Today I’m sharing the secret sauce, er… liquid, that is dairy-free smoothies. Your smoothie doesn’t need dairy to be creamy, delicious, smooth or drinkable. Don’t believe me? Give one of these dairy-free smoothie recipes a blend n’ sip, then try to tell me I’m wrong!

I’m prepared to shock you with creamy Caramel Protein Shakes and thick Cinnamon Date Smoothies with no dairy in sight.

oat milk in a glass container next to a jar of oats on a white counter.

While this recipe list includes smoothies already made without dairy, I’m also giving you all the swaps to turn any smoothie into a dairy-free one with just an ingredient or two. You might even find a new favorite option!

And I threw in a mix of healthy protein shakes, green smoothies and fruit smoothies so you can blend exactly what you want.

Table of Contents
  1. What’s Wrong with Dairy?
  2. The Best Dairy-Free Smoothie Recipes
  3. What Can You Use Instead of Milk in a Smoothie?
  4. How to Thicken a Smoothie
  5. Dairy-Free Smoothies FAQs

What’s Wrong with Dairy?

Nothing, if you’re one of the 30% of the world’s population that doesn’t have a dairy intolerance. If you’re like me, dairy often gives you issues with digestion. Instead of suffering through the painful side effects of consuming dairy, I started searching for non-dairy options.

Discover the incredible world of plant-based milk and dairy-free smoothies along with me!

The Best Dairy-Free Smoothie Recipes

These recipes are all delicious, whole-food options that can be blended in minutes and enjoyed as a snack, meal or dessert. They are so easy to make and enjoy. Let’s get blending!

A quick note: Just because a smoothie is dairy-free doesn’t make it vegan. Make sure you read the ingredient list to ensure these don’t use honey, collagen powder or another ingredient that’s not what you’re looking for.

Best Green Smoothie
4.8 from 1955 votes
The best green smoothie recipe is a tasty tropical treat packed with iron, potassium and vitamins galore. There's no need to be scared of a spinach smoothie when it tastes like this.
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Rich Coffee Smoothie
5 from 21 votes
Sip on this cool and creamy coffee smoothie for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It's got the caffeine you want delivered in an oh-so-smooth beverage that has the bonus of fruits, veggies, protein, fiber and more.
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fat burning smoothies for weight loss
Fat Burning Smoothie for Weight Loss
4.6 from 248 votes
Make fat cry by adding this fat burning smoothie to your day. The natural ingredients are paired together to help boost your metabolism and burn fat in one delicious weight loss smoothie.
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Cinnamon Date Smoothie
4.5 from 309 votes
I can’t wait for you to try this crowd pleasing Cinnamon Date Smoothie. It’s perfectly sweet and creamy, and will delight at your next party or family movie night. The dates naturally sweeten this cinnamon smoothie, while the rolled oats thicken it to a milkshake consistency.
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blueberries on a smoothie for a meal
Meal Replacement Smoothie
4.5 from 410 votes
Healthy fats and proteins are the way to go if you want to power up with a meal replacement smoothie. This combo of juicy blueberries, almond butter and rolled oats is a must to keep you feeling full and fuel you 'til your next meal.
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Weight Gain Smoothie
4.3 from 6 votes
Enjoy this refreshing weight gain smoothie to nourish your body. Packed with nutrient-dense calories to energize and help you achieve your weight goals.
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Papaya Spinach Smoothie for Bloating
5 from 19 votes
Blend up this all natural plant-powered goodness to help with bloating and discomfort. This smoothie recipe is a natural way to help your body.
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Clear Skin Smoothie
5 from 22 votes
Vitamin C is one of the greatest antioxidants we have available, and it's wonderful for your skin. The addition of avocado brings with it other skin-specific nutrients such as vitamins E, A and zinc. This clear skin smoothie is a go-to for so many reasons!
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Healthy Pre-Workout Smoothie
4.7 from 261 votes
The best kinds of pre-workout smoothies are filled with protein, good carbs and healthy fats. The combination of greens, fruit and coconut oil deliver the nutrients you need to keep you fueled for a workout.
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Anti Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe with ginger and beets
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
4.9 from 54 votes
Help calm your body and fight inflammation by blending up this vibrant anti-inflammatory smoothie that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and taste!
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Coconut Water Smoothie
4.9 from 26 votes
This coconut water smoothie is hydrating and refreshing. The citrus fruit helps to cut the bitterness in the kale and we boosted the sweetness with banana.
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dairy-free breakfast
Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
4.9 from 23 votes
Deliciously creamy, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. This simple oatmeal smoothie is a delicious plant-based breakfast. Naturally sweet, it makes a great dessert, too!
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Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
4.9 from 13 votes
Cacao adds rich chocolate flavor as well as a big boost of iron and other vitamins and minerals coupled with healthy fats to this chocolate smoothie bowl.
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Smoothie for Pregnancy
4.2 from 7 votes
This smoothie is specially crafted for pregnancy with ingredients formulated for the health and wellness of mama and baby.
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overhead photo of a spinach berry smoothie topped with berries and surrounded by fresh spinach
Spinach Berry Smoothie
4.8 from 76 votes
This Spinach Berry smoothie is great if you're looking for a classic green smoothie. High in fiber and perfect for that mid-day energy boost.
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Vanilla Protein Shake
5 from 15 votes
This plant-based Vanilla Protein Shake is one of my favorite recipes of all time. I love how creamy, sweet and nourishing it is— and it makes a great post workout recovery smoothie or meal replacement. 
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chocolate protein shake
Chocolate Protein Shake
4.8 from 94 votes
Blend up a creamy, cold chocolate protein shake smoothie made with plant-based superfood protein powder for a delicious meal or snack, or before/after a workout. Includes adaptogens to help ease inflammation.
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Island Green Smoothie
4.8 from 177 votes
As the weather cools down, this smoothie will have you thinking back to the glory days of summer. This smoothie is also known as Hawaiian Breeze.
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Epic Almond Smoothie
4.6 from 277 votes
Start your morning with a protein fueled breakfast all wrapped up in a perfectly sweet smoothie. This almond smoothie is delicious and an easy on-the-go beverage for a busy day.
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Vanilla Matcha Smoothie
5 from 3 votes
The mellow taste of matcha with sweet vanilla, blended into a delicious, creamy smoothie. Enjoy any time of the day, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, pre- and post-workout and midnight snacks, too!
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mango smoothie
Creamy Mango Smoothie
4.8 from 6 votes
This is a super creamy + delicious mango smoothie with just the right sweetness. Be careful, it might easily become your new fav snack smoothie!
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strawberry banana smoothie
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
4.6 from 553 votes
Blend up this strawberry banana smoothie as a fun family treat, or a bright + refreshing morning breakfast. One sip of this smoothie will put a smile on anyone's face; it's truly a smoothie for all ages. 
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What Can You Use Instead of Milk in a Smoothie?

So. Many. Things. I’m not kidding. Once you start exploring the world of dairy-free smoothies, you’ll find a vast amount of liquid bases. A smoothie with dairy milk no longer sounds appetizing to me (or my stomach). I’d much rather reach for lighter nut milk or coconut water.

Nut Milk Options

With the explosion of non-dairy milk brands on the market, it’s no surprise that nut milk is a popular base for dairy-free smoothies. Almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, pecan milk, walnut milk, macadamia milk and more can all be used in smoothies.

Use store-bought or learn how to make your own almond milk (or any other milk) for a creamy texture and to know exactly what ingredients are in it.

Nut-Free, Dairy-Free Milk Bases

If nut milk isn’t an option for you, no sweat. Check out oat milk, hemp milk, flax milk, rice milk or soy milk. The possibilities are endless.

I tend to choose my dairy-free smoothie recipes based on what my body needs that day. If I’m looking for a fiber and healthy fat boost, I’ll make some hemp or flax milk. Rice milk is super thin and great for a tasteless option so that the other smoothie ingredients can shine.

Tea

This unique liquid base totally takes that smoothie to the next level. Choose a caffeinated tea like green tea for a natural energy boost as well as a metabolism mover. Herbal teas work great to soothe the stomach and calm the body. Try a smoothie like my Green Tea Smoothie for a boost of energy without the crash.

Use tea to your advantage by incorporating the one that will help you the most. I believe ingredients should work for us instead of against us, so I typically gauge what my body needs before deciding on the right liquid base for my smoothie.

If using matcha powder, then combine it with water or cashew milk for smoothies. Matcha typically comes in powder form instead of in a tea bag, so I view it more as a supplement instead of a true liquid base. It creates a creamy, light base for smoothies.

Water or Coconut Water

The number one, Best Green Smoothie in the whole wide world uses *gasp* WATER. It’s 100% dairy-free and proud to be and people can’t get enough of it. I know a lot of you hesitate to use water in a smoothie, but trust me, when you’ve got the right formula, water is a great smoothie base.

Coconut water is a unique beverage that has been touted as nature’s Gatorade. It’s loaded with electrolytes and is a must in workout recovery. It can be an acquired taste, so if you’re new to coconut water, try doing half coconut water and half regular water in your first Coconut Water Smoothie, then increase your ratio as you fall in love.

brown smoothie in a glass jar with a black lid on a bed of coffee beans with no dairy in it.

More Dairy-Free Liquids

While the above liquids are more popular, I like to get creative with my liquid bases. Here are a few more super fun and delicious options.

Kombucha– I’m not kidding! This is a great probiotic option, and the sky’s the limit on flavors. My Probiotic Smoothie is equal parts delicious and unique.

Fresh squeezed juice– While 100% juice has natural sugar, it is still a higher sugar option. Remember that when adding it to your smoothie. My Pineapple Smoothie uses both whole pineapple and pineapple juice for the best flavor.

Coffee– This base works great in smoothies including cocoa or cacao, nut butter, vanilla, you name it. I love blending my Coffee Smoothie to combine my morning beverage with my morning breakfast of choice. Need a caffeine-free option? Just use strongly brewed decaf coffee to enjoy the flavor without the buzz.

As you can see, dairy milk is far from the only liquid base for smoothies. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Mix and match any of these bases until you find your favorite.

How to Thicken a Smoothie

A lot of people use dairy milk or yogurt because it naturally thickens whatever beverage is in your blender. You can make an epically thick smoothie with a super creamy texture without the dairy. Here are my go-to thickeners:

  • Vegan yogurt: There are several dairy-free yogurts that produce the same level of creaminess as regular, yet without dairy.
  • Frozen fruit: This not only chills your smoothie, but it can also help thicken it more than fresh fruit.
  • Hemp seeds, chia seeds or flaxseed: These superfoods are great additions to smoothies for extra omega-3s, protein, fiber and can be used to thicken a smoothie that’s on the thinner side.
  • Nut butter: Peanut butter, almond butter and more can be used to thicken your drink. Plus, they taste delicious!
  • Protein powder: I love turning smoothies into meals using my homemade protein powder. It can be added to any smoothie you make and helps to thicken as well as provide extra protein.

Dairy-Free Smoothies FAQs

How do you thicken a smoothie without milk?

Dairy is often used to make beverages creamy, yet it’s not necessary for a smoothie. If I’m looking for an extra creamy base that’s dairy-free, then cashew milk, oat milk, or full-fat coconut milk are all great options. Avocado, coconut cream, banana and dairy-free yogurt as well as hemp hearts and chia seeds are also great smoothie thickeners.

Which dairy-free milk is best for smoothies?

My go-to milk option is currently cashew. It is virtually tasteless, yet adds protein, healthy fat and a creamy texture to smoothies. Although, as you can see from the list above, you can use any dairy-free milk you want!

Are smoothies better with milk or water?

Honestly, it depends on the smoothie. I like water better in green smoothies and milk better in protein shakes. Everyone’s preferences are different, so there’s no right or wrong answer. Just get in that daily smoothie!

So, which one of the above dairy-free smoothies are you ready to make? Drop a comment and let me know your fav!


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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    hi! love this smoothie recipe, do you have any food or smoothie recipe recommendations that would clear your skin? thanks

  2. 5 stars
    I haven’t been able to tolerate milk for quite awhile now and so many recipes call for milk or yogurt— so thank you for making a list of ones that don’t use either! This makes its super helpful for someone like me who’s lactose intolerant.

    1. You can def swap in oat milk instead of water wherever you’d like in a smoothie. It will up the creaminess factor for sure!

  3. I have just found your book and website so I started the challenge this week. I have Oral Allergy Syndrome which has always made eating raw apples, kiwis, pears, cherries impossible. Since starting the challenge I have learned the hard way that I am also highly allergic to raw almonds (aka almond milk) and coconut (aka coconut milk and water) so these need to be added to my banned foods list now.
    Your recipe book offers awesome tips for substitutions but I still struggle with which liquids to substitute.. I don’t want to add calories with fruit juice and I have never had a problem with regular dairy milk but I read your comments about it being hard on the digestive system… Can you give more information on this? Also if I just substitute water instead how do I make up the flavor so my smoothie doesn’t taste watered down? Any tips are most appreciated!

    1. Hey Tetcha. 🙂 Sorry to hear about your struggles, that must be frustrating. Glad you’re joining us for the challenge! Are you allergic to oats? I have recently switched from using mostly almond milk in my smoothies to using mostly oat milk and I really like it. You can use coconut water, which will add some flavor to your smoothies and herbal teas make a great liquid base. And really, you can never go wrong with water. I never feel like using water in my recipes makes my smoothies taste watered down. Happy blending!

  4. Water worked perfectly for my berry smoothie! I also used a little ice cream to add the milk flavor. We are under quarantine and we don’t have milk.

  5. I don’t like any kind of milk, dairy or otherwise. So I’d prefer water, green tea or juice based smoothies.

    1. I think many people agree with you, Ronda! We have so many awesome recipes that use water, coconut water, juice, or green tea that you’ll never run out of smoothies to make. And, if you see a recipe you think you might like but it calls for a plant-based milk as the liquid base, you can most certainly sub one of your fave liquid bases instead. One of the best things about our recipes is you can tweak them to make them your own! Happy blending! 🙂

  6. Hi Kristen,

    What a great idea and thank you so much for sharing! Making homemade is definitely on my to-do list!

  7. I wonder if mineral water would give you a nice fizzy change without adding calories?

    1. Hi Abby,

      Mineral water is a great idea! And while we don’t include it in our recipes, I have seen many “fizzy” smoothies on Pinterest.

    1. Hi Connie,

      Never thought of that! Thanks for sharing.

  8. So many good ideas, thanks for this site! Now I can Smoothie Happily Ever After!!!!!.

    1. Hi QnCeeCee,

      Thanks for blendin’ with us! “Smoothie Happily Ever After”…love it!