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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 creamy Caramel Protein Shakes and thick Cinnamon Date Smoothies 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 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.

Green and white striped straw in a jar of green smoothie.
Best Green Smoothie Recipe
4.9 (2192 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Coffee smoothie in a lidded container on coffee beans.
Mocha Coffee Smoothie
4.9 (16 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Jar of green smoothie surrounded by fruits and vegetables.
Fat-Burning Smoothie for Weight Loss
4.6 (260 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Glass of cinnamon date smoothie with medjool dates and oats on the table.
Cinnamon Date Smoothie
4.5 (304 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Meal replacement smoothie for weight loss.
Meal Replacement Smoothie
4.5 (414 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Light yellow smoothie in a glass with a pineapple wedge.
Weight Gain Smoothie
4.4 (7 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.
Make Recipe
Two tall glasses of creamy papaya spinach smoothie.
Spinach Papaya Smoothie
4.9 (10 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Green and white straw in a green smoothie.
Clear Skin Smoothie
5 (24 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Jar of green smoothie surrounded by fruits and greens.
Pre-Workout Smoothie
4.7 (259 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Two glasses full of anti-inflammatory smoothie topped with berries.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
5 (36 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Coconut water smoothie in glass with straw
Coconut Water Smoothie
4.9 (28 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Two jars with banana oatmeal smoothie.
Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
4.9 (26 votes)
Start your day off right with this delicious banana oatmeal smoothie. Its naturally sweet flavor and satisfying nature provide lasting energy without raising blood sugar, keeping you energized and focused.
Make Recipe
Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
4.9 (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.
Make Recipe
Pregnancy smoothie in a mason jar surrounded by fresh fruit.
Nourishing Pregnancy Smoothie
4.3 (4 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Overhead photo of a spinach berry smoothie topped with berries and surrounded by fresh spinach.
Spinach Berry Smoothie
4.8 (71 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Glass with healthy vanilla protein shake recipe in it.
Healthy Vanilla Protein Shake
5 (17 votes)
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!)
Make Recipe
Overhead view of a banana chocolate protein shake with sliced bananas on top.
Banana Chocolate Protein Shake
4.8 (92 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Detox island green smoothie in a mason jar with a paper straw.
Detox Island Green Smoothie
4.8 (177 votes)
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.
Make Recipe
Straw in a jar of almond smoothie on a table with almonds.
Epic Almond Smoothie
4.6 (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.
Make Recipe
A vanilla matcha smoothie surrounded by fresh ingredients.
Vanilla Matcha Smoothie
4.8 (4 votes)
The mellow taste of matcha with sweet vanilla, blended into a delicious, creamy smoothie. Enjoy any time of the day, this matcha smoothie recipe is perfect for breakfast, pre- and post-workout and midnight snacks, too!
Make Recipe
Bright yellow mango smoothie in a glass.
Creamy Mango Smoothie
4.8 (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!
Make Recipe
Strawberry banana smoothie recipe in pint glass with straw.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
4.6 (560 votes)
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.
Make Recipe

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. I am finding it hard to get unsweetened coconut milk. Can I use regular coconut milk diluted with water? Loving the smoothies, thank you so much x

    Reply

    1. Hi Mo,

      Thanks for reaching out! Diluting sweetened coconut milk is a great way to still add creaminess, while lowering the added sugar. If you don’t want the added sugar of sweetened coconut milk, feel free to swap it out for another liquid base option!

      Cheers 🙂

  2. Hi,

    I subscribed for 30 days challenge (1st July). I got the recipes in my email and most of them asks for coconut milk. I don’t like milky smoothies. Can I replace coconut milk with coconut water? I am going to have my smoothie as my breakfast.

    Reply

    1. Hi Manisha,

      Great question! We love switching up our liquid base, so feel free to substitute coconut milk with another liquid base you enjoy more. Planning on using our 30-Day Challenge to replace breakfast, check out our tips on using green smoothies as a meal replacement here…

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

  3. Hi! Can i use soy milk as my liquid substitute? Also, where is the best place to buy coconut water from?

    Reply

    1. Hi Lucy,

      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!

      We love blendin’ with coconut water too. You should be able to find coconut water at any health or grocery store!

  4. Hello!
    I’ve just started making smoothies and I’m still experimenting with what I like and don’t like. I have used water as my liquid base in the smoothies I’ve tried but I didn’t feel like I was enjoying them as much as I could be. Is it okay for me to use fruit tea, such as Strawberry and Mango? Not sure if these qualify as green teas but I’m not a lover of green tea but want some extra flavour. I also tend to pack my smoothies with oats to keep me full and not sure if this combination would work.

    I would love to know what you think about this!

    Thanks! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Emma,

      Of course! Adding fruit tea sounds like a great idea for adding additional flavor to your smoothies!

      Cheers 🙂

    1. Hi Sandra,

      I like to brew green tea using 2-3 tsp of green tea leaves for every 8 oz, and allow the leaves to step for 2-5 mins, I then dilute over ice. Hope this helps! 🙂

  6. A delicate question: Will the green smoothies have a newbie visiting the potty frequently or cause diarrhea issues?

    Reply

    1. Hi Susan,

      Our green smoothies are packed with nutritious fiber – which can sometimes shock your system if you’re new to the green smoothie lifestyle! For that reason, we suggest sticking to 16oz a day until your body becomes accustomed to the added fiber, and make sure to drink plenty of water!

  7. Hi! I have a swim meet tomorrow morning and I was wondering well because you shouldn’t have lactose, if I could use water instead of milk for the smoothie because im scared it will Taste different, will it? If so what can I put in it to make it taste the same again?

    Reply

    1. Hi Cate,

      Water is a great liquid-base! An even better liquid base for working out is coconut water, it’s like an all-natural sports drink! Coconut water is filled with electrolytes and potassium, which are two nutrients your body craves when expending lots of energy. It’s low in calories, fat, and sugar meaning that this is the liquid-base you want when working out.

      Your smoothie might not be as creamy when using water or coconut water in place of a non-dairy milk option, but it will still be delicious + refreshing!

      Best of luck in your swim meet! 🙂

  8. I just found the website and love many of the recipes. I have a quick question, in terms of coconut milk, do you use the ones in cans normally found in the Asian aisles or the coconut milk in the cold case. Thanks!

    Reply

  9. Hi I have just joined and looking forward to trying some of your recipes and looking forward to a more healthy lifestyle. I have just bought an oat drink and was wondering if this could be used as a liquid base or if you have tried it?

    Reply

    1. Hi Trina,

      I’ve never used an oat drink as a liquid base, but it’s worth a try! Let us know what oat drink you’re using, and how it works for you!

      Cheers 🙂

    2. Hi again. I used an oat drink called oatly. The have a vast range of these drinks and it is made in Sweden apparently. I used it in my smoothies but hadn’t tried anything else before so not sure of anything really lol.
      It doesn’t have a strong taste and I’m not sure if it was the drink that made me feel really hungry, really quick.

      Anyway this wk I’m trying unsweetened almond milk. So we’ll see. ☺

    3. Hi Trina,

      Thanks for keeping us updated! We love oats because they take a long time to digest, provide you with long-lasting energy, + help maintain a stable blood sugar. If you’re finding yourself hungry soon after enjoying your green smoothie, we suggest adding protein to help keep you full longer. Here are some of our favorite ways to add protein to our green smoothies!

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/plant-based-protein-powder

  10. I just found your site today and I can’t stop reading! Love these ideas! I’m a regular breakfast smoothie drinker, and I can’t wait to try your recipes! I was never a big fan of water in my smoothies, but had always happily used coconut water. I recently switched to green tea and I am THRILLED with the results! The taste is faint, but delicious, and I’ve even been able to cut down on my coffee consumption thanks to the kick of caffeine! Highly recommend (caf or decaf) for anyone looking for something light that won’t just water down the flavor of the smoothie.

    Reply

    1. Hi Christina,

      We are so happy you found Simple Green Smoothies! We love blendin’ with green tea, it’s a great replacement to our morning coffee! Please let us know if you have any questions while you check out our site!

      Cheers 🙂

  11. Coconut milk can be great. Try for organic…it doesn’t cost much more. Also, the low-fat version can really save you a bit of guilt!

    Reply

  12. My husband and I are going to try the green smoothies as meal replacements this week for breakfast and lunch to try to loose a little weight. Can you all offer some suggestions as to healthy snacks to eat in between.

    Reply

    1. Hi Bridget,

      We love using green smoothies as meal replacements, especially when we add protein + healthy fats to make them a complete meal, and keep our tummy’s satisfied all day! It we do feel ourselves getting hungry in-between smoothies we love to snack on a hard-boiled egg or a handful of nuts.

      Here are some of our tips on using smoothies as meal replacements:

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

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

  13. hello, I was wonder what suggestions you have for me. I need to loose a little weight before prom (one week). I want to loose it in a healthy way. I want to do 2 smoothies (breakfast and lunch) fruit for a snack and regular dinner… what smoothies do you suggest? also currently i dont use any liquids or frozen fruit i use low fat Greek yogurt. is that okay is water, tea, or almond milk better?

    Reply

    1. Hi Emily,

      If you want to burn fat, you want to include plant-based smoothie ingredients that have the following weight loss effects:

      -Jump start your digestion
      -Burn excess fat
      -Reduce and expel bad cholesterol
      -Provide energy for your cardiovascular system
      -Detox and hydrate your body
      -Promote healthy bowel movement
      -Decrease your appetite for processed foods and sugars

      The Kiwi Berry Punch is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense smoothie recipe that combine the best fruits and veggies for an optimal approach to healthy weight loss.

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/fat-burning-smoothie

      The best part about a green smoothie–you can use a smoothie as a low-calorie meal replacement because they are full of fiber which keeps your body feeling fuller longer.

  14. When using green tea as your base . what just steep a strong cup of green tea ??

    Reply

    1. Yep! I like to brew a few cups of green tea, and then cool them in the fridge, and store the tea in an airtight container to use in my smoothies for the week! Cheers 🙂

  15. Hey, I have a food sensitivity to almond and some recipe call for an almond milk base which is the best subsitute to use ?

    Reply

    1. Hi Amanda,

      Any of the liquid bases is a great alternative, it’s all about finding what you need, what you like, and what goes well with your raw leafy greens, fruits/veggies, and superfoods! Changing it up is good for you, keeps things fresh, and simple!

      Cheers!

  16. Hi Ladies !!

    Day 1 down and I can’t wait to get to Day 2 ! Question – can I use cashew unsweetened milk as the base for my smoothie ?

    Reply

  18. Hello girls! Thanks a lot for your website, it’s very helpful. Can I use oatmilk or black tea? It’s my favorite vegan milk and I drink turkish black tea daily.

    Reply

    1. Hi Alexandra,

      Of course, our recipes are here to inspire you — you don’t have to follow them to a T. Yet we do think they are mighty tasty! Feel free to use other green smoothie recipes and even make some up yourself. The key to making green smoothies your lifestyle is making it easy and part of your daily routine. Let us know how using those liquid bases work for you! Cheers 🙂

    1. Hi Hannah,

      Great question! We’ve talked with a lot of nutritionists and milk isn’t all that it’s been hyped up to be. Dairy is one of the highest diet allergies (and often goes undiagnosed), yet can cause inflammation and if you aren’t buying organic milk, you’re also getting doses of antibiotics, hormones, etc that can tip your own body out of whack. So we just avoid milk for our family (and opt for almond milk). We get our calcium from plant-based sources mainly— broccoli, spinach and kale.

      It’s definitely a personal choice, and you just have to decide what works best for you and your family.

  20. I have been drinking smoothies recently and have had so much fun trying new one everyday. I Look forward to the Green Challenge.

    Reply

    1. Hi Cynthia,

      We are so excited that you have been enjoying the green smoothie lifestyle! We can’t wait for the April Challenge to begin and are so excited you will be joining us! 🙂