Honey in Smoothies: How Much to Add and Best Combinations

Why add honey to smoothies

Smoothies built on plain yogurt, unsweetened milk, tart berries or leafy greens can taste flat or sour. A little honey rounds out those flavors and makes the drink more satisfying without needing juice or syrups. Honey also adds aroma, especially floral honeys like orange blossom.

How much honey to use

Start with one teaspoon per serving and taste. Most smoothies need no more than two teaspoons. If you use very ripe bananas, mango, dates or sweetened milk, you may not need honey at all.

A teaspoon adds about 21 calories and 6 grams of sugar. The American Heart Association suggests limiting added sugar to about 25 grams a day for most women and 36 for most men.

Stopping honey from clumping

Cold honey can seize into sticky lumps when it hits frozen fruit. Add the honey to the blender with the liquid first, blend briefly, then add frozen ingredients. Or warm honey slightly, or use creamed honey, which blends easily.

• Add liquid and honey first
• Blend a few seconds
• Then add frozen fruit and ice
• Blend until smooth

Smoothie building formula

A balanced smoothie usually includes:

Berry honey smoothie

Blend one cup of milk, a teaspoon of honey, one cup of frozen mixed berries, half a banana and a spoon of Greek yogurt. It is bright, creamy and balanced. Our article on honey and berries has more berry ideas.

Green smoothie with honey

Blend one cup of water or coconut water, a teaspoon of honey, a large handful of spinach, half a frozen banana, half a cup of pineapple and a squeeze of lime. Honey softens the green, grassy taste, which helps people new to green smoothies enjoy them.

Tropical honey smoothie

Blend one cup of coconut milk or yogurt, a teaspoon of orange blossom honey, half a cup of frozen mango, half a cup of pineapple and a little lime zest. Orange blossom honey's citrus perfume is a natural fit for tropical fruit.

Breakfast oat smoothie

Blend one cup of milk, a teaspoon of honey, a quarter cup of oats, one banana, a spoon of peanut butter and cinnamon. It is filling enough to replace a quick breakfast. Our article on honey and oats has more oat ideas.

Kefir and yogurt smoothies

Kefir and plain yogurt are tangy, and honey balances them nicely. Our article on honey and kefir explains more about kefir. Greek yogurt adds protein and thickness.

Fruit first

Whole fruit in smoothies brings fiber, vitamins and natural sweetness. USDA MyPlate counts fruit in smoothies toward daily fruit goals. Let fruit carry most of the sweetness and use honey as a finishing touch.

Which honey for smoothies

Raw Clover Honey, harvested in New York State, is mild and versatile. Raw Orange Blossom Honey, from Florida, suits tropical and citrus blends. Raw Blueberry Blossom Honey, from New York State, deepens berry smoothies. Raw Sunflower Honey blends easily when creamy.

Smoothies for kids

Children over 12 months can enjoy smoothies with a small amount of honey. Never give honey to babies under 12 months, as the CDC advises. For babies, sweeten with ripe banana instead.

The takeaway on honey in smoothies

Honey in smoothies balances tart and green flavors with just a teaspoon or two. Add it with the liquid to avoid clumps, let fruit lead the sweetness, and choose a honey that matches your blend.

Common mistakes with honey in smoothies

The most common mistake is stacking sweeteners: sweetened yogurt, juice, very ripe fruit and honey all in one glass. Pick one or two sweet ingredients and let the others stay plain. Another mistake is pouring cold honey straight onto frozen fruit, where it hardens into a sticky lump on the blade. A third is skipping protein or fat, which makes the smoothie less filling. A spoon of nut butter, Greek yogurt or seeds fixes that.

Taste before you pour. It is easier to add a little more honey in smoothies than to rescue one that turned out too sweet.

Seasonal honey in smoothies

In summer, blend peaches, cherries and basil with clover honey. In autumn, try pumpkin purée, cinnamon, oats and a little buckwheat honey for a pie-like smoothie. In winter, citrus segments, carrot and ginger with orange blossom honey make a bright, warming glass. In spring, strawberries and rhubarb with wildflower honey balance sweet and tart.

Blend with a raw honey

Try Raw Clover Honey or Raw Orange Blossom Honey in your next smoothie. Save with a 3 jar or 6 jar pack of any honey, and orders over $50 ship free. Visit our shop.