BeveragesEasyGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Green Smoothie

Banana-forward smoothie with baby spinach blended smooth. The green color is there, but the flavor isn't—just creamy, lightly sweet, and ready in 5 minutes. At 5g fiber, save this one for stable remission days.

Green Smoothie
Total Time
5m
Servings
1
Calories
290
Fiber
5g
Protein
6g
Carbs
45g
Fat
12g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
Remission

Watch Out For

baby spinachmoderate

Raw spinach contains insoluble fiber that can be difficult to digest during active inflammation, even when blended

Tip: Save this smoothie for stable remission periods. If new to raw greens, start with half the spinach (1/2 cup) and see how your body responds over 24 hours.

almond buttermild

Higher fat content may be difficult for some to digest during active inflammation

Tip: Reduce to 1 teaspoon or omit entirely if fat-sensitive. The smoothie will still taste good without it.

bananamild

Contains natural sugars and fiber that some may find gas-producing in larger quantities

Tip: Use a very ripe banana (more fructose but easier to digest) and consider halving the portion if sensitive.

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Pour almond milk into the blender first.

    Equipment: blender
    Tip: Liquid first prevents greens from sticking to the blades and ensures smoother blending
  2. Add baby spinach and blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, until no flecks of green remain and the mixture is completely smooth.

    Tip: No visible green flecks should remain—this is what makes the smoothie palatable
  3. Add frozen banana, almond butter, maple syrup (if using), and ice.

  4. Blend on high for 60-90 seconds, stopping to scrape down sides if needed, until the smoothie is thick, creamy, and uniform in color.

    Tip: Scrape down the sides halfway through if needed for even consistency
  5. Pour into a tall glass and drink immediately while cold and frothy.

Notes

Storage

Best consumed immediately. If storing, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Shake or re-blend before drinking as separation is natural. Texture suffers after freezing—not recommended.

Baby spinach vs. mature

Baby spinach is milder, more tender, and easier to digest than mature spinach. The smaller leaves have less developed stems, reducing the "grassy" flavor and making them easier to blend smooth.

Frozen banana trick

Freezing the banana creates a thick, milkshake-like texture without adding dairy or ice cream. Slice bananas before freezing for easier blending—peeling a frozen banana is frustrating.

SCD alternative

Maple syrup is not permitted on SCD. Substitute with 1 teaspoon honey (SCD-legal), or omit entirely if your banana is very ripe and spotty.

Dairy-free alternative

Swap almond milk for lactose-free milk if you tolerate dairy—it adds more protein (8g vs. 1g per cup) and creates a creamier texture.

Sweetness adjustment

If your banana is very ripe (covered in brown spots), skip the maple syrup entirely. If it's less ripe, you may want the full tablespoon.

Too thick?

Add almond milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time and re-blend until you reach your preferred consistency.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches