Healthy Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Bursting with tropical taste, this healthy pineapple coconut smoothie is an easy go-to for breakfast full of healthy fats, gut healing enzymes and 26 grams of plant protein—easy to make in just 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. Vegan, gluten free, nut free and soy free.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

• Yummy tropical taste
• Simple healthy ingredients
• Boost of healthy fats

This healthy pineapple coconut smoothie is tropical tasting, creamy and full of healthy fats and nutrients. It’s super quick to make in a blender when you need something refreshing and yummy that has enough protein. It’s a satisfying treat whether you enjoy it for breakfast or a healthy dessert!

Coconut is a highly satiating fruit due to its fat content. That means you stay feeling fuller for longer after eating coconut. Coconut may also be a fat loss promoting fruit because it contains medium-chain-triglycerides (MCTs). MCT consumption has been shown to promote fat burning, calorie burning and feelings of fullness.

MCTs may also strengthen gut bacteria and protect the body from metabolic syndrome. When the gut is healthy and absorbing nutrients effectively the metabolism is raised. The high fat content in coconut meat also helps to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E and K.

The base of this smoothie is made with frozen pineapple. Pineapple is a fruit helpful in maintaining good gut health. It contains bromelain enzymes which help break down food in the stomach and process protein more effectively. Pineapple is also high in vitamin C which is an antioxidant that strengthens immune function, encourages collagen production and reduces oxidative stress.

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you will need to make this healthy pineapple coconut smoothie.

Frozen pineapple: Creates the thick, creamy base of the smoothie and adds tropical sweetness.

Shredded coconut: Adds to the coconut flavour and creaminess.

Frozen coconut milk cubes: Pour coconut milk into an ice cube tray and let freeze for at least 8 hours before using.

Protein powder: Any favourite coconut or vanilla vegan protein powder works well.

Oat milk: The liquid that brings all of the other ingredients together to blend smoothly and adds a creamy consistency.

For ingredient amounts and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Benefits

Hydrating

Staying properly hydrated is a basic requirement for optimal health. By incorporating daily smoothies you can maintain your ideal hydration level more easily. Start each morning with a smoothie for easy hydration!

High fibre

Easily get more fibre in your every day diet! In addition to being generally healthy, getting enough fibre can be extremely helpful for weight loss as it helps keep you feeling full for longer, without adding calories. Fibre also helps improve our gut health.

Nutrient dense

Vegan smoothies are a great way to get more nutrient rich foods in each day. By blending them into a single meal, it’s super quick, easy and fun! Choose ingredients like dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fruits to make your smoothies nutrient rich.

Variations

Make it toasted

For a yummy twist on this healthy pineapple coconut smoothie try using toasted coconut shreds instead of regular. If you only have regular coconut shreds spread them out on a baking pan and bake them in the oven on low heat just until they turn lightly golden brown.

Try an alternative plant milk

This recipe uses oat milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch.

Adjust the consistency

If you prefer a thicker consistency you can try the recipe using a bit less liquid than what is suggested. If you want a thinner consistency, try adding a bit of extra liquid to the recipe.

Switch base ingredients

If you don’t like bananas then try something else as the base! Mango usually substitutes banana well. If you’re allergic to or simply dislike a suggested ingredient then try to find something with a similar texture that you enjoy the flavour of. There is no wrong way to make a smoothie, and you can always omit any ingredients you don’t have on hand.

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to blender.

• Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.

• Pour into a glass and serve your healthy pineapple coconut smoothie.

Prep & Blending

Add ingredients in the correct order

Always add liquid ingredients to your blender first. Then add powders, nut butters, nuts and seeds. Then add fresh greens and fresh fruit. Finally add your solid ingredients like frozen fruit. If using a small blender container with a twist on lid, reverse the order so that when you turn the container over to blend the frozen ingredients are farthest away from the blades.

Use a tamper

Push ingredients down towards the blades while blending using the tamper that comes with your blender. This helps to avoid thick smoothies from getting stuck, so you don’t have to stop blending and scrape down the sides of the container.

Don’t over blend

Try to blend your smoothie for less than a couple of minutes. If blended for too long, even thick smoothies will become thin. This is because the heat generated by the blades and motor of the blender heat up your ingredients while they are being blended.

Use a high power blender

For smoothies that have a perfectly smooth and creamy texture use a high powered blender such as a Vitamix. It can break down any ingredients to much finer particles than standard blenders, and more nutrients are released. A high speed blender also reduces the time you need to blend your recipe, which helps keep it nice and cold.

Chill your glass

By placing your smoothie glass in the freezer for a few moments you can help your smoothie stay cool for longer. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hot climate. Pop it into the freezer while you are prepping and blending, then take it out when it’s time to pour your finished smoothie!

FAQ’s

Are vegan smoothies healthy?

Yes! Generally smoothies are very healthy to consume, depending on what ingredients are used. Plant based smoothies are rich in fibre and nutrients.

Can I lose weight with smoothies?

Smoothies are an excellent weight loss food! This is because they are generally lower calorie and higher in fibre and nutrients. Due to high water content, the large volume of a smoothie helps your stomach to feel satiated. And the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, without feeling weighed down or tired like a huge meal would.

Can smoothies be refrigerated?

Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending, while they are freshest. However you can refrigerate most smoothies for 1-2 days in an airtight container such as a jar.

Can I make smoothies without a high speed blender?

Yes, you can still make smoothies with a regular blender. It might take more patience depending on the recipe, but it can work. Turn off the blender to scrape down the sides of the container, and secure the lid before continuing to blend. Repeat as needed. Alternatively you can add a small amount of additional liquid to the recipe, which should help.

How can I increase the protein?

If you wish for your smoothie to have a higher protein content, you can simply add (more) protein powder to the recipe. Plain unsweetened plant based protein will work in any smoothie. Alternatively you can try adding hemp seeds or even silken tofu.

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