Yogurt Drinks
We are big fans of drinkable yogurt in our house and use it constantly as a kids drink to pair with breakfast or snack. I love it since it’s a great way to serve up protein and calcium (especially when the littles aren’t so into milk)—and making them at home when I can is one of my favorite ways to reduce my grocery bill. Those little bottles of store-bought yogurt drinks can be so expensive! This method is really simple, as you start with just yogurt and fruit, but I have a handful of flavor variations you can use to alter the color, nutrition, and taste according to what your kids like. And if the kids don’t usually like smoothies? I would see if they’ll help you make this drink by choosing which color or flavor they want and adding the ingredients to the blender. Having ownership and involvement may help! Also: Not every kid likes every food. (You may also like Yogurt Dip for Fruit or Yogurt Parfaits.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at what you’ll need to make this recipe, including the optional ingredients to make each flavor.
Yogurt: For the creamiest yogurt drinks, you’ll want to use Greek yogurt. I prefer to start with plain so I can add flavors and sweetness, but vanilla will work if that’s what you have. You can also use regular yogurt, just know it will be a little thinner in the end. Fruit: There are six flavor options, so you can use a range of fruits here including strawberries, banana, mango, blueberries, and pear. You can use fresh or frozen fruit as they work similarly. Sweetener: If I’m starting with plain yogurt, I usually taste the mixture, then add a little honey (for kids over age 1) or maple syrup if needed. The need for this will vary based on the sweetness in your fruit and the preferences of your kiddo.
Yogurt Drink Flavor Ideas
We love making these kids smoothies in all sorts of flavors, but these are our favorites.
Strawberry Yogurt Drink: You’ll add fresh or frozen strawberries to flavor. Strawberry-Banana Yogurt Drink: This one has strawberries and ripe banana added. Mango-Carrot Yogurt Drink: Diced mango gets blended with Carrot Puree (homemade or store-bought) for this flavor. Banana-Spinach Yogurt Drink: Add ripe banana and a handful of baby spinach (it’s less “green” tasting if you freeze the fresh leaves). Blueberry-Pear Yogurt Drink: Fresh or frozen blueberries and fresh pear make this super flavorful and nutritious. Sweet Potato-Mango Yogurt Drink: With Sweet Potato Puree and mango in the mix, this orange-colored yogurt drink is a favorite.
TIP: The fruit can be fresh or frozen, depending on what you have on hand. You could also use baby food purees in a pinch, too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this kids drink. (I should add that I love it for myself, too!) Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information.
Nutrition Boosters for Smoothies
You can add 1 tablespoon hemp seeds to any of these flavors for additional healthy fats and protein. You could also add a little nut or seed butter (like peanut butter or almond butter), avocado, or a little raw cauliflower as other nutrition adds.
How to Store
Store mixture for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Shake before serving. These durable glass jars are perfect for storing yogurt drinks. NOTE: I do not recommend storing the Blueberry Yogurt Drink as that flavor thickens up in a less desirable way. The others stay a similar drinkable consistency.
Best Tips for Success
Use whole milk Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture. Regular yogurt will work, though it will be a little less creamy. Blend the ingredients, taste, then sweeten with honey (for kids over age 1) or maple syrup to taste. Sweetness can vary considerably in fruit. Use fresh or frozen fruit. If you use frozen fruit and the mixture is a little difficult to blend, add 2 tablespoons milk. Use baby food purees in a pinch, if needed or desired. Add 1 tablespoon hemp seeds for additional healthy fats and protein, if desired. Serve in a reusable pouch, a Smoothie Cup, or a small open cup as you like.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment and rate the recipe below!
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