Can you taste the spinach in a green smoothie?

Not much. Banana and peanut butter cover the flavour almost entirely, especially once it is blended smooth.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Use a small amount and blend it with the liquid first. It also makes the smoothie colder.

Which protein powder works best?

Vanilla or unflavoured vegetarian protein suits this best. Chocolate works but turns the colour a murky brown.

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Green Protein Smoothie

Don't let the green color fool you - this tastes amazing. The spinach is completely masked by banana and peanut butter while adding massive nutrition. Perfect for anyone trying to eat more vegetables, athletes, or when you want maximum nutrition.

Time: 5 min
Method: Blend
Serves: 1
Energy: 765 kcal
Protein: 50 g

Go to the method

Tall glass of green protein smoothie made with oats, spinach, banana, protein powder and peanut butter

Method

Step 1: Blend your DIY Oats with fresh spinach, banana, protein powder, and peanut butter.
Step 2: Add milk as needed.
Step 3: Blend thoroughly until completely smooth - you shouldn't see any spinach pieces.
Step 4: The banana and peanut butter completely mask the spinach taste.
Step 5: This is nutrient-dense, protein-packed, and surprisingly delicious.

Notes from the Department

Nutrient-packed

Nutrition

1 serving

765 cal | 50g protein | 19g fiber

2 servings

1530 cal | 100g protein | 38g fiber

Estimates. Not medical advice.

Why it works

Spinach tastes of very little once it is blended with banana and peanut butter. It brings colour, leafy goodness and no real flavour, which is the whole trick. The soaked oats thicken it, protein powder lifts the protein to around 50g per serving, and the banana does the sweetening.

Blend it properly

Put the spinach in with the liquid first and blend that before adding the rest. It breaks down better and you avoid leafy flecks. Then add the oats, banana, protein and peanut butter and blend again until completely smooth. Add milk gradually, because protein powder thickens as it goes.

Make it yours

Frozen banana makes it colder and thicker. Almond butter can stand in for peanut butter. A handful of frozen mango makes it fruitier without hiding the green. Use a vegetarian protein powder; vanilla or unflavoured suits it best. Plant-based powder and oat milk keep it dairy-free with the vegan jar.

No DIY Oats jar?

Soak rolled oats overnight in milk with chia and a few almonds, then blend.

When to drink it

Straight away is best, before the colour dulls. It is a full meal at around 765 calories, 50g protein and 19g fibre.

Questions people ask

Can you taste the spinach in a green smoothie?: Not much. Banana and peanut butter cover the flavour almost entirely, especially once it is blended smooth.
Can I use frozen spinach?: Yes. Use a small amount and blend it with the liquid first. It also makes the smoothie colder.
Which protein powder works best?: Vanilla or unflavoured vegetarian protein suits this best. Chocolate works but turns the colour a murky brown.