10 Ways to Make Banana Free Smoothies

Looking for smoothies that have the sweetness and creaminess of bananas, but are banana-free?  Look no further! I’ve shared delicious ideas and recipes right here for all banana-free smoothies!

No doubt you are on my site because you’ve decided to give healthy living a go. 

I am glad you are here! 

You’ll see I have tons of posts on the site that will get you where you want in your healthy living journey. You can learn all you need to know about intermittent fasting, clean-eating, and how to lose weight if that’s your goal.

You find tons of recipes for everything from salad with homemade dressing to baked goods made without refined sugar. It’s all here, folks!

Those of you who have been following me a while know that I'm big on drinking apple cider vinegar. And you know I love my smoothies, too. Based on the views I get on my Chocolate, Banana, Peanut Butter Protein Shake, you guys love smoothies and shakes also!

I do get asked a lot, though, about smoothies made with bananas. The question is typically about making banana free smoothies without losing the thick and creamy texture that makes a smoothie so yummy and fulfilling. 

In fact, I get inquiries about banana free smoothies so often that I decided to dedicate a post to the topic.

I do love bananas myself and include them in muffins, ice cream, and even pancakes. But I get it that not everyone likes the taste of bananas, and some of you are even allergic.

So, let’s move on to banana free smoothies for those who aren’t such a big fan of the fruit.

WHAT CAN I EAT INSTEAD OF BANANA?

A lot of us eat bananas because we know they are good for us and that they are packed full of potassium. What does potassium do for the body? Well, it’s one of the most important nutrients and works toward lowering your blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Fruits that have a healthy amount of potassium are:

• Avocado
• Watermelon
• Pomegranate
• Dried apricot

Prefer to have veggies? Look at this list:

• Spinach
• Sweet Potatoes
• Butternut Squash
• Beets

You can also fill up on black beans or edamame.  

WHAT FRUIT IS EQUAL TO BANANA?

If you are looking for a fruit to add to your smoothies that is equal (or close to it) for goodness, go for the avocado. One half of an avocado gives you 345 mg of potassium. A medium-sized banana has 422 mg of potassium, so the avocado is a comparable choice. Don’t worry about the fat content, because avocado contains healthy fats and tons of vitamins.

Not only are avocados nutritional powerhouses, but avocados will give your smoothie the creamy thickness that bananas do, too.

HOW TO MAKE A SMOOTHIE THICKER WITHOUT BANANAS

There are many ways to thicken up your smoothies without bananas. Along with the avocado I mentioned are these yummy replacements:

• Silken tofu doesn’t change the flavor too much but does make a smoothie nice and creamy
• If you are making a meal replacement smoothie, add quinoa to the blender with your other ingredients
• Try adding your favorite nut butter for a thicker smoothie and a deliciously nutty taste
• Protein powders can add a healthy punch and add a bit of consistency to a smoothie
• Coconut meat can be bought frozen and thickens your smoothie with a coconut-y taste
• Freeze almond milk into ice cubes and add them to the blender
• Pitted dates add sweetness and thickness to smoothies

One of my personal favorites for thickening my smoothies and shakes is to use protein powder as mentioned above. I like protein powder in my smoothies so much that Dustin and I created cleanish Brand Protein Powder. It's plant-based and made with high-quality protein to give you the boost you need for optimum health. It comes in 3 yummy flavors!

I’ll give you 10 ways to make banana free smoothies below. Just remember, when making smoothies, almost anything goes, as long as you like the final taste!

DO YOU NEED BANANAS FOR SMOOTHIES?

You definitely do not need bananas for smoothies. If you don’t like the taste or have an allergy to them, use one of the many alternatives listed below. Bananas do fare well in just about every combination, and they have a good nutrient content. 

TOP 10 HEALTHY BANANA SUBSTITUTES FOR SMOOTHIES

My friends, the possibilities for making smoothies are endless! Healthy smoothies are beneficial in that they provide tons of nutritional value in a grab n’ go format that you can take anywhere!

After I mix my smoothies up in the blender, I like to pour the finished product into a mason jar, pop in a reusable straw, and enjoy!

1. FROZEN BERRIES

Using frozen fruit allows you to get health benefits from fruits like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Blueberries, for example, are anti-inflammatory, have proven anti-cancer properties, and may improve vision.

2. MANGO

Mango can give a smoothie the thick consistency that many smoothie lovers crave. They’re also way up there when it comes to nutrients. The health benefits of mangoes include reversing metabolic disease risks, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Try this Mango Green Smoothie!

3. AVOCADO

The great thing about avocado is that adding one to your smoothie gives you a power-packed punch, but does not make a major change the flavor. You can combine avocado with just about anything. You can freeze ripe avocado in chunks, to be added to your smoothie when the mood hits.  Try this Avocado Kale Smoothie.

4. SWEET POTATOES

Yes, it’s true – cooked sweet potatoes add a richness to smoothies along with a great fiber boost. Sweet potatoes also have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, among other good things.  Try this Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Smoothie!

5. OATS

Oatmeal will make your favorite smoothie or shake creamy and filling. Oats provide fiber and have antioxidant properties They’ve been proven to have anti-cancerous effects, too. It’s best to grind the oats to a powder before adding to the smoothie. This smoothie will fill you up, keeping you from unhealthy snacking later!  Try this Caramel Apple Smoothie.

6. SOAKED CASHEWS

Soak raw cashews in hot water for 10 minutes and then add them to the blender mixture of your favorite smoothie. Soaking them overnight is the way most cashew aficionados do it. The addition of cashews gives you a healthy boost of protein.

7. PINEAPPLE

Looking for the perfect way to make a tropical tasting smoothie? Pineapple is the answer! It’s high in the all-important manganese and vitamin C. Manganese is excellent for bone health and adequate levels lower your chance of acquiring diabetes.

8. CHIA SEEDS

Chia seeds are highly beneficial, and I’ve explained all that in my post here. Making a banana free smoothie using chia seeds makes complete sense. A delicious drink with anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial fatty acids, and oodles of fiber – it’s the real deal.

9. YOGURT

Plain full-fat Greek yogurt is so good for you! It’s not highly processed and fits right into a clean-eating lifestyle. There are no added artificial flavors or fillers, which makes yogurt an excellent swap for bananas.  Try this Cherry Vanilla Smoothie!

10. COCONUT CREAM

Coconut flesh is grated and boiled or simmered to make coconut milk and cream. It’s high calorie but also has many nutrients, such as copper, magnesium, and iron. Its manganese content is way over the top, making it excellent for bone health and the immune system.

BEST BANANA-FREE SMOOTHIES AND SHAKES   

Since I’m a big lover of smoothies, I’ve got several on the blog. Here are my all-time favorite banana free smoothies and shakes:

• 7 Easy Make Ahead Smoothies For Fall: One recipe contains bananas, but the others do not. Try Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato, Apple Crisp, Cran Apple Pecan, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Cinnamon Butternut Date, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie!
• High Protein Fruit Smoothies: I’ve got 5 great high protein fruit smoothie recipes that are not only delicious, but helpful for weight loss, too. Two of the recipes have banana, but these do not: PB&J Smoothie, Fit + Slim Smoothie, and the Vanilla Cupcake Smoothie.
• Smoothie Freezer Packs: You’ll find 14 awesome recipes, including Cherry Vanilla, Strawberry Cheesecake, Avocado Kale, and even Orange Dreamsicle! They are all creamy and decadently tasty.
• Peach Protein Shake: Can’t you just taste the peachy sweetness?
• Strawberry Protein Shake: Like the peach protein shake, protein powder adds extra punch.
• Almond Butter Chocolate Coffee Bean Protein Shake: This makes a super tasty breakfast or snack.
• Blueberry Protein Shake: The amazing blueberry, my friends! Have this one a couple of times a week!

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