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 22 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. And it’s okay to use almond milk with greens in powder form? Someone told me to only use water???

  2. I put 12 ounces of craft beer and a slice of sausage pizza into my blender. For vegetables, I added some mushrooms and green pepper. It resulted in exclamations all around!!

    1. Hi Tim,

      You get two thumbs up for the mushrooms and green peppers!! 🙂 Want a laugh? You may be interested in the smoothie we blended for April Fool’s this year. Check it out here…

    1. Hi Brenjg,

      Definitely! We love blending with herbal teas!

    1. Hi Gary,

      Thanks for reaching out. Small amounts of organic, non-GMO soy are fine (like tamari and tempeh) but we recommend staying away from highly-processed unfermented soy products which can interfere with nutrient absorption and leach nutrients from your body. Soy milk, soy burgers, and soy ice cream are all in this category. Two great alternative to soy milk are unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk.

      We love them both!

  3. HI. I love coconut water as liquid-base for my smoothies, but am using in can coconut water purchased from grocery stores, is this OK?

    1. Hi Marielle,

      Don’t worry too much about the container. When reaching for a liquid base we suggest reaching for organic, sugar-free options, free of any yucky additives or preservatives. So take a quick peek at the ingredients before purchasing.

  4. Thanks for the valuable info you are providing to us.
    I’ve been using yogurt for the smoothie liquid base.
    Is it okay? 🙂

    1. Hi Jane,

      You definitely can! Especially adding greek yogurt to your green smoothie adds a great boost of protein to any green smoothie recipe. Personally, we reach for coconut milk yogurt, over dairy, as dairy can be pretty tough on your digestion. It’s also the #1 undiagnosed food allergy, so for that reason we leave it out of our diet for ourselves and our family. But it’s all about finding what’s best for you + your body!

      Cheers!

  5. Is it possible to use other types of tea, e.g. ginger, lemon or peppermint? 🙂

    1. Hi Amy,

      Of course!! We love switching up our liquid base options!

  6. Thanks for the valuable info you are providing to us.
    just a question,is okay if i make my green smoothies with same fruits every day? say watermelon, apple, pineapple & mango plus baby spinach). What can i add to make it more filling?

    1. Hi Esther,

      Thanks for blendin’ with us! While you definitely can blend the same fruits each day, we do suggest changing it up a little bit to fuel your body with a wide variety of nutrients. Also, it’s important to rotate your greens to help prevent oxalate build-up in your body. Learn more here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens

      Looking to make your smoothie more filling? When using your smoothie as a meal replacement we suggest adding protein + healthy fats to ensure you’re fueling your body with a complete meal. Learn more about our favorite meal replacement booster combos here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie

  7. I make water kefir and have a ton of it right now. I want to add it to my smoothies (and get back on the smoothie bandwagon because I have seemed to fall off). I was going to use it in place of water or juice, but I’m having a hard time locating recipes with those bases. Most of the recipes I see have almond milk, coconut milk or coconut water. I like to stick with a tried and true recipe because I’ve made some pretty nasty smoothies in the past.

    1. Hi Shannon,

      Our recipes are here to inspire you, so please don’t feel like you need to follow them to a T. Feel free to swap in any liquid base you enjoy!

      Cheers 🙂

    1. Hi Spee,

      We love reaching for dairy free options. Do you love Kiefer Milk? Then go for it! We’re all about making green smoothies work for you + your body!

  8. Hi!!

    So I just recently discovered the power of the smoothie and bought a Vitamix as smoothies cost so much at the juiceries :(. I’m trying to cut back on the sugar in one that I particularly like, it calls for Kale, Spinach, a banana, 1 C frozen mango, a bit of lemon juice and enough apple cider to balance it out. The apple cider adds close to 50g of sugar alone…. Any thought on what I could replace it with for this recipe? I don’t think almond milk or coconut water will be very good here.

    Thank you so much! Awesome new favorite site!!

    1. Hi Jason!

      Thanks for reaching out! We always say you can’t go wrong with good, old-fashioned filtered water :). If you want a little extra sweetness, you could always replace 1/2 of the normal amount of apple cider with filtered water. It may take a little experimenting to find what tastes best to you personally :).

      Cheers!

  9. I have found your site very helpful during my challenge. I have made several of the smoothies with no problems but when I made the coco-Cherry smoothie it did not settle well with me. I believe it was the coconut milk because that was the first time I had used it in my smoothies. i think I will exclude this and try another liquid base when coconut milk is in the receipe

    1. Hi Amber!

      Thanks for reaching out! We’re all about making green smoothies work for you. We definitely encourage our community members to play mini-chef with their blenders to find what tastes/sits best with them :).

      Thanks so much for blendin’ with us! Cheers!

    1. If you’d like, feel free to replace up to two meals with a green smoothie (although it’s absolutely not required!). When using your smoothie as a meal, we recommend adding some healthy fat + protein to help your body thrive + keep you satiated. Here are some of our favorite combos!

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie

  10. I just made my first green smoothie. I LOVE IT.
    I added water to it. How do you add tea to the green smoothie?
    I have a lot of different tea: lavender, green tea, mint, sleepy time, and detox tea.
    Thanks

    1. Hi!

      Thanks so much for reaching out! We’re so happy to have you as part of our community!

      Feel free to swap out the 2 cups water in your smoothie for 2 cups brewed and cooled tea :). Herbal teas are always great, and green tea is wonderful if you need a little boost of energy!

      Cheers!

  11. Hi, I just found yalls site from today’s email of 100daysofrealfood.com I can say I’m very impressed, as well interested in your recipes. I just have a couple of question? If I don’t have fresh spinach for in the morning since one I want on can I use frozen? If so how do you calculate that? What brands of Coconut water do y’all like the best? Do you prefer the canned coconut milk vs. the refrigerator kind? I can’t wait to explore your site!

    1. Hi Julie!

      Thanks so much for reaching out! We’re so happy to have you as part of our community :).

      You can definitely use frozen spinach in your smoothie (1.5 cups frozen greens = 2 cups fresh), however, we’ve found that the frozen spinach you buy at the grocery store doesn’t have the best flavor in green smoothies. We personally like to buy big containers of greens and freeze them ourselves!

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-freeze-spinach

      As for coconut water, my personal favorite is Zico (it’s what they carry at my local Trader Joe’s!). But we like any brand where the only ingredient is coconut water (no added sugar). For coconut milk, most of our community members use refrigerated coconut milk for our recipes (the canned version is much more rich!), but we like to make our own!

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-make-coconut-milk

      Hope that helps! Cheers + Happy Blendin’!