Chai-Spiced Almond Butter Smoothie

We just had our first snowfall in Baltimore this weekend. With the colder weather comes an innate craving for warmer comfort foods, like this chicken tikka masala dish we had for dinner in our Instant Pot last night.

Because I try to eat seasonally and pay attention to what my body is craving at different times of the year, I find myself eating fewer salads but more soups and fewer smoothies but more oatmeal.

On days I do want a smoothie, I shy away from tropical flavors and other combinations better suited for summer and load up my smoothies with warming, grounding spices!

That’s how the idea for this Chai Almond Butter Smoothie came to be. I’ve made other spiced smoothies like this Snickerdoodle one, this Turmeric Golden Milk one (two of the most popular recipes on my blog!), and this newer Apple Cinnamon version. Today’s smoothie contains some similar spices, but it pays homage to one of my favorite drinks.

Chai tea.

Chai tea is made with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, clove, cardamom, ginger, and a hint of black pepper. All of these spices are highly anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, and digestive-supporting and some even have anti-viral properties.

We tend to forget about spices when we are focusing on upgrading what we are eating or drinking, but, as you can see, they are powerhouses of nutrients!

Today’s smoothie uses a blend of those spices and some almond butter for protein, fat and creaminess, all of which will keep you coming back for more!

Chai Almond Butter Smoothie

This fall-spiced smoothie is packed with anti-inflammatory compounds and tastes like a cup of chai tea!

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground clove
pinch black pepper
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Medjool date (pit removed)
2 tablespoons almond butter
1 frozen banana ((peel it first!))
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop unflavored protein powder or collagen peptides ((optional))

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, about 45-60 seconds. Add up to 1/4 cup more almond milk, if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

If you like chai-flavored foods, try some of these other recipes on my blog: