Emily Han is a Los Angeles-based recipe developer, educator, herbalist, and author of Wild Drinks & co*cktails and co-author of Wild Remedies. For recipes and classes, check out her personal site.
updated Aug 16, 2022
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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.
1. Oatmeal
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
3. Chia Seeds
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.
4. Frozen Fruit
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.
5. Yogurt
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.
6. Silken Tofu
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.
