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As much as I love a green smoothie, it’s important to get a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Blending the rainbow is one way I do that. This turmeric smoothie recipe is pure sunshine in a glass—using oranges, carrots and turmeric to create the color. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your day with tropical fruits and powerful, immune-boosting ingredients.

Ingredients for turmeric smoothie

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients in this turmeric smoothie are simple, plant-based whole foods you can feel good about:

  • Turmeric (ground): This golden spice brings warmth and color to the smoothie. You’ll find ground turmeric in the spice aisle, or grab fresh turmeric root in the produce section if your store carries it.
  • Honey: Complements the turmeric and ginger nicely. Look for raw honey or manuka honey, known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
  • Fresh ginger root: Adds a spicy-sweet kick that balances the creaminess of the smoothie. Look for firm, smooth ginger in the produce section, bonus points if it’s organic.
  • Orange (peeled and zested): Bright and juicy orange makes the smoothie taste like sunshine. Pick up fresh oranges from the produce section.
  • Frozen mango: Naturally sweet and creamy, mango gives tropical vibes in every sip. Find it in the frozen fruit section, perfect for thick, cold smoothies without needing ice. For instructions, you can also check out my guide on how to cut a mango.
  • Frozen sliced carrots: A sneaky way to add veggies, fiber, and extra beta-carotene. You can buy pre-sliced frozen carrots in the freezer aisle or slice fresh carrots yourself and freeze them.

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A high-speed blender surrounded by turmeric smoothie ingredients on a kitchen table

How to Make a Turmeric Smoothie

My turmeric smoothie is quick, creamy, and full of benefits. Just blend a few simple ingredients and sip golden goodness in minutes.

  1. Add ginger, orange, and almond milk to your blender. These form the bright, creamy base that sets the stage for all the other flavors.
  2. Blend until silky smooth. Give it a good whirl so the ginger fully breaks down and the orange citrus flavor shines through.
  3. Toss in the frozen mango, carrots, turmeric, and raw honey. 
  4. Blend one more time until thick and creamy. Pour into your favorite glass and sip immediately while it’s fresh.

Turmeric Hack

Long before it became the star of golden lattes, turmeric was cherished in Ayurvedic medicine for its powerful healing benefits. This golden spice has been used to soothe inflammation, aid digestion, and bring vibrant energy to meals.

To get the most out of turmeric’s benefits, try adding a tiny pinch of black pepper before blending. Black pepper contains piperine, which, when combined with curcumin, has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%.

A glass of turmeric smoothie surrounded by ingredients

Easy Swaps and Add-Ins

This smoothie is creamy, nourishing, and totally delicious as is—but don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are a few simple swaps or tasty add-ins you can try:

  • Milk alternatives: No almond milk? Try oat milk or add a tropical twist with coconut milk.
  • Creamy: Add half a banana or a few slices of avocado to make the smoothie thicker and even more creamier.
  • Sweet: Instead of raw honey, try pure maple syrup or Medjool dates for a vegan-friendly option. You can also check out my guide on natural sweeteners I like to use.
  • Protein: Blend in a scoop of my Homemade Protein Powder, a spoonful of hemp hearts, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt to make this smoothie more filling.

Serving Suggestion

This turmeric smoothie recipe makes 16 oz—perfect for one adult. For kids, split into two 8 oz servings, and serve with a straw to make sipping easier.

Two glasses of turmeric smoothies on a table

More Recipes with Turmeric

If you’re digging the golden glow and anti-inflammatory benefits of this turmeric smoothie recipe, here are a few more turmeric recipes to try next:

  • When I need something soothing, turmeric tea is my go-to—warm, cozy, and full of anti-inflammatory goodness.
  • And when I’m craving creamy comfort, golden milk hits the spot. It’s turmeric, cinnamon, and plant milk blended into the perfect hug in a mug.
  • When I want a quick boost, I make turmeric blender bombs—frozen cubes of turmeric, ginger, and healthy fats that blend into an instant wellness smoothie.
Two glasses of bright orange turmeric smoothie garnished with fresh mint and small white flowers

If you make this turmeric smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.

Creamy turmeric smoothie ready to drink
4.27 from 405 votes

Honey Turmeric Smoothie

Sip on this nourishing turmeric smoothie—packed with anti-inflammatory turmeric, zingy ginger, vitamin C–rich citrus, and a creamy almond milk base—for a refreshing, healing drink that tastes like sunshine in just 5 minutes.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Author: Jen Hansard
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Ingredients  

  • 1 inch fresh gingerroot peeled
  • 1 tablespoon orange peeled and zested
  • ¾ cup almond milk or other nut milk
  • ½ cup mango frozen
  • ½ cup sliced carrots frozen
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric, ground

Instructions 

  • Place ginger, orange and almond milk in blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients and blend until creamy.

Helpful Tools

Notes

  • Fresh vs. dried turmeric: Fresh turmeric root gives this smoothie a brighter, peppery flavor and extra nutrients, but if you can’t find it, ground turmeric works just fine. 
  • Add natural sweetness: If your smoothie tastes a little too zesty, add more honey, half a banana, a couple of Medjool dates, or a splash of maple syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 16 oz | Calories: 240 kcal | Carbohydrates: 54 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 3 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 291 mg | Potassium: 671 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 44 g | Vitamin A: 11879 IU | Vitamin C: 104 mg | Calcium: 314 mg | Iron: 1 mg

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Common Questions

How much turmeric root should you put in a smoothie?

About 1 inch of fresh turmeric root or ½–1 teaspoon of ground turmeric is a good amount for most smoothies. For those new to turmeric, starting with a smaller quantity is recommended before adjusting to taste.

What is the best time to drink a turmeric smoothie?

Turmeric smoothies can be enjoyed any time of day. Many people prefer them in the morning for an energizing start, after a workout to support recovery, or in the afternoon as a refreshing pick-me-up.

How do you make a smoothie with fresh turmeric?

To use fresh turmeric, wash and peel the root, then slice or grate it before blending with other ingredients. Frozen turmeric chunks can also be kept on hand for easy smoothie prep.

What is the best combination with turmeric?

Turmeric works best when combined with ginger, black pepper, and naturally sweet fruits such as mango, pineapple, or banana. Black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, making this combination both flavorful and beneficial.

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About the Author

Jen Hansard

I’m a mom who swapped Lucky Charms for green smoothies and shares plant-based recipes that reach millions. My husband and I live in Oklahoma City with our teenagers. Fav things include running, traveling and tacos.

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Rating





Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Liked the more savory flavor! Used carrots from the garden and homemade coconut cashew milk.

  2. 5 stars
    I even got non carrot eaters in my family to try this one. A new favorite! The ginger is a winner. I learned while living in India that turmeric is an extremely stubborn stain, so wear an apron!

  3. 5 stars
    We enjoyed this smoothie especially with how healthy it is. It says a lot when even my kids drank their whole glass and asked for more. Will definitely add this to our regular rotation.

  4. 5 stars
    Very pleasantly surprised by this one. I didn’t think I’d like it with all the ginger and turmeric, but I loved it! I used up our carrots the day before, so I put in 1 cup mango and only used 1/2 tsp turmeric. I have another favorite! Thanks!

  5. 5 stars
    Really enjoyed the fresh, more complex flavors in this smoothie. Made it with a few raw baby carrots and it still turned out great!

  6. Came out a little thicker so made a smoothie bowl! It was a very different smoothie combo that I have ever tried, but I liked it!

  7. 4 stars
    Day 5: Honey Turmeric smoothie

    Love the color of this smoothie. This was my first time using all the ingredients in a smoothie together, but it works. I like all the benefits of this smoothie

  8. Was surprisingly nice. I have never had a smoothie like this before. Will add this to my smoothie list.

  9. 5 stars
    #5 Smoothie Challenge
    Really enjoyed the flavour! – like orange sherbet. Will freeze this smoothie next time.
    Very creamy and thick. So, added more liquid. Still used a spoon.
    Forgot to add the protein powder.

  10. 4 stars
    Kind of a different smoothie, but I really like that! I enjoy golden milk and this has the same vibes. It turned out a little bitter but I think that was because I didn’t peel the orange. Nothing a little extra honey couldn’t fix! I also added a pinch of black pepper to increase the absorption of the turmeric.