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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.
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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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This is one of my favorites! Sometimes I use almond milk instead of water and it’s the most indulgent, healthy smoothie.
That sounds like a great substitution! 🙂
Do you need to make the coconut oil liquid? The solid oil I can’t get to blend well.
Day 7. Still my fav!
#simplegreensmoothies #simplegreensmoothies30daychallenge
The coconut oil takes this smoothie over-the-top. So delicious
Today I changed kale to spinach leaves because the “airy” reaction yesterday. Still the best!