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How to make a smoothie without a blender

By Make a Smoothie editors · Updated · How we test

No blender? You can still make a good smoothie. The trick is to choose soft ingredients and mash or shake instead of blend.

1. Food processor

Works almost like a blender. Process frozen fruit first, scraping down, then add liquid gradually.

2. Immersion (stick) blender

Use a tall jar or cup. Let frozen fruit soften for 10 minutes, add liquid, and blend in an up-and-down motion.

3. Mash and shake (no appliances)

  1. Mash a very ripe banana with a fork until smooth.
  2. Add soft fruit (berries, mango, peaches) and mash well.
  3. Add yogurt, milk and a spoon of nut butter.
  4. Shake hard in a sealed jar or shaker bottle; add a few ice cubes and shake again.

4. Shaker bottle shortcut

Mix protein powder or cocoa with milk and mashed banana: a quick “shake-style” smoothie.

Best ingredients without a blender

Ripe bananas, berries, mango, peaches, yogurt, nut butter, protein powder, cocoa and finely grated cucumber. Skip ice, kale, whole nuts and fibrous greens.

Ready for a blender? See the best blenders for smoothies and best portable blenders.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a smoothie with a hand mixer?

Not well: mixers don’t break down fruit. Mash soft fruit first, then use the mixer to combine with liquid.

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