Toddlers can be total legends when it comes to avoiding fruit—one whiff of a banana and suddenly it’s chaos. But here’s a sneaky trick: smoothies. They’re colourful, fun, and best of all, you can hide all sorts of goodness inside.

According to the Australian Health Survey, over 95% of children aged 2–4 don’t eat the recommended daily servings of fruit and veggies. That’s where smoothies come in. They’re a super simple way to boost fibre, vitamins, and hydration, without the dinner table standoffs.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of fruit smoothie recipes that even the pickiest toddler might actually finish. They’re quick to make, easy to tweak, and just the right mix of sweet and nourishing. Let’s get blending!

Got a Toddler Who Hates Lumpy Textures? Smoothies to the Rescue!

If your little one avoids fruits because of how they feel, smoothies can be a game-changer. Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller offers smart, practical tips for dealing with picky eating, including texture issues, and features simple smoothie ideas that are perfect for sensitive eaters.

Skip the battles and start blending! Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and make fruit a win at your place.

4 Easy Fruit Smoothies Recipes For Picky Toddlers

Smoothies are a fun way to introduce fruit without the fuss. The best part? You can adjust ingredients to suit your toddler’s tastes (or moods). Here are four easy recipes that are just right for little hands and picky palates.

Berry Smoothie

Start your day with a fresh, flavoursome smoothie that even picky toddlers will love. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick and easy. Just remember, smoothies are great, but for a more filling start, pair it with a little something extra, like muesli, to keep them going until lunch. If you’ve got a bit more time, try mixing it up with other breakfast recipes. And here’s a little bonus—this smoothie has chia seeds that swell up in the liquid, helping slow down the sip so your toddler can enjoy it a little longer.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Breakfast

Serves 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup frozen mixed berries
• ½ banana
• 1 cup (250ml) skim milk
• 1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt
• Handful ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Recipe

1. Add the mixed berries, banana, milk, yoghurt, and ice cubes to a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth. 
2. Pour into a glass and stir in the chia seeds. Enjoy! 

Lean Green Smoothie

Why not sneak in some extra veggies first thing in the morning? This smoothie is a sneaky way to add more goodness to your toddler’s diet. It’s even better if you use frozen fruit and veggies, or you can make it the night before and pop it in the fridge, ready to go for the next morning. For picky eaters, pairing it with something more filling, like muesli, can make sure they stay satisfied. If you’ve got a bit more time, try some other breakfast options, but remember, while smoothies are tasty, they might not keep little tummies as full as whole fruits and veggies would.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Breakfast

Serves 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ banana (frozen)
• 1 large handful baby spinach (frozen)
• 1 cup (250ml) skim milk
• 1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt
• Handful ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon hemp seeds (optional)

Recipe

1. Add the banana, baby spinach, milk, yoghurt, ice cubes and hemp seeds to a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth. 
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy!  

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowls are a big hit this summer, and they’re so easy to make at home! They’re a great way to start the day with a balanced breakfast that’ll keep your toddler full and energised until lunchtime. You can stick to our suggested toppings or switch it up with a quarter cup of nutty muesli for a bit of crunch. Either way, it’s a fun and tasty way to sneak in extra nutrients.

Type: Vegetarian, Choose Gluten Free toppings if desired

Serves 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 3 medium strawberries
• 1 cup low fat Greek yoghurt
• 1 cup skim milk
• Handful ice cubes
• Toppings:
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
• 10 cashew nuts
• Extra strawberries if desired

Recipe

1. In a blender combine the banana, strawberries, yoghurt, milk and ice cubes. Blend until combined and smooth.
2. Pour out the smoothie mixture between 2 bowls and work quickly to arrange the toppings on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Breakfast on the Go

This is a great smoothie to prepare the night before an early start, ready to grab out of the fridge in the morning. It’s not enough to have by itself, but it is a great option on busy mornings. Make sure you complement the smoothie with something more substantial, such as some muesli, after arriving at your workplace. On less busy mornings, it’s better to have a more solid start to the day and to try some of the other breakfast recipes. Remember that calories from a juiced or blended liquid are not as satiating as eating the whole food. 

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Breakfast

Serves 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 dates, pitted
• Boiling water, to soften
• ½ banana
• 1 cup (250ml) skim milk
• 1 teaspoon tahini

Recipe

1. Place the dates in a small cup or heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to soften for 1-2 minutes. Drain.  
2. Transfer the dates to a blender, add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. 

Fun fact: A large glass of juice usually packs in 2.5 times the energy of a piece of fruit, but only one-third of the fibre. Smoothies take it up a notch—thanks to all those extra ingredients, they can have about 4 times the calories of a single piece of fruit! So, whenever possible, try to go for the whole fruit to get all those extra nutrients and fibre.

Still unsure if smoothies are a healthy choice? Check out this article to learn more about the benefits and how to make them a nutritious option for your toddler.

Summing Up

Fruit smoothies are a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrients for picky toddlers, offering a fun and tasty option that can be tailored to their tastes. With the right ingredients, smoothies can be a balanced, energising breakfast or snack that keeps your little one full and happy. 

Remember, while smoothies are a great choice, whole fruits and veggies still pack the most punch when it comes to fibre and nutrients. So, get creative with your blends and enjoy the process of making mealtime more exciting.

Stay informed with fresh tips, expert guidance, unique deals, and tailored support!

Click Here

Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.