This beet smoothie is sweet, creamy, tasty and made with fresh beets. YES. Fresh beets combined with ripe banana, milk, and honey, a secret ingredient and some oats for texture. It’s a great breakfast when you’re rushed, and can be made in advance so easily. You can use any type of milk you prefer and switch the honey for maple syrup. You need to try this recipe, it’s too good!
The secret to a really good fresh beet smoothie is getting the balance right. Beets have a distinct earthy taste and a fibrous texture, so pairing them with a ripe banana and blending well is essential.
For sweetness and a more nutritional value, we add frozen blueberries to this smoothie. This is our secret ingredient! It enhances the sweetness of beets, adding a rich purple color and lots of nutrients to the smoothie!
If you’re not a beet lover, you would still LOVE this recipe, we promise. And if you are, make sure to try our Beet Carpaccio or Rainbow Fruit Smoothie Recipe.
What Is a Beet Smoothie?
A beet smoothie is a smoothie drink made with beetroot and any type of milk, often combined with fruit for sweetness and a smoother texture. We have combined bananas and frozen blueberries for sweetness and texture here.
Honey is a great sweetener for smoothies, and maple syrup can be substituted or agave. Since beets have a distinct earthy flavor, these other ingredients play an important role in balancing the smoothie.
The result should taste balanced rather than strongly earthy or overly sweet.
What Does a Beet Smoothie Taste Like?
A beet smoothie has a mild earthy flavor balanced by the sweetness of banana, blueberries and honey. Milk rounds out the texture and gives the drink a creamier mouthfeel than beet juice.
Why You’ll Love This Beet Smoothie
- This smoothie is utterly delicious. I mean so tasty and and packed with flavor.
- It’s made with simple ingredients, nothing fancy, and you probably have them already.
- If you’ve ever wondered how to incorporate more beets into your diet for their health benefits, this is a great way!
- It’s naturally sweetened with the banana and frozen blueberries, so you won’t really need much of the honey or sweeteners.
- Super versatile recipe! For example you can control the thickness by adjusting the amount of milk, the ripeness of the bananas and frozen blueberries controls the sweetness. Honey does add a mild flavor which you can change with maple syrup.
- It has a gorgeous deep purple color and this makes it super tempting to try even if you’re not a fan of beets!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh beets: Fresh red beets provide the smoothie’s earthy flavor and vivid color. Choose a firm beet with smooth skin and no soft or damaged areas.
- Peel the beet and cut it into small, evenly sized pieces before blending. Raw beet is considerably firmer than banana, so large chunks may leave the smoothie gritty, particularly in a less powerful blender.
- Banana: Banana balances the earthy flavor of beetroot and helps give the smoothie a creamy texture. A ripe banana is preferred for a softer textured smoothie and extra added sweetness.
- Milk: This creates the liquid base and helps the ingredients blend together. The amount needed depends on the size of the beet and banana, the power of your blender, and how thick you prefer the drink.
- Dairy milk is one option but any unsweetened plant based alternative also work, although it may change the flavor and texture. If you use sweetened milk, take that additional sweetness into account before adding honey.
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness and can soften the earthy impression of the beet. Start by tasting the smoothie before adding more. The sweetness of the banana can vary, so the amount needed will not be identical every time.
- You can use Maple syrup, or agave or any sweetener of your choice here.
- Frozen Blueberries: Frozen blueberries are the SECRET ingredient here. They add a rich flavor, natural sweetness to the smoothie, nutritional value and a deep purple color. While you can use fresh blueberries, we prefer the frozen to maintain the cold smoothie temperature.
- Oats: Yes oats are optional, but they add a good boost of fibre and thickness to the smoothie as it absorbs some of the liquid from the milk.
How to Make a Beet Smoothie
Prepare the beet
- Wash, peel, and cut the fresh beet into small pieces. Even pieces are easier to blend consistently than large chunks.
Prepare the Milk
- If using oats in your smoothie for texture and fibre, you need to soak it in the milk for just 5 minutes before blending. This helps the oats soak up some liquid and blend smoothly. We use quick cooking here, avoid using steel cut or regular oats.
Add Smoothie Ingredients
- Add all remaining ingredients to a high speed blender, except for the honey. That’s because you need to taste it first.
Blend
- Blend the smoothie on high util it’s smooth and the beets have completely broken down into the smoothie. If the smoothie is too thick for your preference, add a little more milk and blend again.
- Now add the honey or maple syrup or the sweetener of your choice. Blend briefly again to distribute it evenly.
Serve
- The smoothie is now ready to serve. You can pass it through a sieve for an extra smooth and silky texture.
- Garnish with some chocolate chunks, granola or nuts if you’d like or serve as is. It’s SO GOOD!
Expert Tips for Making Beet Smoothie
- Cut raw beet smaller than you think you need to. Beetroot is much harder than banana. Smaller pieces give the blender a better chance of breaking it down evenly.
- Be realistic about your blender. A high powered blender is highly recommended for raw beets compared to a basic model.
- Use a ripe banana. Ripeness influences sweetness and creaminess. An underripe banana may contribute a firmer texture and a less sweet flavor.
- Don’t skip the Frozen Blueberries. YES this what makes our smoothie super unique and tasty! It adds sweetness, contributes to a thick cold smoothie, and adds a rich hue to your drink.
- Add honey only after tasting. Beet size, blueberries, banana ripeness, and milk choice all influence the finished flavor. Adding all the sweetener automatically can make the drink sweeter than necessary.
- Adjust thickness gradually. Add milk in small increments rather than making the smoothie too thin at the beginning. It is easier to loosen a thick smoothie than to correct one that has become watery. If it needs to be thicker, add more beets, half a banana or more frozen blueberries!
- Strain for texture. A uniformly colored drink is not necessarily free of tiny beet particles, so you may need to pass it through a sieve.
- Keep the ingredients cold if you prefer a chilled drink. Chilled milk, frozen blueberries and a cold banana can help produce a cooler smoothie without relying on ice, which may dilute the flavor as it melts.
- Expect variation in color. Beet variety, size, ripeness, and proportions can change the shade.
Beet Smoothie Recipe Variations
- Beet smoothie with strawberries: Use frozen strawberries for a fruity, slightly tart flavor that can complement the beet.
- Orange Beet smoothie: Orange adds a bright citrus note and changes the liquid balance, so the consistency may need adjusting.
- Beet smoothie with Greek yogurt: Yogurt can make the drink thicker and tangier. You may need additional liquid to blend it comfortably.
- Spiced Beet smoothie: A small amount of cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) adds warmth without introducing another fruit.
- Beet smoothie with vanilla: Vanilla adds a rounded aroma that pairs with banana and milk.
- Dairy free beet smoothie: Use a plant based milk that suits the flavor you want. Choose an unsweetened version if you want to control the sweetness yourself. We love cashew milk or oat milk for this variation.
The Secret to a Better Tasting Beet Smoothie
The most important decision is how much fresh beet to use. Beets have a strong earthy flavor, so adding a large beet to a single banana can overwhelm the drink. Start with a small beet, then increase the amount once you know how much earthiness you enjoy.
Other factors to consider are using a really super ripe banana. It adds not only sweetness, but a creamy texture. The frozen blueberries are not optional. They mask some of the earthy flavor while keeping the color and nutrients.
When blending, make sure you really blend well using a high speed blender, and pass the smoothie through a sieve for a super smooth and silky drink. Taste before sweetening further. The natural sweetness of the ingredients varies from batch to batch.
Can You Use Raw or Cooked Beets?
Both raw and cooked beets can be blended into a smoothie, but they produce different results.
- Raw beets have a firmer texture and a more pronounced sharper, more distinctly earthy flavor, sometimes with a slightly peppery note.They require more work from the blender and should be cut into small pieces.
- Cooked beets are softer, sweeter and generally easier to blend. Cooking changes their flavor and texture, so a smoothie made with cooked beet will not be identical to one made with raw beet. Avoid adding warm beets, which can make the smoothie less refreshing.
Why is my beet smoothie gritty?
The raw beet may not have been cut small enough or blended sufficiently. Try smaller, evenly sized pieces and check whether your blender can process firm vegetables effectively.
What if my beet smoothie tastes too earthy?
Beets naturally have an earthy flavor, and its intensity varies. Check the ripeness of the banana and the balance of the ingredients in your tested recipe. A small amount of additional honey can adjust sweetness, but sweetness alone may not remove the beet’s distinctive flavor.
Why is my beet smoothie too thick?
The fruit and beet proportions, as well as the blender, affect consistency. Add milk gradually until the drink reaches your preferred thickness.
What if my beet smoothie is too thin?
Too much liquid may be responsible. For the next batch, add the milk gradually and stop when the consistency is right. If the smoothie is already blended, adding more fruit changes both its flavor and thickness, so try adding half a banana.
Can I make a beet smoothie without honey?
Yes. Honey is a sweetener rather than the ingredient that makes the smoothie possible. Taste the banana and beet together first; depending on their sweetness and your preference, you may not need additional sweetener.
Can I make this smoothie with cooked beetroot?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will differ from the fresh raw version. The cooked beets are sweeter and easier to blend, so adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Can You Make a Beet Smoothie Ahead of Time?
For the best texture, prepare the smoothie shortly before serving. If you need to make it ahead, transfer it to a clean, covered container and refrigerate it promptly.
Separation can occur while the smoothie sits, so stir or briefly or whisk it before drinking.
Is a Beet Smoothie Healthy?
YES considering a beet smoothie made with ingredients such as beetroot, blueberries and banana, along with the nutrients naturally present in the milk you choose.
Can you use raw beets in a smoothie?
Raw beets can be used in smoothies. They are firm and fibrous, so prepare them in small pieces and blend thoroughly. The result depends partly on the blender and the recipe proportions.
Do you have to peel beets for a smoothie?
For a smooth drink, peeling washed beets is a practical approach because it removes the outer skin. You need to wash and peel the beets well.
What fruit goes well with beets in a smoothie?
Banana is a useful pairing because it contributes sweetness and a creamy texture. Blueberries, strawberries and orange are other possible combinations, although they change the flavor and liquid balance.
Can you really taste the beets in a smoothie?
Usually, yes. Banana can soften the earthy flavor, but it does not guarantee that the beet will be undetectable. The balance depends on the ingredients and their proportions.
Can I use any type of milk?
Dairy milk and many plant based milks can work as the liquid base. Different varieties have different flavors, thicknesses, and levels of sweetness, so the final result may vary.
Why did my beet smoothie turn out a different color?
Beet varieties and ingredient proportions can influence the color. The milk and banana also affect the appearance of the blended drink. A difference in shade does not, by itself, mean the smoothie has gone wrong.
Can you refrigerate leftover beet smoothie?
Yes, refrigerate leftovers promptly in a clean, covered container. The drink may separate, so stir or reblend before serving. For the freshest texture, it is best prepared close to the time you plan to drink it.
Is a beet smoothie the same as beet juice?
No. A smoothie blends the ingredients together, retaining the blended pulp, while beet juice is made by extracting juice from the beet. Their textures and preparation methods differ.
Can you make this beet smoothie without added sugar?
You can omit the honey and assess the sweetness from the banana, blueberries and beet. The result will depend on the ripeness of the fruit and your personal taste.
Smoothie Recipes
Tropical Smoothie
Matcha Avocado Smoothie
Espresso Brownie Chocolate Smoothie
Rainbow Fruit Smoothie Recipes
Hemp Matcha Kale Power Boosting Smoothie
Banana Berry Avocado Chia Smoothie
Strawberry Mojito
Beet Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups Milk any type
- 3 Tablespoons quick cooking oats optional
- 2 beets peeled and cut up
- 1 large banana super ripe
- 1/2 cup Blueberries frozen is best
- 1/4 cup honey more or less to taste. Can use agave or maple syrup
Instructions
-
Wash, peel, and cut the fresh beet into small pieces. Even pieces are easier to blend consistently than large chunks.
-
If using oats in your smoothie for texture and fibre, you need to soak it in the milk for just 5 minutes before blending. This helps the oats soak up some liquid and blend smoothly. We use quick cooking here, avoid using steel cut or regular oats.
-
Add all remaining ingredients to a high speed blender, except for the honey. That's because you need to taste it first.
-
Blend the smoothie on high util it's smooth and the beets have completely broken down into the smoothie. If the smoothie is too thick for your preference, add a little more milk and blend again.
-
Now add the honey or maple syrup or the sweetener of your choice. Blend briefly again to distribute it evenly.
-
The smoothie is now ready to serve. You can pass it through a sieve for an extra smooth and silky texture.
-
Garnish with some chocolate chunks, granola or nuts if you'd like or serve as is. It's SO GOOD!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Making Beet Smoothie
- Cut raw beet smaller than you think you need to. Beetroot is much harder than banana. Smaller pieces give the blender a better chance of breaking it down evenly.
- Be realistic about your blender. A high powered blender is highly recommended for raw beets compared to a basic model.
- Use a ripe banana. Ripeness influences sweetness and creaminess. An underripe banana may contribute a firmer texture and a less sweet flavor.
- Don't skip the Frozen Blueberries. YES this what makes our smoothie super unique and tasty! It adds sweetness, contributes to a thick cold smoothie, and adds a rich hue to your drink.
- Add honey only after tasting. Beet size, blueberries, banana ripeness, and milk choice all influence the finished flavor. Adding all the sweetener automatically can make the drink sweeter than necessary.
- Adjust thickness gradually. Add milk in small increments rather than making the smoothie too thin at the beginning. It is easier to loosen a thick smoothie than to correct one that has become watery. If it needs to be thicker, add more beets, half a banana or more frozen blueberries!
- Strain for texture. A uniformly colored drink is not necessarily free of tiny beet particles, so you may need to pass it through a sieve.
- Keep the ingredients cold if you prefer a chilled drink. Chilled milk, frozen blueberries and a cold banana can help produce a cooler smoothie without relying on ice, which may dilute the flavor as it melts.
- Expect variation in color. Beet variety, size, ripeness, and proportions can change the shade.
Beet Smoothie Recipe Variations
- Beet smoothie with strawberries: Use frozen strawberries for a fruity, slightly tart flavor that can complement the beet.
- Orange Beet smoothie: Orange adds a bright citrus note and changes the liquid balance, so the consistency may need adjusting.
- Beet smoothie with Greek yogurt: Yogurt can make the drink thicker and tangier. You may need additional liquid to blend it comfortably.
- Spiced Beet smoothie: A small amount of cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) adds warmth without introducing another fruit.
- Beet smoothie with vanilla: Vanilla adds a rounded aroma that pairs with banana and milk.
- Dairy free beet smoothie: Use a plant based milk that suits the flavor you want. Choose an unsweetened version if you want to control the sweetness yourself. We love cashew milk or oat milk for this variation.
The Secret to a Better Tasting Beet Smoothie
The most important decision is how much fresh beet to use. Beets have a strong earthy flavor, so adding a large beet to a single banana can overwhelm the drink. Start with a small beet, then increase the amount once you know how much earthiness you enjoy.
Other factors to consider are using a really super ripe banana. It adds not only sweetness, but a creamy texture. The frozen blueberries are not optional. They mask some of the earthy flavor while keeping the color and nutrients.
When blending, make sure you really blend well using a high speed blender, and pass the smoothie through a sieve for a super smooth and silky drink. Taste before sweetening further. The natural sweetness of the ingredients varies from batch to batch.
Can You Use Raw or Cooked Beets?
Both raw and cooked beets can be blended into a smoothie, but they produce different results.
- Raw beets have a firmer texture and a more pronounced sharper, more distinctly earthy flavor, sometimes with a slightly peppery note.They require more work from the blender and should be cut into small pieces.
- Cooked beets are softer, sweeter and generally easier to blend. Cooking changes their flavor and texture, so a smoothie made with cooked beet will not be identical to one made with raw beet. Avoid adding warm beets, which can make the smoothie less refreshing.
Why is my beet smoothie gritty?
The raw beet may not have been cut small enough or blended sufficiently. Try smaller, evenly sized pieces and check whether your blender can process firm vegetables effectively.
What if my beet smoothie tastes too earthy?
Beets naturally have an earthy flavor, and its intensity varies. Check the ripeness of the banana and the balance of the ingredients in your tested recipe. A small amount of additional honey can adjust sweetness, but sweetness alone may not remove the beet's distinctive flavor.
Why is my beet smoothie too thick?
The fruit and beet proportions, as well as the blender, affect consistency. Add milk gradually until the drink reaches your preferred thickness.
What if my beet smoothie is too thin?
Too much liquid may be responsible. For the next batch, add the milk gradually and stop when the consistency is right. If the smoothie is already blended, adding more fruit changes both its flavor and thickness, so try adding half a banana.
Can I make a beet smoothie without honey?
Yes. Honey is a sweetener rather than the ingredient that makes the smoothie possible. Taste the banana and beet together first; depending on their sweetness and your preference, you may not need additional sweetener.
Can I make this smoothie with cooked beetroot?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will differ from the fresh raw version. The cooked beets are sweeter and easier to blend, so adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Can You Make a Beet Smoothie Ahead of Time?
For the best texture, prepare the smoothie shortly before serving. If you need to make it ahead, transfer it to a clean, covered container and refrigerate it promptly.
Separation can occur while the smoothie sits, so stir or briefly or whisk it before drinking.
Is a Beet Smoothie Healthy?
YES considering a beet smoothie made with ingredients such as beetroot, blueberries and banana, along with the nutrients naturally present in the milk you choose.
Can you use raw beets in a smoothie?
Raw beets can be used in smoothies. They are firm and fibrous, so prepare them in small pieces and blend thoroughly. The result depends partly on the blender and the recipe proportions.
Do you have to peel beets for a smoothie?
For a smooth drink, peeling washed beets is a practical approach because it removes the outer skin. You need to wash and peel the beets well.
What fruit goes well with beets in a smoothie?
Banana is a useful pairing because it contributes sweetness and a creamy texture. Blueberries, strawberries and orange are other possible combinations, although they change the flavor and liquid balance.
Can you really taste the beets in a smoothie?
Usually, yes. Banana can soften the earthy flavor, but it does not guarantee that the beet will be undetectable. The balance depends on the ingredients and their proportion
Can I use any type of milk?
Dairy milk and many plant based milks can work as the liquid base. Different varieties have different flavors, thicknesses, and levels of sweetness, so the final result may vary.
Why did my beet smoothie turn out a different color?
Beet varieties and ingredient proportions can influence the color. The milk and banana also affect the appearance of the blended drink. A difference in shade does not, by itself, mean the smoothie has gone wrong.
Can you refrigerate leftover beet smoothie?
Yes, refrigerate leftovers promptly in a clean, covered container. The drink may separate, so stir or reblend before serving. For the freshest texture, it is best prepared close to the time you plan to drink it.
Is a beet smoothie the same as beet juice?
No. A smoothie blends the ingredients together, retaining the blended pulp, while beet juice is made by extracting juice from the beet. Their textures and preparation methods differ.
Can you make this beet smoothie without added sugar?
You can omit the honey and assess the sweetness from the banana, blueberries and beet. The result will depend on the ripeness of the fruit and your personal tast
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