“Super-simple, easy to make, and loaded with protein … perfect way to start the day.”
🙂 Mike H.
Banana Boat, a copycat Smoothie King recipe, is a creamy, dreamy concoction that takes the simple goodness of bananas and elevates it to a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Imagine the thick, natural sweetness of ripe bananas blended to perfection with cold, refreshing milk. Add a touch of turbinado sugar for that slight hint of molasses depth, a generous scoop of vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt for a rich yet light creaminess, and a good measure of whey protein powder to keep those muscles happy and well-fed. It’s a smoothie that feels like an indulgence, yet it’s packed with goodies that your body will thank you for.
This smoothie offers a solid nutritional profile that makes it a fantastic choice for a meal replacement or a post-workout recharge. Bananas are not only a great source of energy and potassium, which is crucial for muscle function and recovery but also contain vitamins and minerals that support overall health. The milk in the recipe provides calcium and additional protein, while the whey protein powder is a high-quality source of protein that helps in muscle repair. The vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt gives it a probiotic boost, and the turbinado adds a natural sweetness along with some trace minerals.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Smoothie King Banana Boat ingredients are:
- bananas
- milk
- turbinado raw sugar
- vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt
- whey protein powder
- Collagen Boost, optional
Health Benefits
Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
[Amazon Fresh]
Turbinado – Turbinado is organically grown, partially refined “raw” sugar. It is similar to refined white sugar in calories and carbohydrates and, although marketed as such, is not a sugar substitute. Turbinado provides little, if any, additional health benefit.
[Amazon Fresh]
Whey Protein Powder – Whey protein powder is the most highly studied nutritional supplement readily available, providing great nutritional value and numerous health benefits. In addition to high quality protein, it also contains bioactive peptides called lactokinins. Whey protein powder promotes muscle growth and maintenance, helps lower blood pressure, can lessen the effects of Type 2 diabetes, and reduces inflammation.
[Amazon Fresh]
Nonfat Frozen Yogurt – Nonfat frozen yogurt is often hailed as a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream. It includes yogurt culture probiotics lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus and is often made with agave nectar instead of high-calorie sugar. Nonfat frozen yogurt is a common choice among those wanting to reduce their caloric intake.
Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these delicious smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Vitamix blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Smoothie King Banana Boat
The Smoothie King Banana Boat is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place bananas, milk, turbinado, whey protein powder, and vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
Almond milk or coconut milk could be a delightful dairy-free substitute for regular milk.
For a vegan option, you can swap whey protein powder for a plant-based protein.
To cut down on sugars, you might opt for a natural sweetener like stevia instead of turbinado.
For those who love a bit of texture, a tablespoon of chia seeds can add omega-3s and extra fiber.
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Smoothie King Banana Boat Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 banana frozen, sliced
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup nonfat frozen yogurt
- 1 tbsp turbinado raw sugar
- 1 scoop whey protein powder, vanilla
- 1 scoop Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place bananas, milk, turbinado, whey protein powder, and vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- Almond milk or coconut milk could be a delightful dairy-free substitute for regular milk.
- For a vegan option, you can swap whey protein powder for a plant-based protein.
- To cut down on sugars, you might opt for a natural sweetener like Stevia instead of turbinado.
- For those who love a bit of texture, a tablespoon of chia seeds can add omega-3s and extra fiber.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this smoothie without frozen yogurt if I’m lactose intolerant?
Indeed, you can! If lactose isn’t your friend, you can use lactose-free ice cream or simply add a bit more banana for creaminess. You won’t miss out on the smoothness, and you’ll still get a deliciously thick smoothie.
How can I increase the protein content in this smoothie without whey powder?
There are plenty of ways to up the protein. Hemp seeds, spirulina, or a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder are excellent choices. They blend in seamlessly and ramp up the protein content significantly, perfect for those looking to fuel their muscles or stay fuller longer.
More Smoothie King Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Banana Boat smoothie, try more of our copycat favorites on our Smoothie King Recipes page.
Sources
Smoothie King: Website
