Our Tropical Smoothie Chia Banana Boost Copycat Recipe is a recreation of the popular smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. This recipe captures the essence of a refreshing morning pick-me-up, blending the rich flavors of roasted bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a mix of superfoods.
Our version of the chia banana boost tropical smoothie is more than just a delightful treat; it's a powerhouse of nutrition. Loaded with healthy fats from almonds and peanut butter, and brimming with dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds, this smoothie is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition.
What sets this tropical smoothie copycat apart is the intentional selection of ingredients. I'd like to emphasize the importance of soaking almonds and dates to enhance their nutritional value and ease of blending.
Opting for sprouted oats, or even sprouting them yourself, ensures you get the cleanest energy possible.
The highlight, roasted bananas, add a deliciously caramelized flavor that's hard to resist.
This smoothie is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Learn more about high-vibrational foods here! Try also our super easy overnight oats recipe.
If you love chia pudding, try our First Watch Chia Pudding copycat recipe! For another banana milkshake flavor- try Smoothie King's Banana Boat!
Before you start blending, take a moment to set some healthy intentions. For more, check out our free guide to intentions and affirmations.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Organic peanut butter: Choose organic peanut butter for its purity and rich flavor. It adds a creamy texture to the chia banana boost smoothie.
Raw Organic Almonds: Raw and organic almonds are essential for their natural oils and nutrients, enhancing the smoothie's health benefits.
Organic Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds, best when organic, are packed with a lot of fiber and are wonderful promoters of brain and heart health.
Organic Ripe Banana: A ripe banana, is ideal for roasting, enriching the smoothie with natural sweetness and depth. Opt for organic since we will roast with the peel on.
Organic coconut milk: Opt for organic or homemade coconut milk for its superior taste and creaminess in this chia banana smoothie.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Known as the best cinnamon, Ceylon adds a subtle, warm flavor to the smoothie and helps balance blood sugar levels.
Sprouted Rolled Oats: Choose sprouted for convenience or sprout them yourself to enhance the nutritional profile.
Organic Shredded Coconut: Ensure it's organic and check ingredients for minimal ingredients, adding a tropical flavor to the smoothie.
Medjool Dates: These are the softest dates, perfect for blending into a smooth, rich texture in the smoothie. Packed with antioxidants.
Instructions
Roasting the Banana:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lay the banana, still in its peel, on a tray.
- Roast it for 15 minutes until it becomes soft and the peel turns caramel-like. Let it cool before peeling.
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Let almonds sit in water overnight, then pour off the water.
- Briefly soak the dates for about 5-10 minutes.
Making the Smoothie:
- Put the roasted banana, almonds you've soaked, the briefly soaked dates, your sprouted oats, a dash of cinnamon, some coconut, a spoonful of peanut butter, and coconut milk into your blender.
- Mix all ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.
Finishing Touches:
- Toss some ice into the mix and give it another blend. Sample it and tweak the taste if needed.
- Transfer the blended smoothie to your preferred glasses.
- Let the smoothie chill in the refrigerator for about 10-20 minutes to allow the chia seeds to properly hydrate, boosting their health benefits.
- Feel free to sprinkle some cinnamon or coconut shavings on top as a garnish.
Hint: If you're not using your soaked almonds immediately, remember to drain and replace their water every 12 hours. This keeps them fresh and ready for use.
Substitutions and Variations
Switching Up Sweeteners: For a lower sugar option, replace dates with monk fruit sweeteners. If you prefer natural sweeteners, maple syrup is a great alternative, adding a rich, earthy sweetness to your chia banana boost smoothie.
Nut-Free Versions: For those avoiding nuts, pumpkin seeds are a fantastic substitute for almonds. Sunflower seed butter can also replace peanut butter, offering a similar creamy texture with a different taste.
Alternative Nut Butter: Almond butter can be used instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor while maintaining the smoothie's creamy consistency.
Adding Fruits: Incorporate tropical fruits like pineapple or mango to give your smoothie a pina colada twist. Fresh fruits of your choice can be added for extra flavor and nutritional benefits.
Leafy Greens Addition: For an extra boost, mix in some leafy greens like spinach or kale. They blend well without overpowering the tropical and fruity flavors of the smoothie.
Storage
Overnight Refrigeration: Store your smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge. Due to the chia seeds, you'll notice it thicken overnight, transforming into a pudding-like consistency. This change offers a new way to enjoy your smoothie the next day, with a thicker, creamier texture.
Freezing Options: If you're looking to save your smoothie for later, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. These smoothie cubes are perfect for quick blending on busy mornings, or for adding a chilled boost to your drinks.
Remember, using an airtight container is crucial for maintaining freshness and preventing any fridge odors from affecting the smoothie's taste. Enjoy your smoothie fresh or as a delightful, pudding-like treat the next day!
Top tip
For the best results, use a high-speed blender. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any lumps.
Periodically scrape down the sides of the blender to prevent nut butter from sticking and to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
FAQ
The Chia Banana Boost from Tropical Smoothie typically contains roasted bananas, chia seeds, almonds, dates, oats, cinnamon, shredded coconut, peanut butter, and a liquid base, often a milk alternative.
Yes, the chia banana boost smoothie is healthy, especially when you make it at home! It's packed with nutrients from ingredients like chia seeds, which offer fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and roasted bananas, which are rich in potassium.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe tends to use a juice concentrate as the liquid base in many of their smoothies. This adds sweetness and a fruity flavor to the smoothies. We recommend using freshly squeezed juice without additives commonly found in juice concentrates!
More Smoothie Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Chia Banana Boost Smoothie Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 banana ripe, organic
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds organic
- ¼ cup raw almonds soaked overnight
- 2 Medjool dates pitted and soaked for 5-10 minutes
- ¼ cup oats sprouted
- ½ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter organic
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
Roast the Banana:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the banana (with peel) on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly caramelized. Let it cool, then peel.
Prep Ingredients:
- Soak the almonds overnight and then drain.
- Soak the dates for 5-10 minutes.
Blend the Smoothie:
- In a blender, combine the roasted banana, soaked almonds, soaked dates, sprouted oats, cinnamon, shredded coconut, organic peanut butter, and coconut milk.
- Blend until smooth.
Final Touches:
- Add ice to the blender and blend again.
- Taste and adjust the flavors if necessary.
- Pour the smoothie into glasses.
- Allow the smoothie to rest in the fridge for 10-20 minutes for the chia seeds to fully hydrate.
- Optional: Garnish with extra chia seeds and shredded coconut.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Chia Banana Boost Smoothie as much as I do. It's a perfect blend of health and flavor, embodying the essence of mindful, healthy living.
If you've found this recipe helpful and enjoyable, I'd love for you to join our community. Please consider subscribing to stay updated with our latest healthy living tips and recipes. Don't forget to like and share this post, and follow us on our social media channels for more inspiring content. Your engagement truly makes a difference!
I'm always excited to hear your thoughts and experiences, so feel free to drop a comment below. Let's continue this journey of health and wellness together.
Be well,
Natalie
nancy says
i love a good chai but this one takes the cake. So delicious and healthy to start the day
Nora says
This smoothie is loaded with healthy deliciousness! Makes it perfect to start the day with! Thank you!
Natalie Perry says
You are welcome! Enjoy!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This made a great breakfast on my way out the door! Delicious and nutritious - and really satisfied!
Natalie Perry says
Great to hear!
Andréa says
I love a good smoothie in the morning as my breakfast, and what does sound better than a Tropical smoothie (especially in winter). It just brings some sun in the cold days. Love the combination of ingredients!
Natalie Perry says
Happy you like it!
Lauren Gardiner says
Delicious!
Natalie Perry says
🙂
DK says
This smoothie is so good and filling! The best part about it is the roasted banana. I would have never thought to do that but it added such a great flavor!
Natalie Perry says
It really does add a richness to the flavor