How to Make Smoothies Without Yogurt
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Smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables, but if you’re avoiding dairy, it can be tough to find a recipe that doesn’t call for yogurt. Fear not – there are plenty of ways to make delicious smoothies without yogurt!
In this post, we’ll show you how to make smoothies without yogurt using plant based milk, water or coconut water and share a delicious yogurt-free smoothie recipe.
Do Smoothies Need Yogurt?
The short answer is no – there are plenty of delicious ways to make smoothies without yogurt. However, some people prefer to add yogurt to their smoothies for the added protein, creaminess, and flavor it provides. In fact, most all of the smoothie recipes on I Live for Greens don’t contain yogurt!
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan smoothie option, there are plenty of ways to make delicious smoothies without yogurt. In this post, we’ll show you how to make smoothies without yogurt using plant based milk, water or coconut water and share a delicious yogurt-free smoothie recipe.
How to Make Smoothies Without Yogurt
There are many ways to make smoothies without yogurt. Here are a few of our favorite methods:
Method 1: Use Plant Based Milk
One of the best ways to make smoothies without yogurt is to use plant based milk. Plant based milks are often lower in calories and fat than dairy milk, and they’re a great source of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Plus, they add a delicious creaminess to smoothies without yogurt.
Most of our recipes include a plant based milk, as we have a son who is allergic to dairy and we make smoothies that all of us can enjoy (even the other kids enjoy the smoothies made with nut milks or oat milk).
Some of our favorite plant based milks for smoothies include: almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, flax milk, macadamia nut milk, oat milk, and soy milk. We like unsweetened versions and prefer the extra creamy options.
Method 2: Use Water or Coconut Water
If you’re looking for a lower calorie option, you can also make smoothies without yogurt using water or coconut water. Both options will thin out your smoothie slightly, but they’re still a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables from a smoothie.
Coconut water is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s hydrating and packed with electrolytes. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Method 3: Use Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternatives
If you’re looking for a yogurt alternative that will add creaminess and protein to your smoothie, there are plenty of dairy-free options available. Plant based yogurts are made from soy, almond, cashew, coconut, or other plant based milks and they often contain live and active cultures like traditional yogurt.
Some of our favorite dairy-free yogurts for smoothies include: coconut yogurt, almond milk yogurt, cashew milk yogurt, soy milk yogurt, and hemp milk yogurt. You can even find Greek yogurt-style plant based yogurts now!
Method 4: Use Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is another great way to make smoothies without yogurt. It adds sweetness and natural fruit flavors to your smoothie without the need for yogurt. Just be sure to choose a 100% fruit juice with no added sugars.
Some of our favorite fruit juices for smoothies include: apple juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice.
Method 5: Use Nut Butter
Nut butter is a great way to add creaminess and protein to smoothies without yogurt. It also adds healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to your smoothie. Just be sure to choose a nut butter that’s made with 100% nuts and doesn’t contain any added sugars or oils.
Some of our favorite nut butters for smoothies include: almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, macadamia nut butter, and peanut butter.
Method 6: Use Protein Powder
If you’re looking to add protein to your smoothie without yogurt, protein powder is a great option. Protein powder is made from milk, soy, eggs, or peas and it’s a concentrated source of protein. Just be sure to choose a protein powder that’s low in sugar and additives.
Some of our favorite protein powders for smoothies include: whey protein powder, egg white protein powder, pea protein powder, bone broth protein powder and hemp protein powder.
Method 7: Use Avocado
Avocado is another great way to make smoothies without yogurt. It adds creaminess and healthy fats to your smoothie, and it’s also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Just be sure to use ripe avocados so your smoothie isn’t too thick.
Method 8: Use Ice
If you’re looking for a lower calorie way to make smoothies without yogurt, you can use ice. Ice will thicken your smoothie and make it colder, but it won’t add any calories or fat.
Method 9: Use Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a great way to add fiber, protein, and healthy fats to your smoothie without yogurt. They’re also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can add the chia seeds to the blender with all of the other ingredients or stir them in afterwards and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes.
I will do this when I make a smoothie that I want to use as a smoothie bowl and it’s not as thick as I would like. I add the chia seeds and allow them to absorb some of the liquid from the smoothie, then I will place it in bowls.
Read more about how to make smoothies with chia seeds here
Method 10: Use Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is a great way to make smoothies without yogurt. Frozen fruit will add sweetness and natural fruit flavors to your smoothie, and it will also thicken your smoothie. Just be sure to use fresh fruit that’s been frozen, and not canned or packaged fruit that’s been sitting in the freezer for months.
A frozen fruit smoothie is creamy and delicious without a lot of added ingredients and can easily be made without yogurt. We have so many healthy smoothie recipes without yogurt that use frozen fruit.
Some of our favorite frozen fruits for smoothies include: frozen banana, mango, frozen strawberries, mixed berry blends and peaches.
Common Questions about Making Yogurt-Free Smoothies
There are many substitutes for yogurt in a smoothie, including: milk, plant-based milks, fruit juice, nut butter, protein powder, avocado, ice, chia seeds, and frozen fruit.
Yes, you can make smoothies with milk instead of yogurt. Milk will add creaminess and sweetness to your smoothie without the need for yogurt. Just be sure to choose a milk that’s low in fat and sugar.
Our Favorite Yogurt-Free Smoothie Recipe
How to Make a Smoothie Without Yogurt
Equipment
- Measuring Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen sweet cherries
- 1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium frozen banana
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Blend on high speed until smooth.
- If desired, sprinkle chia seeds on top instead of blending into smoothie.
- Enjoy!
Final Thoughts on How to Make Smoothies Without Yogurt
When it comes to making smoothies without yogurt, there are plenty of options available. You can use milk, fruit juice, nut butter, protein powder, avocado, ice, chia seeds, or frozen fruit. Just be sure to choose ingredients that are low in sugar and additives. And if you’re looking for a thick and creamy smoothie, be sure to use ripe avocados or add chia seeds.
Happy Blending!
Amanda
