You do not need a long shopping list or expensive powders to make a good detox smoothie. Three or four ingredients are enough for a drink that is filling, tasty and packed with fibre and nutrients. Here is a simple formula and eight recipes you can make in under five minutes.
The 3-ingredient formula
- A green or vegetable: spinach, kale, cucumber or carrot
- A fruit: banana, berries, apple, pineapple, mango or kiwi
- A liquid with protein: milk, soy milk, kefir or plain yoghurt thinned with water
Add an optional fourth ingredient for extra fibre or flavour: chia seeds, oats, ground flaxseed, ginger, lemon juice or cinnamon.
8 simple detox smoothie recipes
1. Spinach, banana and milk
1 handful spinach, 1 banana, 250 ml milk or soy milk. Mild, creamy and a perfect first green smoothie.
2. Berry and yoghurt
150 g frozen mixed berries, 150 g plain Greek yoghurt, 100 ml water. High in protein and low in sugar.
3. Pineapple, spinach and coconut water
1 cup frozen pineapple, 1 handful spinach, 250 ml coconut water. Light and tropical; see pineapple detox benefits.
4. Apple, cucumber and lemon
1 green apple, ½ cucumber, juice of ½ lemon, 150 ml water. Very refreshing and low in calories.
5. Kiwi, spinach and kefir
2 kiwis, 1 handful spinach, 250 ml kefir. Kefir adds probiotics for gut health.
6. Carrot, orange and ginger
1 carrot, 1 peeled orange, 1 cm fresh ginger, 150 ml water. Bright and rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene.
7. Banana, oats and cinnamon
1 banana, 30 g oats, 250 ml milk, a pinch of cinnamon. Filling enough to replace breakfast.
8. Mango, kale and almond milk
1 cup frozen mango, 1 handful kale (stems removed), 250 ml unsweetened almond milk. Add 1 tbsp chia seeds for extra fibre.
Tips for better results
- Use frozen fruit for a thick, cold smoothie without ice; it is just as nutritious as fresh.
- Add liquid first so the blender works more easily.
- Start with spinach if you dislike the taste of greens; it is the mildest.
- Keep it filling by including a protein source such as milk, yoghurt, kefir or soy milk.
- Keep fruit to one or two portions to limit sugar.
Why smoothies beat juice
Blending keeps the fibre from whole fruit and vegetables, which helps you stay full and slows the absorption of sugar. Juicing removes most of it. Even so, the NHS counts smoothies as a maximum of one of your 5 A Day (NHS), so keep eating whole vegetables and fruit too. See our comparison of green juice vs green smoothie.
Do simple smoothies really detox?
No smoothie removes toxins on its own; your liver and kidneys do that (NCCIH). The benefit is an easy way to eat more fruit, vegetables and fibre each day.
More smoothie guides
- What green detox smoothies contain
- Types of detox smoothies for weight loss
- Anti-inflammatory smoothies
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest detox smoothie for beginners?
Spinach, banana and milk. The banana masks the taste of the spinach completely.
Can I make smoothies the night before?
Yes. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge and shake before drinking. It may separate and lose a little colour but is still good to drink.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.
