Warm spices meet cool ingredients in this delicious dairy-free chai smoothie recipe. The combination transcends seasons with a comforting flavor, refreshing vibe, and satisfying nutrition. Chai fans will love the double dose of spices, and the flexibility of adapting this recipe to taste. It also includes a range of options for dietary needs.
A Dairy-Free Chai Smoothie to Spice Up Your Morning
This dairy-free chai smoothie was originally created by the lovely and talented Brianna, the founder of Flippin Delicious. She whipped it up for a dairy-free challenge event that we co-hosted with So Delicious. The idea was inspired by a fabulous spicy chai tea from her favorite tea shop. I’ve updated her recipe, and added more options. I also have ingredient tips in the FAQs below.
Do You Have a Banana-Free Option?
You can substitute another container of dairy-free yogurt for the banana. For a different flavor twist, you can use can substitute a pitted peach or a cored apple for the banana. For a simpler flavor, use the Protein Shake Option, add about ¼ cup additional milk alternative, and omit the banana.
Doesn’t Chai Tea Contain Milk?
When you order a chai tea drink in a coffee house it does contain milk or milk alternative. But plain brewed chai tea is simply tea. You can buy it in tea bags or as loose tea. It’s traditionally a black tea, but there are green tea, white tea, and caffeine-free herbal tea options. I typically use Stash chai teas, because they are affordable and they have so many fun varieties of chai tea bags to choose from.
What Type of Milk Alternative Do You Recommend?
Brianna originally made this recipe as a coconut chai smoothie, so she uses coconut milk beverage (the drinkable type sold in cartons). But you can use your favorite type of dairy free milk alternative. Almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, hemp milk, or oat milk will all taste delicious. If you don’t have a vanilla version, just add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla paste, pure vanilla flavoring, or vanilla extract.
What Type of Yogurt Alternative Do You Recommend?
Again, since Brianna made a coconut chai smoothie, she used So Delicious coconut milk yogurt. That’s my preferred brand too, since it’s easy to find, affordable, and comes in sweetened and unsweetened varieties. But for coconut-free, almond milk yogurt is a great option. If you don’t have a vanilla version, just add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla paste, pure vanilla flavoring, or vanilla extract. If you can’t find a yogurt that suits your dietary needs, make the Protein Shake Option and add 1/3 cup more milk alternative.
Black Pepper in a Smoothie? Is It Really Good?
Black pepper is an ingredient in chai tea! It’s delicious in this dairy-free chai tea smoothie too. But if you are timid, just add a pinch of black pepper and see how you like it.
What Sweetener Do You Recommend and How Much?
Brianna uses coconut sugar. But regular cane sugar, brown sugar, agave nectar, or maple syrup will also be delicious. I really love honey in chai tea, but honey doesn’t dissolve well in smoothies. If you want to use honey, slowly drizzle it in with the blender running. How much sweetener you need will depend on the sweetness of your banana, milk alternative, and yogurt alternative. You might not need any, or you might need a tablespoon or two for optimal flavor. Blend the smoothie without any sweetener first, taste, and blend in sweetener until it reaches your desired taste.
Special Diet Notes: Chai Smoothies
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, oil-free, vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, optionally paleo, and top food allergy-friendly. It is even optionally coconut free. Just be sure to choose milk alternative and yogurt alternative that suit your dietary needs.
Dairy-Free Chai Smoothie
Ingredients
Method
- Place the banana, cooled tea, milk beverage, and yogurt alternative in your blender.
- Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and pepper.
- Blend on medium speed until smooth.
- Add ice and blend until smooth. I use 2 to 3 cups to reach my desired consistency.
- Divide your smoothie between two glasses.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Also enjoy this Frozen Matcha Latte Recipe!
