The BEST Kid-Friendly Smoothies around! Kids can be tough critics, but these smoothie recipes are all picky eater approved!
Smoothies have been a great tool for us over the years. When my kids were in their staunchest “I hate veggies” phases, or when we’ve needed extra nutritional support, smoothies have come to bat for us again and again.
They make a great snack, nourishing breakfast, or soothing sip when kids are under the weather. We love them all year long!
Why We Love Smoothies for Kids
While my kids are expanding their palates all the time, it wasn’t always that way at our house. Smoothies have helped us with support by:
- Exploring new fruits & veggies – Smoothies can be a low-pressure way to try a new flavor.
- Working through texture issues – The smooth texture of a smoothie can be easier for some kids, rather than the stringiness of fresh pineapple or the seeds in a raspberry.
- Layering in veggies. If you’ve got littles who don’t love veggies (raises hand), smoothies can be a great way to fit in some extra veg. Spinach & kale, yes, but also zucchini, squash, carrots, and even cauliflower can blend in well!
- Adding protein or healthy fats. My kids don’t love things like flax or chia on their own, but smoothies help us add some much-needed protein and healthy fats to their diet. (Think chia seeds, flax, collagen protein, nut butter, avocado, etc.)
- “Cooking” together! If your kids love helping in the kitchen, smoothies are a very forgiving way for them to help! Measurements don’t have to be perfect, and you can come up with your own combinations!
- Taking supplements or medication. Under the direction of specialists or your child’s pediatrician, smoothies can be a great way to work in needed supplements or medications as appropriate.
Kid-Friendly Smoothie Recipes
Now for the fun part: the recipes! These kid-friendly smoothie recipes have gotten us through thick and thin, and have all been heartily child approved.
Peach Mango Bliss Smoothie (Paleo & Vegan)
This peach mango smoothie tastes like liquid sunshine! It also hides greens like a dream, so feel free to add a handful or two of your favorite greens!
Blueberry Peach Smoothie (Paleo or Vegan)
We love the bright color and fresh flavor of this gorgeous blueberry smoothie. Add greens, flax, or protein undetectably. You’ll love it!
Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
We make this fresh watermelon smoothie all summer long. It feels ultra-hydrating after time in the sun or at the pool!
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
This was my all-time favorite smoothie for YEARS. I can’t get enough of that chocolate-cherry combo, and my kids couldn’t agree more.
Pineapple Peach Perfection Smoothie
Pineapple hides greens better than any other fruit I know and the fresh combo of peach + pineapple is tough to beat!
Berry Green Smoothie
Three kinds of berries + spinach + smoothie boosts = one delightful, berry delicious smoothie. (I had to!)
Pear Ginger Smoothie (Paleo or Vegan)
Packed with greens and a hint of warm ginger, this kid-friendly pear smoothie is the perfect breakfast or snack!
Our Favorite Chocolate Smoothie (Paleo or Vegan)
This chocolate smoothie almost tastes like a milkshake. It’s easy to add protein and greens while keeping that delightful chocolate flavor!
Piña Colada Smoothie
This easy piña colada smoothie tastes like a healthy virgin piña colada! Cool & creamy, with all the tropical flavor you love, they’re PERFECT on a hot day! (Plus, they’re naturally sweetened, paleo, and vegan-friendly)
Chai Spice Banana Smoothie
This Banana Chai Smoothie is so delicious! With it’s thick, creamy texture and warm spices, it’s one of our favorites all year long!
Energizing Pineapple Ginger Smoothie (Paleo & Vegan)
This smoothie has BLOWN people away over the years. Toddlers, high schoolers and grown-ups have all RAVED about the amazing flavor!
Superfood Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie
This easy pomegranate smoothie is PACKED with nutrients! The perfect thing for a quick reset or to fight a cold!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie
We channeled the classic sandwich flavors into a PB&J smoothie! With ripe berries and creamy peanut butter, you’ll love this satisfying kid-friendly smoothie recipe.
Blueberry Mango Smoothie (Vegan or Paleo)
Sweet mango and tangy blueberries pair up to fill this frosty smoothie with SO much flavor!
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
This healthy pumpkin smoothie tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie! You’ll love the combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and vanilla. It’s the perfect way to satisfy those pumpkin spice cravings!Â
Healthy Boosts To Add To Your Kids’ Smoothies
Now that you’re armed with kid-friendly smoothie recipes, you might be wondering how you can turn up the nutrients even more. Here are a few power add-ins I love for smoothies:
- Chia seeds – So great for digestion! These little power seeds add healthy fats, protein and fiber.
- Ground flax – A great way to add fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a little protein. We find ground flax blends in easier than flax seeds.
- Spinach or Kale – Toss it in raw or cooked!
- Unflavored Collagen – Double check with your pediatrician before adding protein powders to kids’ smoothies, but we LOVE the neutral flavor and zero-grit texture of collagen.
- Greek yogurt – lots of protein and plenty of tang!
- Nut or Seed Butter – A little peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or seed butter can add subtle flavor, healthy fats, and protein!
- Zucchini – Sounds CRAZY, but 1/2 cup of zucchini (fresh or frozen) can blend in seamlessly! It also adds a creamy texture to smoothies.
- Cauliflower Rice – Similarly, you can sneak in 1/3-1/2 cup of cauliflower rice for an extra layer of nutrients without impacting the flavor.
- Carrot Juice – My kids don’t want to drink carrot juice by itself, but adding a little to recipes that include orange juice can be a great way to layer in different nutrients. (The bright citrus flavor helps mute the carrot flavor.)
- Pitaya or Acai – Packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, these two powerhouses add color and flavor to lots of different smoothies. Start small and work your way up–try powdered, fresh, or frozen!
