This no-banana Blueberry Mango Smoothie with Chia Seeds preserves the antioxidants and flavanols of berries and tastes amazing! High protein option, dairy-free, and packed with fiber.
Did you know that adding bananas to berry smoothies reduces the health benefits? Blueberries are packed with flavanols which may lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and promote heart health. Bananas contain polyphenol oxidase which breaks down flavanols so you get less! Why spend so much on blueberries only to destroy the health effects?
In addition, adding dairy, especially high-fat dairy, including yogurt, may significantly reduce the absorption of berry nutrients.
Learn how to make Chia Seed Jam with ground chia seeds here! This recipe was inspired by my Juice with Chia Seeds and this Lemon & Ginger Tea recipe on my site.
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👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
- Almond, soy, oat, or any milk works for this Blueberry Mango Smoothie recipe. Soy and oat milk are creamier, whereas almond milk is lighter. (Soy milk typically has the most protein.) Coconut milk has a rich, tropical flavor and a creamy consistency, but it is higher in saturated fats. Rice milk is a good option for allergies, as it is free from common allergens like nuts, soy, and gluten. Hemp milk has a slightly nutty flavor and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but may not be as readily available as other non-dairy milk.
- Use peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. Almond butter is rich in heart-healthy fats and protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Chia seeds: Grinding them increases the bioavailability of omega-3s and may promote weight loss. The seeds are ground by blending. They make this smooth satisfying and add a creamy texture.
- Berries, including blueberries, are the healthiest fruit largely due to their plant pigments. Anthocyanin-rich foods–those with this bright-colored pigment–are associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time, particularly blueberries.
- Frozen mango chunks replace the banana and add the perfect consistency to this chia smoothie.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🫐 Substitutions
- Blueberries - instead of blueberries, use frozen raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries
- Mango - use frozen pineapple instead
- Almond butter - omit for nut-free and use one-half tablespoon more chia seeds for texture
- Protein - use 1 scoop of protein powder and ¼ cup more nondairy milk
Try this refreshing watermelon juice with chia seeds recipe on my site!
📖 How to Make Chia Seed Smoothie without Banana
For the full recipe with quantities, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.
Step 1. Transfer the milk, chia seeds, mango, blueberries, almond butter, and cinnamon to the canister of a high-speed blender.
Step 2. Blend on high until just smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
✔️ Expert Tips
- Add the milk before adding the chia seeds otherwise they stick to the canister of the blender.
- Use a combination of frozen pineapple and mango. Add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
- To add more protein, use 1 scoop of protein powder and ¼ cup more milk. I use Wellious Almond Protein Powder (paid affiliate). It is the cleanest protein powder I have found.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
Use a coffee grinder and blend them separately before adding the milk, or add them to a high-speed blender with the other ingredients.
Frozen mango, frozen pineapple, frozen avocado, cooked sweet potato, soaked cashews, rolled oats, chia seeds, and yogurt are good substitutes for bananas in smoothies.
Mangoes are a healthy addition to any diet. Their antioxidant power is 108, higher than apples with an antioxidant power of 56, and bananas with a score of 27.
🫙 Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
5-Minute Blueberry Mango Smoothie Recipe (No Banana!)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup nondairy milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ¾ cup frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon unsalted almond butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Transfer the milk, chia seeds, mango, blueberries, almond butter, and cinnamon to the canister of a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until just smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Add the milk before adding the chia seeds otherwise they stick to the canister of the blender.
- Use a combination of frozen pineapple and mango. Add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
- To add more protein, use 1 scoop of protein powder and ¼ cup more milk. I use Wellious Almond Protein Powder (paid affiliate). It is the cleanest protein powder I have found.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
Rhonda
Had to add some water as the mixture was too thick to blend. Soooo smooth and has a delicious velvety texture. Added peanut butter instead of almond because that is what I had on hand. Delish! Will try some protein powder next time to increase the protein. Is it worth adding spinach too?
Nisha Melvani, RDN
Hi! Yes adding some spinach is a great idea!
Claudette Erickson
Super yummy! Can’t wait to try the pineapple and mango 😋.
Nisha Melvani, RDN
Thank you! Pineapple is delicious too:)
Agnes
Delicious! Used oat milk and it tasted very creamy. I’m not sure this is truly 2 servings though. I think it makes one large one or two kids sized servings.
Nisha Melvani, RDN
The serving size is an more of an estimate:) I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe. Oat milk must be delicious in this.
Maria
Very tasty smoothie! My 6-year-old also loved it! She said it was like eating ice cream 🍨
Nisha Melvani, RDN
So glad! My kids love this one too!