We love bananas, and use them often in our green smoothies. These yellow friends act as nature’s sweetener and also contain a boat load of nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C. If your green smoothie tastes a bit like lawn clippings, try adding a banana or two. This will help turn a pulpy smoothie into a creamy and delicious smoothie — just how they should taste!
We often buy a few bunches of bananas if they’re on sale, and peel and toss them into the freezer once they ripen. So, if you need to chill down and sweeten a green smoothie, all you have to do is pull out a frozen banana.
Want to know how to freeze bananas? Check this out:
Step One: Be sure bananas are fully ripe – brown spots are your friend!
Step Two: Peel bananas and chop into 3 – 4 pieces.
Step Three: Place bananas in a single layer on a flat tray and place in freezer until frozen—this step helps prevent a clumpy banana mess.
Step Four: Take frozen bananas off of tray and place into a freezer bag or freezer-safe plastic container and store in freezer for later use.
Not big on bananas… or can’t eat them altogether?
Bananas are not the only natural sweetener out there. For those just not into bananas, try freezing them to reduce their flavor. You can also add other natural sweeteners like dates, figs, apples, peaches, grapes, or mangos to your green smoothies. Tip: Adding more sweet fruits to a recipe will help mask the “green” flavor—especially if you aren’t used to it!
Want the creaminess of a banana without the taste?
Bananas aren’t the only fruit that can make your smoothie thick and creamy. Avocados, mangoes, or even 2 tablespoons of chia seeds (soaked for a few minutes before blending) will help the consistency of your green smoothie and turn it into a creamy concoction.
Can’t I just add sugar?
We usually don’t add extra sweeteners to our green smoothies— fruit is all we use! If you still need a little extra something to enjoy your green smoothie, then try adding just a little real maple syrup or raw honey until you adjust to the green smoothie lifestyle. Please, please, please stay away from zero-calorie or artificial sweeteners—they act like toxins in your body.
Saying “no,” to b’naners altogether? We’ve dedicated this page just for you with our banana-free recipes!
53 comments
During the challenge can I add vegan protein to my smoothie in the morning?
Here’s our favorite ways to add protein, Paula!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/tips/protein
Thanks!!! I have vegan protein powder by SunWarrior.
One other question….how beneficial are herbs to green smoothies?
Specifically, mint leaves. I found the strawberry mint Popsicle your site and LOVED it. I bought some Popsicle molds and they are a great treat! Better than the frozen fruit popsicles at the grocery store! For my smoothie “meal” I blended up spinach and mint leaves with strawberries- no other sweeteners. YUM! one of my favorites!
Lisa
Check out this page for the benefits of herbs!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/detox-with-herbs/
Hi!
my daughter and i are looking forward to the green smoothie challenge! In the meantime we have started making green smoothies to try out different flavors and see which ones we like.
I find that berries and other fruits in winter are rather sour and do not do much to sweeten the smoothie. The bananas do help with sweetening the greens. I am concerned about the calories and sugar (albeit natural) that are in bananas since we want to lose weight too. I only use a half one, that seems to be enough. Should I be concerned about the sugar content in bananas or does the nutritional value outweigh the sugar concern?
Thanks!
Lisa
Hi Lisa!
That’s a great question, and it can be answered differently for each person. There definitely is a higher “sugar content” in bananas than in some other fruits… But adding bananas is a way better option than using sweetened liquids, sugar substitutes, etc.
Hope this helps!
Can i use 100% agava nectar?!?
We don’t recommend it, Tara.
Can I use driles dates as a sweetener?
We love using dates!
Can I use stevia? Thanks for this challenge 🙂
Oops just saw the answer to this lol!
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Apart fruits, coconut nectar etc., the only safe sweetener is xylitol which is 100% natural (rather than a chemical). It occurs naturally in certain fruits (including berries) vegetables and mushrooms – and in our bodies. It doesn’t have that awful “artificial sweetener” taste either.
How about Stevia , I saw some people recomend it, is it not a natural sweetener?
Hi Sharon,
We have seen others use it, too. We would rather use whole foods to sweeten, but don’t really have anything against Stevia.
I’ve been using and recommending Raw Coconut nectar as a sweetener in smoothies and other recipes. It is currently produced in small amounts so it is GMO free and 100% organic. But the best part is that it is really low in the glycemic index yet sweet enough that only 1 spoonful may be all you need to get that extra sugar kick.