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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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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?
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 🙂
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. ☺
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
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.
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 🙂
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!
Thanks Kristen!
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.
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
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?
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.
When using green tea as your base . what just steep a strong cup of green tea ??
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 🙂
Hey, I have a food sensitivity to almond and some recipe call for an almond milk base which is the best subsitute to use ?
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!
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 ?
Of course!
Hi Susan,
We are so happy you found Simple Green Smoothies! They’re a great way to add fruits, vegetables, and fresh leafy greens to your diet, and is a great way to focus your mind + body on health + wellness! Check out our recipe page for some great suggestions! My favorite smoothie to start with is Beginners Luck!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/recipes
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/best-green-smoothie
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.
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 🙂
Hi has anyone ever tried Kefir as a base?
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.
I have been drinking smoothies recently and have had so much fun trying new one everyday. I Look forward to the Green Challenge.
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! 🙂
Can you also use Cashew or Hemp milks?
Yes! We love those!
Hello, I am on Warfarin or Coumadin and green tea, ginger, garlic, and cramberry goes against this medication these are the things that are good for me but I was told not to use these. Can you tell me if there are any substitute for these good things that I cant have.
Green tea, ginger, garlic, and cramberry.
Thanks for your kindness.
Velma
Good morning Velma,
Thank for reaching out to us. Since we are not doctors or nutritionists, we suggest that any member of community with health concerns with their medicines to speak to their healthcare provider to confirm that green smoothies are best for their personal bodies. Cheers.
Thank you I will check with my doctor before making my smoothie.
Velma
I am also on Warfarin but have been told that it is the dark coloured leaves that I am not allowed. i.e. Spinach, broccoli and curly Kale. I have been having them in my smoothies for a while now, and have very regular blood tests at the Warfarin clinic. It has had no effect on my Warfarin at all. I have never been told not to have the garlic, ginger or cranberries.
I am in the UK nd have been very well controlled on my Warfarin for a great many years. I just love these smoothies, and replace breakfast and lunch with a smoothie, but I always make sure I have Whey Protein Powder in them.
Is there an issue with using regular milk? Nuts don’t agree with me and I’m trying to stay away from soy. Can I just use regular cow’s milk?
Hey Caroline. If that works for you, go for it. 🙂
I’ve read that green tea inhibits absorption of iron. If I’m trying to get the most nutrients out of my smoothie, should I avoid using green tea? Or do its pros outweigh the cons?