The new year often comes with big plans to eat better, but sticking to it can feel like a chore when everything starts to taste the same or you’re eating your 10th sad salad of the week. That’s where these smoothies that taste like milkshakes come in. They’re creamy, flavorful and satisfying enough to make healthier choices less of a struggle.
Date Smoothie
Who needs caramel sauce when you’ve got nature’s candy? This date smoothie blends almond milk, yogurt, and crushed ice into a sweet, creamy drink that’s ready faster than your coffee order. Think of it as breakfast with a sugar high (in a good way).
Get the Recipe: Date Smoothie
Cherry Almond Vanilla Smoothie
Skip the pint of ice cream and grab your blender. This smoothie is a protein-packed love letter to Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia but without the guilt trip. It’s all cherry goodness with just enough vanilla to keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Almond Vanilla Smoothie
Key Lime Smoothie
Ever wanted to drink pie for breakfast? Here’s your shot. This key lime smoothie is tangy, creamy, and full of island vibes thanks to light coconut milk. Close your eyes, take a sip, and pretend you’re somewhere with palm trees.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Smoothie
Chocolate Chip Cookie Smoothie
This smoothie is what happens when your favorite cookie meets a blender. With maple pecan cookies, coconut milk, and cashew butter, it’s so creamy and cookie-dough-ish you’ll forget it’s not actually dessert. Breakfast hacks, anyone?
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Smoothie
Chestnut Oat Smoothie
Chestnuts aren’t just for roasting anymore. Blended with Greek yogurt and oats, this smoothie is as creamy as it gets. Perfect for kicking off your day while pretending you’re living that healthy New Year lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Chestnut Oat Smoothie
Double Chocolate Smoothie
When life calls for chocolate, this smoothie answers loud and clear. Creamy, rich, and unapologetically chocolaty, it’s like drinking dessert for breakfast without a second thought. New year, new you—right? Just don’t tell the gym.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Smoothie
Black Bean Smoothie
Black beans in a smoothie? Hear me out. This chocolate milkshake imposter is loaded with nutrients, but you’d never guess because it tastes like pure chocolate heaven. Breakfast or snack, it’s the smoothest way to sneak in something good.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Smoothie
Gingerbread Smoothie
Christmas might be over, but the gingerbread vibes live on. This smoothie blends Medjool dates, warm spices, and molasses into a cup of holiday cheer. It’s like the ghost of Christmas past, but delicious and drinkable.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Smoothie
Kiwi Banana Matcha Smoothie
Wake up and glow with this matcha smoothie. Kiwi, banana, and green tea bring just the right balance of creamy and energizing. Bonus: it’s green enough to trick people into thinking you’re super healthy.
Get the Recipe: Kiwi Banana Matcha Smoothie
Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie
Pumpkin spice everything isn’t just for fall. This smoothie uses real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a drink that tastes like autumn in a cup. Make it a bowl, top it with your favorites, and call it a New Year treat.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
When mornings feel too rushed, this classic strawberry banana smoothie saves the day. Creamy, fruity, and easy to whip up, it’s the dependable breakfast we all need in our lives.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Pineapple Cherry Smoothie
Tropical pineapple meets juicy cherries in this smoothie that’s practically sunshine in a glass. Kale sneaks in for good measure, but the flavor will never give it away.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cherry Smoothie
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Peanut butter and bananas were meant to be together, and this smoothie proves it. Creamy, sweet, and totally kid-approved, it’s the closest thing to a milkshake your morning routine will allow.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Pineapple Beet Smoothie
Beets, pineapple, and spinach walk into a blender… and out comes this vibrant smoothie packed with natural energy. It’s quick, nourishing, and sneaky with the greens.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Beet Smoothie
Coffee Smoothie
Start your day the right way—with coffee in a smoothie. This quick blend of almond milk, bananas, peanut butter, and your favorite brew is caffeinated perfection. 5 minutes to morning bliss? Yes, please.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Smoothie
Salted Caramel Protein Shake
Sweet meets salty in this protein shake you’ll want on repeat. Vanilla protein powder, homemade caramel sauce, and a shake of confidence make this one unbeatable for midday cravings.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Protein Shake
Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
Smooth and creamy with just enough cookie vibes to keep it fun, this protein shake means business. Craving something sweet? This is your new go-to.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
Nutella Milkshake Smoothie
Nutella plus banana equals love. This smoothie is like a milkshake without the ice cream, but you’d never know. Rich, creamy, and ridiculously good in just 5 minutes flat.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Milkshake Smoothie
Mexican Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Chocolate with a kick! This smoothie blends sweet cherries, cacao, cinnamon, and almond milk into a creamy drink with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for those chocolate cravings with a little flair.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Strawberry Banana Chocolate Smoothie
Strawberries, bananas, and chocolate—this trio never misses. Quick, creamy, and made with just three ingredients, it’s a no-brainer for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Banana Chocolate Smoothie
Protein Shamrock Shake
Skip the drive-thru and make this thick, minty shake at home. It’s fresh, creamy, and green enough to feel festive year-round.
Get the Recipe: Protein Shamrock Shake
Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie
Strawberries and vanilla take center stage in this dairy-free smoothie that’s pure dessert vibes in a glass. Whip it up fast and treat yourself without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie
Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie
Cheesecake for breakfast? Absolutely. Packed with protein from cottage cheese, this smoothie is creamy, sweet, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
