Blackberry Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe (Without Yogurt)

Name: Blackberry Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe (Without Yogurt)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup blackberries (frozen); 1 cup whole strawberries (frozen); 1 small banana (sliced, frozen); 2 1/4 cups milk (divided); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

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Fruit smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits as well as important vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. This blackberry strawberry banana smoothie is a super easy recipe to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients.

This recipe doesn’t have any added sugar and is made without yogurt for those of you who don’t like the taste of yogurt in their smoothies. It’s also packed with nutrients that can help improve your mental health.

Blackberry Strawberry Banana Smoothie in a glass with a straw

Smoothie Ingredients & Mental Health Benefits

Blackberries and strawberries

Blackberries and strawberries are both excellent sources of dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, manganese, and phytonutrients.

Dietary fiber is important for gut health, which can impact mood. Higher fiber intake can help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. A high-fiber diet also helps keep blood sugar levels stable, which is important for mood stability.

Vitamin C is important for mental health because it is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It is also needed for the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help regulate mood. A deficiency in vitamin C can cause depression while higher levels of vitamin C are linked to a better mood.

Folate is an essential B vitamin (vitamin B9). It helps keep the brain functioning properly and supports mood and cognitive function. People who are deficient in folate often experience a depressed mood. Blackberries, strawberries, and many other fruits and vegetables are packed with folate.

Manganese is a mineral, known to help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. And research shows that a low intake of manganese is linked with depression and anxiety symptoms.

Phytonutrients are antioxidants found in plants that are important for fighting damaging free radicals in your body. They are responsible for the color of fruits and vegetables, and they offer a variety of health benefits, including improved mental health.

They can protect the brain from damage caused by stress, help regulate mood, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders. Blackberries and strawberries are especially high in anthocyanins, a type of phytonutrient.

Bananas

Bananas are high in fiber and vitamin C, mentioned above, as well as vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Vitamin B6 is needed for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood balance. Magnesium is needed for healthy nerve function and to support the activity of serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

Deficiencies in either vitamin B6 or magnesium can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. However, getting enough of both nutrients can help keep your mood balanced and your stress levels under control.

Prebiotics

Blackberries, strawberries, and bananas are all good sources of prebiotics. Prebiotics are fibers that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. In other words, they “feed” the probiotics (good bacteria) in your digestive tract, improving your gut health.

They also help to regulate digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption. And because the gut is closely linked with the brain through the gut-brain axis, good gut health is essential for good mental health.

Milk

When it comes to smoothies, many people think that they need to use yogurt as a base. However, there are other options that can be just as delicious and nutritious. One of these is milk.

Milk is a great base for smoothies because it is high in protein and calcium. Milk is also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. And the milk gives this smoothie a nice creamy texture.

How to Make the Blackberry Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Add the blackberries, strawberries, banana slices, 1 1/2 cup of milk, and vanilla to your blender. See my tips below for how I prepare the frozen banana slices.

Strawberries, blackberries, bananas, and milk in a blender

Blend on medium speed until smooth. Look at this beautiful color!

Reddish purple smoothie in the bottom of the blender

Add the remaining 3/4 cup of milk and blend. You can add more or less milk depending on what consistency you like for your smoothie.

The top of the smoothie glass with strawberries and blackberries on top

Blackberry Strawberry Banana Smoothie Tips & FAQ

Whenever you have overripe bananas you don’t want to waste, simply slice them up in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with wax paper. Place them in the freezer for about an hour, then store them in a container in the freezer.

Whenever you make a smoothie, simply pull out the desired number of banana slices. A small banana is about 12 slices (1/2″ thick each).

Frozen banana slices on a baking sheet lined with wax paper

Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?

You can certainly use fresh berries and ice cubes to make your smoothie, but I prefer to use all frozen fruit. The smoothie is creamier and more nutrient dense because you don’t have to use ice cubes (water) to get the frozen consistency.

Plus, you can always have the frozen fruit on hand whenever you want to have a healthy smoothie for a quick breakfast or snack.

What kind of milk should I use?

I prefer fat-free regular milk, but you can use any milk you like: regular whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc.

What if I don’t like blackberries?

If you don’t love blackberries, substitute blueberries to turn this into a strawberry blueberry banana smoothie.

What if I don’t think the smoothie is sweet enough?

While the fruit and especially the banana provides natural sweetness, you could add a little bit of maple syrup or honey if you think it needs it.

What other modifications can I make to this smoothie?

You can add chia seeds for a punch of omega-3 fatty acids.

I love to add a handful of spinach or kale for a slightly green smoothie with extra mental health and overall health benefits.

This blackberry strawberry banana smoothie recipe is perfect for those looking for a nutritious and delicious way to improve their mental health. The ingredients are packed with nutrients that support mood and cognitive function, while the prebiotics in blackberries, strawberries, and bananas help keep gut health in check.

So if you’re looking for a healthy snack, healthy breakfast, or even a healthy dessert option that can also boost your mood, give this blackberry strawberry banana smoothie recipe a try!