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This cherry collagen smoothie is one of those blends that looks bold, tastes refreshing, and quietly supports your body in meaningful ways. Sweet cherries and lemon give it a bright, slightly tart flavor, while spinach and beets add depth without overpowering the taste. Finished with collagen peptides, this recipe makes a nice breakfast smoothie that’s light, smooth, and easy to enjoy—especially on mornings when you want something nourishing but not heavy.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a role in supporting skin, joints, connective tissue, and overall structure. As we age, natural collagen production slows, which is why many people choose to supplement it through powders or peptides. Collagen peptides are flavorless, dissolve easily, and blend well into smoothies without changing the taste.
Why Add Collagen to a Smoothie?
- Easy protein boost: Collagen adds protein without thickening the smoothie or affecting flavor, making it one of the easiest ways to increase protein intake.
- Supports skin and joints: Many people add collagen to support skin elasticity and joint comfort, especially when paired with vitamin C–rich ingredients like cherries and lemon. I personally like how it strengthens my nails, which have always been brittle.
- Gentle on digestion: Collagen peptides are typically easy to digest and blend smoothly into liquid, making them a good option for lighter smoothies.
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Collagen Smoothie Ingredients
- Water: Keeps the smoothie light and refreshing while allowing the fruit and greens to shine. It also helps everything blend smoothly without heaviness.
- Beets (raw or cooked): Add natural sweetness and an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Fresh spinach: Blends in seamlessly and adds mild, leafy freshness without changing the flavor. It supports balance while keeping the smoothie light.
- Frozen cherries: Bring bold, juicy flavor with a slight tartness that makes this smoothie refreshing instead of overly sweet. Frozen cherries also create a thick, slushy texture.
- Collagen peptides: Add protein without altering taste or texture. Blending them in last helps keep the smoothie smooth and airy.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the entire smoothie and enhances the cherry flavor while adding a fresh, clean finish.
How to Make a Collagen Smoothie
- Add water and beets to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Add spinach, frozen cherries, and lemon juice. Blend on high until creamy.
- Add collagen peptides and blend on low just until incorporated to prevent excess air.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
If you don’t have a high powered blender for smoothies, you may want to blend the beets + water, then add the spinach and blend again before adding the remaining ingredients. This gives the spinach extra time to break down.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan-friendly: Skip the collagen and add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or a tablespoon of hemp seeds. You’ll still get protein and a creamy texture while keeping the smoothie fully plant-based.
- Sweeter smoothie: Add 1–2 pitted Medjool dates or a splash of orange juice to mellow the tartness from the cherries and lemon.
- Creamier: Replace half of the water with unsweetened almond milk or coconut water for a slightly richer mouthfeel without overpowering the flavor.
- Extra greens: Add a handful of kale or another leafy green vegetable in addition to the spinach for more fiber and nutrients. The cherries do a great job masking the stronger green flavor.
Cherry Collagen Smoothie
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup beets peeled and diced, raw or cooked
- 1 cup spinach fresh
- 1 cup cherries frozen, pitted
- 1 serving collagen peptides
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Place water and beets into blender jar. Blend until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Helpful Tools
Notes
- Beets stain, so make sure you have a cutting board (not wooden) down when cutting them, and don’t be alarmed if your hands turn pink.
- You can use pink or yellow beets for this smoothie, just know the color will change to brown if you use yellow beets.
- Frozen cherries give the smoothie a refreshing temp, yet you can use fresh if that’s what you have.
- Feel free to use the collagen powder of your choice, and adjust the amount based on which one you choose.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!Collagen is a smoothie booster (just like protein powder or super foods). Collagen peptides are neutral in flavor and blend in without affecting taste.
Yes— collagen typically thickens a smoothie as well as makes it a bit frothy. It will change the texture of your smoothie, so you may want to start with a partial serving of collagen powder, then build up to a full serving if you are sensitive to textures. Collagen can also stick to the blender blades, so make sure it isn’t the first ingredient added to the blender.
No — true collagen comes from animal sources (like bovine, fish, or poultry), because collagen is a specific animal protein our bodies make naturally. However, there are plant-based options (don’t contain actual collagen), but instead include ingredients designed to support your body’s own collagen production.
Any time that works for you—many people enjoy it in the morning or after movement for a light, nourishing option.
Thank you for your yummy smoothies. Which vegan collagen powder you use for this smoothie? Thanks
Hi! I’ve used Naomis Collagen Powder and really like it!
I never would have believed it but I made this and loved it. I didn’t have any fresh spinach but I did have broccoli and used that instead. Delicious.
Hi Nancy! Love the switch from spinach to broccoli, so glad it turned out great for you! Rawk on!
Hi – can you use beet powder instead of fresh beets? If so, how much?
Thanks!
Yes, absolutely Sarah you can replace the beets with beet powder. I’d start with 1 tsp but you can definitely add more to taste.
Love that I can’t taste the beet in this! The cherries + lemon is a great flavor combo.