Antioxidant-rich Blueberry Cacao Smoothie

Antioxidant-rich Blueberry Cacao Smoothie

If you’ve got a child who's fussy with food (or just flat-out refuses anything green), smoothies are one of the best ways to sneak in nutrients without the battle. This Blueberry Cacao Smoothie has quickly become a favourite in our household — it’s creamy, chocolatey, and packed with immune-loving ingredients and antioxidants that support your little one’s wellbeing from the inside out.

Every ingredient in this blend has been carefully chosen to nourish little bodies — particularly when they’re navigating daycare germs, fussy appetites, or an on/off snotty nose. 

Here's why it's a go-to in our kitchen:

Blueberries & Raspberries (opt for organic where possible - a tip is to buy them frozen so they're cheaper!) are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and support the body's natural defences. They’re also full of vitamin C and fibre.

Ripe Banana Adds natural sweetness, plus prebiotic fibre to fuel beneficial gut bacteria.

Almond Butter & Flaxmeal are a great source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and plant-based protein — all of which play a role in immune regulation and hormone balance.

Unsweetened Almond Milk is a gentle base that’s low in sugar and dairy-free, ideal for sensitive tummies. 

Immune Protein Cacao Cavalry (you can also use Strawberry Forte!) is a wholefood-based protein blend, made with:

  • Pasture-raised collagen for 9g of bioavailable protein
  • B Vitamins from quinoa sprouts to support energy and immune cell production
  • Vitamin C from camu camu (205% of your child’s RDI!)
  • Vitamin D from shiitake mushrooms for strong bones and to support the immune system
  • Zinc (40% of your child's RDI)
  • Vitamin D (from Shiitake Mushroom)
  • Prebiotics + probiotics for gut health — where 70% of the immune system lives!
    It’s also delicious, smooth, and free from any fillers, gums, or artificial flavours.

Check out the recipe below and let us know if your child approves!!

Ingredients
1 cup organic frozen blueberries
1/2 cup organic frozen raspberries
1 tbsp almond butter (or nut butter of choice)
1 tbsp flaxmeal or chia seeds
1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 tbsp Unrefined Nutrients Cacao Cavalry 
1 very ripe banana

Method
Blend all ingredients until combined and serve in your child's favourite cup! We LOVE the Subo or these cute cups off Amazon (note** they are glass so you need to supervise your child using them). 

Our Ingredients

  • Pasture-raised Collagen

    Collagen is a natural structural protein that makes up approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body. Collagen can support your child’s joint health, help maintain muscle mass and aid in bone health. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, with the highest standards of care, our collagen has been produced using a hydrolyzed process that breaks it down into smaller, more easily digestible peptides ensuring superior bioavailability and easy absorption. Our Immune Protein contains a complete essential amino acid profile, due to the addition of L-Tryptophan, the only essential amino acid missing in natural bovine collagen.

  • B Vitamins derived from Organic Quinoa Sprouts

    The B Vitamins in Immune Protein are a proprietary blend of ACTIVE B vitamins obtained from Organic Quinoa Sprouts. Unlike synthetic B vitamins which can be poorly absorbed (and sometimes upset little tummies), PANMOL® B-Complex is derived from a whole food source and contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 in their biologically active (natural) form for maximum absorption. Nutrients derived from a whole food source are said to be more readily recognised by the body than synthetic nutrients, making them more bioavailable for better absorption. We chose this form to also ensure the B vitamins are gentle on little tummies!

  • Vitamin D derived from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms

    Vitamin D is essential for several important functions in children, including bone growth and development (it helps the body to absorb calcium) and immune system support. The Vitamin D in our Kid’s Immune Protein is a plant-based source of Vitamin D extracted from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms. After harvesting, shiitake mushrooms are exposed to UV-B light (similar to sunlight) for a certain period of time. This exposure triggers a natural process in the mushrooms where ergosterol, a compound found in the cell membranes of fungi, is converted into vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). This is the same process that occurs in human skin when exposed to sunlight, converting cholesterol into vitamin D3.

  • Camu Camu

    Camu camu is a small, tart fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, renowned for its exceptional potency as a source of vitamin C. In fact, camu camu contains up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the most concentrated natural sources of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. For growing children, this powerful antioxidant is especially important in boosting immune defense and promoting healthy skin, tissues, and gums. Camu camu provides a natural, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C, helping ensure your child receives optimal support for their immune system in a gentle and effective way.

  • Zinc Gluconate

    Zinc is an essential mineral and particularly important for children as adequate zinc intake is crucial for proper growth, immune function, and development, especially in cases where picky eating may limit the variety of foods consumed. Since zinc is not stored in the body, it must be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. Some studies have also shown a correlation between zinc deficiency and reduced appetite, often contributing to picky eating behaviours. For example, a 2021 study found that 37.4% of picky eaters had lower zinc levels than non-picky eaters! Many multivitamins combine zinc and iron, but because these two minerals compete for absorption, we’ve chosen to exclude iron from our blends to ensure your child gets the full benefit of the zinc included!

  • Pre & Probiotics

    Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in supporting a child's gut health, which is closely linked to digestion, immunity, and overall development. Our Immune Protein contains Queensland grown green banana resistant starch, which is a natural prebiotic that feeds good gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements. We've also included the specific probiotic, Bacillus coagulans as it can survive stomach acid, is heat resistant and can help to balance gut flora while reducing digestive discomfort. When used together, these two ingredients create a synbiotic effect, enhancing each other's benefits and supporting long-term gut flora balance, a resilient immune system and better nutrient absorption for thriving children.