“Perfect balance of sweet and tart, use raw cherries not the sweetened variety.”
🙂 Bev
Stretch And Flex Tart Cherry, a copycat Smoothie King recipe, is a vibrant blend designed to support muscle recovery and joint health, perfect for anyone looking to nourish their body after a workout or simply start their day with a boost of energy and nutrition. This smoothie combines the natural sweetness and tartness of cherries and bananas with the rich, earthy flavors of dates, all while being complemented by the refreshing blend of apple and blueberry juices and hydrating coconut water. The addition of whey protein powder and a Collagen Boost ensures that your body receives the essential proteins needed for muscle repair and joint support, making this smoothie not only delicious but also incredibly beneficial for your overall well-being.
This smoothie is packed with antioxidants from cherries and blueberries, which can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Bananas provide potassium, which aids in muscle function and recovery, while dates offer natural sweetness and a good source of fiber. Coconut water is an excellent hydrator, rich in electrolytes to replenish the body after exercise. The whey protein powder contributes high-quality protein for muscle repair, and the Collagen Boost promotes joint health and skin elasticity, creating a comprehensive blend that supports both physical recovery and overall health.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Smoothie King Stretch And Flex Tart Cherry ingredients are:
- banana
- cherries
- dates
- apple juice
- blueberry juice
- coconut water
- whey protein powder
- Collagen Boost
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]
Cherries – Cherries are a kid favorite fruit that boast some terrific health benefits for adults as well. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, copper, and manganese. Cherries also have exceptional anti-inflammatory qualities and are often used to improve symptoms of arthritis and gout.
[Amazon Fresh]
Dates – Dates are the sweet and chewy fruit of a palm tree that are typically consumed dried. They are highly nutritious, containing significant vitamin B6, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. Dates are abundant in disease-fighting antioxidants and have been shown to improve brain function by reducing inflammation and preventing plaque formation.
[Amazon Fresh]
Apple Juice – Apples are the most widely consumed fruit globally and boast more than 7,000 different varieties. They provide significant amounts vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, and potassium, and are loaded with power antioxidants, especially polyphenols. Apples can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and promote gut health as a prebiotic.
[Amazon Fresh]
Blueberry Juice – Blueberries are a popular superfood that are low in calories and highly nutritious. They are the king of antioxidants, being absolutely loaded with flavonoids, and provide significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Blueberries protect against aging and cancer, by reducing DNA damage, and boost heart function, by preventing LDL oxidization and lowering blood pressure.
[Amazon Fresh]
Coconut Water – Coconut water has become an increasingly popular health drink as of late. It is low in calories, efficiently replenishes electrolytes, is an excellent source of potassium, and contains potent free radical fighting antioxidants. Also, coconut water has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes, prevent kidney stone formation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
[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]
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 Stretch And Flex Tart Cherry
The Smoothie King Stretch And Flex Tart Cherry is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place banana, cherries, dates, apple juice, blueberry juice, coconut water, whey protein powder, Collagen Boost, and ice 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.
For a vegan option, plant-based protein powder can replace whey protein, and a vegan-friendly collagen alternative or additional plant-based superfoods can substitute for the Collagen Boost.
Almond milk or cashew milk can be used in place of coconut water for a creamier texture.
Adding a handful of spinach or kale can increase the smoothie’s vitamin and mineral content without significantly changing the taste.
For an extra omega-3 boost, consider adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
Consider following us on social media so that we can stay connected. We are on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube!
Smoothie King Stretch And Flex Tart Cherry Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 banana frozen, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherries pitted
- 2 dates pitted
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup blueberry juice
- 1 cup coconut water unsweetened
- 1 Collagen Boost
- 1 whey protein powder, vanilla vanilla
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Place banana, cherries, dates, apple juice, blueberry juice, coconut water, whey protein powder, Collagen Boost, and ice 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.
- For a vegan option, plant-based protein powder can replace whey protein, and a vegan-friendly collagen alternative or additional plant-based superfoods can substitute for the Collagen Boost.
- Almond milk or cashew milk can be used in place of coconut water for a creamier texture.
- Adding a handful of spinach or kale can increase the smoothie's vitamin and mineral content without significantly changing the taste.
- For an extra omega-3 boost, consider adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a great alternative to fresh cherries in this smoothie, especially outside the cherry season. They provide the same nutritional benefits and can help make your smoothie colder and thicker, which many people enjoy. Plus, frozen cherries are often pitted, saving you time and effort in preparation.
If you prefer to avoid collagen supplements, you can incorporate foods that naturally support collagen production in the body. Adding ingredients high in vitamin C, like oranges or kiwi, can help, as vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis. Another option is to include silica-rich foods like cucumbers or bell peppers directly into the smoothie or your diet, as silica also supports collagen formation and joint health.
More Smoothie King Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Stretch And Flex Tart Cherry smoothie, try more of our copycat favorites on our Smoothie King Recipes page.
Sources
Smoothie King: Website
