Refreshing, simple, low potassium.

Smoothies are unfortunately often very heavy in potassium.  Let’s take for example the Dairy Queen tropical mango smoothie.  The 12 oz drink packs an impressive 528 mg potassium (and it doesn’t even include bananas – a classic smoothie addition for creaminess).  This is hardly kidney-friendly. For the last year I have been pondering and searching for some kidney-friendly smoothie options.  In my searching I stumbled upon this magnificent, simple, low potassium beverage option.  It isn’t creamy like a classic smoothie.  However, what it lacks in creaminess it makes up for in refreshing.

Four Ingredient Simple Blueberry Smoothie

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• Author: Jessianna Saville, RDN, Renal Nutrition Specialist
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 min
• Total Time: 5 mins
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Low potassium beverage recipe that is simple and refreshing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 cup rice milk
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar substitute (like Stevia)
• 1 sprig fresh mint
• Ice cubes (optional depending on desired thickness)

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Instructions

1. Puree the blueberries, rice milk, honey, mint, and extra ice (if using) in a blender. Serve in a tall glass.

Notes

Protein powder and/or unflavored fiber could be excellent additions to this. The flavor of this is fairly delicate (more like a juice than smoothie) so be conservative with quantity added.  

• Category: breakfast, beverages

Keywords: renal diet recipe, low potassium recipe

KidneyGrub Verdict:

This is a true can-do kidney-friendly smoothie. Period. It is refreshing, simple, and quick.  A true classic.  I whipped this up for breakfast in less than five minute. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not.  I was very  much pleasantly surprised on how refreshing and satisfying this was.  It is more like a juice than a smoothie since it lacks the traditional “creaminess” of a smoothie.  As a light, but satisfying breakfast it really hit the spot for me.  I could see this paired well with a simple piece of toast with butter.

Notes on this recipe:

1)This separates rather quickly.  I didn’t feel like the separation impacted flavor but the drink is prettier well emulsified. If you plan to serve to friends or family, make sure to mix right before serving. This would also be great with a handful of ice added, or if you need some extra calories 1-2 tbsps of heavy cream.

2)If you’re trying to increase protein intake (if you’re on dialysis, you could add an unflavored protein powder to this. Don’t be heavy-handed with your protein scoop as the flavor of this smoothie is fairly delicate.  Too much protein powder and you’ll end up with a gritty artificial-tasting drink (blech!).

Looking for more refreshing drinks? Check our our Raspberry Mint Limeade or Italian Lemonade!