This is one of our base recipes. Dairy free smoothies are a great way to start your morning, fuel a workout, or satisfy a craving for something cold, creamy, and sweet!
Can You Make a Smoothie Without Milk?
Absolutely! A smoothie doesn’t need dairy milk to be creamy or delicious. One of our favorite tricks for an extra creamy smoothie is adding a frozen banana. It naturally thickens the smoothie and adds sweetness without the need for added sugar.
Simply blend fresh and frozen fruit with your favorite liquid, such as oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut water, or 100% fruit juice. You can also create a creamy texture with ingredients like frozen mango, avocado, oats, or nut butter.
Must-Know Cooking Skill
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Dairy-Free Smoothie
If you want to make smoothies for breakfast and are in a time crunch, place all of the non-frozen ingredients in your blender’s jar and place it in the fridge the night before. Add the frozen ingredients in the morning and blend!
If your smoothie is too thick after blending, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice. Note that adding more optional ingredients will thicken the smoothie.
While we like the added nutrition boost that leafy greens add, they do change the color of the smoothie, so use caution if serving to picky eaters!
Ingredient Substitutions
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- Liquid: use coconut water, 100% juice, or any dairy-free milk alternative.
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- Fresh Fruit: use any fruit of your choosing. Use creamy fruits to yield creamy smoothies. Think bananas, avocados, mangos, etc. You can also use fruit or vegetable puree, such as mashed sweet potato, pumpkin puree, or applesauce.
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- Frozen Fruit: use any fruit of your choosing. Choose options without any added sugars.
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- Leafy Greens: use spinach or kale. If you are unsure about the flavor of greens in your smoothies, start with spinach. Spinach has a milder flavor than heartier greens like kale. Do not use arugula or mustard greens.
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- Oats: use old-fashioned or quick oats. Do not use steel cut oats, as these need to be cooked.
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- Seeds: use chia, hemp, or ground flaxseeds.
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- Nut Butter: use almond, peanut, walnut, sunflower, soy nut, or any other variety of your choosing. Choose natural varieties (just nuts and salt) for optimal nutrition.
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- Flavor Extracts: use vanilla, almond, coconut, or lemon. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, then adjust to taste.
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- Spices: use sweet spices such as allspice, apple spice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
Smoothie Base Recipe Variations
Remember that this is a base recipe, so the goal is for you to customize it to YOUR taste!
Use these recipe variations for inspiration, then have fun exploring other flavors, ingredients, and textures!
Banana Coffee Smoothie
Dairy Free Banana Berry Smoothie
Sweet Potato Smoothie
Which Blender is Best for Smoothies?
Any blender will work! While a Vitamix probably makes the creamiest smoothies, any full-size blender, single-serve blender, immersion blender, or even food processor will do the job.
Are Smoothies Healthy?
While eating whole fruit is normally best, a smoothie can be a great way to get lots of fruits and/or vegetables in one easy serving. This smoothie recipe is also free of dairy, so it can be a nutritious option for individuals trying to adopt a plant-forward diet. This recipe features fruit, dairy-free liquids, and leafy greens.
Fresh & Frozen Fruit
Both fresh and frozen fruits are healthy. Fruit contains fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. All of these nutrients help your body fight, prevent, and manage diseases. Aim to include a variety of colors throughout the week.
Which Dairy-Free Milk Is Best for Smoothies?
There’s no one “best” dairy-free milk for every smoothie. The right choice depends on the flavor, texture, and nutrition you’re looking for. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
| Milk Alternative | Texture | Flavor | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oat milk | Creamy | Mild | Makes almost any smoothie rich and creamy. |
| Soy milk | Creamy | Neutral | Great choice when you want extra protein. |
| Cashew milk | Rich & smooth | Mild | Adds creaminess without overpowering the fruit. |
| Almond milk | Light | Mild, nutty | Perfect for lighter, refreshing smoothies. |
| Coconut milk beverage | Creamy | Coconut | Adds tropical flavor and richness. |
| Coconut water | Light | Slightly sweet | Refreshing and hydrating, especially after exercise. |
Good to Know:
When we say coconut milk, we’re referring to the carton coconut milk beverage, not canned coconut milk. The beverage blends into smoothies, while canned coconut milk is much richer and better suited for recipes like curries, soups, sauces and desserts.
Our Favorite Picks
Lindsey: “For everyday smoothies, I usually choose Malk Unsweetened Pure Almond Malk. It has a simple ingredient list, and has a hint of sweetness almost like almond extract.
Vahista: “I like Elmhurst Unsweetened Cashew Milk because it creates a smooth and creamy texture, and doesn’t mask the delicious fruit flavors.”
How to Choose the Right Dairy-Free Milk for Your Smoothie
All dairy-free milks can make a delicious smoothie, so there isn’t one “best” choice. Instead, think about the smoothie you want to create.
- Want a rich, creamy smoothie? Reach for oat or cashew milk.
- Looking for more protein? Soy milk is a great option.
- Prefer a lighter smoothie? Almond milk or coconut water keep things light and refreshing.
- Making a tropical smoothie? Coconut milk beverage pairs beautifully with fruits like mango, pineapple, and banana.
Whenever possible, choose unsweetened dairy-free milks and let the fruit provide most of the natural sweetness.
To Taste Tip
The best dairy-free milk is the one you’ll enjoy and keep stocked in your refrigerator. That’s why our Base Recipe works with a variety of liquids. Start with what you have on hand, experiment with different options, and make it your own.
Customize Your Smoothie
One of the best things about this Base Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking for more protein, extra fiber, or a creamier smoothie, a few simple ingredient changes can help you make it your own.
| If you want… | Try adding… |
|---|---|
| More protein | Soy milk |
| More fiber | Oats, chia seeds, flaxseed |
| More creaminess | Frozen banana, avocado |
| Natural sweetness | Ripe banana, frozen mango, dates |
| Healthy fats | Nut butter, chia seeds |
To Taste Tip
There isn’t one perfect smoothie—just the one that’s perfect for you. Start with this Base Recipe, make a few simple swaps, and have fun finding your favorite combination.
Leafy Greens
Leafy green veggies are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote health and help fight diseases. Blending spinach into a dairy-free smoothie is an easy way to help promote your health.
If you choose to add the optional ingredients, those will provide additional health benefits such as more plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
For more information about best choices, check out our ingredient guide!
Serving Suggestions
Dairy-free smoothies are a great accompaniment to a healthy breakfast. Pair with our overnight oats, energy bites, whole wheat muffins, or granola for a satisfying meal.
Will Smoothies Keep in the Fridge?
Keep leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the next day. They can hold for longer than a day in the fridge but often start to separate. Simply shake before drinking!
Looking for More Smoothie Inspiration?
Once you’ve mastered this Base Recipe, try another smoothie variation! Explore our Greek Yogurt Smoothie Base Recipe, Kefir Smoothie Base Recipe, or browse our collection of healthy smoothie recipes.
Learning a simple Base Recipe makes it easy to mix and match ingredients, reduce food waste, and create endless smoothie combinations with what you already have on hand.
Dairy Free Smoothies Base Recipe
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- 1 cup liquid (100% juice, milk alternative, etc.)
- 1 cup frozen fruit
- 1 cup fresh fruit or fruit/vegetable puree
Additions to YOUR taste
- 1 cup lightly packed leafy greens
- ¼ cup old fashioned or quick oats
- 1 Tablespoon chia, hemp, or ground flaxseeds
- 1 Tablespoon nut butter
- ¼-½ teaspoon flavor extract
- ¼ teaspoon spice
- 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Enjoy!
Notes
FAQ Questions:
How do you make smoothies without dairy?
Making smoothies without dairy is simple. Replace milk or yogurt with dairy-free liquids like oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or even water. This smoothie base recipe uses dairy-free ingredients to create a creamy texture that you can customize with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.
Can you make a smoothie without milk?
Yes! You don’t need milk to make a delicious smoothie. Dairy-free milk alternatives, coconut water, fruit juice, or plain water all work well. Choosing the right liquid depends on whether you want a creamy, light, or naturally sweet smoothie.
What are the best milk alternatives for smoothies?
Some of the best smoothie milk alternatives include:
- Oat milk for a creamy texture
- Almond milk for a light, nutty flavor
- Soy milk for extra protein
- Coconut milk for richness
- Cashew milk for a smooth consistency
Each option blends well with fruits and vegetables while keeping your smoothie dairy-free.
What can I substitute for milk in a smoothie?
If you don’t have milk, you can substitute it with dairy-free milk, coconut water, fruit juice, brewed tea, or even plain water. Frozen fruit also helps create a thick, creamy smoothie without the need for dairy.
What is the best dairy-free smoothie base?
Are dairy-free smoothies healthy?
Yes. Dairy-free smoothies can be just as nutritious as traditional smoothies. They provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats depending on the ingredients you choose. Using unsweetened dairy-free milk and whole fruits helps keep the smoothie balanced.
Can dairy-free smoothies be part of a liquid diet?
Yes, depending on your dietary needs. Dairy-free smoothies can work well as part of a liquid diet when made with ingredients that blend smoothly and meet your nutrition goals. If you’re following a medically prescribed liquid diet, consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
This Post Has 2 Comments
I’ve been loving making smoothies this summer! This is a perfect base recipe that is super customizable and delicious. I’ve been especially loving using almond milk lately (and I enjoy adding a spoonful of almond butter, too)!
So happy to hear! Almond butter is a great addition 😉