5 Smoothie Bowl Recipes Your Toddler Will Actually Eat
Getting fruit into toddlers can feel like negotiating a peace treaty. But something about a smoothie bowl - maybe it's the colours, maybe it's the toppings, maybe it's the tiny spoon - just works. Here are 5 recipes that are parent-approved and toddler-tested.
1. The Pink One
They'll eat it because it's pink. You'll feel good because it's full of fruit.
Blend:
- 1 frozen banana
- Half cup frozen strawberries
- Quarter cup yoghurt
- Splash of milk
Top with: Sliced banana, a few blueberries, sprinkle of coconut
Pro tip: Let them arrange the toppings themselves. It takes twice as long but they're 10x more likely to eat it.
2. The Tropical One
Beach vibes in a bowl. Best served after a morning at the pool in their Pekpi swim nappy.
Blend:
- 1 frozen banana
- Half cup frozen mango
- Quarter cup pineapple
- Splash of coconut milk
Top with: Passionfruit, kiwi slices, shredded coconut
3. The Purple One
The secret ingredient is beetroot. Don't tell them.
Blend:
- 1 frozen banana
- Half cup frozen blueberries
- 1 small cooked beetroot (trust us)
- Quarter cup yoghurt
- Splash of milk
Top with: Granola, blueberries, drizzle of honey (for over 1s only)
The colour is incredible. They'll think it's magic.
4. The Green One (That Doesn't Taste Green)
Spinach is invisible when you do it right.
Blend:
- 1 frozen banana
- Big handful of baby spinach
- Half an avocado
- Quarter cup yoghurt
- Splash of apple juice
Top with: Sliced kiwi, chia seeds, a few raspberries for colour contrast
It tastes like banana. It looks like a swamp. Toddlers love swamps.
5. The Chocolate One
Yes, chocolate for breakfast. But make it healthy.
Blend:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder (not cocoa - cacao is the good stuff)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- Quarter cup yoghurt
- Splash of milk
Top with: Sliced banana, a few cacao nibs, drizzle of peanut butter
This one is secretly delicious enough for adults too. Make yourself one.
Smoothie bowl tips for toddlers
- Make it thick - Toddlers need it spoonable, not drinkable. Use less liquid than you think.
- Let them help - Pressing the blender button, choosing toppings, stirring. Involvement = buy-in.
- Freeze your bananas - Peel, break in half, freeze in a container. Frozen bananas are the base of every good smoothie bowl.
- Don't stress about mess - Smoothie bowls and toddlers = mess. Put a mat down, hand them the spoon, and let it happen. A wet bag is handy for the inevitable smoothie-stained outfit afterwards.
- Serve it in a fun bowl - A coconut shell, a colourful bowl, anything that feels special. Presentation matters, even at age 2.
Now go make something pink and enjoy 5 minutes of quiet while they eat it. You've earned it.