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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 a creamy Caramel Protein Shake and a thick Cinnamon Date Smoothie with no dairy in sight.

Table of Contents

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.

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 non-dairy milk alternatives 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.

Green and white striped straw in a jar of green smoothie.
1

Best Green Smoothie Recipe (4-Ingredients)

Power up your morning with this quick and delicious green smoothie recipe. It blends sweet mango, juicy pineapple, creamy banana, and vibrant spinach for a 5-minute boost of energy and nutrients. Light, refreshing, and naturally sweet, it tastes like fruit—not greens.
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Coffee smoothie in a lidded container on coffee beans.
2

Mocha Coffee Smoothie

Skip the plain coffee and start your day with this creamy coffee smoothie. It’s a frosty blend of bold coffee, rich cacao, sweet banana, and hidden cauliflower for extra vitamins. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s your caffeine boost + breakfast in one glass.
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Jar of green smoothie surrounded by fruits and vegetables.
3

Fat-Burning Weight Loss Smoothie

This fat-burning smoothie for weight loss blends sweet pineapple with fiber-rich kale and celery to satisfy your tastebuds, promote fullness and boost your metabolism. This light yet filling smoothie can support weight loss efforts thanks to the low-calorie healthy ingredients.
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Glass of cinnamon date smoothie with medjool dates and oats on the table.
4

Cinnamon Date Smoothie

Try this fiber-packed Cinnamon Date Smoothie that's perfectly sweet, creamy and filling. The Medjool dates naturally sweeten this smoothie, while the rolled oats thicken it to a milkshake consistency.
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Meal replacement smoothie for weight loss.
5

Meal Replacement Smoothie

This meal replacement smoothie actually keeps you full and tastes delicious. It’s packed with hearty oats, juicy blueberries, creamy almond butter, and banana for natural sweetness. Basically, it’s breakfast, lunch—or survival fuel—in a blender.
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Light yellow smoothie in a glass with a pineapple wedge.
6

Weight Gain Smoothie

This weight gain smoothie is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nourishing ingredients to support healthy weight gain. Frozen pineapple and banana create a thick, tropical base, while full-fat coconut milk and raw coconut flakes add satisfying healthy fats. This high-calorie smoothie blends up in just five minutes and is filling without feeling overly heavy.
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Two tall glasses of creamy papaya spinach smoothie.
7

Spinach Papaya Smoothie

This sweet and creamy spinach papaya smoothie blends fresh papaya, pineapple, and lime into a smooth, tropical drink with a light citrus finish. The spinach and cucumber keep the flavor clean and refreshing, while ginger adds a gentle zing that brightens every sip. It’s a silky, naturally sweet smoothie that tastes indulgent but feels light and energizing.
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Green and white straw in a green smoothie.
8

Clear Skin Smoothie

This Clear Skin Smoothie is light, tropical, and ultra-refreshing. Sweet pineapple and creamy avocado blend perfectly with hydrating coconut water and spinach you can’t even taste. It helps flush out toxins, reduce inflammation, and nourish your skin from the inside out—leaving you with a healthy, natural glow.
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Jar of green smoothie surrounded by fruits and greens.
9

Pre-Workout Smoothie

This pre-workout smoothie has a bright, lightly sweet flavor with a refreshing tropical finish. Juicy pineapple and peach bring natural sweetness, banana adds creaminess, and coconut water keeps it clean and hydrating, while the spinach blends in unnoticed for a smooth, fresh taste that goes down easy before a workout.
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Two glasses full of anti-inflammatory smoothie topped with berries.
10

Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

Blend this anti-inflammatory smoothie with earthy beets, spicy ginger, and sweet pineapple coming together to support your body from the inside out. Kale and chia seeds pack in fiber, omega-3s, and nutrients your joints and hormones will thank you for.
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Coconut water smoothie in glass with straw
11

Coconut Water Smoothie

This refreshing coconut water smoothie blends pineapple, banana, orange, and kale into a bright, hydrating drink that comes together in 5 minutes. Made with unsweetened coconut water for natural electrolytes, it's lightly sweet, energizing, and perfect for breakfast or a pre-workout boost.
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Two jars with banana oatmeal smoothie.
12

Banana Oatmeal Smoothie (Easy Breakfast Smoothie)

This oatmeal smoothie is creamy, comforting, and perfect for breakfast. Made with rolled oats, banana, coconut milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, it blends into a filling smoothie that feels like a warm bowl of oatmeal—no stove required.
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13

Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

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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Pregnancy smoothie in a mason jar surrounded by fresh fruit.
14

Nourishing Pregnancy Smoothie

Fuel your pregnancy with this nutrient-packed smoothie made with leafy greens, coconut water, fruit, and super seeds. Supports digestion, boosts energy, and provides essential nutrients for your growing baby—all in one delicious, easy-to-blend recipe.
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Overhead photo of a spinach berry smoothie topped with berries and surrounded by fresh spinach.
15

Spinach Berry Smoothie

This spinach berry smoothie is a simple way to get leafy greens without overpowering flavor. Frozen berries and banana create natural sweetness, while almond milk keeps it light and creamy. Add homemade protein powder for a more filling blend that works for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or an afternoon boost.
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Glass with healthy vanilla protein shake recipe in it.
16

Healthy Vanilla Protein Shake

This creamy, sweet and nourishing healthy vanilla protein shake makes a great post workout recovery smoothie or meal replacement for a busy day. We've snuck in some cauliflower to boost the fiber and chill everything down— yet don't worry (you won't even taste it!)
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Overhead view of a banana chocolate protein shake with sliced bananas on top.
17

Banana Chocolate Protein Shake

Indulge in a velvety smooth, banana chocolate protein shake that's not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition. This blend transforms into a satisfying meal, energizing snack, or the perfect post-workout recovery drink. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and dates, while creamy almond butter and nutrient-rich hemp hearts provide a substantial plant-based protein boost, leaving you feeling full and revitalized.
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Detox island green smoothie in a mason jar with a paper straw.
18

Detox Island Green Smoothie

This Detox Island Green Smoothie tastes like a tropical getaway! Bursting with the flavors of sweet mango, zesty orange, and hydrating coconut water, this energizing treat is refreshingly vibrant and perfect for a revitalizing boost.
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Straw in a jar of almond smoothie on a table with almonds.
19

Epic Almond Smoothie

This almond smoothie is creamy, cozy, and naturally sweet. With simple, whole-food ingredients and a hint of cinnamon, it blends into a balanced drink that’s nourishing, satisfying, and easy to make any time you need a quick, feel-good option.
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A vanilla matcha smoothie surrounded by fresh ingredients.
20

Vanilla Matcha Smoothie

This creamy matcha smoothie blends earthy green tea with banana, cashews, and vanilla for a smooth, lightly sweet drink that delivers calm, steady energy. It’s quick to make, naturally dairy-free, and perfect for mornings or afternoons when you want focus without the crash.
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Top-down view of a mango smoothie garnished with an orange slice, mango chunks, and a paper straw.
21

Creamy Mango Smoothie

This mango smoothie is creamy, refreshing, and gently anti-inflammatory. Sweet mango and orange blend with cashew milk and plain yogurt for a smooth, nourishing drink, while a touch of turmeric adds feel-good support. It comes together quickly and is easy to enjoy any time your body needs something light and soothing.
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Strawberry banana smoothie recipe in pint glass with straw.
22

Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Extra Creamy, 17g Fiber)

This Strawberry Banana Smoothie is the ultimate blend of flavor and nutrition. Sweet strawberries, creamy banana, and hidden cauliflower create a luscious, energizing drink packed with fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3s. It’s a refreshing, guilt-free treat that supports your health—and tastes like dessert in a glass.
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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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About the Author

Jen Hansard

I’m the mom who swapped Lucky Charms for green smoothies— and never looked back. Here you’ll find smoothie recipes and plant-based recipes made simple and tasty.

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Comments

  1. I want to try a few of the recipes here that use almond milk, but I’m not sure which to buy – the refrigerated version or the kind in the cartons on the shelf. Which would you recommend? I also have the same question about coconut milk – refrigerated or canned? Thanks so much!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Shae,

      Great questions! It’s not as much about the container, as making sure you’re reaching for an option that is unsweetened, and with limited additives + processing. Interested in learning more about the different coconut milks available? Check out our post here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/coconut-oil-benefits

  2. I have always used yogurt as my liquid base, either greek or regular, whatever happens to be on sale. Is there a reason you don’t include it?

    Reply

    1. Hi Kelli,

      Great question! It’s all about what’s best for you + your body. Personally we avoid dairy for ourselves and our family. It’s the #1 undiagnosed food allergy and can be pretty tough on your digestion. But if dairy has you feeling great + you love blendin’ with it…then go for it!!

    1. Hi Ainsley,

      Great choice! We love blendin’ with Hemp milk!

    1. Hi Linda,

      You can pick up a copy of our book through the Book Depository, they offer free-shipping WORLD WIDE! Oh, KALE YEAH!

  5. I’m just starting out and was wondering can I use cactus water? I see that you recommend using coconut water and milk but do you recommend any brands specifically? I ask because the ones that I have seen have a high sugar content. Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Meek,

      Great questions! We’re always up for trying new liquid base options. I personally haven’t tried cactus water, but if you enjoy it, go for it!

      You’re right, we love blendin’ with coconut water as it’s super hydrating + packed with electrolytes. We suggest blendin’ with coconut milk occasionally, maybe as a date night dessert, as coconut milk can be high in fat. We make sure and reach for unsweetened liquid base options with limited processing – coconut does have natural occurring sugars so you will always see some level of sugar in the nutritional information.

      Cheers 🙂