Craving the delicious Nekter Health Nut smoothie? This copycat recipe brings you all the goodness of Nekter’s famous smoothie right to your kitchen. With clean vanilla protein powder, Medjool dates, homemade cashew milk, natural peanut butter, frozen bananas, and optional maple syrup, this minimally processed protein shake is truly delicious.
We love smoothies and juice bars, and Nekter Juice Bar has always been a favorite. Making our versions at home saves money and ensures we use the cleanest ingredients. Another must-try is Nekter's acai bowls.
We love the PB Acai Bowl—it's out of this world (we have an easy copycat recipe for that too)! If you adore peanut butter smoothies, our Peanut Paradise copycat smoothie from Tropical Smoothie is also divine.
Before getting started, I like to set healthy intentions for the recipe. This mindfulness practice raises the vibration of the meal and makes a difference. To learn how to set intentions, check out my free guide to using affirmations and intentions.
Enjoy this perfect post-workout treat whether you are looking to support your weight-loss plan or aid in a healthy diet for the family with natural ingredients. Let's take your smoothie experience to the next level!
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Ingredients
Vanilla Protein Powder: Use pure hemp protein powder or try brands like Truvani or Naked Shake for high-quality pea protein. Alternatively, Naked Whey offers a great whey protein option. These provide clean protein without artificial additives.
Medjool Dates: Choose plump and juicy Medjool dates for easy blending. They offer natural sugar and are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Cashew Milk: Nekter makes housemade cashew milk. Make your own cashew milk with pure vanilla extract, sea salt, and optional maple syrup ( easy cashew milk recipe here). This ensures clean ingredients and a rich, creamy texture. If you buy cashew milk, check for the most natural ingredients. (It works best to opt for unsweetened versions for this recipe.)
Peanut Butter: Select peanut butter with only peanuts and sea salt. Some call it natural peanut butter. Conventional peanut butter has hydrogenated oils. Organic is best to avoid synthetic pesticides, making it a cleaner choice. Peanuts are one of the highest-sprayed crops.
Frozen Banana: Peel and cut bananas before freezing them in individual bags or containers. This gives your smoothie a frosty, ice cream-like texture and adds natural sweetness.
Maple Syrup (Optional): Choose pure maple syrup for its natural sugar and rich flavor. It can enhance the sweetness without adding processed sugars.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
Peanut Butter Bowls: Use this smoothie as a delicious peanut butter drizzle for your acai bowl. Top your bowl with unsweetened acai, fresh strawberries, hempseed granola, and a touch of coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. tip: get acai packets from Trader Joe's or Sprouts!
Nut Butters: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter for a different flavor. Almond butter is equally nutritious and provides a slightly milder taste.
Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can replace maple syrup with agave nectar, monk fruit, or raw honey for a different natural sweetness.
Protein Powders: Experiment with other protein powders like hemp protein.
Milk Alternatives: Substitute homemade cashew milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or even coconut water for a lighter version.
Additional Fruits: Add fresh fruit like red apple slices, fresh strawberries, or blueberries for an extra boost of vitamin C and natural sweetness.
Toppings: Enhance your smoothie with toppings like cocoa nibs, chia seeds, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to add texture and extra nutrients.
Chocolate Variation: For a touch of chocolate, blend in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a small handful of cacao nibs.
Apple Dippers: Dip some red or green apples into this smoothie for a delicious treat!
How to make a Nekter Health Nut Smoothie
Step 1: Initial Blend
Add ½ cup of cashew milk, dates, peanut butter, protein powder, frozen banana, and maple syrup to your blender.
Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Adjust Consistency
Check the consistency of your smoothie.
If it's too thick, add more cashew milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Add more ice or another piece of frozen banana for a thicker smoothie.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust Flavors
Taste your smoothie and adjust flavors as needed.
If you prefer it sweeter, add more dates or a bit more maple syrup.
Step 4: Serve
Pour the smoothie into a glass.
Enjoy immediately.
Hint: Go easy on the sweetener as the protein powder (probably) and dates are already very sweet. Wait until the taste test to add any additional sweetener if you are sensitive to sugars. You can also use fewer dates or add the dates after the taste test as well.
Storage
Freeze your bananas ahead of time by peeling your ripe banana and cutting it in half. This is especially helpful if you're using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or a professional Ninja Blender.
Frozen bananas give your smoothie a creamy, ice cream-like texture and help keep it cold and refreshing without needing additional ice.
Top tip
Freeze your bananas ahead of time by peeling your ripe banana and cutting it in half. This is especially helpful if you're using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or a professional Ninja Blender.
Frozen bananas give your smoothie a creamy, ice cream-like texture and help keep it cold and refreshing without needing additional ice.
Health Nut Smoothie Recipe FAQs
The Health Nut Smoothie at Nekter includes peanut butter, banana, dates, housemade cashew milk, vanilla protein, and agave nectar. It's a delicious blend of natural and wholesome ingredients.
A Nekter PB Health Nut smoothie contains 490 calories, making it a substantial and nutrient-dense option for a meal or post-workout snack.
Yes, peanuts are very healthy and provide a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. However, they can be a trigger for those who get frequent cold sores and for people with peanut allergies. Additionally, peanuts are often heavily sprayed with pesticides, so it's best to choose organic peanuts whenever possible to avoid pesticide exposure.
Other Smoothie and Juice Recipes
If you tried this Nekter Health Nut Smoothie Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Nekter Health Nut Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup homemade cashew milk* plus more as needed (see notes for recipe link)
- 2-3 dates pitted
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness
Instructions
Step 1: Initial Blend
- Add ½ cup of homemade cashew milk, dates, peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, frozen banana, and maple syrup to your blender.
- Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Adjust Consistency
- Check the consistency of your smoothie.
- If it's too thick, add more *cashew milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- For a thicker smoothie, add more ice or another piece of frozen banana.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust Flavors
- Taste your smoothie and adjust flavors as needed.
- If you prefer it sweeter, add more dates or a bit more maple syrup.
Step 4: Serve
Notes
- Adding ice can make the smoothie even frostier, perfect for hot days.
- Go easy on the sweetener since the protein powder and dates are already very sweet.
- Wait until the taste test to add any additional sweetener if you are sensitive to sugars.
- You can also use fewer dates or add the dates after the taste test.
Swathi says
I enjoyed the cashew nut milk drink with vanilla powder and maple syrup, its delicious taste, and filling.
Natalie Perry says
Happy to hear you loved it!
Erin says
This was so tasty! And easy, too. Will be making this smoothie again tomorrow. 🙂
Natalie Perry says
Yum!
DK says
Oh wow - I've never used dates in a smoothie before but this recipe is really delicious! I love the meld of flavors and it's definitely filling enough to replace a meal!
Natalie Perry says
Sweet!
Krystle says
This is my all time favorite smoothie. I love the peanut butter, and the sweetness of the dates.
Natalie Perry says
Awesome!
Anonymous says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!