Look, I'm gonna be real with you—most keto smoothies taste like sadness blended with ice. But this one? This creamy hazelnut coconut masterpiece tastes like you raided a fancy café's secret menu and somehow stayed in ketosis.
I stumbled onto this combo after getting super tired of the same old protein shake routine. One morning, I threw hazelnuts and coconut together on a whim, and honestly? Game changer. Now I actually look forward to breakfast instead of choking down another boring “health” drink.
Why You're Gonna Love This Thing
Here's the deal: this smoothie gives you coffeehouse vibes without the sugar crash or the $8 price tag. You get rich, nutty flavors that actually satisfy you, plus enough healthy fats to keep you full until lunch. No mid-morning hangry moments, no carb cravings—just smooth sailing.
The hazelnut butter brings this deep, roasted flavor (think Nutella but without the sugar bomb), while coconut milk makes everything silky and luxurious. Toss in some cocoa or espresso? Chef's kiss. You've basically made a milkshake that won't kick you out of ketosis.
And before you ask—yes, it's legitimately keto-friendly. We're talking high fat, low carb, with customizable protein. Your macros will thank you.
What You'll Need
Here's your shopping list. Nothing weird or hard to find, I promise:
The Base:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (grab the carton kind for lighter texture, or go full canned if you want it thicc)
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut butter (or 1/4 cup roasted hazelnuts if your blender can handle it)
- 1/2 cup ice (more = thicker shake)
The Flavor Squad:
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or cacao (optional, but seriously—don't skip this)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt (trust me on this one)
- Sweetener to taste (I like monk fruit or allulose; start with 1/2–1 teaspoon and adjust)
Optional Power-Ups:
- 1 scoop unflavored collagen or vanilla whey isolate
- 1–2 teaspoons MCT oil (if you want extra energy)
- 1 shot chilled espresso (hello, mocha vibes)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for extra thickness)
Pro tip: Don't use sweetened coconut milk unless you enjoy sabotaging yourself. Always check the label—unsweetened or bust.
How to Make It (Super Simple, I Promise)
Step 1: Get Everything Cold
If you want that frosty milkshake texture, make sure your coconut milk is properly chilled. I sometimes freeze some in ice cube trays ahead of time. Not necessary, but it makes a difference.
Step 2: Load Up Your Blender
Toss in the coconut milk, hazelnut butter, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, sea salt, and your sweetener. If you're adding protein powder, espresso, or MCT oil, throw those in now too.
Step 3: Ice Goes Last
Add your ice on top. This helps everything blend more evenly instead of turning into an icy disaster at the bottom.
Step 4: Blend Until Silky
Start on low speed, then crank it up to high for about 30–45 seconds. You want zero gritty bits—just smooth, creamy perfection.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Not sweet enough? Add a tiny bit more sweetener. Too thick? Splash in more coconut milk. Want it colder? Toss in a couple more ice cubes and blend again. Make it yours.
Step 6: Pour and Enjoy
If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some shredded coconut or cocoa powder on top. Snap a pic for the ‘gram if that's your thing. Then drink it before it melts. 🙂
Storage Tips (For the Meal Preppers)
This smoothie tastes best fresh, but real life happens. You can store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake before drinking—separation is totally normal, nothing to freak out about.
If you're prepping ahead, here's my move: skip adding the ice when you blend it initially. Store it in the fridge, then blend in the ice right before you drink it. Peak texture, minimal effort.
For true grab-and-go convenience, portion out your dry ingredients (cocoa, sweetener, shredded coconut) into small containers. Then just add liquids and blend in the morning. Takes like 90 seconds.
What Makes This Smoothie Actually Good for You
Let me break down why this isn't just tasty—it's legitimately nutritious:
Low-Carb Friendly: Keeps your net carbs minimal thanks to unsweetened coconut and smart sweetener choices. No accidental carb bombs here.
Healthy Fat Heaven: Hazelnuts and coconut deliver MCTs and monounsaturated fats, which means steady energy without the crash. Your brain will thank you.
Protein That Doesn't Suck: Add a scoop of collagen or whey isolate to hit your protein goals without wrecking your carb count. Plus, collagen is great for your skin and joints.
Sneaky Micronutrients: Hazelnuts pack vitamin E and magnesium. Cocoa brings flavonoids for antioxidant support. You're basically doing your body a favor while enjoying dessert for breakfast.
Gut-Friendly: Using monk fruit or allulose means you avoid the bloating that some sugar alcohols cause. FYI, everyone's different—test your tolerance and see what works for you.
Don't Make These Rookie Mistakes
I've made these errors so you don't have to:
Using sweetened coconut milk: That's a fast track out of ketosis. Always, always pick unsweetened. Check the label twice.
Going overboard with hazelnuts: Yeah, they're delicious. They're also calorie-dense AF. Stick to the portion or your “quick snack” becomes a sneaky 600-calorie meal.
Skipping the salt: I know it sounds weird, but that tiny pinch makes every flavor pop and helps with electrolyte balance on keto. Just do it.
Wrong sweetener choice: Erythritol can get gritty in cold drinks. Stick with monk fruit or liquid stevia for better blending. Trust me on this.
Watery texture syndrome: If your smoothie tastes like disappointment water, your ratio is off. Add more ice or switch to canned coconut milk for that creamy richness.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Once you've nailed the basic version, try these twists:
Mocha Hazelnut Coconut: Add a shot of chilled espresso and an extra teaspoon of cocoa. Starbucks who?
Protein Power Version: Throw in 1 scoop of vanilla whey isolate or unflavored collagen. Adjust your sweetener down if your protein powder is already sweetened.
Alpine Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract with the cocoa for a fancy chocolate-nut combo that tastes way more expensive than it is.
Tropical Twist: Use 1–2 drops of pineapple extract (make sure it's keto-safe) and extra shredded coconut for beach vibes without the sugar.
Thick Milkshake Mode: Use canned coconut milk, add 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and let it sit for 5 minutes before re-blending. Spoon-thick goodness.
Nut-Free Option: Swap hazelnut butter for sunflower seed butter and add 1/8 teaspoon hazelnut extract. You keep the flavor without the nuts.
Your Burning Questions, Answered
Is this actually keto or are you lying to me?
It's legit keto—assuming you use unsweetened coconut milk and zero-calorie sweetener. The fats run the show, carbs stay low, and you can adjust protein however you want. Just track your portions and you're golden.
Can I make this without hazelnut butter?
Yep. Use roasted hazelnuts if your blender is powerful enough, or swap for almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Add a drop of hazelnut extract to keep that signature flavor.
What sweetener gives the best texture?
Liquid monk fruit or stevia blends in like magic. Allulose works great too. If you're using powdered erythritol, blend it really well and let it sit for a minute so the crystals dissolve properly.
How do I add protein without ruining the taste?
Use unflavored collagen or a clean vanilla whey isolate. Start with half a scoop, taste it, then add the rest. Collagen keeps things silky; whey makes it thicker and more milkshake-like.
Can I prep this the night before?
Sure can. Blend without ice, store in the fridge, then re-blend with ice in the morning. If you're really rushing, just shake it hard and add a few ice cubes to your cup. Done deal.
What if I only have canned coconut milk?
You'll get a richer, thicker smoothie—which honestly tastes amazing, IMO. You might want to dilute it with a splash of water or almond milk if it's too heavy. Adjust your sweetener accordingly.
Will MCT oil make it taste weird?
Nope, it's basically flavorless in small amounts. Start with 1 teaspoon to test your stomach's tolerance; too much can cause, uh, digestive issues. Consider it optional rocket fuel.
Can I turn this into a smoothie bowl?
Absolutely. Reduce the liquid slightly, add 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and let it thicken up. Top with unsweetened coconut flakes and a few crushed hazelnuts. Just keep your toppings keto-friendly, obviously.
Bottom Line
This Keto Hazelnut Coconut Smoothie nails something super rare: it tastes indulgent, uses clean ingredients, and actually works with your macros. It's fast, totally customizable, and satisfying enough to replace a meal when life gets chaotic.
Keep your pantry stocked with the basics, and you've got a 2-minute recipe that won't derail your goals. Make it once, and suddenly your “diet” feels way more like a lifestyle you can actually enjoy.
So yeah, if you've been stuck in a breakfast rut, now's the time to switch things up. Your taste buds will thank you, and your body will too. Give it a shot! 😉
