (or make this banana-free Avocado Smoothie Recipe)
- cacao nibs or chocolate chips, as desired
- 1/8 tsp to 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 scoop protein powder, optional
- 1/4 cup frozen spinach, optional
- I usually add scant 1/8 tsp salt to bring out the flavor
Instructions
- *If you can’t get on board with the green smoothie thing, you can opt for green food coloring or just drink a white peppermint shake, which is just as delicious. Or add a pinch of spirulina!Feel free to use your favorite milk of choice. Canned coconut milk will give it a rich milkshake-like taste, but I also really love the lighter results of using cashewmilk or almond milk. Make sure the banana you use is at least somewhat brown so you don't get that unripe earthy banana flavor in your mint chocolate shake. To make the shake: Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely smooth. You can add the chocolate chips either before or after blending. Be sure to use pure peppermint extract, not imitation.View Nutrition Facts
Notes
Have you made this recipe?
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Healthy Drink Ideas
Strawberry Smoothies ( NO banana)
Albizia says
Although I hate mint, I must admit the color is pretty 🙂 .
I’ve tried only the basics – strawberry and chocolate. I haven’t even tried vanilla (shame on me!). But if there was banana and coffee milkshake available, I would drink it pretty often.
Kayla (Little Miss Healthify) says
Oooh, yummy! Love the color!!
I make smoothies with mint extract and spinach too! Only I add chocolate protein powder for a Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie shake!!
Sarah C. says
I’m gonna try that!
ally says
yum yum! definitely a MUST try!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
Wow this looks amazing Katie!! Love the idea of a mint chocolate chip smoothie. Yum!
Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats says
Just in time for Shamrock Shake season!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Exactly! I felt pressured to get all my Valentine recipes up before the actual day, so I’m starting early this time! 🙂
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Girl this sounds exactly like my chocolate milkshake recipe, but with mint extract added! Yummy idea, I can’t wait to add peppermint next time!:)
Stefanie says
That sounds so good and refreshing. 🙂
Anita Ruiz says
Funny you should post this I was just complaining how I miss my mint n chip milk shakes from Baskin Robbins. Its been about two years since and I am really excited to try this new recipe. Thank you for bringing a smile to a woman who misses her ice cream store experiences.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww, your sweet comment made ME smile. 🙂
eatandrun says
Mint chocolate chip was always my favorite too!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
This sounds delicous and so good for you! 🙂
Sarah C. says
Photos look GORGEOUS! I want a mint milkshake now, and I don’t even like mint! LOL!
Erika says
You read my mind! I was just thinking about St. Patricks Day and wondering if I could find a good replacement for those McDonalds shamrock shakes. Thanks Katie!!!
Gen says
yum!! mint choc chip is one of my favorite flavors, too!!! =D
Alyssa says
THAT is my favorite flavor for a milkshake! I am obsessed with mint chocolate chip – and it has to be green 🙂
chocolate-covered katie says
I agree lol. Once, my mom bought Dryers (or Breyers, I forget), and the mint cc is not green. Greedy child that I was, I wouldn’t eat it!
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
oh my wow. like WOW that looks so dreamy.. I, myself am a HUGE fan of mint- i had my first mint jocolat bar last week and the love story began…
and i TOTALLY go for the xantham gum add in too… thick + creamy > thin + runny
(gotta love my math skills, ey!?)
okay im thinking.. a cookie dough shake.. BUT i have zero clue on how that would work…..
chocolate-covered katie says
Hmmm… maybe leave out the peppermint and spinach, and add cookie dough fudge babies!
Linda @ the Fitty says
This is so much better than MacDonald! I myself would like to see cookies and cream so I don’t have to buy a mcflurrie.
Sarahishealthy says
And you’ve done it again. Genius! It’s beautiful, and now I know what I’m having for snack today :).
Leslie says
I have so many of your recipes bookmarked, miss Katie. And now you go and throw in another one! Can you please write a cookbook already, so I can have them all in one place? 😉
Oh, and my favorite milkshake is vegan chocolate!
Melissa says
🙂
The frozen banana as ice cream stand in is my favorite thing to do!
I like to make pumpkin pie versions with banana, a bit of almond milk (since the pumpkin puree adds liquid!), pumpkin, pie spices and vanilla. Mmmmmmmm.
VeggieGirl says
My favorite milkshake flavor = cookies & cream or chocolate
abby says
mmmm cookies n cream. plus 1 to this! and oreos are vegan, so i’m all set! but actually, i’m thinking a trader joe’s mint oreo shake would be da bomb!
VeggieGirl says
LOVE that idea, Abby! Trader Joe Joe’s are a fabulous Oreo variety 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Gah! Why must y’all tease me? No Trader Joe’s over here :(. TJ’s: come to Texas!!!
Änne says
the color is gorgeous, though I don´t like mint+chocolate…or orange+chocolate…but the mint in the shake is great, it remids me of lemon buttermilk I used to drink in summer…so how about lemon+mint as a tastier (&vegan) replacement?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I hate orange-chocolate too! I think it might be the only chocolate-fruit combo I don’t like!
Anonymous says
So what you need to try is your vanilla ice cream drizzled with a Dark Chocolate Balsamic vinegar and Blood Orange infused olive oil…It will change your mind about the chocolate-orange combo… it did mine!
Stephanie says
Funny! I read this and I hate orange/chocolate too! I love just about all other fruit/choc. combos, too 🙂
Bianca- Vegan Crunk says
Shit Katie, you just TOTALLY out-did yourself! I just drooled all over my desk. I’m re-launching raw Tuesdays on March 8th, and this is soooo on my list.
Veronica says
I found your blog yesterday b/c Loser for Life linked to you for the single lady cupcake she made. I spent like an hour going through your posts–I really LOVE your blog! Although not a vegan myself, I do like to eat vegetarian/vegan for most of my meals and all your ideas are so great! Like this shake! I just bought some coconut milk beverage (80 cals per cup, same as skim, and it has a thicker mouth-feel) for the first time and I love it–I so need to make this with it. I’m sooo glad I came across your blog! I forwarded it to another vegetarian friend.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh wow, Veronica, thank you SO much. I am so glad you found me! And I love that coconut milk too! I just tried the Silk one, and it’s delicious! 🙂
Maryea @Happy Healthy Mama says
My husband is going to love this! Thanks!!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
I am totally making this soon — I used to love Shamrock Shakes at McD and this looks like it could maybe be a good replacement 🙂
Leslie says
This is my milkshake flavor! I’m definitely going to try this… even with the spinach. Worst case I make two smoothies. I might even be able to get my 2 year old to eat his greens with this one. Thanks!
Michelle says
Beeeeautiful!
I need to start stocking up on frozen spinach. This is a perfect way to sneak extra greens into my boyfriend’s diet!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Muahahahaha I love being a sneaky girlfriend! Well, I’m single right now, but ex bfs have had tofu, spinach, and all sorts of other fun stuff snuck into their diet! I always tell them later, though ;).
Michelle says
It’s so much fun! I made some mac n’ cheese that had tofu in it, but didn’t tell him until after he dropped the, “This is amazing! You need to make this again!” It’s all in the delivery!
whitney says
Oh my. I don’t even like mint chocolate but this looks amazing!
Whitney
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Looks tasty! I tried Guar Gum for the first time this morning in a pumpkin-blueberry smoothie. I loved it! Guar makes it much more shake-like.
If you can figure out how to make a “healthy” vanilla shake with those yummy gooey brownie chunks… I would probably build a shrine in your honor. 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Can it be a chocolate shrine??? 🙂
Cat says
I love those – make them almost every morning with cacao nibs for an extra little crunch!
VEGirl says
Yum! We just bought some spinach yesterday and bananas so I will make this before I leave my Grandma’s. Maybe I’ll bottle it up in my thermos for the trip home! My dream milkshake flavor? I never drank a lot of milkshakes before I went vegan, but a GF cookies ‘n’ cream mocha milkshake sounds rad.
VEGirl
Rachel (tea and chocolate) says
Lovely photos! The green is so vibrant. Have you ever made a red velvet shake? I’ve never had one, but it sounds like it would be good.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
No! But now I really want to! Would it just be like a vanilla shake with red food coloring? Or vanilla blended with cream cheese and then something to make it red?
patricia van dyke says
this is how I make my red velvet cheesecake protein shake: 1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese ,can use tofu, 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder,1/2 tsp. butter extact, 1 tbsp. cocoa powder, 3-5 drops red food coloring, 2 tbsp. fat free cream cheese or 1-2 tbsp sugar free instant cheesecake pudding mix, 5-10 ice cubes, 1/2-1 cup water, 2-3 stevia pkts, 1/2 tsp xanthan gum. put all in blender. easy. 230 cal, 1 fat, 4 sugar, 36 protein
Tori says
Is that a really big straw or is it a really tiny glass?! Lol!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
lol it’s a HUGE, fat straw, from the Asian market I think. The glass holds a little more than a cup, I think (maybe a cup and a 1/2).
Tori says
I want one!! 🙂
abby says
me too! lol
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
Ohmygoodness, I am making this for my post workout snack today, katie!!!! I just LOVE chocolate mint-best flavor of all time!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
Hm, I think chocolate and PB would be my dream flavor. But that’s no surprise, there… it’s always a winning combination in my book 🙂
Kari says
I just ate lunch but I very much want to make this immediately.
My first date with my boyfriend I had an Andes Mint Milkshake from Jack in the Box (so classy). Fast forward 4+ years…I don’t think I’ve had one since. Time to bring it back!
Little Bookworm says
That milkshake looks absolutely amazing! I love using mint extract especially to make chocolate mint porridge. 🙂 Dream milkshake flavour = chocolate.
Felicia ( a taste of health with balance) says
this looks yum 🙂
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
Ooooh man…milkshakes…I haven’t had one since I became a vegan! Thats a looong time to go without milkshakes! I am BUYING some peppermint extract tomoroow and making this bad boy!! 😀
Genius. Someday you’re gonna get tired of hearing that, but it’s true 🙂
bitt says
just my style!
Kerry says
I made one and drank it up in the matter of a MINUTE! Yes, it was that good. And, yes, I missed the chocolate chip mint THAT much! Thank you for the recipe!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so excited you made it!! And even more excited you liked it :).
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Oreo coffee!!! YUM-O!!!
Sabine @ thefruitpursuit says
Looks great even though I hate milkshakes :p
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
Omg! Katie I just made this, and it was AMAZING!! You are a genius! I will have chocolate mint milkshakes for the rest of my life…muahahaha!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw no fair! I wanna make another one, but I’m outta ripe bananas at the moment :(.
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
hehe…I have like 3 in the freezer now! I would make on and send it to you, but I’m afraid it would spoil by the time it got to you 🙁
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Guess there’s nothing else for me to do but come to Florida. *Packs bags*
Ay, what a girl will do for a ripe banana ;).
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
oh what a tragedy…….But all my bananas might be gone by the time you get here! I guess we can always pick fresh bananas from the palm trees across the street….oh so tragic….
Jess says
that looks great 🙂 ever since cake batter became popular, i’ve been a fan of that. i also like plain old chocolate and hot fudge flavors
Elle says
mint chocolate chip was always my favorite milkshake flavor! this looks amazing. i was eating a green smoothie (banana-raspberry :)) while reading this, but the next one is definitely going to be mint chocolate chip!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Your flavor sounds delicious too!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I love mint and chocolate together! This would be good to have on St. Patrick’s Day 🙂
Tricia says
I’m thinkin i’ll try this with coconut ice cream instead of a frozen banana cuz my blender doesn’t handle frozen bananas well 🙁
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
Mint chocolate chip used to be my favorite ice cream. I would love this!
There’s a drive-in in my town that lets you mix several milkshake flavors together. Last time I got cherry, mocha, coconut. It was yummy! But too big, I had to put what I couldn’t finish in the freezer.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
This looks so good – it kind of reminds me of a shamrock shake, which now that I said that, I am totally redoing.
Kristine says
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEAUTIFUL. SO BEAUTIFUL!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
That looks DELICIOUS!! Reminds me of the raw mint chocolate sundae at Pure Food and Wine. YUM!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ah, I have dreamed of that sundae from afar. Too bad there’s no Pure Food and Wine in Texas. 🙁
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
My blender WISHES it was a Vitamix.
My favorite shake flavor would have to be chocolate 🙂 I know it’s old-fashioned and lame, but it’s still CHOCOLATE and anything chocolate is good. Which I’m sure you know… 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hehe agreed. 🙂
Lorin says
That looks good, but it seems like a peppermint green monster moreso. I will definitely try it though, probably add some peanut butter! I don’t drink milkshakes that much just because they are not worth it, but I like the McFlurry’s at mcdonalds and you can get a smaller size there than there actual normal so your not drinking all the calories in one day. I’m not obsessed with calories, but shakes can get pretty ridiculous. 😛 though delicious
Namaste Gurl says
Mmmm, this looks yummy! Good call to use peppermint extract and spinach for the coloring and taste:) My last shake was coincidentally yesterday and was composed of coconut milk, raspberries, avocado, banana and cocoa powder. Did I mention I loved chocolate and coconut? 🙂
Lindsay says
Okay Katie – Seriously – You must stop this. My list of CCK goodies to make is growing ridiculously long 😉
Hannah says
This shake is so beautiful!!
Ally (oatsandspice) says
This looks AMAZINGGG – I used to love milkshakes when I was a kid, but would always feel overly stuffed and kind of gross after – I love how healthy this one is – I am for sure going to give it a try! 🙂
Picky Nicky says
That sounds incredible 🙂 I love mint and chocolate together! Do you think this would work using fresh mint leaves instead of the extract??
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m sure it would taste different, but still delicious! Let me know what you think if you do try it :).
Lisa says
mmm i vote for a peanut butter milk shake!!! 🙂
Luciana says
I can’t stop thinking about a double chocolate almond butter cup shake, even though I’ve never had the cups in a shake, I know it would be amazing! If you make it, I’ll try not to drool on your server! A chocolate coconut cup or peanut butter cup shake would be amazing too. Pretty much anything with chocolate and nut butter!
Alexandra (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) says
Once again, Katie, you are a genius!! And your last post? Completely mouth watering! I think my eats would be somewhat dull if I didn’t have you to inspire me everyday! 🙂
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
I love that you made it so green!!! naturally!
Milkshake = DQ Blizzards, Heath Bar flavor. As a kid, I used to eat those all the time. They made me sick. I should have known back then I was dairy intolerant but I love them sooooo much! I would eat them anyway. God they were sooo good. There is just no way to recreate all that rich intense flavor and chocolate and heath bar without using real dairy. I have tried 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I thought about adding food coloring at first… but then we didn’t have any. And it turned out to be a good thing, because then I of course thought of spinach :).
Hannah says
Ooooh! Would addng just xanthum gum work?? Because I have some of that, and would love a fluffier smoothie as I too prefer them in a bowl!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t see why not 🙂
Pure2raw Twins says
Smoothie sounds just like something we would love – mint and chocolate!
valerie says
have you ever had the jocolat hazenult bar? or chocolate jocolate bar? I’ve heard mixed reviews of the jocolat bar line. I was hoping that the hazelnut one tasted like nutella 🙂
Also, the sugar is high on larabars- i know natural sugar, but still. do you view it as a suitable food for breakfast? thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
So funny you’d ask, because I’m just about to do a HUGE jocalat giveaway next week. The only ones I really like are the chocolate, but I LOVE them. Here’s my favorite trick for them (scroll to bottom of post): https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2010/09/17/larabars-v-katiebars/
And yes, I think they are perfectly suitable for brekkie :).
Tara says
This is just like a shamrock shake! I’d love to see a banana split flavor. I bet carrot cake would be interesting, though I think I’d have to eat it with a spoon, carrot pieces in my straw doesn’t sound too good..
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh wow, carrot cake milkshake! Where were you when I was a little girl, stuck to having to drink chocolate and vanilla? Companies need your creative genius ;).
Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day says
Yum! Chocolate Mint is the best combo!
Sharelle @ essential-ingredient says
this looks/sounds delicious! =) definitely going to be dessert for me tomorrow….
you should try a cake batter milkshake! i am obsessed with cake batter flavors….no questions asked.
– Sharelle
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’ve never had cake batter anything! Well, except for actual cake lol. I wonder what it tastes like… 😕
Getting Through It says
This looks amazing!
Have you ever had Bruster’s ice cream? I don’t know if they are where you are, but this place has amazing ice cream. I haven’t had any of course because they are definitley not vegan, but their birthday cake BATTER ice cream is amazing. It literally taste like the batter of a cake. I wonder if you can make that? Healthy? Ice cream of milkshake?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I had Brusters once, in Pennsylvania. I remember loving it! They had Mounds Bar ice cream!
Getting Through It says
O, or cookie dough ice cream/milkshake!
Alyson says
Oh. My. Goodness. This is exactly what I was hoping to concoct sometime soon when I had free time in the kitch. 🙂 I was just thinking the other day, “could I make something like the Shamrock Shake that’s vegan, healthy, and won’t be supporting McCruelty?” And, yet again you have read my mind! 🙂 Soooo funny! But, I think the next flavor I want to conquer is… well, actually I have no idea. I feel like it’s kind of easy to make variations off of a vegan milkshake once you get it down, but healthy… that’s another story! I think my favorite flavor milkshake was cotton candy with nerds. 🙂 ahahahahaha (SOOOOOOO healthy, I know! ;))
Aly
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Woah, cotton candy milkshake? I’d never even heard of such a thing. lol that sounds way to sugary for me. I always hated cotton candy. Maybe if it had come in a chocolate variety… 😉
Alyson says
I know! It was ridiculously sugary… Like the kind of sugary that gives you a tummy ache… D: I definitely couldn’t get through anything like that now! (thankfully) I think my tastes have changed a ton. I liked cotton candy a lot when I was kid, though I’ve never been a huge sugar eater. Now it’s just like ridiculously sugary (since it is just sugar… ahhahaha and just eww. 🙂 Chocolate cotton candy would be really awesome… Mmmmmmm. 🙂
BroccoliHut says
LOVE this! I can’t wait to try it, as I just happen to keep peppermint extract on hand:)
The last milkshake I had was Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, also from Baskin Robbins. Maybe I should add some fudge babies to the mix?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL yes do it! I did that today :).
Christin@purplebirdblog says
This sounds perfectly refreshing and delicious!! I love how it looks just like the green milkshakes of my youth! 😀
Kay says
That is a totally huge and wonderful straw. I can’t wait to try this! Mint and chocolate forever.
Ryan @ Aloha Appetite says
I love the color and I love mint chocolate chip, so I don’t think you can go wrong here. 🙂
Linda Wagner - Nutrition to Invigorate Mind, Body & Spirit says
Love this!! I’m in Austin too, where do you get your guar gum?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m actually in Dallas. But if you’re in Austin, maybe try Whole Foods?
Jen S. says
Brilliant!
nadia says
waaaoow!! that is so beautiful!! I have to get some peppermint asap. to make that – ….SO PRETTY! thanks for the great idea.
p.s. I am addicted to single lady muffins. I think I make one almost everyday! have been making the some weird ones too .weirdest one yet: cumin-millet/chia muffin http://chilimiriss.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/cumin-millet-muffin/
heheh…. 😉
Kathleen says
I love this! I remember eating Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, and this sounds so much better! I want to make this RIGHT NOW!
kaila @ healthyhelper blog! says
That color is lovely! Very reminiscent of a real mint chocolate chip shake! MCC is my fave icecream flavor ever….in my city its called mint-ting-a-ling! So good though. Chocolate and mint is right up there with chocolate and peanut butter in my book…..such good combos. And I love the idea of adding cacao nibs on top…..gotta get that crunch in there!
Heather @ kissmybroccoli says
I’m not a big fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but oddly I do like the flavor of chocolate and mint together! I’m weird!
Hmm, favorite milkshake: cookies and cream from Chik-Fil-A…though their peach one is the runner up! Their bringing out a banana pudding flavor on Monday! Mmm!
Lori Ann says
I cant beleive i didnt think to try this sooner! Love Love Love mint chocolate chip…and coconut milk. Your website is great, and its where I got the recipe to make my own Lara bars at home…which incidentaly my husband as has named LaLa bars(that’s what my friend’s call me 😉 If you feel like sending one of those Jocalat boxes my way I would be forever grateful!
Thanks for all your hard work!
Tanya says
Oh wow…I need that! I LOVE mint chocolate chip anything!!
Amber Schaefer says
I’m going to for sure try this recipe! I love your blog so much. You should make a raw tagalong milkshake, oreo milkshake, or peanut butter cup milkshake!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my word, raw tagalong milkshake! Wow that sounds good! I wonder how I could do an oreo one… cookies n cream needs to be made!
Jess says
If you health-ify a oreo milkshake, a la Shakeaway, I will love you forever.
Vanessa says
I just made this. I am in love with it. Amazing! I never thought I would like spinach in my shake even though I love it as a salad. It reminds me of the McDonalds shamrock shake I used to drink!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL can you believe I never had a shamrock shake?! I used to eat at McDonalds at least once a month and I loved green foods… so I don’t know how it escaped me!
melodie says
Katie, your site is the bomb! And I am sooo having this smoothie for breakfast tomorrow mmmmm….
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awwww times a million for your sweet comment!! And I hope you love it! 🙂 🙂
Joanna goes vegan says
Your smoothie looks soooo delicious and sooooo wonderfully green. I really, really like it 🙂
Laurel says
Mint Chocolate Chip. Why didn’t I think of that? My favorite flavor in the world. I just ordered a case of So Delicious Mint chocolate chip coconut “ice cream.”
I like my smoothies (shakes) thick as well so I add 1 Tbsp of ground (or not) chia seed. It firms ups really nicely plus you get the benefits of all those minerals.
P.S. Scarborough Faire is running in Waxahachie, grab some friends and watch the knights joust.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ooh I’ll have to try the chia idea! 🙂
Lindsay says
Not sure what “raw” entails, and I am by no means a vegan, but I LOVE your recipes! And I love that you include what to substitute if, you’re not a vegan. Saturday menu definitely includes red velvet pancakes and this mint milkshake!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw Lindsay, your comment made me so happy!! 🙂
Victoria says
This looks amazing, and I’ve been meaning to try it out for a while. I only have fresh spinach, though…can I somehow use that to replace the frozen spinach? Thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes! I use frozen b/c it is easier to blend and blends more finely, but fresh is fine… and you can even cook it if you wish. There’s really no wrong way to make it :).
Victoria says
I finally tried making this with fresh spinach! It was absolutely delicious! I used cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips, so I lost a bit of the beautiful green color. I actually made popsicles with half of it, too!! Btw, how do you freeze your bananas? I stuck the entire thing, peel and all, in the freezer, and I must say that it was rather difficult to peel.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh no! Definitely peel the banana first :). I usually break it in half too, and store the banana pieces in a plastic bag in the freezer. (They’ll keep for at least a few months.)
I’m so glad you liked the shake!!
Amelia T says
I was wondering how many calories are in this. I LOVE mint chocolate chip EVERYTHING and I think I might enjoy this tonight after my lesson!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sorry, I don’t know the calories for this… but since it’s single-serving, just add up the individual ingredients and that’s your answer. No need to divide or anything :).
Jesse says
Hello Katie,
I have never cooked a thing in my life but I heard about this type of shake from a bartender recently. Is there a substitute for banana? It is the only food I am allergic too.
Thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’ve never tried it with anything but banana… however, I think fresh Thai coconut meat (the meat from the coconut that is white and looks like a triangle, as opposed to the brown coconut) would be awesome! Or maybe even mango or pear? If you do try it, let me know how it goes! 🙂
Kelly M. says
Hey Katie! I JUST started making banana “ice cream” with cocoa powder and cacao nibs and I’m loving it, so when I came across this mint shake idea I am really excited because new flavors would be good to try. I guess one suggestion I’d have is to try making a raw, vegan butterscotch shake! I miss that kind of flavor and when you’re vegan, its not easy to find it. Do you have any suggestions on what to add to the banana to give that sort of flavor?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I really don’t know either :(. I actually just tried making healthy/vegan butterfingers… it was an utter failure! They were awful!
I’ve heard there’s such a thing as butterscotch extract and it’s vegan. And apparently they even make vegan butterscotch chips in some places. I’m going to have to keep experimenting!
Kelly M. says
Hey Katie,
I was at Whole Foods this morning and I noticed that in their “extracts” section, they have a ton of extracts made with Stevia and one of the flavors is English Toffee! They had tons of other flavors like orange, vanilla and strawberry. They were 14.99 though. What brand did you use for the mint extract and where did you get it? By the way, tonight I am making your carrot cake milkshake with almond milk! Thank you so much for these great recipes!! I feel so alone sometimes eating like this but with your website that feeling goes away!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL my peppermint extract (peppermint, not mint, is what I use) is McCormick! But it’s the pure one, not the immitation.
And you are so welcome!!! 🙂
Katie S says
Tried this. Loved this. I want it in my belly right now.
Jodi Theisen says
Another delicious triumph Katie, I just sucked one down as my post-dinner treat and it felt so naughty even though it wasn’t! I also bought my first ever cocoa nibs today and they are a total revelation – Who needs chocolate chips?! My only problem with your drink recipes is that since all our natural disasters down-under this year (floods, hurricanes etc…) bananas are $7-12/kg (!) so when I see them cheaper I grab em and put my husband and kidlet on banana-rations so that I have enough to freeze some for my Katie-shakes, yum!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I wish I could send you some! They are so cheap here. Can we make a trade? You could send me some Australian beach? 😉 Or maybe a kangaroo or two? When I was little and we played the name game, I always said “kangaroo” because it was one of the only words I could think of that started with K :).
Jodi Theisen says
Ha ha, that’s funny Katie – “kangaroo”! 🙂 When you go on a roadtrip here in Oz, one actually has to be careful of Roos in the road – they come out at dusk and if you collide with one, your car is totalled! I just enjoyed a post-workout breakie of scrambled eggs, finished off with one of your raw mint shakes – I found bananas this morning for $5.99 – yay for me!
Anonymous says
I had this for breakfast the other day…and i gotta say….it was fab!! ive never tried experimenting with vegetables in my smoothies untill now…no need to stick with only fruits and berries anymore! thanks for sharing!
Laura says
Hi Katie! I’ve been coveting this recipe for almost a year and just today made it for breakfast! (I recently bought a high speed blender… finally) It is now my absolute favorite green smoothie. LOVE IT. Mint chocolate chip is my fave flavor ever. I added a bit of spirulina powder and some chia seeds. Could not stop sipping! GREAT recipe. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Laura says
Just wanted to add that this is incredibly craveable!! Four days later I’m trying to figure out when I can get to the store to get more spinach because I want to make another one of these so badly!!
Jen E says
Chocolate and mint my favorite. This is so yum I didn’t have spinach so I left it out. Who knew a frozen banana could taste so good. Made a wonderful breakfast!
Debra Gomes says
Oh yum! Just had this for breakfast with the coconut milk. I stuck the banana in the freezer before dropping the kids of at their various schools. Came home and made myself the shake using coconut milk. It was so yummy. Drank it so fast I had a brain freeze:-) Great website!
audrey says
Hi Katie, I just discovered your website, and will be making icing shots asap. Chocolate mint shakes were my favorite shakes as a kid, as were mint chocolate chip and rocky road sundaes, with chocolate mint sauce. I recreate vegan versions of those sundaes now, and your shake looks wonderful, except I am allergic to bananas. I have created many recipes, written a vegan cookbook for my friends and family, and am always looking for new ideas. I am curious if you can think of a good substitute for the wonderful creaminess and texture that a banana gives to a vegan smoothie and shake. My latest smoothie delight is to stir in chia seed gel to an already prepared smoothie. It freezes a bit, and adds a fun crunchy tapioca like texture. I look forward to trying out some of your recipes.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Depending on the recipe, what about frozen cherries or mango or pear? 🙂 Or Thai coconut meat is amazing in smoothies!!
audrey says
Thanks Katie,
I use tons of frozen fruit in my smoothies, all which I love, but didn’t think those would work for the mint shake. But coconut meat is a great idea, and might work with the mint flavor. Thanks for taking the time to write!
Natalie says
I stumbled across your blog about a week ago and I’m hooked! You’re so clever! I’ve only tried your shakes so far but they’ve been INCREDIBLE! I had this one this morning. DELISH!!! I was thinking about trying a Parkin (type of gingerbread from yorkshire) flavoured one. Can’t wait to try your recipe for Snickerdoodle Blondies. Thanks for your recipes!
SuzzyQ says
Chia seeds will thicken up that milkshake! You might also like Chia Seed pudding (think tapioca).
3 Tbsp Chia seeds
1 Cup Mylk (whatever kind you use)
1 tsp Vanilla
Stevia or other sweetener to taste
Combine & give it a stir with a whisk every 10 minutes for 30 minutes (chia seeds are notorious for clumping together and sinking to the bottom. Stirring just distributes them better.)
There are white Chia seeds and they are much more appealing for the pudding than the black ones. The black are less expensive so we use those. Tastes wonderful!
Sondra says
I just tried one of these as my pre-post run drink (half before and half after) with the following changes:
Didn’t have a banana, added 1 tbs of artisana and 1 tbs of soy protein to make up for thickness (plus 1/4 tsp of xanthan)
Added in about 1-2 tbs of Xylitol to make up for sweetness
Didn’t have any spinach so I replaced it with… 1 heaping tbs of wheatgrass powder! (I know its against the CCK Diet Philosophy but you should try it this way- banana’s usually do a super good job of over powering wheatgrass, and with the peppermint added you probably wouldn’t be able to taste it)
And I doubled the peppermint drops.
It was so good, couldn’t taste the wheatgrass at all, and thanks to the wheatgrass gave me a huge energy boost…I swear it was like healthy vegan speed! And about as addictive… yum!
Katie @ OhShineOn says
I love mint chocolate chip ice cream… it’s my favorite, too! Though, I’ve never been a fan of the GREEN mint chocolate chip. Just the white. I can only eat the white. Green freaks me out.
Danielle @ Against All Grain says
Hi there! I featured this recipe on my St. Patty’s Day recipe roundup! Thank you for such a lovely green recipe!
http://www.againstallgrain.com/2012/03/14/st-pattys-day-recipe-roundup/
Katrina says
I want to make this milkshake. Did you use fresh spinach that you froze or did you use the frozen blocks of spinach? Thank You for the help, I love anything mint!!!!!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I bought the frozen block one.
Amy says
Okay, so I was a little skeptical, but thought I’d try it. I used fresh organic spinach and almond milk. I had peppermint stevia on hand so uses that in place of the extract. Oh. My. Gosh. It tasted so naughty!! And I won’t hate myself in the morning! Thanks for a great recipe 🙂
fitbunnie says
Sounds delicious! Although I think I will have a hard time if my husband sees spinach going into this thing! I can’t wait to try it tho – and I love the idea about peppermint stevia – never seen that before!
Crystal says
So, I decided to make this to trick my son into drinking his veggies. It worked like a charm!! He he thought that the milkshake was “Mmm…very yummy, Mom!!” 🙂 So glad that I can trick my son into eating his beans (deep-dish cookie pie…), greens (this smoothie/shake) and protein (chocolate bar pie which I converted into little tarts) in the best, yummiest ways possible!!
Thanks Katie! I love trying out your delish recipes!! 😀
Crystal says
P.S. I have your recipes page as a bookmark on my iPad, my phone and my laptop!! Ha ha!! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw 🙂 🙂
Janae says
Dream flavor? Dark chocolate almond roca (with something crunchy mixed in).
Jennifer says
Hi Katie,
I was wondering if there is much difference between guar gum and xantham gum, regarding taste and texture? Do you prefer one over the other?
Rana says
I just made this shake for dessert and LOVED it! So did the Big Kid but the wee ones didn’t go for it, must’ve been the mint. It’s a do-again!
Yvonne says
Just made it – and LOVE it!! Love your site. I have been ‘prowling’ for some time (made one of your spread a while back – yum!) and now this one. My goal is to make more of your (and the like) deserts. My goal is to eliminate/reduce refined sugar, wheat and dairy…and you are the ticket to satisfy my love for (regular) deserts!
I always used to make banana/milk/ice shakes…but never thought of adding peppermint to this.
Made green pancakes for my son (added spinach) and he loved them! Better alternative than food coloring!
Have a great St. Patrick’s Day!
Yvonne
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Yvonne! 🙂
Alanna says
Really good! I’ll admit I used food coloring because I didn’t have spinach (and because I’m a chicken, lol), but I’m really amazed at how thick the shake was even with just the banana and almond milk! So happy I finally remembered peppermint extract at the store. 🙂 Happy St. Patty’s Day, everyone!
Amy says
Another hit, Katie! The boys downed these; they were perfect with the “rainbow fruit salad” we had with our St. Patty’s Day dinner!
Alisha says
Hey Katie! I’m having this for breakfast now. Pure deliciousness. Thank you.
Jessica G says
This is probably the fourth recipe from your blog I’ve tried and it also didn’t disappoint! We didn’t have cocoa powder or cacao nibs in the house (gasp! I know!) but we did have some raw chocolate so I shaved that up and added it in. I think that my desire for McD’s Shamrock Shakes are just based on my childhood memories of that ‘special treat’…before I *knew* better. Thanks for the blog!
Anonymous says
I JUST made this and it’s now in my belly. SOOOOO yummy! I think next time I won’t blend the cocoa nibs in with the milkshake/smoothie, they turned it a funky colour (probably because I added TONS…heheheee, why wouldn’t I? It IS chocolate 🙂 ) and it was a tad gritty. Again, probably too many nibs. Still though, outside of colour and texture (my booboo) it was SUPER delicious. I also used fresh spinach, and scaled the almond milk back to 1/2 c (I’m out of coconut milk 🙁 ) I foresee another one for a snack later today 🙂 Thanks for the great recipe. YUM!
Anonymous says
I made this again this morning with a couple of additions which made is SUPER awesome. (I commented right above this yesterday). I added a Tbsp of Chia seeds, which thickened it up really well, but didn’t turn it all jelly-ish and I still scaled back the milk to 1/2 cup, BUT I also added a HEAPING tbsp of Coconut Butter. Holy crap, that made it so rich and soooo yummy!!
Thanks again for all your awesome recipes!!!! I love this smoothie/shake/milkshake. It’s a really nice change from my standard fruit smoothies. And LOVE LOVE LOVE that there’s spinach in it too. I LOVE green smoothies.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha coconut butter makes EVERYthing taste better! I think I go through a jar a week. I love your chia idea, too!!
Lauren says
Katie,
I realize you have wayyy too many comments to look over, but I had to say I just had this shake and it was perfect. It sure did hit the spot on this rainy afternoon in upstate South Carolina. For those who are skeptical, you can’t taste the spinach (I used fresh) one bit. I really don’t think there is anything more to say. The only thing I did add was a little agave but I’m sure it could have done without.
Do you have any other shakes in the works? I look forward to trying more of your delicious recipes. I’m a dessert kinda gal and like something sweet after supper. It’s nice to have healthy and quick alternatives. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren~
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thank you for such a sweet comment.
I have a list of drinks: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/chocolate-covered-recipes/milkshakes/
And obviously there will be more in the future! 🙂
Angela @ Nine More Months says
Long time reader, first time commenter!
I have to say, this is a great idea! It just might be the thing to get my picky 3 year old to ingest a vegetable. Do you think using some frozen plain greek yogurt would make it a bit thicker/creamier? I’d want to get it more on the milkshakey side than the smoothie side.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I guess it could work… I never know how a recipe will turn out until I try, but edible experiments are always fun!
Bre says
Yes, I use greek yogurt (Fage brand) only not frozen – then I add ice and sometimes refreeze to thicken it. I omit the banana though.
Crystal says
These are a standard in my smoothie recipe’s. My 4 year old thinks they are a very special treat.
Lisa says
I make my mint shakes with an avocado instead of banana. Makes it super rich, creamy, and beautifully minty green.
Tanya says
This Shamrock Shake is SUPER YUMMY!!! I added about 5 drops of stevia to sweeten it a bit and shared it with my 2 1/2 year old daughter. She LOVED it (and the green color)!!! GREAT way to sneak spinach into her diet. Thanks!
For those who own a Vita-Mix: you can make any smoothie or shake super creamy without milk or cream (cow, coconut, or otherwise) by adding about 1/4 cup raw almonds to your recipe. 🙂
Jennifer says
Hey Katie 🙂 I have made your shakes before but I didn’t have guar gum or xanthan gum. I just ordered both of them off of vita cost and was wondering do I just need to use a pinch of one or the other… or both at the same time? Don’t they have the same purpose? Im just confused cuz I have never worked with these thickeners before. Thanks xoxo
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sorry, I really don’t know much about either. The few times I’ve used them, I just did a tiny pinch of each because that’s what others were using in the recipes I saw. I haven’t used either in over a year, though. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!
Bre says
I have a variation of this I do…instead of a frozen banana I use plain greek yogurt. I think the banana changes the taste a little. I also use fresh Spinach instead of frozen –
2 handfuls fresh spinach
mint extract
dark choco chips
1/3 C greek yogurt (Fage)
1.5 T of coco powder
Truvia
xylitol brown sugar
Ice
(this makes two mugs full)
Sometimes I refreeze to make more solid and add cool whip and eat as icecream! Yum!
Holly says
I have been secretly stalking your site for a few weeks now. I just made this yummy shake. I didn’t have any mint extract, but I did have a chocolate mint plant in my backyard…so I threw in a handful of leaves with raw spinach, 1% cow milk, a banana, and ice…oh and mini choc chips…mmmmm. Hits the spot.
Cynthia says
I am not a vegan but, I want you to know I have now used three of your recipes and I don’t care what anyone says eating healthy is still GOOD! I made this last night, yes I did use the spinach, and my kids loved it! They didn’t even know they had been tricked into something healthy! Thank you now on to the next recipe!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw this made me so happy!
Tricia says
I have recently started adding spinach to my smoothies that I make for me and my daughter. Today, we made a chocolate banana (with spinach) and she doesn’t even taste it. She just asked what it was and I told her and said okay. Of course, this is a 3 yr old that loves her spinach salad with walnuts and raisins. Thanks for the inspiration.
Juliet says
Katie-
What an amazing shake! I Just had post workout. Its so nice to still have favorites without the guilt or gut bomb! Thank You for this blog !!
Abby says
I LOVE this recipe! I used peppermint extract and threw in a few chocolate chips and it tastes EXACTLY like a mint chocolate chip shake! And I love that it has spinach because it helps me sneak in one of my five servings a day.
Sabrina says
Hi Katie!
This may be a silly question but how do you measure 1/4 c with a frozen block of spinach? Also, I want to add chocolate protein powder that doesn’t taste yucky-have you tried any that you liked the taste of?
p.s. Thank goodness for you and your recipes! I am studying for the bar exam and find myself lacking an appetite (probably due to stress), but I love that I can come here and find something completely nutritious, quick, and tasty to nourish myself 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thaw first ;).
Devan Peterson says
Thank you for this recipe. I seriously make this almost every day. I get very depressed when we run out of frozen bananas and I have to wait for some more to ripen. I use chocolate soymilk/almond milk and a scoop of chocolate “whole food” powder. That way its good for me but SUPER chocolate-y. It is delicious!!!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I read somewhere that you can put them in a very low oven temp and it turns them ripe immediately! Haven’t tried it yet, but I want to :).
Carol says
Do you have any nutritional values for this shake?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t. But off the top of my head, I think it’d be around 140 calories for the whole recipe.
Lizanne Young says
I just made this for the first time, but with turnip greens from the garden! (I blanched the greens then rolled them into ice-cube size balls & froze them.) This is the best way ever to eat turnip greens 🙂
Melissa says
Sooo Good! I love it, I left my shake white and it reminds me of Breyers mint chocolate chip ice cream
Michele Massie says
I really love your website. And I don’t usually pass on sites to other people. But I have shared use over and over again!! And I can’t say enough about your mint shake. My pickiest son EVER (he won’t eat things because of color, texture, look, etc) absolutely LOVES this. 😀
Amanda S. says
Mine turned out brown instead of green from the greens- what happened?!?! I used a Vitamix, too!
Anna S. says
It’s been said before, but Katie is a genius. Someone give this girl her own TV show!
Avra-Sha Faohla says
Yum! The mint masks the banana, too, so this is perfect for bananaphobic brothers. 😉
valentinavalentinazuluaga@hotmail.com says
hello!
i am in love with your website i love everithing that you have here!
i live in colombia. Here i dont have xantham and guar gums and it is impossible to find, i am not vegan and i dont have an special diet, but with what thing can i substitude these ingridients? i know they are not necessary but i like the texture that they give to the shake.
thankyou so much and i hope you have a solution. because i want to try this with the texture that this ingridients give.
sorry if i have grammar mistakes but it is because i speak spanish ind i am bad speaking english… 🙁
James Birmingham says
Frozen spinach is cooked first isn’t it?
Melissa says
OK, stupid question… wouldn’t spinach make it taste kind of weird? I’ve never had it in a shake, so I honestly can’t say, but it just seems strange to me. I’m willing to try it but does it throw off the mint taste? I’m a huge fan of mint though, so I’m pretty excited about this. lol
Lizanne says
@Melissa, that’s the magic: you can’t taste the spinach at all. Mint trumps everything. Trust me, my children are verrrrrry suspicious of such experiments, and we all agree: it’s mint & chocolate.
Katherine says
Oh my god. This is phenomenal! I haven’t had anything like this in over 5 years! A gluten, free, refined sugar free and dairy free mint shake that tastes delicious?? Preposterous! Yet… true. Thank you.
Jacque Foster says
Dear God this is DELICIOUS. I Pinned it as “…a.k.a. How to get your kids to BEG for spinach!” And, it’s true!! They do!!
Jess says
Don’t know what happened with mine, but It didn’t turn out at all 🙁 I couldn’t taste the mint so I added more, but that just tasted bad, and I couldn’t taste the chocolate through the banana. I’m so sad!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Be sure you used pure peppermint extract, not mint or imitation. It really does make a difference.
Jess says
I did 🙁 100% pure peppermint extract.
Also what brand of coconut milk do you use to get thick and creamy consistency from your frosting shots? I bought Thai Kitchen and put it in the fridge but it stayed liquid, and the watery part didn’t sink to the bottom at all.
Cappy says
Thank you for this. I’ve been making milkshakes with pre-frozen cubes of almond milk, and I never thought to do a mint chip version, even though it’s my favorite flavor of ice cream. Just made it tonight with almond milk cubes, almond milk, a splash of half-and-half, some stevia, peppermint extract and homemade sugar-free chocolate (no banana, as I’m doing the low-carb thing), and it was delicious!
Nicole says
Yes! I love chocolate mint combos, and this shake is great! (And nope, no strong spinach flavor and only mild hint of banana.) I like to freeze half the quantity of milk for these recipes so they come out more shake-like. I was curious about quantities, so I tried ~1/4 cup chocolate chips, and between 1/8 and 1/4 tsp peppermint extract. I added 1 TB of cocoa, so mine came out kind of swampy green (oh well). It’s tasty, frosty, & chocolatey-pepperminty – yum!!
James Birmingham says
Frozen Spinach is cooked… <3
Laura says
I made this last year, except that I used the nettle that grows in my garden for a hint of green, instead of spinach. It was really good! I was just reminded because the nettle is sprouting again, definitely going to have another one this year. Maybe two 🙂
Ayesha A. says
Hi CCK!
Do you know where I can buy imitation peppermint extract? I’ve tried it at amazon but it’s super expensive and I had no luck at Shoppers. I don’t want to buy it in bulk either, since a little goes a long way with extracts. If you’re wondering why I can’t use pure, it’s because it has alcohol in it and that’s prohibited in my religion.
Thanks! =)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I wouldn’t recommend anything but pure peppermint extract. There’s a big difference in taste. I buy mine at most grocery stores near the vanilla extract.
Amber says
Hi there! I just want you to know that all of your posts are AMAZING and that I will be on this site a LOT in the future. Thanks!!!!! ~ You rock!!! <3
Katy @ Katyskitchen says
Just tried this one Katie! I used only half a banana but it was perfectly sweet enough for me! I was really craving mint chocolate, what a great way to have it dairy free. Thanks!
Dylan says
I made this smoothie for breakfast this morning and it was sooo delicious! Thanks so much for introducing me to my new go-to breakfast. I did a bit of a variation in case you wanna try it (I didn’t have a banana)… I used:
almond milk and coconut milk
Frozen spinach
Peppermint extract
Vanilla protein powder
Peppermint extract
And dark chocolate chips
I couldn’t taste the spinach at all, not that I’d mind… But it tasted purely like a dessert. I might make this again for dinner :/
Sussan says
I just love it <3
It's just funny because I made the same type of shake on Monday 🙂 I only replaced banana into avocado, it gives green color instead of spinach if smb (like me) doesn't like it in his shake.
btw I love Your blog 😀
Lyndsey says
Just made this for a festive dessert…it was SO delish! &SO good for you! I used a big handful of fresh spinach instead of frozen and only half a banana (I thought it was plenty sweet). I will be making this a lot in the future! Thank you very much for the recipe & for running this awesome blog!
Brandi says
Made this tonight! I used almond coconut milk, didn’t have spinach in the house, but DID have mint chocolate chips in the freezer from christmas!! DELISH!!!
Nicole @ FruitNFitness says
I love spinach and banana smoothies and of course there better served in a bowl!
Stephanie says
YUM! just made one for breakfast- my color was not as intensely green- it was deelish!!
Bella says
Just made this for a late St. Patrick’s Day treat! So good! I’m going to blog about your recipe later today.
Thanks for the awesome recipe! 🙂
Noelle says
Ah, I’m so bummed… I just made this, and I had such high hopes for it! I love chocolate mint, and really hoped that it wouldn’t just taste like banana. Unfortunately, that’s really all I tasted… cold banana with a tiny bit of mint flavor (and I had 5 drops of extract… I kept adding it. =P). Katie, do you have any idea what I could have done differently? I’d love to make it work! My little brother loved it, though, and took off with it, slurping all the way. 😉
Michael Maier says
The local chain pharmacy gave me two medicine dropper bottles when I asked. I use them for my vanilla and peppermint extracts. 🙂
Christine says
I just made this, and I must admit….ITS AMAZING!!!! Way better than the McDonald’s version! My kids were begging for more. Thanks for posting this. This is my new favorite shake!!
Kristine Duncan says
How exciting to find this recipe! I made it for my breakfast smoothie today and was transported back to my childhood…only this time the minty treat was healthy! Thanks, Katie!
Emilie Dean says
Hi,
I just want to say thank you for the delicious recipe! My husband LOVES mint chocolate chip ice cream. It’s his favorite. So I made this smoothie recipe tonight and he really liked it and that fact that it’s so healthy. I added chia seeds which made it super thick so we had to eat it with a spoon. 🙂 Thanks again!
Anonymous says
This is my first time commenting on your website, Katie. I have tried several of your recipes and every recipe has tasted amazing! You are excellent at what you do; making healthy desserts that taste great! Who knew eating healthy could taste so good! This recipe is a great way to add more greens to your diet that does not come in the form of a salad! This shamrock shake is awesome and so tasty! I used an unfrozen banana and fresh spinach and it was still creamy, thick and yummy!
Justine says
I forgot to type my name in the above comment…
Ann Ning Learning How says
I’ve made this CCK HSS several times in the last couple of months and I love the idea of adding spinach for color. It’s good for you but you don’t taste it! I made a couple of CCK-inspired spring teats (to post on Saturday): a Mint Java Chip shake and an Oatmeal Grasshopper Cookie (flourless, NSA). (Recipes linked). I focus on ease of prep and healthfulness since I am learning to cook “disabled-style.” Thank you for the inspiration!
Kelsey says
I am drinking this shake for the first time now. I’m amazed at how un-healthy it tastes! Thank you, Katie! I make your recipes all the time (no, seriously) and this is one of my new easy favorites. I am trying to say “no” to processed and refined sugars and today I said “no” to cookies, candy, pumpkin pie, juice, and made this instead. You are a life saver!
Lily says
:'( it did not work for me. It tasted like a banana shake and I even added more extract!
Lily says
😀 How much does it make?
Clea says
I am shocked how delicious this is! You cannot taste the spinach. Just served to a bunch of teen boys and they loved it.
beth says
didn’t think i’d like it, but wow, so good!!
Saph says
Hi! I love the idea of this milkshake as mint choc chip is my favourite flavour…I was just wondering what the nutrition facts are???
Great blog by the way! 🙂
Chocolate Covered Katie says
It depends greatly on the milk you choose to use. So just add the calories of one banana, the milk you use, maybe like 10 calories for the spinach… 🙂
Saph says
oh okay, thanks! can’t wait to try this 🙂
Kate says
Yum this looks amazing. Does it taste healthy?
BlueTopaz7 says
How many cacao nibs / chocolate chips did you use?
Charlotte says
Probably my favourite recipe on this blog, and that’s saying something as I love all the ones I’ve tried!!
I’ve fallen head over heels in love with this drink <3
Sylvia says
Do you think this would work if you use sugar free syrups (like the ones for coffee) instead of the mint extract? I just got sugar free french vanilla and caramel syrups and want to put it in everything now. (:
Chocolate Covered Katie says
You can always try 🙂
Tori13 says
FYI, the link above to the IHOP Pancakes takes me to a recipe that is not yours, Katie, and its definitely not vegan. I thought you might want to know. Love your recipes! Thanks so much.
Shelley says
I have to try this, as I am crazy about mint!
stacy says
So, for someone who is allergic to bananas, what is a possible substitute? I can usually get away with applesauce in baked goods, but I have no ideas for a milkshake. 🙁
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Thai coconut meat.
Or ice cream of choice.
Mykel says
I’m very allergic to bananas. I love green shakes though. Can I sub the banana for anything else? Yogurt maybe….or ice cream(wouldn’t be near as healthy).
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Sure! Ice cream would work!
Melissa says
Hello 🙂
Do you think fresh spinach would work? Thanks!
Suzanne says
I just made it with fresh spinach, had no problems at all. Was my first time making it, so maybe I just don’t know any better.
It was delicious though, could easily have added more spinach without actually tasting it.
Thanks for the recipe Katie!
Sherry says
Hi, Katie! What timing! My brother and sister are coming to visit this weekend, and this would be a fun treat to serve them.
One question: your recipe doesn’t list any measurement for the cocoa nibs/chocolate chips. I’m not good with no measurements, at least until I’ve made a recipe a few times. 😀 Would you say, maybe, 1/4 cup of chocolate chips? Or 1/2 cup? A large handful? What’s a close measurement to what you usually add?
Thanks so much! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! (And hooray for chocolate mint green foods.)
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Just a handful. They are for garnish so anything goes.
Liz says
I know this is an older recipe, but I made this just now, and I can’t wait to eat it! I stuck it back in the freezer to thicken up a bit. I didn’t have spinach, but I’m cooking cabbage and had some extra so I added that, and you can’t even taste it. This will be my first “green” milkshake, so I’m glad the cabbage flavor isn’t there at all! I did still have to add food coloring, though. Still, I think it’ll be excellent!
Amber says
Do u have to use frozen spinach or can you use fresh?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
I’m sure fresh is fine.
Valerie says
Avocado could be another green option for this shake!
Bec - Sunfood Junkies says
Wow, this looks so refreshing! Yum 🙂
Alison says
I made this for St. Patrick’s Day but since I had fresh mint on hand I froze a quarter cup of fresh mint leaves with the banana and used them in place of both the spinach and the extract, it worked out deliciously!
Suzanne says
I made this once (delicious!) and was wondering if I could make it the night before to have in the morning (stored in an airtight container). Will that work, or will it lose all its nutritional value overnight?
Megan King says
It won’t lose its nutritional value overnight.
Suzanne says
Thanks Megan! Made some tonight to have for breakfast.
Lia says
Hi Kate, I love your site. And I love mint. But I absolutely abhor bananas. You use them a lot, especially in ice cream. Now, I know that asking you for an across the board substitution might be a lot to ask, but could you please offer some more alternatives to nanas? I have a wacked out limited diet and bananas (and most fruits) are off limits. Love to hear your ideas for what I might try instead. Thanks!
Karen says
Maybe try silken tofu? Katie uses that in her chocolate protein shake which I’ve made before and I thought it was pretty good so it would probably work in any smoothie, assuming you eat soy that is.
Martine Lisa says
Mmmmm… I’m definitely going to have to try this!
Megan King says
I made this recipe the other day and asked my husband to try it and I went to a different room and returned a few minutes later and he was sucking down the last drop! I just made it again today and it is really great. Thank you for the recipe!
Karen says
We got a lot of spinach in our CSA so I made this for dessert to use some of it up, and it was one if the best smoothies I’ve ever had! At least as good as my favorite chocolate banana smoothie! Thanks to the mint extract, couldn’t really taste the spinach or banana and I threw some mini chocolate chips in after blending, so it really truly tasted like a mint chocolate chip milk shake made with ice cream!
catherine says
i wish you could actually list the nutrition facts of your treats, i would love that. please and thanks :X
Unofficial CCK Helper says
She DOES include nutrition facts with her recipes. See any of her posts published after 2012.
Tammy Crouthamel says
My boys (7 & 9 years old) and I love these healthy Shamrock Shakes! If we could rate them, we’d give them a 5 out of 5 stars. We make them with approximately 1/4 cup of frozen cut spinach per shake. We drink them as snacks or dessert. Thank you so much for the recipe!!
amanda says
Hello,
I was just wondering how many calories this would be? Sorry if it’s already been stated in previous comments.
Lydia says
I’ve just discovered my love for the mint and chocolate combination. I’m going to be making this shake a LOT. I made this and the thin mint brownies… For breakfast
Sahar says
Sooooo I just made this and I think I added too many chocolate chips…because the drink turned brown LOL! Does that totally defeat the “healthiness” of the shake??? :-((((( I tried lol it is absolutely delicious by the way!!!
Ashley says
This looks delicious, I can’t wait to try it! I was wondering what is the nutrition information for this?
Unofficial CCK Helper says
If you have Katie’s cookbook, this recipe is included on page 124 and comes with full nutrition facts. (I’m not associated with Katie, just a huge fan)
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/faq-page/chocolate-covered-katie-cookbook/
Tori Lorvig says
I made this and the banana flavor was very noticeable. I (being raised crunchy) liked it but my dormmates did not. Also, without a high-powered blender the spinach makes it look like a smoothie.
Carly says
Katie, I really like your recipes, but I wish you had a “print recipe” option so that I don’t have to manually select the page to print which has the recipe on it.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Just highlight the recipe, right click, and there will be an option to print. Let me know if that works!
Carly says
Thanks for the hint, but it doesn’t really work in the way I would like. Sometimes there is a highlighted print feature that if you click, will create a print page of just the recipe. If I highlight the recipe and right click, it prints the whole page.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Sorry for the trouble! This trick works for me, but if it isn’t working for some reason you can always highlight the recipe, press control c to copy, and then open a word document and paste!
Amy Rice says
Hi Katie,
Love your creative, healthy recipes! Have you ever made a “healthy” version of Irish Potatoes? My boys are asking for them for St. Patrick’s Day but they aren’t exactly healthy…..Any ideas?
Thanks!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Sorry for the delayed reply! I’ve not made one, but it is on my list of things to try!
Raschelle says
Delicious! This has got my 13 year old and even my 1 year old drinking their greens. Thanks for the recipe!
Laura says
So good!!!!
I omit the nibs (as when I use I find it just clumps at the bottom,) and add some protein powder (plain or chocolate, depending on flavour I happen to want).
WAY better than chemical tasting, super sweet ‘real’ Shamrock Shakes.
Tamara says
Yes Thank you for this! My little guy loves the shamrock shakes from McD’s but I hate giving it to him, knowing its full of sugar. I will definitely give this one a try! Thank you!
Megs says
Thank you for this recipe! And the Oatmeal Breakfast Cupcakes, they are both delicious recipes! I have shared your blog with a bunch of people, such good recipes!
Christine Whittington says
Or matcha powder for the green!
Jennifer says
OMG the memories you’ve awakened with this! When I was a tween-ager my favorite ice cream flavor at Baskin Robbins was Daiquiri Ice which was BLUE! I was never much a mint fan, though I did enjoy McD’s shamrock shakes. Nowadays I can’t/won’t eat that stuff, but the memories they evoke are wonderful. 🙂
Amom says
Yum! Great recipe, thanks for the idea. Love the green. I like some ice to make it thicker (I don’t use a whole banana). Also some vanilla.
Sherry says
Just made this recipe today (following your cookbook’s similar recipe), and it was SO GOOD. The flavors tasted just like a “real” mint chocolate chip shake. This is a definite keeper! Especially because every year in March I see those signs for McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes and I yearn for my childhood love of it, but as an adult I know it’s not healthy for me to have those. So this is the perfect replacement treat, and healthy too! Fantastic. Thanks, Katie! 😀
Melissa Beth says
This sounds yummy. I will have to try it. I’m glad I’m not the only one who wanted more blue food. I think the green is why I loved mint chip, too.
Kelly says
Sounds delicious! Is there a banana alternative? I have a banana food sensitivity unfortunately and can’t try alot of these recipes.
Julie Dove says
Coconut meat (the flesh from a coconut). Or this one: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2013/09/23/avocado-smoothie/
Jan P.J. says
This looks delicious! Is there anything I could for the banana? My mom doesn’t like banana in her shakes. :-/
Jenn says
I know this is an older post, but I had to chime in as I adore mint and chocolate! I like to make my mint shake with fresh mint leaves and tons of spinach 🙂 I’ve never added in chocolate chips, but I’m going to give that a try! Thanks!
Kelly Lynn says
I’m sure the entire idea of the banana is to sweeten, but I’m highly allergic to banana, and I was just wondering if there was a substitute? I see so many amazing smoothie and milkshake recipes and I get so excited and then I see banana and I have to pass. 🙁 I tried scrolling through the comments to see if anyone else asked for a banana substitute, but I couldn’t find it. I apologize if you’ve already answered this question. Thanks for your time. ❤️
Kelly Lynn says
Okay, never mind… I just found a second and third page of comments with others asking about the banana substitutes, too. I’ll try those. Sorry for the trouble. I know how annoying it can be to constantly repeat yourself or have the same question asked over and over again. Hahaha. Thank you for your amazing website, though!! <3
Jason Sanford says
Never apologize for commenting! We love them on this blog! The chocolate version of the recipe says you can use 2/3 cup coconut meat. You could also use avocado and just add a little extra sweetener. https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2017/03/09/chocolate-shamrock-shake-recipe-healthy/
Jason (media relations)
Mike says
For an “adult” version of this, you can swap out the Pepperonit Extract for some Dr. McGillicuddy’s peppermint schnapps. 😉
Jason Sanford says
Ha! Love that idea!
Darlene says
Love this idea. I know my kiddos will, too.
Shireen says
Looks yummy. ?
Arielle says
I ran out of spinach so I made this with matcha instead and it was super duper good!! Such a great recipe and surprisingly refreshing!
debsy says
OMG yay! I’m definitely making this for myself this week ?
Jack Smith says
I love mint chip ice cream! I also love spinach… so I really need to try this! Do you think I could freeze the remaining serving to enjoy at a later date.
Vanessa says
What about fresh spinach? I don’t have frozen but I do have fresh!
Cassie Thuvan Tran says
I used to make something similar to a shamrock shake almost every day! They were delicious. I definitely have to get back into making them again!
sasha perez says
I love this but I always taste the bannana, can i use greek yogurt instead?
Jason Sanford says
You can definitely experiment! Be sure to report back if you do.
Kathy says
Oh man was this good! And really easy to make. Sorry I can’t post a picture of it, I drank it all up right away.
Abi says
Would this work with cashew cream? Looks delicious!
Jason Sanford says
Sure!
JOLYNN says
Bananas give me acid reflux. Is there a substitute that can be used?
Hannah says
If you make this with spinach is the taste noticeable?
Jason Sanford says
I don’t ever taste it because the peppermint extract masks it 🙂
Kelsey says
About what size shake does this make? 8 oz? 12 oz? Thanks!
Jason Sanford says
I would say about 8
Kat says
Just made this for my kiddos and they loved it! I tried a bit too and it was so tasty . Definitely going to make this again.
Sarah says
A healthy Shamrock Shake sounds like an oxymoron lol! This actually looks better than the McDonalds version! I would definitely try this version! Thank you!
Akanshu Jamwal says
it looking tasty n healthy i love it thanks for sharing
Tyla says
Hi,
I’m allergic to bananas so is it possible to use something else like frozen pumpkin/sweet potato?
Thank you,
P.s. this looks amazing and choc mint is the bomb!!!
Jason Sanford says
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2019/08/01/avocado-smoothie-recipe/
Bridget says
I can’t even tell you how excited I am!! At. Patrick’s day is such a fun holiday and this is going to make it RAD! I know my little guy will love it! Love the secret ingredients!!
CCK Media Team says
❤❤
Mafer Cerezo says
I can’t even tell you how excited I am!! At. Patrick’s day is such a fun holiday and this is going to make it RAD! I know my little guy will love it! Love the secret ingredients!!
Mafer Cerezo says
I can’t even tell you how excited I am!! At. Patrick’s day is such a fun holiday and this is going to make it RAD! I know my little guy will love it! Love the secret ingredients!!
Sally says
I was craving the shamrock shake from McDonalds. This obviously isn’t the same but it did the trick of satisfying my craving and the best part is I still felt light and energetic afterwards instead of weighed down from all the sugar.
Eama says
Is it too early to make these shakes? We made them a lot last year during February and March.
Neena says
Delicious and refreshing, hits the shamrock shake spot! Thanks, Katie!
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for making it!
Emi says
It’s a great St. Patty’s day treat, but definitely not a copycat! We tried the recipe as is last night, and tonight we tried cashew and whole milk, plus extra mint and vanilla extract. The extra mint and vanilla cut the banana taste which my husband preferred, but he’d still rather have the original!
I’ll definitely be making it as a quick sweet treat and remember making it back in middle school when you first came out with it!
Cat says
It’s delicious, except next time I will only add 2 drops of peppermint extract because it’s so strong. You can’t taste the spinach. What a healthy treat 😊
Yummy says
This recipe sounds great! It is much healthier than a McDonalds shamrock shake and it has more or less the same great taste I hear. But, is there a way to make the same great shakes with an ice cream maker?
Yummy says
If you can’t use an ice cream maker though, I’m fine with the blender. I’m just wondering if it would make the texture or quality better, worse, or the same. I’m not saying the texture and/or quality isn’t good. I haven’t tried it yet. I can’t wait to actually try it. I just want to use the ice cream maker since I got it for my birthday I think a year ago and only made two ice creams. For sudden possession of one, I wouldn’t consider that much. I’d appreciate any response you have to offer and I’ll say ahead of time that it is a great recipe and I’m going to try making it soon!
Joan says
Just made this and it’s delish. That peppermint extract is powerful though. 1/8 tsp was almost too much. You don’t taste either the banana or the spinach. This will be a spring fav! Thanks!
Wendy says
Made it and it’s delicious! I used 1/2 froz banana and 1/4 avocado for taste preference. Added a little maple syrup. Used collagen powder instead of protein powder. Yum!!!! Thank you! I always loved shamrock shakes as a kid and now I can have one again while respecting my GI system, Thank You!
CCK Media Team says
Your version sounds wonderful!
Amy says
Just made this tonight. I didn’t have any chocolate chips but I had chocolate mints so I used 6 of them. It turned out great! Thank you!