Bananas are a popular ingredient in smoothies because they add creaminess, sweetness, and nutrients. However, some people can’t or don’t want to eat bananas for various reasons. Fortunately, there are many fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients that can be used as banana substitutes in smoothies.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to what you can use to replace bananas in smoothies:
- Avocado – Adds creaminess
- Silken tofu – Provides creaminess
- Greek yogurt – Adds protein and creaminess
- Cottage cheese – Provides protein and creaminess
- Oats – Adds fiber, nutrients and thickness
- Nut butters – Provide creaminess and nutrients
- Applesauce – Provides sweetness
- Mango – Provides sweetness
- Pineapple – Adds sweetness and flavor
- Frozen cauliflower – Adds creaminess when blended
Fruits to Replace Bananas
Many fruits can provide nutrients, sweetness, flavor, and texture in place of bananas in smoothies. Here are some of the best options:
Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries add both sweetness and many antioxidants and phytonutrients. Use fresh or frozen berries in place of bananas in nearly any smoothie recipe.
Mangos
Mangos are naturally sweet and creamy. They contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals. Use fresh, frozen, or even jarred mangos in tropical-inspired smoothies.
Pineapple
Pineapple gives smoothies a tropical flair. It contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh, frozen, canned, or jarred pineapple can be substituted for banana.
Cherries
Cherries add nutrients like vitamin C and anthocyanins. They give a tart sweetness and bright red color to smoothies. Use fresh or frozen pitted cherries in place of bananas.
Peaches
Peaches provide beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Frozen peaches work especially well in smoothies in place of banana. Or use canned peaches packed in juice or water.
Pears
The sweetness and mild flavor of pears complements many smoothies. Use ripe fresh pears or canned pears in juice or water.
Apples
Apples provide a boost of fiber in smoothies. Fresh, unsweetened applesauce, or chopped apples work well. For tropical smoothies, use green apples to provide tartness.
Plums
Plums add antioxidants like polyphenols and sweetness to smoothies without bananas. Use ripe fresh or frozen plums.
Apricots
Apricots offer beta carotene for vitamin A, as well as vitamin C. Substitute fresh, canned, or dried apricots for banana in blended drinks.
Dates
Dates are naturally very sweet, adding sweetness and fiber without extra sugar. Use 2-3 pitted dates in place of a banana.
Vegetables to Use Instead of Bananas
In addition to fruits, some vegetables can stand in for bananas in smoothies. They boost nutrition by adding vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Sweet Potatoes
Cooked, mashed sweet potato or butternut squash add creaminess and natural sweetness to smoothies. Replace 1/4 to 1/2 banana with 1/4 cup cooked sweet potato or squash.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A. Use canned pumpkin puree or roasted fresh pumpkin in place of banana in fall-inspired smoothies.
Beets
Beets offer phytonutrients, folate, manganese, and potassium. Use cooked beets or canned beet juice to provide richness without bananas.
Carrots
Carrots provide vitamin A and beta carotene. Use cooked carrots or carrot juice instead of bananas for creaminess.
Sweet Corn
For a unique flavor, try using cooked corn cut from the cob in smoothies instead of bananas. It provides vitamin C and thiamine.
Green Peas
Green peas contain protein, vitamin K, folate, manganese, and fiber. Puree cooked peas with liquid to use in place of bananas.
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Including dairy or non-dairy milk products helps make smoothies creamy without bananas. They also boost protein content.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds protein, calcium, probiotics, and texture. Replace half or all the banana with 2-4 tablespoons yogurt.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese provides an excellent protein boost. Use 1/4 cup cottage cheese in place of 1/2 banana.
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is a great vegan way to make smoothies creamy without bananas. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup blended silken tofu per banana.
Nut and Seed Butters
Nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, and peanut butter add protein, healthy fats, and creaminess. Use 1-2 tablespoons in place of each banana.
Coconut Cream
Canned coconut cream or “milk” lends richness without bananas. Use a 1:1 ratio of coconut cream to banana amount.
Avocado
Avocado gives smoothies extra creaminess and nutrition. Substitute 1/4 to 1/2 avocado for each banana.
Grains, Seeds and Nutrients
Adding grains, seeds, or nutritional boosts can help replace some properties of bananas.
Oats
Rolled or steel-cut oats add fiber, nutrients, and thickness to smoothies instead of bananas. Use 1-2 tablespoons per banana.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds thicken smoothies and provide nutrients like omega-3s. Use 1-2 teaspoons per banana.
Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed adds thickness and nutrition without bananas. Use 1 teaspoon per banana omitted.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds provide protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Add 1-2 tablespoons to replace banana volume.
Wheat Germ
Nutritious wheat germ adds B vitamins, fiber, and thickness when used in place of bananas. Try 2-3 tablespoons per banana.
Molasses
Blackstrap molasses provides nutrients like iron, calcium, and potassium found in bananas. Use 1 teaspoon per banana.
Cacao Powder
Raw cacao powder gives antioxidants and richness. Replace 1 tbsp banana with 1 tsp cacao powder.
Maca Powder
Maca root powder offers an earthy, nutty flavor and nutrients. Use 1/2 to 1 tsp per banana.
Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract adds flavor to smoothies without bananas. Use 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per banana.
Sample Banana-Free Smoothie Recipes
Here are some healthy and delicious smoothie recipes without bananas:
Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 2-3 ice cubes
Blend all ingredients until smooth. The oats provide creaminess and fiber instead of banana.
Berry Avocado Smoothie
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nut butter
- 1 tablespoon flax or chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Ice cubes as needed
Blend everything together for a creamy, protein-rich smoothie without bananas.
Green Smoothie
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1 cup coconut water or milk
- 1/2 cup mango chunks
- 1/4 avocado
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Ice cubes as desired
Blend all ingredients for a refreshing, green smoothie without bananas.
Carrot Cake Smoothie
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots
- 1/2 cup canned pineapple
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 ice cubes
Blend everything until smooth for a naturally sweet carrot cake-flavored smoothie without bananas.
Tips for Making Smoothies Without Bananas
Here are some helpful tips for getting the best texture and flavor when making smoothies without bananas:
- Use ripe, frozen fruits and vegetables for thick smoothies. They mimic banana’s creaminess when blended.
- Include healthy fats like avocado, nut butters, or full-fat yogurt or milk for creaminess.
- Puree silken tofu or mashed cannellini beans to make smoothies creamy.
- Soak chia seeds, hemp seeds, oats, or flaxseed ahead to allow them to thicken smoothies.
- Add spices like cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, or cocoa powder to boost flavor.
- Use sweeter fruits like mango, pineapple, dates, or apple juice to add sweetness.
- Include spinach, kale, or zucchini to add nutrients without altering taste.
- Chill smoothies before drinking for best texture.
Benefits of Going Banana-Free
There are several reasons you may want to avoid bananas in smoothies, including:
- Food intolerances or allergies: Some people have sensitivities to bananas or latex.
- Low potassium diet: People with kidney disease may need to limit potassium from bananas.
- Low sugar diet: Bananas have more natural sugar than other fruits.
- Weight management: Bananas have more calories than replacement options.
- Variety: Trying different fruit, veggie, and ingredient combinations keeps smoothies interesting.
The good news is bananas can be omitted from smoothies without sacrificing texture, nutrients, or sweetness. With so many ingredients to substitute for bananas, you can still whip up creamy, delicious smoothies.
The Bottom Line
Bananas certainly aren’t required to make tasty and nutritious smoothies. With fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, protein foods, and mix-ins like seeds, oats, and spices, you can recreate the creaminess, sweetness, nutrients, and appeal of banana smoothies without using bananas. Experiment with different combinations to find your new go-to banana-free smoothies.
