How to make a fruit smoothie without yogurt or milk?

Do you need yogurt or milk in a smoothie?

No. Yogurt and milk add creaminess and protein, but fruit and any liquid blend into a smoothie on their own. Frozen fruit gives body, and a banana gives a creamy texture.

What can you use instead of milk?

• Water: lightest, no extra calories.
• 100% fruit juice: sweeter; it adds free sugars.
• Coconut water: mild and slightly sweet.
• Plant-based drinks: soy, oat, almond and others; the NHS suggests unsweetened versions.

Basic fruit smoothie without yogurt

1. Add 1 cup of liquid to the blender.
2. Add about 2 cups of fruit, using frozen pieces for at least half of it.
3. Blend until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Add more liquid to thin it or more frozen fruit to thicken. Taste before adding any sweetener.

These amounts are a starting point, not an official recipe.

How to make it thick and creamy

• Use frozen banana, mango or peach.
• Add a spoon of oats, nut butter or chia seeds if you like; they add calories and texture.
• Use less liquid first.
• Do not rely on ice; it makes smoothies watery as it melts.

Can you make a smoothie with water instead of milk?

Yes. The result is lighter and tastes more of the fruit. Frozen fruit keeps it cold and thick.

How much sugar is in a fruit smoothie?

The NHS says juice and smoothies count as free sugars, even without added sugar, because blending releases the sugars from the fruit, and advises no more than 150 ml a day in total, ideally with a meal. Using whole fruit with water avoids the extra sugar from juice. If you make a large smoothie, treat it as more than one portion.

Storage

Drink it fresh. If you must store it, refrigerate it covered for a short time. We found no official shelf life for homemade smoothies, so discard it if it smells or tastes off.