Banana juice is really a blended banana drink: bananas have too little water to juice in a juicer, so you blend them with water or milk instead. The result is a creamy, naturally sweet drink that is ready in 5 minutes and popular for breakfast or after exercise. Here is the recipe, tips for the best texture and an honest look at its nutrition.
Quick answer: Blend 2 ripe bananas with 1½ cups (360 ml) cold water or milk, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon for 30–45 seconds. Add ice and serve. For a thinner “juice,” use more water and strain. Makes 2 servings of about 120–170 kcal each.
Banana Juice Recipe
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Equipment | Blender |
| Yield | About 2½ cups, 2 servings |
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas with brown speckles (about 240 g peeled)
- 1½ cups (360 ml) cold water, or milk / almond milk for a creamier drink
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (keeps the color and brightens flavor)
- Pinch of cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- 4–5 ice cubes
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey (usually not needed with ripe bananas)
Instructions
- Peel and break the bananas into chunks.
- Add the liquid to the blender first, then bananas, lemon and spices.
- Blend 30–45 seconds until completely smooth.
- Add ice and blend for 5 more seconds, or pour over ice.
- Drink straight away; banana browns quickly.
Tips for the Best Banana Juice
- Ripeness matters: speckled bananas are sweeter and blend smoother; green bananas taste starchy.
- Thin it out: for a juice-like drink, use 2 cups water and strain through a fine sieve.
- Frozen bananas make it thick and cold, closer to a shake.
- Stop browning with lemon juice and by serving immediately.
- Can you use a juicer? Not really; bananas clog juicers. See can you juice a banana?.
Variations
| Variation | Add |
|---|---|
| Banana date | 2 pitted dates and milk |
| Banana pineapple | ½ cup pineapple; see pineapple mango juice |
| Banana oat | ¼ cup rolled oats for a breakfast drink |
| Banana peanut butter | 1 tbsp peanut butter and milk |
| Banana spinach | 1 handful spinach (you will barely taste it) |
Banana Juice Nutrition
One medium banana (118 g) has about 105 kcal, 27 g carbohydrate, 14 g natural sugar, 3 g fiber, about 420 mg potassium and roughly a quarter of the daily value for vitamin B6 (USDA FoodData Central). Because you blend rather than juice, the fiber stays in. Made with water, each serving of this recipe is about 120 kcal; with dairy milk, about 170 kcal.
Benefits
- Potassium supports normal muscle and nerve function and blood pressure.
- Quick energy: easy-to-digest carbohydrate makes it a good pre- or post-workout drink.
- Fiber from the whole fruit (unlike most juices).
- Gentle on the stomach for many people.
Who Should Be Careful
- Kidney disease: if you have been told to limit potassium, ask your doctor.
- Diabetes: ripe bananas have more sugar; pair with protein (milk, yogurt or nut butter).
- Latex allergy: some people with latex allergy react to bananas.
Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer B6000S
Best for: fresh, nutrient-rich juice from fruits, veggies and leafy greens.
- Slow masticating design keeps juice smooth
- Wide chute fits whole apples
- Also makes smoothies and sorbets
Want more options? See our best masticating juicers and best juicers guides.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make banana juice without a blender?
You can mash a very ripe banana with a fork and whisk it into cold milk, but a blender gives a much smoother drink.
Is banana juice good for weight gain?
Made with whole milk, oats and peanut butter, it is an easy way to add calories. Made with water, it is a light drink.
Can I store banana juice?
It is best fresh. In the fridge it turns brown and separates within a few hours.
Is banana juice good for babies?
Do not give juice to babies under 12 months unless your pediatrician advises it. Mashed banana is better. See when can babies have juice.
