Easy budget-friendly smoothie recipes
Make the most of frozen fruit and veg with our easy, budget smoothie recipes. These fruity drinks ideas are perfect for a morning pick-me-up
A simple smoothie can be a colourful and nourishing start to the day, or a chilled afternoon pick-me-up. By using fabulous frozen fruit and veg and everyday ingredients like natural yogurt, fruit juice and oats, you can whip up a budget-friendly glassful of goodness. Frozen fruit and veg retains its nutritional value and flavour and you won't need to add ice to your drink. Get even more ideas for nutritious drinks with our top smoothie recipes collection and healthier smoothie recipes.
Check out our guide on how to make the perfect smoothie for advice on the best smoothie makers and blenders, nutritious ingredients to supercharge your drink and how to get the right ratios every time.
Tips for making your smoothies cheaper
- Choose more affordable fruit for the base of your smoothie, e.g. bananas, apples and oranges
- Use vegetables such as carrots to add nutrients and keep the cost down
- Keep frozen berries or spinach in the freezer ready to add into smoothies
- Go for the more expensive options when they are on offer or in season and keep them in a container in the freezer
- If you've got a handful of greens in the fridge that are starting to wilt, they're perfect for a smoothie
For more money saving recipe inspiration, check out our collection of budget recipes and visit our main budget section for more cookery tips.
Cheap smoothie ideas
1. Breakfast smoothie
Whether you have a glut from berry season or a bag going spare in the freezer, our quick breakfast smoothie is the ideal fruity morning treat. For a tropical twist, try using melon or a slightly overripe mango instead of the banana, or add a pot of low-fat natural yogurt for an extra-creamy texture. Mix up the ratio of berries for easy flavour variations.
2. Peanut butter smoothie
Make a tub of peanut butter stretch further in this simple yet satisfying smoothie, with rolled oats, banana and spices. We've used oat milk but you can sub in with any alternative of choice. Freeze the banana before blitzing for an extra thick texture.
3. Two-minute breakfast smoothie
Use whatever soft fruit you have available to whizz up this adaptable two-minute breakfast smoothie. This low-fat recipe does what it says on the tin, in two minutes you'll have a satisfying drink to sip on. Pair it with these three-minute blender pancakes for a speedy breakfast spread.
4. Super berry smoothie
This filling super berry smoothie uses creamy strawberry yogurt and oats to create a thicker, more indulgent texture. Serve with a drizzle of honey for a little extra sweetness to balance out the sharp berries.
5. Strawberry green goddess smoothie
If they're not in season, make the most of frozen strawberries to make this delicious smoothie more budget-friendly. Frozen spinach is also handy to keep in your freezer all year round - that way, you won't risk it going off before you can use it.
Discover our best ever green smoothie recipes.
6. Carrot & orange smoothie
Boost your vitamin C levels with this vibrant carrot & orange smoothie. We've combined these budget-friendly ingredients with zingy ginger and oats for thickness. If you have any leftover, try freezing it in lolly moulds for a quick dessert.
7. Watermelon smoothie
This refreshing watermelon smoothie is perfect on a warm summer's day and uses just three ingredients. Combine ripe, fleshy chopped watermelon with a banana and cold apple juice and enjoy sipping in the sun – cocktail umbrellas optional!
8. Cherry smoothie
Use a bag of frozen cherries for an easy and affordable way to pack some vitamin C into your smoothie. This tangy cherry smoothie is thickened with natural yogurt and banana – serve it for a family-friendly brunch treat.
9. Cranberry & raspberry smoothie
Our pretty pink cranberry & raspberry smoothie is packed full of vitamin C and makes a refreshing way to kick off your morning. Put a bag of frozen raspberries to good use and get your daily dose of fruity goodness. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an extra burst of freshness.
10. Smoothie cubes
Get ahead of the game and don't let anything go to waste with our genius smoothie cubes. Make these when you have fruit and veg available, freeze, then whizz up with a banana, plain yogurt, milk and a little honey for an instant delicious drink. These thrifty blocks are filled with concentrated flavour and works with any leftover fruit you want to save.
Want to know more about what foods you can freeze? Read our guide and discover top tips for common everyday ingredients.
Enjoyed these ideas? Try our other nutritious recipes...
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What's your favourite smoothie recipe? Leave a comment below...