Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my banana smoothie recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
How To Make A Banana Smoothie
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Recipe Variations
This is my most basic version, but there are a million ways to make banana smoothie recipes! Here are some add-ins for something different:
Adjust the consistency to your liking. This smoothie is just the right thickness for me. If you want it thinner, add more milk. If you want it thicker, add more yogurt or use slightly larger bananas. Forgot to freeze your bananas? You can still pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool them off, so your smoothie is ice cold. You can also add a few ice cubes to thicken, though this dilutes the flavor. Sweeten to taste if you want. I think this banana smoothie has the perfect sweetness level and doesn’t need any sweeteners, but if you like it super sweet, you can add a touch of honey (or my natural sugar-free honey), or even powdered Besti.
Strawberries – Replace one of the bananas with 1 cup of frozen strawberries. Nut Butter – Blend in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter for more creaminess, plus a protein boost. You’ll need a little extra milk. Chocolate – Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, or a drizzle of my sugar-free chocolate syrup. Greens – Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. You’ll hardly taste the greens in your banana smoothie! If you don’t want to guess on amounts, try my banana spinach smoothie. Tropical – Add about 1/4 cup of frozen pineapple, 1/4 cup of frozen mango, and replace the half and half with 1/2 cup of coconut milk. Protein Boost – Blend in a scoop of your favorite protein powder, or a tablespoon of flax seeds or chia seeds. Add a little extra milk to compensate for these add-ins.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store: I find it’s best to drink this banana smoothie fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The color turns brown, so my kids refused to drink it the next day. Meal prep: Store peeled bananas in the freezer, so they’re always ready to go.
More Smoothie Recipes
If you like my banana smoothie recipe, try one of my other smoothies next:
My Favorite Blender For This Recipe
I love this blender because it’s powerful enough to handle anything I throw at it, even frozen bananas. Plus, the self-cleaning feature makes cleanup fast! Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. I never thought I’d say I’m grateful for my blender (lol), but now I miss it so much, and here we are. What are your must-have, can’t-live-without kitchen appliances? Let me know in the comments below.
