🩺 HEART Exam: GrownUp KidStuff Dark Chocolate & Banana Chai Smoothie
Today’s “patient” is a delicious little experiment born from curiosity, ripe bananas, and a spoonful of chocolatey mischief. Let’s put this smoothie under the scope! 🩺🍌🍫
❤️ Health:
I’ll admit — I wasn’t sure about banana and chai together, but wow… pleasantly surprised doesn’t even cover it. I wanted to kickstart my morning with vitamins and minerals, and those overripe bananas on the counter were begging for a blender moment.
In went:
🧊 Ice
🍌 Two bananas
🥄 Two scoops of Ka’Chava Chai protein powder
🍫 One spoonful of GrownUp KidStuff Dark Vegan Chocolate Sauce
Blend. Sip. Smile.
This dairy-free dark chocolate sauce clocks in at 50 calories, 1.5g fat, 12g carbs, 0g protein, and a sprinkle of iron per tablespoon. It’s gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, nut-free, and vegan.
✨ Fun Fact: According to the Cleveland Clinic, dark chocolate contains flavonoids that may support heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and helping maintain healthy blood pressure. It also provides iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper — all essential minerals for the body.
Ka’chava is a gluten and dairy free protein powder
❤️ Eating:
Before blending, I sampled the chocolate sauce on its own — smooth, rich, and pleasantly chocolatey. It does have a slight dark chocolate bitterness, but less than others I’ve tried. Once blended with banana and chai, though? Heaven.
Each sip balanced spicy chai, sweet banana, and deep cocoa perfectly. The chocolate mellowed the spice, and the banana brought creaminess. A total win for my morning routine — especially since I have a terrible sweet tooth. 🍫💋
❤️ Accessibility:
I purchased this gem at the Oakbrook Artisan Market over the weekend. The gentleman at the booth was incredibly knowledgeable about allergens (instant confidence boost 🩺).
💵 I paid $11.99 for one jar (exact ounces TBD — I’ll update after my next serving).
🌱 Bonus: GrownUp KidStuff supports local prairie restoration and Ghanaian farmers through sustainable sourcing and ethical farming.
🌐 grownupkidstuff.com
❤️ Rating:
💓 Tachycardia!
I’ll absolutely make this smoothie again — and drizzle that sauce over ice cream, fruit, or maybe even pancakes.
⚠️ Note: Dark chocolate naturally contains caffeine, so I avoid it after 2 p.m. (because, well… I like sleeping).
❤️ Tell Others:
If you’re a dark chocolate lover (or just a conscious consumer), give this brand a try! Yes, it’s pricier than grocery store sauces, but your purchase supports small business, sustainable farming, and ethical chocolate sourcing. 💚
🩺 Final Diagnosis:
A heart-healthy dose of antioxidants, sweet satisfaction, and environmental goodness all blended together.
Perfect for breakfast or a midday treat.
💖 Live safe, happy, healthy.
