Smoothie Ideas
How to build a great smoothie from bananas, berries, greens, yoghurt, nuts and spices, with easy combinations and vegan swaps.
A smoothie is breakfast, snack or dessert in a glass, and you don't need a recipe once you know the formula. Something creamy, something fruity, a liquid to loosen it, and a little extra for flavour. Here are the ingredients we reach for, why each one works, and a few combinations to get you started.
The formula
- A creamy base. Frozen banana, yoghurt or avocado.
- Fruit. Fresh or frozen, about a cup.
- Liquid. Milk, plant milk, coconut milk, tea or water, enough to blend.
- A flavour boost. Spice, citrus, honey, nuts or greens.
Blend the liquid and soft things first, then add the frozen fruit. If it's too thick, add a splash more liquid. Too thin? Add more frozen fruit.
Creamy bases
Fruit
- Mulberries. Deep purple and sweet. If you have a tree, freeze the glut in bags.
- Frozen berries. Cheap, always in season, and they chill the drink. Frozen berries have been recalled over hepatitis A in the past, so keep an eye on FSANZ recall alerts and our food safety guide.
- Lime and lemon. A squeeze brightens a sweet smoothie.
Liquids
- Milk. Dairy or plant-based, whichever you like.
- Coconut milk. Rich and tropical. Use the light version or mix it half and half with water.
- Tea. Cold green or black tea makes an unusual, refreshing base.
- Coffee. A shot of cold coffee, a frozen banana and milk makes a breakfast and a wake-up in one glass.
Boosts
- Spinach. A handful of baby spinach turns a smoothie green but barely changes the taste. A sneaky serve of veg.
- Almonds, walnuts and other nuts. A spoonful of nut butter or a few nuts adds richness and keeps you full.
- Honey. Only if it needs it. Ripe fruit is often sweet enough.
- Ginger. A small knob of fresh ginger gives a warm kick.
- Cardamom and turmeric. A pinch of cardamom with banana and yoghurt tastes like a mango lassi's cousin. A pinch of turmeric adds colour.
Combinations to try
- Breakfast in a glass. Frozen banana, milk, a spoon of nut butter, a few oats.
- Purple patch. Mulberries or mixed berries, yoghurt, a little honey.
- Green and mild. Banana, spinach, avocado, lime, coconut water or plain water.
- Coffee break. Frozen banana, cold coffee, milk, a pinch of cardamom.
- Tropical. Banana, coconut milk, lime and a knob of ginger.
A word on health
Smoothies are a tasty way to eat more fruit and veg, but blending doesn't add magic. A big fruit smoothie can hold a lot of sugar, so keep portions sensible and lean on vegetables, yoghurt and nuts. Water is still the best everyday drink; see our drinking water guide. For more ideas, try our drinks and healthy breakfasts collections.