This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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 1891 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.
Make Recipe
Rich Coffee Smoothie
5 from 15 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.
Make Recipe
fat burning smoothies for weight loss
Fat Burning Smoothie for Weight Loss
4.4 from 181 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.
Make Recipe
Cinnamon Date Smoothie
4.5 from 300 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.
Make Recipe
blueberries on a smoothie for a meal
Meal Replacement Smoothie
4.5 from 391 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.
Make Recipe
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.
Make Recipe
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.
Make Recipe
Clear Skin Smoothie
5 from 17 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!
Make Recipe
Healthy Pre-Workout Smoothie
4.7 from 259 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.
Make Recipe
Anti Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe with ginger and beets
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
4.8 from 32 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!
Make Recipe
Coconut Water Smoothie
4.9 from 20 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.
Make Recipe
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!
Make Recipe
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.
Make Recipe
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.
Make Recipe
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.
Make Recipe
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. 
Make Recipe
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.
Make Recipe
Island Green Smoothie
4.8 from 175 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.
Make Recipe
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.
Make Recipe
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!
Make Recipe
mango smoothie
Creamy Mango Smoothie
4.8 from 5 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
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. 
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!


You might Also Love…

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. When you blend, do you blend on low or high, and for how long?
    Do you have any videos covering this topic?
    FYI….I have a vitamix blender.

  2. Hi there! If I have greens that are about to go bad, can I blend and freeze them for future smoothies? How many “spinach cubes” would equal one cup of greens?

  3. I have already signed up for your 30 day challenge and ordered your book, Lets Eat, and plan to order your Simple Green Smoothies when it becomes available.

    Fred Griffin

    1. Hi Fred,

      You’re a total rawkstar! Thank you so much for your support!

      Cheers 🙂

    1. Great question, Sami! Our green smoothies will keep in your refrigerator for up to two days! We suggest adding a small amount of lemon juice to help preserve their green goodness + storing in an airtight container!

  4. I am just starting the green smoothies, im trying to transition and swap out my normal breakfast and lunch routine and do the smoothies. Is it ok to do the same greens like spinach for a whole week? Then the next week switch it up?

    1. Hi Kyesha,

      Yay! We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us! It’s important to rotate your greens, switching it up each week is a great way to prevent oxalate build-up!

      Looking to use green smoothies as a meal replacement? Make sure to add protein + healthy fats to ensure you’re getting a complete meal. Learn more about our favorite meal replacement boosters here…

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

      Reach out with any questions! We’re here to help you along your green smoothie journey!

  5. I have been using aloe juice for awhile now and I really like it. I mix in an assortment of ingredients like kale, kiwi, banana, cocoa, papaya, turmeric, maca, hemp protein, spirulina, chlorella, beets and other greens. I enjoy having a variety and just putting in whatever I’m in the mood for. Aloe is a little bit bitter but I find the other ingredients take away the bitterness. Thank you for your website.

    1. Hi Jennifer,

      We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us + thank you for sharing your experience blendin’ with aloe! Aloe packs a great nutritional punch!

      Cheers 🙂

  6. All of my bananas are frozen but are a lil brown also when taking out of the freezer.

    1. Hi Regina,

      We love freezing bananas, its a great way to stock up + ensure your green smoothie is chilled to perfection! Bananas will brown slightly while frozen, but their delicious taste + nutrition will still be there!

      Cheers 🙂

  7. Are there any specific smoothies to help with hypertensive individuals (high Blood Pressure)? What veggies and fruits can be mixed to reduce a HBP?

    1. Hi Marsha,

      Looking to combat high blood pressure, reach for ingredients like Blueberries, Watermelon, or fiber rich ingredients like Leafy Greens (especially turnip greens and mustard greens), Raspberries, Cinnamon, Pear, Flax Seeds, Beets, Carrots, Oranges, Strawberries.

      Check out our other heart healthy smoothie additions…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/healthy-fats

      Cheers!

  8. Hi, whats your opinion on freeze fruit and vegetables instead of fresh fruit and vegetables?

    1. Hi Sandra,

      Great question! Whether your freezing your own or buying frozen from the grocery aisle…we love frozen fruit + veggies! It’s the perfect way to enjoy your favorite fruits or vegetables when they’re out of season. We suggest blendin’ with at least one frozen fruit, to ensure a creamy consistency + that your smoothie is chilled to perfection!

      Have you tried freezing your leafy greens? Learn more here…

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

      1. But also I think frozen fruit and vegetables are picked at their prime time and packed right away. There are chances that they are packed with much more nutrition than the fresh fruit you buy at the grocery store. Because the latter most likely was picked several days before they were ripe. Early harvesting is actually makes the fresh produce very low in nutrition. This is one of main reasons why we should seek locally grown produce. But I believe frozen produce is a good alternative in that regard.

  9. What about Oat Milk? I have replaced normal milk with oat milk and was wondering if it’s ok. It tastes great compared to almond and rice milk. Do you think it’s a good replacement?

  10. Hi! I’m new to smoothie making, and I was just wondering if I could use flavored waters (such as sugar free propel) to add some extra flavor? Also, I have ready to drink protein shakes and was just wondering if I could use these as my liquid base? Thanks so much!

    1. Hi Danielle,

      Thank you so much for reaching out! We prefer to blend with ingredients that are natural + unprocessed. Interested in blending with flavored water, try making your own! Here is one of our favorites…

      BLUEBERRY MINT COOLER | serves one
      2 cups filtered water
      1⁄2 cup blueberries
      5 mint leaves

      Adding a plant-based protein powder (hemp seed or brown rice protein powder are great options!!) to your green smoothie is a great way to add nutrients to your body, and to keep your body full + satisfied. Check out our other favorite plant-based protein options here…

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

      Thanks for blendin’ with us, Danielle!

  11. I am interested in coffee for the liquid, or perhaps both coffee and almond milk. Can you suggest recipes?

    1. Hi Ron,

      Thanks for reaching out! Jen actually used green smoothies to kick her Starbucks habit, so we don’t include coffee in our recipes. Looking to add a boost of caffeine + antioxidants to your green smoothie, try blending with green tea!

  12. I’m super excited to start this. Although it’s halfway through the 30 day challenge, I’m so glad I came across this site. I’m looking to shed some lbs….any recommendations? Also I see mostly fruit, doespecially anyone add veggies?

    1. Hi Amanda,

      We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us. Did you know our co-founder Jadah lost 25lbs in 3 months by replacing one meal with a Simple Green Smoothies?

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/about

      We’re making healthy lifestyle changes that will last a lifetime! Our goal for your is to drink at least one 2-cup serving green smoothie a day in addition to your regular diet. If you would like, you can replace 1 or 2 meals with green smoothies. If you drink green smoothies as meal replacements, make sure to add a protein boost (plant-based protein powder, nut milk, nut butter), or snack on some nuts or a hard-boiled egg 30-60 minutes after you drink your green smoothie.

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

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

      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

      Reach out with any questions!

      Cheers 🙂

  13. Hello,

    What about natural apple juice for a base? I am just curious since my husband uses it. I do not want to mess up the calorie base of the smoothie. Thanks for your help!

    1. Hi Tisha,

      Great question! We love using fresh fruit juices, include apple juice! The thing to keep in mind about fruit juices is their high sugar content. When using fresh fruit juice as a liquid-base, be sure to use plenty of raw leafy greens and low glycemic fruits. You can also add water to your juice base— like 1 cup fresh apple juice and 1 cup water.

    1. Hi Poppy,

      Great question! We believe that 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. That’s why we love to reach for unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk. We love them both!