How to Make a Smoothie without a Blender
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a smoothie without a blender, this post is for you. As a smoothie-obsessed individual, I’ve found all the ways to make smoothies – including ways without a blender!

There’s few things more refreshing than a creamy, delicious smoothie on a hot summer day. But, if you don’t have a blender they can be pretty difficult to make. Whether you’re traveling, don’t have use of a blender, or are just not ready to buy one, I’ll explain multiple ways you can still make smoothies.
I’m a smoothie everyday kinda gal, so when I’m traveling, I’ve learned to make do and get creative. Hopefully the below solutions help you get creative with your smoothie making as well.
With that being said, you don’t need a top-of-the-line blender to make a smoothie either! While I have (and love) a Vitamix, you can also buy a great blender for just 39 dollars. They even make portable blenders now! However, if you don’t want to buy a blender, then keep reading.
FOUR WAYS TO MAKE A SMOOTHIE WHEN BLENDER-LESS
Keep reading to discover four different ways on how to make a blenderless smoothie when you don’t have access to a blender. No matter the circumstance, one of the below tricks should (hopefully!) work for you.
UTILIZE OTHER KITCHEN TOOLS
Maybe you don’t have a blender, but you have access to a food processor or immersion blender. Both of these can also be used to make a fruit smoothie!
Food Processor
Did you know a food processor is an easy way to make a super thick and creamy smoothie bowl? To make a smoothie with a food processor, add in frozen banana, any other frozen fruit, and a little liquid. Pulse to combine until you get a creamy texture and good consistency.
Want a thinner smoothie? Keep adding a bit of liquid until you get your desired texture. Then pour into a glass and enjoy!
Using a food processor when you don’t have a blender is definitely the next best thing, as it can chop up pretty much any thick, frozen ingredients.

Immersion Blender
Immersion blenders are often used to make soup, pesto, mayo and other delicious creations. However, they can also be used to make smoothies.
When making immersion blender smoothies, I recommend using fresh fruit, as opposed to frozen as it will be easier to blend.
Start by adding a liquid of your choice and any other ingredients into a mason jar or mixing bowl. Then, insert the immersion blender and until you get a smooth consistency for an easy, great smoothie! Avoid using hard to blend ingredients, like nuts, greens, and ice.
USE A SHAKER CUP
Shaker cups are an easy and great way to make smoothies. While you can’t get as creative as you would with a typical smoothie, you can still make it work!
Shaker cups are often used to easily combine protein powder and a liquid on the go. But, you can use them to blend other ingredients as well.
In case you’re wondering what shaker cups look like, they are reusable bottles with a wire whisk in the shape of a ball. They’re meant to be portable and you simply give them a shake to combine the ingredients.
If you want to make a smoothie with a shaker cup, here are my recommendations:
- Add 1-2 cups liquid of choice (either plant-based milk, juice, or coconut water).
- Then, add a mashed banana
- Add a scoop of protein powder
- Finally, add in any additional items such as chia seeds, yogurt, vanilla, and/or nut butter.
Give it a good shake until you get your desired consistency and enjoy! While it may not be completely smooth, it will still be a delicious smoothie. You can also add ice cubes at the end to make it cold.
MAKE/BUY SMOOTHIE CUBES AHEAD OF TIME
Guess what! You can actually make or buy smoothie cubes ahead of time.
To make a smoothie out of smoothie cubes is super easy. Just add your pre-blended smoothie cubes to a glass jar or a shaker bottle, let thaw, add a cup of liquid, give a shake and enjoy. You can buy smoothie cubes here or at your local grocery store.
If you want to make your own smoothie cubes from scratch, blend together your favorite ingredients. Then, freeze in an ice cube tray or silicone mold overnight. Pack in a cooler along with enough liquid and take with you to enjoy later in the day.
MIX BY HAND
The last solution to make a smoothie without a blender is to mix by hand. To do so you’ll need a glass, whisk, and easy to blend smoothie ingredients. You can also use a hand mixer, such as a frother. They’re easy to travel with and help to create a smooth consistency. Avoid ingredients that are hard to blend such as leafy greens and frozen fruit.

Here are a list of easy to blend smoothie ingredients:
- Liquids: fruit juice, nut milks (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc), coconut water, coffee
- Small seeds: chia seeds, ground flax seeds, hemp seeds
- Soft ripe fruits: ripe banana, berries, watermelon
- Healthy fats: nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, etc), avocado, dairy-free plain greek yogurt
- Flavor enhancers: vanilla, cinnamon, almond extract, maple syrup, agave syrup
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
The best way to make a smoothie without a blender is to use a food processor, shaker bottle, or to buy smoothie cubes ahead of time. However, in a pinch you can also mix by hand.
If you want to make a smoothie without a blender choose ingredients that are easy to mix together. You can add yogurt, juice, seeds, and mashed banana. Then, give it a good shake to create a smoothie-like consistency.
Yes, you can use a whisk to combine ingredients. But, be prepared it will take some arm strength depending on the ingredients! Just make sure not to use any hard to blend ingredients, like greens or frozen fruit.

SMOOTHIE RECIPES
- Apple Cider Vinegar Smoothie
- Thick Smoothie Bowl (can be made in a food processor!)
- Mango Spinach Smoothie
- Mocha Madness Smoothie
Hopefully this post has shown you that you can enjoy smoothies even without a blender. Whether you’re camping, staying at a hotel, or just don’t own a blender, there’s an option for you!
Have any other ideas on how to make the perfect smoothie sans blender? Let me know!
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I really enjoyed reading the information on your website. This is the first time that I saw how to prepare a Smoothie without a Blender. Thank you.
Of course, happy you found it helpful!