Dairy-Free Banana Almond Smoothie for First Trimester (High-Protein!)

The Dairy-Free Banana Almond Smoothie was born on one of those mornings when I knew I needed protein... but I wanted a banana smoothie (again). Except I was tired of the same thin, sugary version that never actually kept me full.

So I did what early pregnancy teaches you to do: adjust gently.

Adding almond butter turned it into something closer to comfort, similar to my Nausea-Relief Banana Strawberry Smoothie, but with more protein to keep me going.

Why This Pregnancy Banana Almond Smoothie Recipe for First Trimester Moms Works

Provides steady energy. Almond butter and oats make it high in protein and healthy fats.
No sugar crashes. There's no processed sugar in the recipe, only a banana for sweetness.
Gentle on digestion. It's dairy-free and completely smooth for sensitive stomachs.
Easy breakfast. Filling enough to replace breakfast on low-energy mornings.

Benefits of This Pregnancy-Friendly Banana Almond Smoothie For You & The Baby

This smoothie is thick and creamy in that deeply satisfying way: banana, creamy almond butter, and just enough cinnamon to make it feel cozy instead of bland.

It’s not overly sweet, not icy, not heavy. Just smooth, grounding, and steady.

The kind of drink you can sip slowly while sitting on the couch, knowing your body is getting what it needs without demanding too much from you.

Prep Time: 5 minutes / Total Time: 5 minutes / Yields: 1-2 servings

Ingredients

1¼ cup (295 ml) unsweetened almond milk
1 large frozen banana, sliced
3 tablespoons Homemade Sugar-Free Almond Butter (or your favorite kind)
¼ cup (20 g) old-fashioned oats
¼-½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
1 cup ice cubes (about a handful)

Preparation Instructions for Pregnancy-Friendly Banana Almond Smoothie

Pour the unsweetened almond milk into a blender.
Add the frozen banana, almond butter, oats, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Top with the ice cubes.
Blend on high speed until thick, creamy, and smooth, about 1–2 minutes. Scrape down the sides if needed and blend again.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Banana Almond Smoothie

Banana Pistachio Smoothie: Swap the almond milk for my Homemade Pistachio Milk, and the almond butter for 1-Ingredient Pistachio Butter. It's an easy, super yummy variation!
Make it a peanut butter smoothie: Keep the almond milk (or swap it for oat milk), but use Homemade Peanut Butter instead of almond butter.
Don't skip the ice: Feel free to reduce the amount, but don't skip it entirely because it helps keep nausea under control. Cold drinks are more nausea-friendly than room-temperature ones.
Use leftover nice-cream: Sometimes I'll have leftover Banana Nice Cream or Pistachio Banana Nice Cream. When I do, I skip the frozen banana in the recipe and just add 1/2 cup of nice cream instead.
Add toppings: Chopped almonds, chia seeds, or flax seeds are great ways to add some texture.
Chocolate Banana Almond Smoothie: Add 1 tablespoon Chocolate Hazelnut Spread and 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender for a chocolatey smoothie.

What to Serve With This High-Protein Dairy-Free Banana Almond Smoothie

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

With my Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter.
If I need something extra bland, with my Peanut Butter Banana Toast or Pistachio Butter Toast.
On mornings when my stomach can handle something warm and comforting, I love it with my French Toast Stack or High Protein Ricotta Pancakes with Cherry Compote.
Nibbling on some Dairy-Free Snowball Cookies or Dairy-Free Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies for a sweet snack.

How to Store This Pregnancy Banana Almond Smoothie

Fridge: Transfer to an airtight container or jar (fill to the top to minimize air exposure) and store for up to 24 hours. Shake/stir well before drinking, as natural separation occurs.
Freezer: Pour into a freezer-safe container with headspace for expansion. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then re-blend briefly to incorporate the ingredients again. Enjoy chilled.

FAQs about this Banana Almond Smoothie for Pregnancy

1. Is a banana almond smoothie good during pregnancy?

Yes. A banana almond smoothie is a great pregnancy-friendly option because it provides potassium, healthy fats, protein, and steady energy. When made dairy-free, it’s also gentler on digestion and easier to tolerate during the first trimester.

2. Can almond butter help with pregnancy nausea?

Almond butter can help by providing protein and healthy fats that stabilize blood sugar. Stable blood sugar levels may reduce nausea that’s triggered by hunger or energy crashes in early pregnancy.

3. Is it safe to drink smoothies with oats while pregnant?

Absolutely. Oats are safe and beneficial during pregnancy. They support digestion, help prevent constipation, and provide slow-releasing carbohydrates that keep energy levels steady.

4. Is this banana almond smoothie filling enough for breakfast during pregnancy?

Yes. Thanks to the almond butter and oats, this smoothie is filling enough to replace breakfast on low-energy mornings. It provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein that helps you stay full longer.

5. Can I drink this smoothie every day while pregnant?

Yes. This smoothie is gentle, balanced, and free of processed sugar, making it suitable for regular enjoyment. You can rotate nut butters or add-ins for variety.

A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen

Early pregnancy has a way of stripping things back to basics. What feels good. What stays down. What helps you feel a little more stable.

This smoothie fits right into that rhythm: simple, nourishing, and quietly supportive. A small ritual that says you’re allowed to care for yourself gently, even before the day really begins.