6 Ways to Make Smoothies Without Bananas

Bananas are ubiquitous in smoothie recipes, but what if you’re allergic or you simply don’t like them? Being allergic myself, I’ve skipped them for years. But when I started experimenting, I discovered a handful of easy banana substitutes that lend a similar thick and creamy consistency to your smoothies.

To make a smoothie without a banana, you can substitute oatmeal, avocado, chia seeds, frozen fruit, yoghurt or tofu. Here are six ingredients that can do the trick.

The key to using oatmeal in a smoothie is to finely grind it first. Start with about 1/4 cup regular rolled oats per smoothie. Grind the oats into a powder right in the bowl of your blender before adding the other ingredients.

Avocado has a different flavor profile (and color!) than banana, but it can be used to make a very thick and

creamy smoothie

Chia seeds can act as a binding agent and thickener. Add 1 tablespoon to your blender or simply stir chia seeds into a smoothie and give it a minute to thicken.

Frozen fruit can thicken a smoothie and provide natural sweetness, so it’s a win-win. Plus, it’s an easy ingredient to always have on hand in your freezer. Try mango, peach, or young coconut for extra creaminess.

Any kind of yogurt can make a smoothie creamy, but if you’re after a thick smoothie, opt for strained or Greek-style yogurt, which also boosts the protein level.

Not only does silken tofu have a neutral flavor and smooth, creamy texture that works great in smoothies, but it’s also a great vegan protein source.