How to Make It: Cranberry Smoothie
Healthy RecipesIn the Kitchen With Everyday Health

How to Make a Cranberry Smoothie: A Step-by-Step Guide

These antioxidant-packed berries can be used for more than sweet sauce. Learn how to use them to give a smoothie a nutritional boost.
How to Make a Cranberry Smoothie: A Step-by-Step Guide
Olga Lepeshkina/iStock
By
Published on November 30, 2022
by

Cranberries got their modern name from the Pilgrims, who originally called them “crane berries” because the plant’s pink flowers resemble cranes, according to the Massachusetts Cranberries Association. These brightly hued berries are flavorful but quite tart when fresh, which is why most dried cranberries have loads of added sugar, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In their natural state, however, cranberries are incredibly nutritious: One cup of whole cranberries contains 3.6 grams (g) of fiber (a vital nutrient sorely lacking in the typical American’s diet, according to the American Society for Nutrition) and only 46 calories, per the USDA. Cranberries are also a source of antioxidants and vitamins C, E, and K.

It’s clear that eating more cranberries can be great for anyone’s health, but how to enjoy them without all the added sugar? There are a couple of great options. First, cranberries can be cooked on the stovetop or roasted in the oven to reduce their tartness. They can be enjoyed on top of oatmeal or even in a savory dish such as roasted chicken. Alternatively, they can be paired with another fruit that's naturally sweet to bump up the nutrition without the pucker. That’s exactly what happens in this delicious smoothie.

Easy Cranberry Smoothie
Olga Lepeshkina/iStock

Easy Cranberry Smoothie

Cranberries are the unsung heroes of the produce world. These tart little crimson fruits are packed with valuable nutrients such as antioxidants, fiber, manganese, and vitamins C, E, and K, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Pairing the tartness of cranberries with the natural sweetness of a banana makes for a delicious smoothie without any added sugar! This 3-ingredient smoothie comes together in a flash and is as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.

4.5 out of 78 reviews

SERVES

1

CALORIES PER SERVING

213

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

1 medium peeled banana, frozen
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 fresh orange, peeled

Directions

1

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 1 minute. If needed, add a small amount of cold water to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1½ cups

calories

213

total fat

1g

saturated fat

0.2g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

54g

fiber

9.8g

sugar

31g

added sugar

0g

sodium

3mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Breakfast, Beverage

Rate recipe

Share recipe

Meet Our Experts
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Lynn Griger photo

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She completed requirements to become a registered dietitian at Valparaiso University in 1987 and completed a dietetic internship at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, in 1988. 

Lynn brings her expertise in nutrition, exercise, and behavior change to her work in helping people reach their individual health and fitness goals. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, she has also written for websites and publications like Food and Health Communications, Today's Dietitian, iVillage.com, and Rodale Press. She has a passion for healthy, nutrient-dense, great-tasting food and for being outdoors as much as possible — she can often be found running or hiking, and has completed a marathon in every state.

See full bio

Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN

Author

Kelly Kennedy is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist with over 14 years of experience in digital media. She previously managed and oversaw nutrition content, recipe development, meal planning, and diet and nutrition coaching at Everyday Health. She developed and reviewed various meal plans, books, slideshows, and online tools, and oversaw the creation of more than 500 unique recipes. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a master's degree from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.

Kennedy enjoys anything that takes her outside, from gardening and playing in the yard with her kids to hiking and even feeding her pet chickens.

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network