5 Low-Sugar Smoothie Recipes That Taste Like Summer

The other day I was taking a long walk in the 90-degree heat (how is this June?) and I had a hankering for something frosty and fruity, but also substantial and satiating. I ended up getting a fruit water, which was not satisfying, and then a cone of strawberry ice cream, which was delicious, but not exactly healthful. What I really wanted was a smoothie, but not a sugar-packed, cloyingly sweet smoothie that’s not any better for you than ice cream. If you, too, are craving a low-sugar smoothie, your best bet is to make your own. That way you can keep an eye on the sugar, throw in some veggies, add some protein, and blend whatever summer flavors are calling your name: Coconut? Pineapple? Mango?

Whatever you’re in the mood for, here are 5 low-sugar smoothies to whiz up this summer.

1. Low Sugar Blueberry Smoothie from Downshiftology

Frozen cauliflower and avocado balance out the sweetness of the blueberries and bananas and add fiber, fat, and a bit of protein to make this a filling afternoon snack.

Photo Credit: The Big Man’s World

2. Coconut Milk Smoothie from The Big Man’s World

This three-ingredient smoothie is for those of you who can’t get enough coconut in their lives. It’s just coconut milk, coconut chunks, ice, and a bit of maple syrup for sweetness. Perfection!

Photo Credit: A Couple Cooks

3. Easy Cucumber Smoothie from A Couple Cooks

Cucumbers, pineapple, and bananas make for a cool and tropical smoothie that gets protein from Greek yogurt and an extra dose of vitamins from spinach.

Photo Credit: Food with Feeling

4. Golden Milk Mango Smoothie from Food with Feeling

Mangos are not low-sugar and many smoothies pair mango with other high-sugar fruit. However! This smoothie gives the option of using cauliflower in place of a banana, which cuts the sugar almost in half. A little bit of turmeric is a nice touch, but can also leave it out.

Photo Credit: Little Vienna

5. Healthy Strawberry Smoothie from Little Vienna

It’s difficult to argue with a two-ingredient smoothie that’s also a perfect use-up for your overripe strawberries. If you want to make it a bit thicker and more substantial, add some Greek yogurt.