detox island green smoothie

This post may contain affiliate links, highlighted in yellow. Read our disclosure policy.
Pinterest Hidden Image

My detox island green smoothie blends dual greens, tropical fruits, healthy fats and adaptogens into a creamy smoothie that feels like a quick refresh. I load it with fiber, protein and a ginger zing you’ll notice on the first sip.

This recipe confronts issues of hunger post-smoothie, grainy texture, clumping powders, and provides a quick method ideal for busy individuals.

Three tall glasses of tropical smoothie cafe copycat smoothie with mint leaves on marble surface

I often hit a grainy green detox smoothie that left me hungry fast. Now I use an easy green smoothie that’s never thin (hats off to avocado) and keeps me full even during crazy weeknights.

It works because you blend greens, fruits and fats in stages; each stage takes under a minute. Fresh ginger and lime juice at the end wake up the taste buds (you’ll grin at that zing). I even freeze fruit chunks ahead to speed things up. All in about three minutes.

If you love tropical flavors like this detox island green smoothie, you’ll also enjoy my Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie and refreshing Boba Smoothie recipes.

Dietary Considerations

  • This recipe is gluten-free, making it perfect for those following gluten-free diets. For more gluten-free treats, try my Sugar-Free Donuts or Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies.
  • This recipe is dairy-free.
  • This recipe is vegan and vegetarian.
  • This recipe does not meet low-carb or keto diets due to high sugar content from fruit.
  • This recipe is nut-free.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Ultra-Creamy Mouthfeel: this tropical smoothie cafe copycat blends avocado and frozen banana into a thick, smooth drink that fits my diabetes meal plan.
  • Protein & Fiber Kick: this green juice detox’s hemp and chia seeds supply about 7 grams plant protein plus 6 grams fiber, keeping me full for hours. For even more protein, try adding a scoop of my homemade Cookies and Cream Protein Powder or pair this smoothie with my Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars for a complete breakfast.
  • Gentle Detox Support: matcha and chlorella powders pack antioxidants and gentle caffeine that suit my diabetes needs and offer a simple detox boost.
  • Quick Blend Routine: pouring 1 cup coconut water plus almond milk, then blending 45 seconds yields an easy green smoothie I can grab on busy mornings.
  • Tropical Smoothie Cafe Copycat: tastes just like the popular TSC drink but costs 75% less to make at home (similar to my Starbucks Apple Crisp Chai copycat)

How to make Detox Island Green Smoothie

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tall glass of green smoothie with pineapple garnish on marble surface

Island Green Detox Smoothie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Charlene
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cool Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: beverage
  • Method: blending
  • Cuisine: tropical
  • Diet: vegan

Description

A refreshing island green detox smoothie combining nutrient-rich greens, tropical fruits, healthy fats, and adaptogens.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 medium frozen banana
  • ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • ½ cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup chopped curly kale, stems removed
  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • ½ avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  • 1 teaspoon chlorella powder
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 5 mint leaves
  • 4 ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Begin by pouring the coconut water and almond milk into your blender. Then add the matcha powder, chlorella powder, and apple cider vinegar. Blend on low for five seconds. This initial blending helps prevent any clumping of the powders, ensuring your base remains creamy.
    Tall glass of green smoothie with pineapple garnish on marble surface
  2. Step 2: Next, incorporate the avocado, frozen banana, fresh ginger, and mint leaves into the blender. Blend these ingredients on medium speed for about ten seconds. This process improves the overall texture of your smoothie and ensures the flavors are evenly distributed before adding the greens.
    Three tall glasses of green smoothies with mint leaves on marble surface
  3. Step 3: Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach and chopped kale. Blend on medium speed until the mixture reaches a deep green shade and the greens are fully incorporated. This step is crucial to avoid any leafy bits in your smoothie, allowing every sip to be smooth and nutrient-rich.
    Tall glass of green smoothie with pineapple garnish on marble surface
  4. Step 4: Toss in the frozen pineapple, frozen mango, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and ice cubes. Blend on high for approximately thirty seconds or until the mixture is smooth and frothy. The hemp and chia seeds add a boost of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the ice ensures your smoothie is refreshingly chilled.
    Tall glass of green smoothie with pineapple garnish on marble surface
  5. Step 5: Finally, squeeze the juice of half a lime into the blender and give it a quick blend for five seconds. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass, optionally garnishing it with a sprig of mint. This touch of citrus enhances the flavors, providing a fresh finish to your island green detox smoothie.
    island green detox smoothie

Notes

  • Choose coconut water that is clear and additive-free; shake gently to mix any sediment and preserve freshness.
  • Use unsweetened almond milk, and check for a mealy smell, which indicates staleness; shelf-stable options often have fewer additives.
  • Look for frozen bananas with yellow skins featuring small brown spots for optimal creaminess and sweetness.
  • Grab unsweetened frozen pineapple chunks for a bright flavor, and make sure to avoid any in syrup.
  • When selecting frozen mango chunks, choose those that are golden and free from frost; letting them sit for a moment aids in blending.
  • For fresh spinach, select bright green leaves free of wilting; washing and patting dry is key to avoiding excess moisture.
  • Choose firm yet ripe curly kale, removing stems before chopping; a light massage can help if you prep ahead.
  • Source raw, hulled hemp seeds from sealed bags, and stir them in at the end to avoid clumping.
  • Ensure chia seeds are either dark or mixed; soaking them in blender liquid first allows them to gel evenly during blending.
  • For avocado, select ripe but firm fruits; slice around the pit carefully to prevent bruising.
  • For fresh ginger, pick roots with smooth skin and peel using a spoon; slice them thinly to balance the zing.
  • Opt for unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains the “mother” for the best flavor; store it in a cool place and give it a shake before using.
  • Matcha powder should be a bright green and finely ground; sift it into your liquids first to prevent clumping.
  • Look for dark green, organic chlorella powder, and whisk it with liquids prior to solids to distribute it evenly.
  • Choose limes with thin skins and a heavy feel; juicing at room temperature yields more juice, and remember to strain out any seeds.
  • For mint, pick vibrant leaves and rinse gently to keep their aroma intact during blending.
  • Use clear ice cubes—boil water before freezing to reduce cloudiness; add frozen ice for extra coolness without dilution.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 smoothie
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Tall glass of island green detox smoothie with pineapple garnish on marble surface

What is Island Green Detox Smoothie made of?

  • Coconut water: choose clear, additive-free bottles; shake gently to mix sediment and keep freshness intact. For more coconut recipes, check out my Toasted Coconut Marshmallows.
  • Almond milk: pick unsweetened cartons; give it a sniff for mealy smell; shelf-stable kinds often use fewer gums
  • Frozen banana: look for yellow skins with small brown spots; ripe ones blend creamier and add natural sweetness. For more ways to use ripe bananas, try my Cottage Cheese Banana Bread or Sourdough Banana Muffins.
  • Pineapple chunks: grab unsweetened frozen pieces for bright tang; avoid syrup-packed bags and rinse any icy bits
  • Mango chunks: frozen works well—seek golden color with no frost; let sit briefly for even blending
  • Spinach: pick bright green leaves with no wilting; wash and pat dry to prevent extra water in the blender
  • Kale: choose curly, firm leaves; strip out stems before chopping and massage lightly if prepping ahead
  • Hemp seeds: look for raw, hulled seeds in sealed bags; stir in last to avoid clumps and add protein. For more healthy nuts and seeds recipes, try my Honey Nut Clusters or homemade Macadamia Nut Butter.
  • Chia seeds: pick dark or mixed seeds; soak in blender liquid first so they gel evenly for smoother texture
  • Avocado: ripe but still firm gives creaminess; slice around pit, then scoop with a spoon to prevent bruising
  • Ginger: choose knobby roots with smooth skin; peel thinly using a spoon and slice small for balanced zing
  • Apple cider vinegar: go unfiltered with the “mother” for tang; store in a cool spot and shake before using
  • Matcha powder: pick bright green, fine-grind bags; sift into liquids first to prevent lumps and spread flavor evenly
  • Chlorella powder: look for dark green, organic powder; whisk with liquids before solids to avoid clumps
  • Lime juice: choose limes with thin skins and heavy feel; juice at room temp for better yield and strain seeds
  • Mint leaves: pick bright, unblemished leaves; rinse gently and pat dry to keep aroma fresh when blending

Recipe Baking Tips

  1. If matcha or chlorella powder clumps, pulse 5 seconds with coconut water plus almond milk then scrape sides 10 seconds into blending.
  2. When fibrous kale bits persist, blend greens with avocado and banana for 30 seconds into blending before adding fruit and seeds.
  3. For overly thick smoothie, pour 1 tablespoon extra coconut water during the final 10 seconds of blending fruit, seeds and ice.
  4. If seeds settle at bottom, add hemp and chia seeds 15 seconds before high speed blending ends for 20 seconds.
  5. When ginger tastes sharp, swap 1 inch piece for ½ teaspoon ginger, add it 5 seconds into the 10 second medium blend.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with grilled chicken avocado salad dressed in lime vinaigrette alongside cilantro cauliflower rice with chopped scallions and toasted pepitas. Pair it with gluten-free zucchini hummus platter loaded with fresh cucumber spears, radish slices, carrot sticks and kalamata olive tapenade.

Use this tropical smoothie cafe as base for frozen pops blended with coconut yogurt, lime zest, mint, and chia. Add this detox island green smoothie to tropical overnight oats recipe with rolled oats, diced mango, shredded coconut and pistachios.

Top the green detox smoothie with toasted hemp seeds, sliced almonds, dried mulberries and a drizzle of raw honey. Sprinkle matcha chia granola, mint sprigs, lime zest, coconut flakes and crushed pistachios over the smoothie bowl.

Serve this island green detox smoothie alongside my Peanut Butter Waffles for extra protein, or prep my Sourdough French Toast Casserole the night before for a complete weekend breakfast spread.

Recipe variations

  • You can use plain unsweetened coconut yogurt instead of almond milk, boosting probiotic content similar to flavors found in my Tropical Smoothie Bahama Mama recipe.
  • Add 1 teaspoon spirulina powder in place of chlorella for a milder taste that still delivers antioxidant and detox support in this island detox smoothie.
  • Either fresh spinach or baby kale works if frozen greens are unavailable, allowing maintenance of micronutrients and creamy texture in this island green detox smoothie.
  • If using smaller blender, halve ingredients: ½ banana, ¼ avocado, ¼ cup pineapple, ¼ cup mango, ½ cup spinach, ½ teaspoon matcha yields one serving.

Save This Recipe

How to Store?

To keep your island green detox smoothie fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Place smoothie in airtight container at room temperature up to 4 hours. Stir gently before serving any leftover.

Refrigerator: Store smoothie in airtight container in the refrigerator up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking any remaining.

Freezing: Use a freezer-safe container, leave half-inch headspace, freeze up to one month; thaw for 10 minutes, then blend briefly.

Equipment You’ll Need

High-Speed Blender: a powerful blender like Vitamix (on Amazon), Blendtec, or Ninja is essential for breaking down fibrous kale and creating that ultra-smooth texture. The tamper tool helps push ingredients down for even blending.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time. I recommend glass measuring cups for liquids and nested measuring spoons for the superfood powders.

Sharp Paring Knife: You’ll need this for peeling and mincing fresh ginger. A sharp blade makes quick work of the tough ginger skin.

Fine-Mesh Strainer: (Optional) If you want to sift matcha or chlorella powder to prevent any clumping, a fine-mesh strainer works perfectly.

Citrus Juicer: (Optional) While you can squeeze lime by hand, a small citrus juicer extracts more juice and keeps seeds out of your smoothie.

What does a green detox smoothie do?

A green detox smoothie helps eliminate toxins and improve health with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from leafy greens like spinach, kale, and fruits like apple.

Do detox smoothies actually work?

Yes. Detox smoothies work by delivering fiber and protein to keep you full and satisfied, setting you up for healthier daily choices.

What are the side effects of green smoothie cleanse?

Green smoothie cleanse in moderation boosts vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but excessive intake may raise oxalic acid, causing muscle aches, joint pain, gout, kidney stones.

What are the benefits of island green detox?

Island green detox delivers hydration from coconut water, antioxidants from spinach, mango, and pineapple, and healthy fats from avocado to support brain function.

Can I lose weight drinking green smoothies?

Yes. Drinking green smoothies supports healthy weight loss without meal restriction, since they’re naturally low in calories depending on the recipe.

What is a detox island green smoothie?

A detox island green smoothie is a nutrient-dense blend of tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, banana), dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), and coconut water. Unlike regular smoothies, it contains no added sugars and relies on natural fruit sweetness while providing detoxifying nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Is detox island green smoothie healthy?

Yes, detox island green smoothie is very healthy. It provides vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and antioxidants from the greens and fruits. While it doesn’t have magical “detox” properties, it supports your body’s natural detoxification processes and delivers essential nutrients in an easily digestible form.

How do you make island green smoothie at home?

Add coconut water, spinach, kale, frozen mango, pineapple, banana, and fresh ginger to a high-speed blender. Blend for 30-45 seconds until smooth and creamy. The key is using frozen fruit for thickness and blending in stages for optimal texture.

What’s the difference between island green and detox island green smoothie?

The regular Island Green smoothie contains added Turbinado sugar for sweetness, while the Detox Island Green version uses only natural fruit sugars. The detox version also includes fresh ginger, which provides anti-inflammatory benefits and isn’t present in the regular version.

Can you taste the spinach in island green smoothie?

No, you cannot taste the spinach in a properly made island green smoothie. The tropical fruits (especially mango and pineapple) completely mask the mild flavor of spinach while the greens provide color and nutrients without affecting the taste.

Why do I get hungry after drinking green smoothies?

Most green smoothies lack sufficient protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied. This island green detox smoothie solves that problem by including hemp seeds, chia seeds, and avocado. For additional protein options, check out my Protein Brownies recipe.

How do you prevent powder clumping in green smoothies?

Blend matcha and chlorella powders with your liquid base first for 5 seconds before adding other ingredients. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution. Always sift powders into liquids rather than adding them to solid ingredients.

What makes this smoothie different from other green smoothie recipes?

This recipe uses a unique staged blending approach: liquids and powders first, then creamy ingredients (avocado, banana), followed by greens, and finally fruits and seeds. This method prevents texture issues and ensures optimal nutrient absorption.

Can I make this tropical green smoothie ahead of time?

Yes, but with modifications. For best results, pre-portion frozen ingredients in containers and blend fresh daily. If storing the finished smoothie, it keeps in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container, though the banana flavor intensifies over time.

Why use both matcha and chlorella powder in island green smoothie?

Matcha provides gentle caffeine and L-theanine for sustained energy without jitters, while chlorella offers complete protein and supports natural detoxification. Together, they create a powerful adaptogenic blend that’s especially beneficial for people managing blood sugar levels.

How do I adjust the island green detox smoothie recipe for diabetes?

To adjust the island green smoothie recipe for diabetes reduce the banana to ¼ cup and increase avocado to ¾ cup for lower natural sugars and more healthy fats. The hemp and chia seeds help slow sugar absorption, while the fiber content supports stable blood glucose levels.

What’s the best blender for this island green detox juice?

A high-speed blender like Vitamix or Blendtec works best for breaking down fibrous kale and creating a perfectly smooth texture. If using a standard blender, blend greens with liquid first, then add other ingredients gradually.

Can I substitute the superfoods (matcha, chlorella) in detox island green smoothie?

Yes. Replace matcha with spirulina powder for a milder taste, or omit entirely. Instead of chlorella, try moringa powder or simply increase the leafy greens. The base recipe works without any superfood powders.

Why does my island detox smoothie taste too “green” or bitter?

This usually indicates overripe greens or too much kale. Use fresh, bright green spinach and massage kale lightly before adding. If it’s still bitter, increase the tropical fruits (especially mango) or add a few drops of vanilla extract.

How do I make this green detox juice thicker like a smoothie bowl?

to make this green detox juice thicker like a smoothie bowl use all frozen fruits, reduce coconut water to ½ cup, and add an extra ¼ avocado. Blend until thick enough to eat with a spoon, then top with granola, coconut flakes, and fresh fruit.

Is island green smoothie safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes, the green detox smoothie and its base ingredients are generally safe, but consult your healthcare provider about the matcha (caffeine content) and chlorella supplements. You can make the smoothie without these add-ins and still get excellent nutrition from the fruits and vegetables.

Can kids drink tropical smoothie cafe copycat?

Absolutely! Kids often love the tropical smoothie cafe because of its fruit flavors. You may want to reduce or omit the ginger for sensitive palates and skip the superfood powders. The natural sweetness from fruits makes it kid-friendly while sneaking in valuable nutrients.

If you enjoyed this island green detox smoothie or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Reader Comments and Reviews

  1. I was making this for a long time, but always had that hunger after few hours. I tried this one with chia seeds and it’s really amazing, no more hunger

    Reply
Share via