Health Nut Smoothie (Tropical Smoothie Copycat)
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Published Jul 31, 2019, Updated Jun 23, 2023
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Make the Tropical Smoothie Health Nut Smoothie at home with this easy recipe! Here’s what you need: blueberries, mango, banana, almonds and protein.
Right after college I was determined to stay consistent with my healthy eating habits and I thought that drinking a smoothie for lunch was the healthiest option. Because of this, I used to go to Tropical Smoothie Cafe all the time and my go-to order was the Health Nut Smoothie. It has blueberries, mango, banana, almond and a choice of protein. Want to know what else it has? Added sugar… yup, despite all the fruit in the smoothie, Tropical Smoothie adds turbinado sugar to this smoothie as well.
My remake of the Health Nut smoothie is plenty sweet (and flavorful overall!) without any added sugar — just natural sugars from the fruit. I honestly prefer my version to the “real deal” and feel good knowing exactly what’s going in the smoothie too.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
Often labeled a superfood, blueberries are low in calories, high in nutrients and incredibly good for you. They are among the most nutrient-dense berries. They’re high in antioxidants as well as fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese. Studies have linked blueberry consumption to reducing DNA damage, lowering blood pressure, decreasing risk of heart disease and improving memory. They’re absolutely delicious and a great addition to any diet. (Source)
Ingredients in the Health Nut Smoothie
- frozen banana – frozen banana helps thicken the smoothie and adds a little sweetness. Check out my how to freeze bananas guide for tips and tricks! If you don’t like banana, you can try swapping for frozen avocado chunks, frozen mango or even frozen zucchini for the thickener. If you use the avocado or zucchini you may need to add a little maple syrup, dates or honey for extra sweetness.
- frozen blueberries – I prefer using frozen blueberries, but fresh will work as well just make sure you aren’t buying any moldy ones.
- frozen mango – nothing compares to the flavor of fresh mango, but I like using frozen in this recipe because it gives the smoothie the perfect texture.
- almond butter – this adds a nice richness to the smoothie and some healthy fats.
- protein powder – I use an organic, plant-based protein powder, but you can use your favorite type.
- almond milk – I prefer almond milk, but any milk will work here.
Smoothie Upgrades
Looking to enhance your smoothie? Trying adding some of these ingredients:
- Maca powder – balance out your hormones with maca powder. It adds a yummy butterscotch flavor.
- Flaxseed – add some healthy fats with ground flaxseed.
- Cacao nibs – chocolate is always a good idea… bonus points for the antioxidants!
- Yogurt – add creaminess and protein with Greek yogurt.
- Avocado – if you like your smoothies super thick, add avocado! You’ll also get some great, healthy fats.
More Smoothie Recipes
- Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie
- Blueberry Almond Smoothie
- Golden Milk Smoothie
- Watermelon Smoothie
- Kiwi Smoothie
- Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
- Pear Smoothie
- Green Protein Smoothie
More Blueberry Recipes to Try
- Blueberry Crumble
- No Bake Blueberry Muffin Donut Holes
- Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars
- Vegan Blueberry Muffins
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Health Nut Blueberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen, or fresh blueberries
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 2 scoops, about 4 Tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 2 Tablespoons almond butter
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
Instructions
- Blend: Place banana, blueberries, mango, protein powder, almond butter, and milk into a high powered blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste: If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk to get the consistency you like.
- Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Yum! Always love a new smoothie recipe. Where did you get the silver straw? I love it!
Hey Amanda. I bought them off amazon – http://astore.amazon.com/eatbirfoo-20/detail/B000AUIN18
Oh how I love smoothies! This one looks delightful. Do you think I could add in protein powder without compromising the texture?
Definitely. I add in protein powder all the time. 🙂
Beautiful! I love blueberries in my smoothies too. I also *adore* the addition of coconut! Nice touch 🙂
Definitely blueberry pancakes! Fave fave fave. And a blueberry smoothie like this comes a close second. (;
Apple butter and crarceks is my favorite. Here is some more information that might help you.I am not a doctor, so either way you will want to talk to them, but this is what I have to say as a long time sufferer of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.)! Three part answer information, what not to do, and what to do!INFORMATION!!!!!!I have a very severe case of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.). I have had to go to the hospital for some of the heartburn that I have had because the pain can become overwhelming or your breathing can be effected. It can be caused by Smoking, Drinking Beverages with caffeine (My case), Drinking Beverages with Alcohol, or can be HereditaryThe good thing about G.E.R.D. is that it can be a temporary thing and can be cured. It is never a permit thing even if you end up with it for the rest of your life it has the ability to be cured.WHAT NOT TO DO!!!!!!!!In most cases, stress is a factor to the reflux if you watch what you eat and reduce some of the stress it will help. If you watch what you eat for about a week you should find relief, if you do not then that is when you definitely what to listen to the doctor. Things to watch for are as follows:Fatty FoodsCitrus FoodsFoods That Contain GreaseFried FoodsChocolate (including any Coco)CaffeineSmokingAlcoholTomato Based ProductsLactoseWHAT TO DO!!!!The two foods that I recommend is Black strap Molasses and Raw honey. The apple is better for night time reflux while these will work for just about all of it. What you will do is take about a tsp. of whatever one you chose. Molasses being the better because of strength and nutrition, but must be use to the taste. What the substance will do is stick to the sides of the esophagus and do two things, one is heal and the other is protect.On the healing end, both substances have a healing property in them, and as they sit on the walls of the esophagus they will heal it. This is also helpful if you have a sore throat in the morning from refluxing.On the protection end, both substances are high in sugar and when acid that is refluxed comes up to that the sugar will neutralize it and it will not longer be a problem at that point. I would also look to putting Cinnamon in you diet, it has been know to help with digestion and will help you reduce the amount of acid needed to brake down food, therefore causing you to reflux less.
Looks delicious!
Hey there, love your posts. I always wonder why people throw in ice cubes…frozen bananas are so much better! They blend nicely and make your smoothie smoother. 😉 thanks for a great blog!
This looks so good, and has so much good protien in it!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Can I take this for breakfast ?
Sure! Just keep it cold.
Oh my goodness! I would like to have this smoothie soon. Thanks a lot for sharing the article. 🙂
Delish and filling!
Yummy, yummy, yummy….
Sounds like a good smoothie recipe… how do you think subbing silken tofu in for protein powder would be? Maybe a little more oat milk would help? I also am allergic to almonds so I would sub cashew butter in place of almond butter.
Hey Cora- I’m not sure, I haven’t tested a smoothie with tofu instead of protein powder. I would just see how the consistency is as is and add more liquid if you prefer. Let me know how it turns out for you if you decide to try it!
Pooh! I’m always looking for a tasty tropical smoothie! But I don’t like when they’re loaded with juice and added sugar. This recipe was the perfect blend (haha) of fruits to really get that summery, tropical flavor! I added chia seeds to mine, but I will experiment with adding some kale/spinach soon!
Oooh*** not Pooh (yikes)
I’m so glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Becca! Thanks for the review 🙂
I absolutely love this smoothie🥰 Like the taste is just amazing and it‘s such a mood booster❤️
Yay!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying this smoothie, Lina! Thanks for the review. I really appreciate it!
Omg so good!! Can’t wait to have it again!!
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Regina! Thanks for trying it and for the review. I so appreciate it!
This is delicious and filling!
So glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Janine. Thanks for tying it and for the review. I so appreciate it!
made this smoothie this morning and loved it! didnt have the almond butter but had everything else. Thanks for all the great recipes!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Rachel. Thanks for tying it and for the review. I so appreciate it!
I had this smoothie last night for dinner. It was awesome. Actually, I have tried the majority of your smoothies and I have not once found one that I didn’t like.
I enjoy your website. Keep up the good work.
So glad you’re enjoying the smoothies! Thanks for tying them and for the review. I so appreciate it!
I was in the mood for a lunch smoothie after working out, so I tied this one. It was so good! It definitely hit the spot. I will be making it again! 🙂 Thanks Brittany!
So glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Tedra! Thanks for tying it and for the review. I so appreciate it!
This smoothie is a true winner, especially as it gets warmer. I added pineapple and some flax seed for protein, plus some spinach to get some greens in, and it was still so delicious AND filling!
Ah yay! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying this smoothie, Kim! Love the add ins you used! Thanks for the review 🙂
I get so excited for my smoothies. This one did not disappoint. I love all the fruits mixed in and of course my nut butters
Ah yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Teresa! Thanks for trying it and coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Great smoothie! Will make this one again and again!
Ah yay! This is so wonderful to hear, Cindy! Thanks so much for the review 🙂
This may be one of my new favorite smoothies! Not too sweet and plenty filling!
Woo!!!
What would you sub for the protein powder?
You could skip it or add in Greek yogurt for some added protein!
I love this smoothie, but especially love the story behind it. Like Brittany mentions in her blog, a lot of times, smoothie places add artificial sugar to their smoothies. However, this smoothie tastes sooo delicious without any added sugar! I love the addition of almond butter and protein powder. It made for a nice thick consistency, which kept me full!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Taylor! Thanks for trying it and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!!
My new favourite!!! Not too sweet very filling and so yummy! I am obsessed with it 😉 thanks for the recipe Brittany!
Woo!! I love hearing this, Laure! Thanks for the review. It means the world to me!!