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Coconut oil has some amazing health benefits such as increasing metabolism and endurance— which is great if you need clean fuel while on the go. Coconut oil in smoothies is a quick + easy way to give your body these incredible benefits, and it also helps your body process the other whole food ingredients in smoothies as well.
Once I started adding coconut oil to my smoothies… I never turned back.
Table of Contents
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is a natural fat made from the flesh of coconuts. In a smoothie, it’s used in small amounts to add healthy fats, create a creamier texture, and help keep you full longer while supporting absorption of nutrients from fruits and greens.
Adding 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to a smoothie can offer a few helpful benefits—especially when you want your smoothie to be more satisfying and energizing.
- Helps keep you full longer. Coconut oil contains healthy fats that slow digestion. This can help your smoothie feel more like a meal, keeping hunger away and preventing a mid-morning crash.
- Provides quick, steady energy. It’s rich in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which your body converts into fuel faster than many other fats. That makes it a nice add-in for busy mornings or before a workout.
- Supports nutrient absorption. Fat helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from fruits and greens (like vitamins A, D, E, and K). A little coconut oil can help you get more benefit from the spinach, kale, or carrots in your smoothie.
- Makes smoothies creamier. Beyond nutrition, coconut oil adds a subtle richness and silky texture—especially helpful in fruit or green smoothies that might otherwise feel thin.
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Common Questions
No, not when used correctly. One tablespoon blends smoothly into the fruit and greens, adding richness without an oily texture. When paired with pineapple and banana, the flavor stays light and tropical.
You can use solid coconut oil straight from the jar. Blending it with the liquid and greens first helps it emulsify evenly, especially if your blender is high powered.
Yes. Coconut oil helps slow digestion and balance the natural sugars from fruit, which can prevent energy crashes. You can also swap part of the banana for avocado to lower sugar even more.
Yes. MCT oil blends easily and offers similar energy benefits, especially for workouts. Start with a small amount since MCT oil is more concentrated than coconut oil.
More Smoothie Recipes
If you’re new to green smoothies and want to make the creamiest, most delicious smoothies at home, learn how to make a smoothie with my easy guide. Looking for a refreshing drink to start your day? Check out more of my tropical smoothies and kale smoothies:
- Pineapple Green Smoothie
- Island Green Smoothie
- Tropical Kale Smoothie
- Margarita Smoothie
- Piña Colada Green Smoothie
If you make this coconut oil smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Coconut Oil Smoothie
Jen HansardIngredients
- 1 cup kale fresh
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pineapple frozen
- ½ banana
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, unrefined
Instructions
- Pour the water into a blender. Add the kale and coconut oil and blend until smooth.
- Add the pineapple and banana and blend again until smooth. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Blender Tip: If your coconut oil is solid, melt it first and blend it with the water and kale before adding the frozen fruit, so it doesn’t harden into bits.
- Ingredient Swaps: Refined coconut oil or MCT oil blends more easily and has a more neutral flavor.
- Lower Sugar: Swap the 1/2 banana for 1/4 avocado for a creamier, less sweet smoothie.
- Make Ahead: Portion the kale and fruit into freezer smoothie packs, then blend with the water and coconut oil when you’re ready.
Nutrition
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My friend had to stop using coconut oil because it increased her cholesterol. Her Dr. said not to use it.
Hey Bonnie,
I am sorry to hear about your friend. Depending on your specific health issues you have to watch how much fat you put into your body. Wishing her all the best!
32 grams of sugar in 2 cups of fresh pineapple… not sure how often you would want to indulge in this…
Feel free to add less pineapple if you prefer it to be less sweet!
Enjoy!
I cut the recipe in half and substituted 1/4 C. water for a berry Naked juice. It came out to 333 calories. It was delicious and very filling.
Hey Dawn,
Thank you so much for that tip! I am so glad that you made it into your own and enjoyed it 🙂
How do you get your coconut oil from solidifying in the smoothie. When I make a smoothie with coconut oil I melt it into a liquid then pour it in with all the ingredients but it still makes tiny little clumps all throughout the smoothie! Help!
Hi Tina,
I’ve got you covered!! First, blend your green smoothie. Then once everything is nice + creamy. Melt your coconut oil, not hot, just melted. Then set your blender to it’s lowest setting and slowly pour in your melted coconut oil. This will help ensure everything blends smoothly – no chunks!
Amazing! Very delicious- thank you! I added a spoon of turmeric and it was yummy:)
Love your website!