This deceptively purple green smoothie is the best way I have found to make a spinach smoothie for kids and toddlers. Thanks to the bright purple hue from blueberries, no one has to know that this smoothie is packed with greens!

So, this green smoothie is actually purple…

… as you can quite clearly see. It is full of fresh spinach, which in my mind qualifies it as a green smoothie, but the blueberries obliterate the green color and leave it looking (and tasting) like a straight up banana blueberry smoothie.

For those who eat with our eyes, or kids with particular aversions to the color green, legitimately green smoothies can be tricky to embrace. The spinach flavor may not come through, but however delicious it is, the taste will never match the color and that can be hard for kids. This smoothie packs in greens while tasting like it looks. A win for us!

It also includes a banana, a medjool date for sweetness (you can add a few if you wish, they are also helpful for kids with constipation) and a spoonful of nut butter if you wish.

I see this as more of a snack / drink kind of smoothie than a breakfast, but you can throw in some oats if you need it to be more filling and meal worthy. (I also have a blueberry oatmeal smoothie recipe if you’re looking for a breakfast smoothie).

Q. Can I use fresh blueberries?

You can try, but the frozen ones give the best shocking purple color.

Q. Can I use non dairy milk?

Yes, I have made this several times with almond milk, but for my own kids with no allergies I prefer to use whole dairy milk.

Note: This recipe was originally published in 2015, but updated in 2025 with minor changes to the recipe and a re-categorization to the kid’s section.

Deceptively Purple Green Smoothie

A green smoothie in disguise! Thanks to the bright purple hue from blueberries, no one has to know that this smoothie is packed with spinach! A great smoothie for kids, toddlers and nervous adults alike!
2 -3 portions
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 6 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1 handful spinach
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen blueberries
  • 1-2 medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 spoonful peanut or almond butter, optional
  • 1.5 cups (350 ml) milk

Instructions 

  • Blend all ingredients until smooth in a jug blender or smoothie maker.
Cuisine: European
Course: Smoothies + Drinks
Author: Christine Melanson
Calories: 289kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 117mg, Potassium: 755mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 1799IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 259mg, Iron: 1mg