With it's vibrant color, this red beet smoothie has to be one of the prettiest smoothies. Beets add rich color and healthy nutrition, while berries sweeten, and almond or hemp milk keep it light and balanced. I use a touch of zero-sugar monk fruit sweetener to round out the earthy edge without adding sugar, but there are other sweetening options. It's a great way to start the day and a delicious use for extra roasted beets from salad prep.
Beets are rich in betalains (those deep red antioxidants) and natural nitrates, which have been linked to heart health and lower blood pressure. A few beets with raspberries or strawberries for sweetness, and a plant milk for creaminess, plus protein powder for higher protein make one terrific smoothie. Whether you're a beet lover or not, try this smoothie, and get a good dose of vitamin C as well.
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Why You'll Love This Red Beet Smoothie
- A delicious way to enjoy purple foods with real health benefits.
- Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and plant-based nutrients.
- Roasted beets add rich flavor without that raw, earthy bite.
- Simple ingredients, dairy-free, and ready in minutes.
Love beets? Try a favorite beet salad with feta cheese. It has great flavors and beautiful colors!
Recipe Ingredients
- Red beets - Use fresh beets that have been roasted or steamed, then chilled. They blend smoothly and add rich flavor and color. Skip the beet greens, unless you want a brown smoothie! Please see my how to roast beets post.
- Plant milk - Almond milk or hemp seed milk both work well. Hemp milk offers a little more plant-based protein.
- Berries - Frozen strawberries or raspberries add natural sweetness, antioxidants, and a bright, fruity flavor, or try blueberries or blackberries.
- Protein powder - A great way to add staying power. I use whey protein, but plant-based protein powders work too.
- Sweetener - Instead of sugar or honey, I use a zero-sugar honey alternative made from monk fruit and allulose. It tastes great and blends right in. Alternatively use real honey, maple syrup, or a couple of medjool dates.
Please see the recipe card for measurements.
Instead of a beet smoothie, try a fresh beet juice, with carrot, celery, and tart green apple.
Chef's tip: Smoothie Boosters - Want to take your smoothie to the next level? There are lots of great optional add-ins to boost nutrition and flavor. I list my favorites in my Healthy Smoothie Guide-check it out if you're ready to level up your blends.
Substitutions and Variations
- Go tropical - Add pineapple or mango with the beets for a sweeter, tropical flavor.
- Use raw beets - You can use raw beets, just peel with a vegetable peeler and chop small first. Raw beets have a more earthy flavor and are fibrous, so you might need a touch more sweetener.
- Add a little fresh ginger for zing.
- Skip the berries and add a small frozen banana.
- To add healthy fats, add a tablespoon of MCT oil or coconut oil.
Chef's Tip: Make Your Own Plant-Based Milk
Homemade plant milks taste better, cost less, and let you control the ingredients-no gums, thickeners, or fillers. Each one has a slightly different texture and flavor, so pick what works best for your smoothie or dietary needs. Try one of my easy recipes:
Recipe instructions
So simple! Add everything to a high-speed blender and puree until smooth. For a colder smoothie, add a couple of ice cubes. For a thinner consistency, add a little more milk or water.
Serving Suggestions
- Morning boost - Enjoy as a quick breakfast or part of a healthy morning routine.
- Post-workout - Great after a workout to support recovery.
- Light lunch or snack - Pair with a hard-boiled egg, slice of GF toast, or a handful of nuts for a light meal.
- On-the-go - Make it ahead and pour into a travel bottle for busy mornings or afternoon errands.
- Smoothie bowl - Blend it a bit thicker and top with granola, sliced fruit, or hemp seeds.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but the flavor will be earthier and the texture more fibrous. Roasting softens the beets and enhances their natural sweetness, making them smoother and easier to blend. If using raw, scrub well and chop small, or grate, to make blending easier. Wearing disposable gloves will save your hands from staining.
It's best fresh, but you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge and give it a shake or quick blend before serving.
Use a zero-sugar monk fruit/allulose sweetener, it works beautifully in this recipe. You can also try a splash of orange juice, extra berries, or a pitted date but that is adding natural sugar. Try the monk fruit it's great!
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
I've been making smoothies for more than 25 years and have lots of healthy recipes! Find a few more recipe on the smoothies and juice recipe index page.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make this red beet smoothie, please add your comment. I appreciate your feedback and enjoy hearing from you. If you loved it, please give it a 5-star rating! They really help other readers.
📖 Recipe
Red Beet Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 ounces almond milk or help seed milk
- ½ cup frozen strawberries or raspberries
- ⅓ cup beets steamed or roasted, chilled
- 1 scoop protein powder of choice
- 1 tablespoon zero sugar honey or regular honey, or monk fruit
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. For a colder smoothie, add a few ice cubes.
Notes
- 1 teaspoon maca powder for an energy boost.
- 1 teaspoon beet powder for more beet nutrition and color, or use a bit more in place of the fresh beets.
- 1 teaspoon acacia powder as a prebiotic and for the fiber.
Nutrition
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Porsche Guy says
Love the color and even the beets taste good, kind of earthy sweet together with the berries, I used strawberries. Used your directions on roasting beets.