Most people either hate bananas or love ’em. Jen and I are huge fans of bananas, so you’ll find them in many of our green smoothie recipes. Bananas add a creamy texture to green smoothies and they’re the perfect natural sweetener! But if you’re a banana hater, or allergic, or you’re just looking for a fresh smoothie taste, we want to share a few of our favorite banana-free green smoothie recipes with you.
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PinDescription
Enjoy this mildly sweet green smoothie— perfect for those watching their sugar intake. If you buy organic peaches, go ahead and keep the skin on for extra fiber.
Ingredients
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups coconut water
- 2 cups grapes*
- 2 peaches*
Instructions
- Blend spinach and coconut water
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth
Notes
*Freeze at least one of these fruits to make the smoothie cold.
Description
This banana-free recipe is packed with brain boosting healthy fats and plenty of fiber to keep all the food flowing through your body with ease.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups coconut water
- 2 ripe pears*
- 1 cup mango*
- 1/2 avocado*
Instructions
- Blend spinach and coconut water
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth
Notes
*Freeze at least one of these fruits to make the smoothie cold.
Description
This naturally sweet smoothie is not only hydrating with the high-water fruits like grapes and cantaloupe, but it’s also heart healthy. Omega-3s found in flaxseed support brain development, and they help lower your risk of heart disease.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cantaloupe* (ripe and rind removed)
- 1 cup grapes*
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (unrefined)
Instructions
- Blend spinach, almond milk, and water
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth
Notes
*Freeze at least one of these fruits to make the smoothie cold.
A good substitute for bananas in smoothies
If you’re allergic to bananas (or just can’t stand the taste), some great banana substitutes are:
- Mango
- Papaya
- Pear
- Chia seeds
- Fresh dates
- Nut Butters
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Avocado (won’t add the sweetness, but will definitely add the thick and creamy texture)
For more banana-free green smoothies recipes, => click here. Want to know more about superfoods like chia seeds and flaxseeds? Read about the 10 superfoods you should be eating.
P.S. Freeze your bananas before adding to smoothies– the banana taste will not be as strong.
Join the conversation!
What’s your relationship with bananas? Love ’em or hate ’em? Share what you use as a banana alternative in the comments below.
February 28th, 2018 at 9:55 am
How much applesauce would you use in place of a banana? Should you freeze the applesauce in portions?
March 2nd, 2018 at 9:52 am
Hi Kathy,
I usually swap in 1/4 – 1/2 cup of applesauce. And nope, no need to freeze. Add the apple sauce either chilled or room temperature to your green smoothie!
February 4th, 2019 at 5:17 pm
I literally add anything and everything, I don’t aim for taste.
Blueberries 25g
Blackberries 25g
Raspberries 25g
Strawberries 25g
Avocado chunks 70g
Spinach 25g
Kale 25g
Cucumber 2 inches
A bit thick but I just down it every morning after my oats/flax seed breakfast
May 1st, 2019 at 2:04 pm
Thanks for sharing!!
April 30th, 2019 at 4:32 pm
I can’t have coconut, what do you substitute for it?
May 1st, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Hey Rita,
If you cannot have coconut oil a great substitute would be MCT oil.
Hope that helps!