Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana Breakfast Smoothie

I was 19 and a freshman in college when my roommate introduced me to Carnation Breakfast Essentials. Chocolate milk for breakfast?! It was love at first sip. Fast forward 15 years and my mornings still start with Carnation.

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It’s easy, it tastes great and it is full of 21 vitamins and minerals, 13g of protein and as much calcium as a 6 oz cup of yogurt. A great way to start my day. When I travel, I even pack Carnation Breakfast Essentials packets in my suitcase for breakfast that way I know that if nothing else I can grab a glass of milk and start my day with a good breakfast.

Most mornings I drink my Carnation Breakfast Essentials mixed with a glass of milk – I drink about a gallon of milk a week, in case you were wondering. But every once in a while I make myself an extra treat — a smoothie made with Carnation Breakfast Essentials. It tastes like having dessert for breakfast – like a milkshake for breakfast! And while it does mean I have to clean the blender… it is really easy!

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 oz) of milk
• 1 packet or 1/3 cup of Carnation Breakfast Essentials
• 1 banana
• 1 heaping spoonful of creamy peanut butter

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender. Pour and serve.

I have also been known to throw in other various fruits depending on what we have in the house, but this is my favorite combo.

Apparently I am not the only one who makes smoothies with my Carnation Breakfast Essentials, you can find even more recipe ideas from Carnation Breakfast Essentials.

The last time we used our blender, my husband made milkshakes for the girls. (Real milkshakes.) So when I got out the blender to make my smoothie I immediately had a toddler at my feet begging for a milkshake. I tried explaining to her that I was not making a milkshake, I wasn’t even making something for her.

She was patient, for a two year old, while I make my smoothie and took photos. All the while keeping a close eye on my glass. Finally, when I was all done I decided to let her try a sip.

One sip turned into two… Sissy declared it was a yummy milkshake.

Eventually I got back my smoothie, but I think next time I will have to make a double batch. The next morning she begged me to make her a “milk treat” again. It looks like I have another Carnation Breakfast Essentials fan in the making, but this one is starting much younger.

Because I drink so much Carnation Breakfast Essentials I am always on the look out for a coupon and a sale, and boy do I stock up when I can get a great deal. On average the best price is at Walmart. It is sold in three container sizes — 22 individual packets, 10 packets and a canister with 14 servings. The canister is the best price per serving – unless there is a good sale. Just a tip from an experienced shopper.

In addition to the powder form of Carnation Breakfast Essentials, there is also a liquid variety. I like to keep a couple of ready-to-drink bottles in the fridge for the most hectic mornings so I can grab them and go. Apparently there are also now Carnation Breakfast Essentials bars. I haven’t seen those yet, but I will have to try them when I do!

Carnation Breakfast Essentials offers four chocolate flavor options Rich Milk Chocolate (my fave), Classic Chocolate Malt, Dark Chocolate and No Sugar Added Rich Milk Chocolate. For those who don’t like chocolate (gasp!) Carnation is also available in Classic French Vanilla, Strawberry Sensation and No Sugar Added Classic French Vanilla.