Brain Fuel Smoothie (Inspired by Herban Market)

Chocolatey, energizing, and secretly good for you

Recipe #17 of My 100 Recipe Project

When we moved to Franklin, I started looking for the best coffee shops to work at. I started going to Herban Market around the corner from Myles preschool and regularly ordering their Brain Fuel Smoothie.

It didn’t taste like a typical smoothie. It's deeper. Richer. Almost like a chocolate coffee drink, but not overly sweet and gave me the energy boost with focus I need to work.

So this is my at-home version.

Something you can make in the morning when you want coffee and breakfast, or in the afternoon when you need a reset.

What Makes It Different

This isn’t your typical fruit smoothie.

• Espresso gives it that mocha, grown-up flavor

• Chocolate protein makes it feel indulgent

• Mushroom powder + MCT oil quietly support focus and energy

• Banana keeps it creamy and naturally sweet
  

It’s the kind of thing that feels like a treat—but works a little harder behind the scenes.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 frozen banana

• 1 shot espresso (or ¼ cup strong cold brew)

• ¾ cup milk of choice (I like almond or whole milk here)

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder

• 1 teaspoon mushroom blend powder (lion’s mane, cordyceps, etc. - I use Malama Mushroom brand)

• 1 teaspoon MCT oil

• 1–2 teaspoons honey (to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

• Handful of ice (optional, for thickness)

Instructions

1. Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly

   (or use cold brew for an even easier version)

2. Add everything to a blender:

   banana, espresso, milk, protein powder, mushroom blend, MCT oil, honey, and cinnamon

3. Blend until smooth and creamy

4. Taste and adjust:

   • Add more honey if you want it sweeter

   • Add more milk if it’s too thick

5. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away

How It Tastes

Think: a chocolate mocha shake… but lighter, smoother, and not overly sweet

You don’t really taste the mushroom powder, it just adds a subtle depth that makes it feel a little more balanced.

Easy Variations

Make it thicker: Add ½ avocado or a scoop of Greek yogurt

Make it colder: Freeze your espresso into ice cubes ahead of time

Make it feel like dessert: Blend in a few dark chocolate chips

Extra texture on top: Cacao nibs or a sprinkle of cinnamon

A Quick Note on Ingredients

If you’re new to some of these:

• Mushroom blends (like lion’s mane) are often used for focus and mental clarity. Herban Market sells a great blend from Malama Mushrooms.

• MCT oil is a quick source of energy that pairs well with caffeine

• Chocolate protein powder pulls everything together into that mocha flavor

Inspired By

Inspired by the Brain Fuel Smoothie from Herban Market (one of those spots that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together) Recipe #17 of My 100 Recipe Project From My Franklin Kitchen, Alexis