We all know that getting a toddler to eat their veggies can feel like a tug of war, complete with dramatic refusals. Sometimes, no matter what you do—puree them, bake them, or top them with cheese—there’s still a full-on standoff at the dinner table.
If you’re nodding along because you’ve got a picky eater at home who’s all about mac and cheese, you’re definitely not alone—been there, done that. That’s why I’m obsessed with hidden veggie smoothies for toddlers—they’re genius.
They give them all the benefits of vegetables without the telltale taste or texture they avoid. So if you want less pleading and more slurping, keep reading for some clever hidden vegetable smoothie ideas!
Hidden Veggie Smoothies for Toddlers You Can Whip Up in Seconds
Most of the time toddler smoothies with veggies are made with the simplest combos, but you just don’t think of them since the thought of them sounds weird. But if you blend them in suitable proportions and add safe taste enhancers, the results are always good. Here are some hidden veggie smoothies for toddlers you can make round the year:
Spinach & Banana Smoothie
Spinach is mild in flavor so it’s easy to hide under the sweetness of banana. I start with a handful of fresh spinach and a medium banana, then add any milk—regular or plant-based—plus a bit of yogurt if I want creaminess. Although the banana adds natural sugar to the smoothie, you can also include a small spoon of honey or maple syrup if your toddler needs more sweetness. Since spinach blends in smoothly, it’ll leave no odd texture or taste.
Carrot & Mango Smoothie
Carrot and mango make one of the best hidden veggie smoothies for toddlers. That’s because carrots’ sweetness pairs nicely with the juicy mango chunks. You can use steamed or lightly cooked carrots for easier blending, but raw carrots can also work if your blender is strong. The smoothie will turn bright orange, so it seems fun and helps toddlers distract from the fact that there are veggies involved. You can toss in a small handful of ice, or if your toddler wants it sweeter, a spoonful of honey or a few pineapple chunks can do the trick.
Sweet Potato & Berry Smoothie
Yes, sweet potatoes can go in vegetable smoothies for toddlers because they have a sweet taste and a smooth texture when cooked. If I have leftover roasted sweet potatoes, I’ll freeze them for later use. Then I blend them with a handful of mixed berries—like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries—for a colorful and tastier drink. The berries have a fresh taste that easily covers any strong “veggie” flavor. If you see chunks in the smoothie, some milk and a spoon of plain yogurt will help everything come together. The end result is a dessert-like treat that still counts as a smart way to get more nutrients into my kids.
Avocado & Spinach Smoothie
Avocado and spinach make toddler-friendly green smoothies and are full of healthy fats that help little ones feel satisfied. Pairing these two will give the toddler a powerhouse of vitamins, all wrapped up in a velvety blend. You can add vanilla yogurt or a ripe banana for extra sweetness, so the “green” flavor stays in the background. If it looks too green or the taste feels more appropriate for grown-ups, you can add some slices of pineapple or a splash of apple juice to make it tastier.
Zucchini & Pineapple Smoothie
Zucchini is surprisingly subtle in healthy smoothies for picky eaters and picks up the flavors of whatever fruits you add. Since pineapple’s tangy sweetness overshadows everything else, the smoothie works for kids. A cup of chopped zucchini, pineapple chunks, and water or juice is enough to get that perfect smoothie blend. If you want a thicker texture, include some yogurt or a small banana. And unless there’s tough skin on zucchini, don’t worry about peeling it, because once it’s blended, no one can tell it’s there. In my house, this combo is a go-to for an easy, guilt-free treat.
Beetroot & Apple Smoothie
Beets can seem intimidating for toddlers, but they have a naturally sweet flavor when paired with apples. Plus, their vibrant color makes little ones enjoy their food. I mostly use steamed beetroot so the texture remains smooth with some sliced apples for a crisp taste. You can include some apple juice or a spoon of honey to make it sweeter and thinner. The great thing about beetroot is that when it’s pureed with a sweet fruit, the earthy taste is barely noticeable—a smart way to sneak in extra nutrients, you see.
Cauliflower & Peach Smoothie
Cauliflower may not sound like the friendliest veggie for a smoothie, but trust me it works. Its mild taste is masked by juicy peaches, and the toddlers don’t sense that something is odd with their smoothie. Whether you use fresh or frozen cauliflower florets, their consistency is good without leaving a strong aftertaste. You can also add half a banana or a spoon of maple syrup for a better taste. But the key here is that peaches have a natural sweetness and a pleasant aroma, which helps hide any hint of cauliflower.
Kale & Strawberry Smoothie
Kale has a strong, leafy taste, so it’s hardly a choice for toddlers who want hidden veggie smoothies. But if you blend it with strawberries, it’s way less intimidating. Strawberries’ sweet & tangy flavor covers the “green” taste and gives the smoothie a pretty color. I usually remove the thick stems from the kale leaves to have some mercy on my little one, lol. I then combine them with a handful of ripe strawberries and a small scoop of yogurt for creaminess and a gentle sweetness.
Butternut Squash & Pear Smoothie
Butternut squash has subtle sweetness and a creamy texture that goes well with the mild taste of pears. I like to roast or steam the squash beforehand so it blends well and there’s no graininess. And since pears are naturally sweet and juicy, you won’t need extra sugar. If your toddler prefers a thicker consistency, a spoonful of plain yogurt can help. Butternut squash + pear is one of those easy veggie smoothies for kids that don’t have an overpowering taste and work for little ones who typically reject vegetables.
Keep Going with Confidence
Making hidden veggie smoothies for toddlers will encourage healthier eating without a daily struggle. It’s normal to face a bit of trial and error, but remember that every small step counts toward building very positive habits. You’ll discover which flavors your child enjoys most, then tweak recipes to suit their preferences. Consistency is key, so keep trying even if your toddler resists at first.
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FAQs
What not to mix in smoothies for toddlers?
Try to avoid raw eggs, excessive sweeteners (especially white sugar), or strong spices. Also, steer clear of honey if your child is under one. Overly sugary or caffeinated ingredients are not recommended. Use fresh, wholesome ingredients whenever possible.
Do veggies lose nutrients when blended?
Vegetables don’t generally experience nutrient loss when blended and their overall nutritional value remains high.
What fruits and vegetables should not be blended together?
There are no strict rules. However, mixing highly acidic fruits like grapefruit with dairy can cause curdling. Also try to pair flavors that taste good together and avoid combinations that produce unpleasant textures or overpowering flavors.
