This Goji Berry Smoothie is simple, tasty, and a great way to start the day. Frozen banana and strawberries make it thick and creamy, while soaked goji berries add a bit of tang and natural sweetness. There’s no added sugar – just whole fruit, a spoonful of chia seeds, and your favorite plant milk. It’s cool, refreshing, and quick to make.
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I’ve been working on goji berry recipes recently after a blood test showed I was iron deficient. Goji berries are a source of non-heme iron (aka iron from plants not meat – read more on Harvard Health) and is absorbed best when paired with vitamin C. So I’ve been using it in fruit-based recipes like this one! One serve of this Goji Berry Smoothie has roughly 14 – 15% of an adult woman’s daily iron needs and around one-third of the daily requirement for adult men.
I’ve heard people complain about the taste of Goji berries – I even saw someone on TikTok say they taste like dust – but I actually enjoy them. I find them tangy with a chewy texture that’s quite satisfying, with a subtle savoury note I can’t quite place but genuinely like.
I’ve been experimenting with different ways to use goji berries, and blending them into a smoothie is easily the simplest way to get a generous amount in, especially for anyone unsure about the flavour. This version is creamy from the banana, lightly fruity, and the goji berries give it that gorgeous red-orange colour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- First off, it’s super quick to make – just toss everything in the blender and you’re done in five minutes.
- The sweetness comes naturally from the fruit and goji berries, so there’s no need for added sugar.
- Thanks to the chia seeds and fiber-rich ingredients, it keeps you full without weighing you down.
- Best of all, it’s easy to switch things up. You can use a different milk, add some oats for extra bulk, or sneak in a handful of spinach if you’re feeling healthy-ish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This smoothie is easy to throw together with just a few pantry and freezer staples. Everything blends up into a creamy, refreshing drink that’s naturally sweet and full of feel-good nutrients. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full measurements and details.
- Dried goji berries
- Frozen banana
- Frozen strawberries
- Chia seeds
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Follow along with this step-by-step guide to make your Goji Berry Smoothie. You’ll find all the exact times, temperatures, and measurements in the recipe card below.
Step one: Soak the dried goji berries in warm water for 5–10 minutes to soften, then drain well.
Step two: Add the soaked goji berries to a blender along with the frozen banana, strawberries, chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla if using.
Step three: Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step four: Pour into glasses or jars.
Step five: Top with extra goji berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds, if desired. Serve right away.
Substitutions & Variations
This smoothie is super flexible, which makes it easy to tweak based on what you’ve got at home or what your body needs that day. Whether you’re avoiding nuts, looking for something a little creamier, or just want to mix up the flavor, here are some easy swaps and add-ins to try:
- Dried cranberries or golden raisins can stand in for goji berries. Just remember to soak them first to soften.
- For a creamier texture, swap in oat milk or coconut milk – both work beautifully and change up the flavor in a fun way.
- To keep it nut-free, go with oat, rice, or hemp milk instead of almond.
- A scoop of protein powder or a handful of rolled oats makes it thicker and more filling, especially if you’re having it post-workout or as a meal.
- A pinch of cinnamon or some fresh mint adds a little something extra without overpowering the fruit.
- Blending in a handful of baby spinach is an easy way to sneak in more greens—no flavor change, just extra nutrients.
Storage
Storage
This smoothie keeps surprisingly well, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead. After blending, pour any extra into a sealed jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Over time, the chia seeds will thicken the texture, so give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
Expert Tips
Soak the goji berries while you prep the other ingredients – by the time you’re done, they’ll be ready to blend.
FAQ
Yes—unless you’re using a high-speed blender. Soaking helps soften the berries, which makes for a smoother blend and protects the heat-sensitive nutrients. I usually just toss them in warm water while I prep everything else.
You can, but the texture will be much thinner. Frozen fruit helps give the smoothie that thick, creamy feel. If you only have fresh strawberries, try adding a few ice cubes or a handful of frozen banana to help balance it out.
Yes, the smoothie will still taste great without them. However, they help thicken the texture and add some staying power thanks to the fiber. If you’re skipping them, the smoothie might be a bit thinner—still tasty though!
Absolutely. Use a bit less milk to keep it thick, then pour it into a bowl and top with fresh fruit, granola, coconut flakes—whatever you like. It makes a great weekend breakfast when you have a little more time.
Serving Suggestions and More Recipes
This Goji Berry Smoothie is perfect on its own, but there are a few fun ways to take it up a notch. I like pouring it into a jar and topping it with a spoonful of granola, a few extra goji berries, or even a dollop of greek yogurt if I want something a little more filling. You could also serve it alongside a slice of toast with almond butter, or as part of a bigger brunch spread with fruit and muffins. It’s great as a post-workout refresher too – sometimes I add a scoop of protein powder to make it more substantial. I love Ora protein – it has 23g per scoop, is USDA certified organic, vegan and so smooth.
If you loved this, you might also enjoy the bright and colorful Blue Spirulina Smoothie, which has a similar fruity base with a fun twist. For something more seasonal and cozy, the Pumpkin Smoothie brings in warm fall flavors with banana and spices. And if you’re craving something tropical, the Tropical Smoothie is like a little vacation in a glass – perfect for hot days or when you just want to pretend you’re on one.
Hope you love this Goji Berry Smoothie as much as I do – it’s such a simple way to feel refreshed and a little more energized, and a great source of iron. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, share it with a friend. Or tag me on Instagram @glowdiaries___ so I can see your version. I always get inspired seeing how you make these recipes your own.
Goji Berry Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried goji berries soak in warm water before blending; approx. 43g
- 1 large frozen banana broken into chunks; approx. 1⅓ cups mashed or 265g
- 2 cups frozen strawberries whole or halved; approx. 284g
- 1 tbsp chia seeds approx. 11g
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or use oat/soy milk; approx. 480ml or 456g
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Soak the dried goji berries in warm water for 5–10 minutes until softened. Drain well.
- Add the soaked goji berries, frozen banana, frozen strawberries, chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla (if using) to a blender.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into glasses or jars and serve immediately.
- If desired, top with extra goji berries or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
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