Date and Banana Smoothie

Ingredients you'll need to make date smoothie

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

1. Dates – As I mentioned in most recipes using dates, grocery stores typically carry two kinds: soft, plump Medjool dates and the smaller, drier Deglet Noor variety. Medjool dates are perfect for smoothies because their moist texture blends easily without the need for soaking.
2. Banana – The riper it is, the sweeter and more flavorful your drink will be—plus, it helps create a naturally thick, milkshake-like consistency.
3. Almond Butter – Almond butter adds creaminess and body. Peanut butter will be a great substitute.
4. Cocoa Powder – Dutch-processed cocoa powder is less acidic than natural cocoa, giving it a smoother, mellower chocolate flavor.
5. Milk – I prefer using whole milk. You can easily swap it for almond, oat, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

Should you soak the dates before adding them to your smoothie?

It depends on the type of date you’re using. Medjool dates are soft, plump, and naturally moist—making them ideal for smoothies. They blend effortlessly without soaking and add rich caramel-like sweetness and a velvety texture.

On the other hand, Deglet Noor dates are smaller and drier, which makes them harder to blend. To help them break down smoothly, simply soak them in warm milk (or water) for about 30 minutes before blending. This softens the fibers and ensures a creamy, lump-free smoothie every time.

Substitutions & Variations

• Nut Butter – Swap almond butter with peanut butter or cashew butter.
• Dairy-Free / Vegan – Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or cashew milk in place of dairy milk.
• Protein Boost – Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a high-protein breakfast smoothie.

Recipe tips

• Make it Dairy-Free – Simply swap in almond milk, oat milk, or your favorite non-dairy milk.
• Use a High-Powered Blender – A powerful blender like a Vitamix or NutriBullet is key for achieving a silky-smooth texture, especially when blending whole dates.
• Always Pit Your Dates – Don’t forget to remove the pits before blending, even if the package says “pitted” — a missed pit can ruin your smoothie (and your blender!).
• Soften Noor Dates – If using firmer Deglet Noor dates instead of soft Medjool, soak them in warm milk for about 15–30 minutes beforehand. This helps them blend easily and evenly.