As an Amazon Associate, KitchenWithMommy.com may earn from qualifying purchases.
Five minutes, one blender, and a reliable way to use up bananas and the last of a punnet of strawberries. It is also, honestly, one of the few things a lot of reluctant eaters will take without negotiation.
Use frozen fruit, not ice
This is the whole difference between a thick smoothie and a thin pink drink. Ice chills it and then melts into water, diluting everything. Frozen fruit chills it and thickens it at the same time.
Freeze bananas when they go too ripe: peel, break into chunks, freeze on a tray then bag. It costs nothing and means you always have the base.
The ratio
Roughly two parts fruit to one part liquid by volume, then loosen if you need to. Too much milk at the start cannot be undone without adding more fruit. Start thick — you can always pour more in.
A note on sweetness, and on honey
Ripe fruit is usually sweet enough and we would leave it there. If you do sweeten it, do not use honey for a child under 12 months — the NHS and the US CDC both advise against honey under one year because of the risk of infant botulism.
We are not dietitians and this is not nutrition advice. If you have questions about what your child drinks and how often, that is one for your GP, health visitor or a registered dietitian.
Straws, lids and toddlers
A smoothie in an open cup and a toddler is a decision you make once. A lidded cup with a straw is the practical answer; our toddler tableware guide covers what to look for, and kids water bottles lists bottle types that seal properly.
