Love milkshakes but wish they were healthier? In that case this healthy strawberry milkshake recipe is what you've been looking for. It's a great way to get some fruit into reluctant kids and is also suitable for vegans.
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I've always loved a milkshake. When I was a kid most of the milkshakes I had were of the Nesquik powdered variety. I used to love it - especially the banana flavour. I can't imagine drinking it now though - my tastebuds have changed a lot since then!
My parents never took us to McDonald's or anywhere like that when were were little so my first taste of a really thick milkshake was when I was a teenager. My parents did point out that it was a bit contradictory to be making them cook me vegetarian food at home but then sneaking off for fries and milkshakes with my friends. At the time I didn't see it like that though, I was still avoiding meat, right?
This healthy milkshake is nothing like either the banana milkshake powder variety of my childhood or the thick, almost doesn't come through the straw variety of my teens.
Instead my strawberry milkshake is:
- vegan
- fruity
- light
- refreshing
- healthy
- refined sugar free.
My kids love milkshakes. While they've never actually tried the aforementioned Nesquik or McDonald's varieties, they were treated to an epic Oreo milkshake when we were on holiday in Malaysia last year. Malaysian desserts are incredible - large, colourful and like nothing else you've ever seen before.
And that Oreo milkshake probably contained their daily calorie allowance in one glass. Still we were on holiday so that's ok, right?
Needless to say, this strawberry milkshake is a much healthier alternative.
How to make a vegan milkshake
This question might have been hard to answer back in the 1990s when I was enjoying my McDonalds milkshakes. Nowadays though it's quite simple - just use vegan milk.
For my healthy vegan strawberry milkshake I've simply used almond milk in place of dairy milk.
If you want to make a more dessert-like vegan milkshake however you'll have no trouble. Vegan cream*, dairy free ice cream and even plant based squirty cream* are all relatively easy to buy.
You will also need a blender to make your strawberry milkshake. I used my Froothie Optimum Air Vac 2 blender to make mine*. Read my review of this blender and get a recipe for fruity smoothie ice lollies.
But how do you get that delicious creaminess and still keep it healthy?
Once again there's a simple, healthy and vegan answer to this question - frozen banana. The secret to a deliciously creamy, yet healthy milkshake is to add frozen sliced banana to your milkshake before blending.
You can buy frozen sliced banana in many supermarkets but it's easy enough to make your own. Slice a ripe banana and freeze for an hour or so on non-stick paper or a tray, before transferring to a tub or freezer bag. This is to stop them sticking together.
In fact, it's always useful to have frozen banana in the freezer for adding to smoothies and milkshakes.
If you like this you might also like my green smoothie for kids or my healthy hot chocolate.
How to make a healthy vegan strawberry milkshake
Healthy strawberry milkshake
Ingredients
- 300 g strawberries fresh or frozen, sliced
- 1 medium banana sliced and frozen
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp flax seeds optional
- 500 ml almond milk
- 3-4 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Serve immediately or store in a bottle in the fridge. Shake before serving if not drinking immediately.
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Choclette
Goodness gracious I had no idea you could buy frozen bananas!!!! I love the look of this milkshake Mandy, it looks really inviting. And I absolutly must try using frozen bananas. I keep reading about what a difference they make, but I've still only ever used room temperature ones. I think I will freeze my own though ๐
Mandy Mazliah
Yes! My local supermarket has a big section with various frozen fruits in it. But it is of course just as easy to make your own.
Cathy @ Planet Veggie
I don't think it's contradictory at all for a vegetarian to go to McDonald's and have a milkshake. But now I want an Oreo milkshake and I'm not even on holiday ๐
Mandy Mazliah
Ah shame - well I'm sure there's somewhere in Folkestone that will do one for you!