Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie is a delicious and healthy beverage that transforms the iconic sandwich into a drinkable treat. It masterfully blends the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of mixed berries, which serve as the "jelly" component. A frozen banana provides natural sweetness and a thick, creamy consistency, making it a substantial and satisfying choice for any time of day. This smoothie is a favorite among both children and adults for its fun flavor and nutritional benefits.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a smoothie due to its blended nature of fruits and other ingredients. It fits perfectly into the breakfast category as a quick, nutritious meal replacement. It also serves well as a satisfying snack, especially for post-workout recovery or an afternoon energy boost.

Serving

Serve this non-alcoholic smoothie immediately after blending in a large pint glass or tumbler while it's still cold and thick. No special glass preparation is needed.
Serving size
450 ml / 15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This smoothie is a modern culinary innovation, born from the desire to create healthier, more convenient versions of classic comfort foods. As smoothie culture boomed, creators looked for familiar and beloved flavor profiles to adapt, and the peanut butter and jelly sandwich was a natural choice. It represents a fusion of nostalgia and contemporary health trends, offering a protein-packed, on-the-go meal that evokes fond childhood memories.
Origin
The Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie is an American creation, emerging in the late 20th or early 21st century. It doesn't have a single inventor but rather evolved organically as home cooks and smoothie bars experimented with sandwich-inspired flavors. Its rise in popularity corresponds with the widespread adoption of high-speed blenders and a greater interest in nutritious, homemade beverages.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie

This drink is commonly known as the Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie, often shortened to PB&J Smoothie. The name directly reflects its flavor profile, which mimics the classic American sandwich. It is sometimes called a Peanut Butter and Berry Smoothie, highlighting the fruit component that stands in for the jelly.
Original name
Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie
Alternative names
  • PB&J Smoothie
  • Peanut Butter and Berry Smoothie

Characteristics overview

This smoothie has a thick, creamy texture and a sweet, fruity flavor balanced by the savory notes of peanut butter. Its aroma is a nostalgic blend of peanuts and berries, and it presents with an opaque, purplish-brown hue.
Flavor
nutty, fruity, sweet, creamy
Aroma
peanut butter, berries, banana
Taste balance
sweet, slightly salty
Aftertaste
clean, nutty, fruity
Fizziness
still
Color appearance
purplish-brown, opaque, thick
Texture
thick, creamy, smooth
Seasonality
refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by high levels of fruitiness, sweetness, and creaminess, with a subtle saltiness from the peanut butter. This is a completely non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This smoothie requires frozen banana and mixed berries for a creamy base, combined with peanut butter and a liquid like almond milk. Optional rolled oats can be added for extra thickness and fiber.
  • Frozen Banana1 large
    Using a frozen banana is key to achieving a thick, creamy texture without adding ice.
  • Frozen Mixed Berries1 cup (approx. 150g)
    A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries works well for the "jelly" flavor.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter2 tablespoons
    Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a healthier option.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz)
    Any milk, dairy or plant-based, can be substituted.
  • Rolled Oats2 tablespoons(optional)
    Adds fiber and makes the smoothie more filling. Ensure they are certified gluten-free if needed.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment needed to make this smoothie is a high-speed blender capable of breaking down frozen fruit.
  • High-speed blender for blending all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

To prepare, simply place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
1. Combine all ingredients—frozen banana, frozen mixed berries, peanut butter, almond milk, and optional rolled oats—into the jug of a high-speed blender.
2. Secure the lid and blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
3. Check the consistency. If it's too thick for your liking, add another splash of almond milk and briefly blend again.
4. Pour the finished smoothie into a large glass.
5. Garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of peanut butter if desired, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnishing is optional but can be enhanced with a few fresh berries or a small dollop of creamy peanut butter on top for visual appeal.
  • A few fresh berries placed on top.
  • A small dollop of peanut butter swirled on the surface.

Dietary Information

This smoothie is naturally caffeine-free, egg-free, and can be made dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan by choosing appropriate ingredients. However, it is not nut-free as it contains peanuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This smoothie is moderately caloric but high in carbohydrates and natural sugars from the fruit. It provides a significant amount of energy, fiber, and protein.
Calories
averagely 420 kcal / 1757 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 65 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 32 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This smoothie is incredibly versatile, ideal for a quick and filling breakfast or a nutritious post-workout snack to replenish energy. It's also a wholesome and appealing treat for kids. Its substantial nature makes it a viable option for a light and speedy lunch on a busy day.
  • Breakfast
  • Post-Workout Snack
  • Kid's Treat
  • Quick Lunch

Pairing suggestions

As a complete meal in itself, this smoothie pairs well with simple, light accompaniments. Consider a piece of toast or a small granola bar if you desire something extra to eat alongside it.
  • A slice of buttered toast
  • A simple granola bar
  • A handful of nuts or seeds

The Classic Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie Experience

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie is a delightful and nutritious beverage that successfully translates a childhood favorite into a modern, healthy format. Its simple preparation, involving blending frozen fruits with peanut butter and milk, makes it an accessible choice for a quick breakfast or satisfying snack. The resulting drink is thick, creamy, and packed with the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and sweet berries. It's a versatile, family-friendly recipe that offers both comfort and sustenance in a single glass.