Hello foodies! Sarita Gupta here, and today I’m excited to share with you my latest recipe obsession: the Cacao Fruit Bliss Smoothie. Believe me when I say that this smoothie is an absolute game-changer that will take your taste buds on a tropical adventure. Plus, it’s packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy treat that you can enjoy anytime. So, sit back, grab your blender, and let’s get started!

Sarita grew up in a small town in northern India. She immigrated to the US in her early 20s to pursue her love of music and has been performing with her band ever since. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in the mountains and experimenting with new recipes from around the world.

Sarita Gupta currently resides in the United States and grew up in India.

I grew up in a small town in northern India, where fresh tropical fruits and spices were a staple in my family’s kitchen. When I first heard about the Cacao Fruit Juice Beverage from Trader Joe’s, I knew I had to try it. Not only because cacao is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, but because I’m always on the lookout for new healthy and unique ingredients to incorporate into my recipes. And let me tell you, this juice does not disappoint! Its rich and fruity taste is like nothing I’ve ever had before.

Believe it or not, cacao fruit has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until recently that it gained popularity in the US. The juice is made from the flesh of the fruit that surrounds the cacao bean, which accounts for less than 1% of the global cacao production. In fact, the majority of the fruit usually goes to waste, which is a shame considering its delicious taste and high nutritional value. That’s why it’s so exciting to see companies like Trader Joe’s using the fruit to create innovative and sustainable products, like the Cacao Fruit Juice Beverage. So, not only is this smoothie delicious, it’s also an excellent way to reduce food waste. How’s that for a win-win situation?

What you need

This Cacao Fruit Bliss Smoothie is a refreshing and exotic treat that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The combination of Trader Joe’s cold-pressed cacao fruit juice, non-dairy milk, and frozen banana creates a unique and delicious flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. Making this smoothie is super easy! You just need to gather the ingredients, cut and freeze the banana, blend everything together and voila! You have a creamy, frothy, and nutritious smoothie packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast or snack time!

Ingredients:

• Trader Joe’s Cold-Pressed Cacao Fruit Juice Beverage – This is the star ingredient of the recipe, adding a unique and exotic fruity, nutty, sweet, and floral taste to the smoothie. It’s a new and exciting product introduced by Trader Joe’s in 2021.
• Non-dairy milk – This ingredient adds creaminess and texture to the smoothie. Use your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, oat or coconut milk. You can also use regular milk if not vegan or lactose intolerant.
• Frozen banana – The frozen banana adds sweetness and acts as a natural thickener for the smoothie. Make sure the banana is ripe before freezing for optimal flavor.
• Dates
• Ice – Adding ice gives the smoothie a frosty texture and makes it more refreshing. You can skip this ingredient if you prefer a creamier consistency.

Utensils:

• Blender
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife – To cut and freeze the banana
• Cutting board – To cut the banana
• Freezer – Needed to freeze the banana
• Tall glasses – To serve the smoothie
• Straws – Optional, but recommended for a more enjoyable drinking experience

Trader Joe’s Cacao Fruit Juice Beverage

This new product is definitely a game-changer in the plant-based beverage world. It’s made from the pulp of the cacao fruit, that is usually discarded during the chocolate-making process and is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and iron. Moreover, it has a unique, delicate, fruity flavor that is hard to find elsewhere. I was intrigued by this product, and I had to give it a try. It did not disappoint and added a new layer of flavor to my smoothie, making it more exotic and refined. In addition, the cacao fruit is known for its health benefits, particularly for the immune system, and can be consumed in a variety of forms, from dried fruit to chocolate bars. This juice is the newest addition to the cacao fruit products and is definitely worth trying for anyone who wants to discover new and exciting flavors.

Frozen banana

Frozen bananas are a staple in my smoothie-making routine. Not only do they add sweetness and creaminess to the smoothie, but they also act as a natural thickener and provide a serving of fruit. Moreover, they are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese. When it comes to freezing bananas, make sure they are ripe, with brown spots on the skin, as they have a more intense flavor and are easier to blend. I like to peel the bananas, cut them into chunks, and store them in a ziplock bag in the freezer for whenever I need to make a smoothie. They can also be used in baked goods or eaten as a healthy snack. Overall, frozen bananas are a versatile and delicious ingredient that adds a lot of value to this smoothie recipe.

What to serve it with?

As for serving options, I personally love to enjoy my Cacao Fruit Bliss Smoothie with a side of fresh fruit salad. The combination of tropical flavors is simply divine! I usually chop up some mango, pineapple, and papaya and mix them all together. Not only does it add some texture to the drink, but it’s also a great way to incorporate more fruit into my diet. As someone who grew up in a culture that values fresh produce, I always try to incorporate fruits and vegetables into my meals as much as possible. It’s a wholesome and delicious way to nourish my body, and this smoothie with a fruit salad on the side gives me just that.

Summary

Thanks for joining me today on this tropical taste adventure, foodies! I hope you enjoyed making the Cacao Fruit Bliss Smoothie as much as I do. Do you have any recipe variations or serving suggestions to share? Or perhaps you’ve discovered new and exciting ways to use cacao fruit juice in your cooking? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to share your smoothie creations on social media with the hashtag #CacaoFruitBliss. Until next time, keep cooking and experimenting with new ingredients!

Here’s the recipe:

Cacao Fruit Bliss: Delicious Smoothie Recipe with Trader Joe's Cacao Fruit Juice Beverage

Sarita Gupta

Enjoy the exotic and delicious flavor of cacao fruit in this refreshing smoothie recipe. Combined with non-dairy milk and banana, this smoothie is a must-try!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Drinks, Snack

Servings 2

Equipment

• Blender
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• cutting board
• Freezer
• Tall Glasses
• Straws

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Trader Joe's Cold-Pressed Cacao Fruit Juice Beverage
• 1 cup Non-dairy milk
• 1 large Frozen banana
• 3 Dates
• 1 cup Ice

Instructions

 

• Gather the ingredients - Collect Trader Joe's cacao fruit juice, non-dairy milk, frozen banana, and ice.
• Cut and freeze the banana - Peel the banana and cut it into chunks. Place the banana chunks in a ziplock bag and freeze for at least 2 hours, until solid. - Don't use a browned banana for this recipe, as it might turn bitter.
• Combine ingredients - In a blender, combine the cacao fruit juice, non-dairy milk, frozen banana chunks, dates, and ice. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. - Add more ice for a thicker smoothie or more non-dairy milk for a thinner smoothie.
• Serve and enjoy - Pour the smoothie into glasses and enjoy immediately. Garnish with cocoa nibs or shredded coconut if desired.