Cranberry Smoothie Recipes and Nutrition
Cranberries add a delicious, tart flavor to certain green smoothie recipes. You can add them to most berry smoothies to boost the tartness and antioxidants. Since these berries tend to be very tart, I recommend using 1/2 cup, then adding more to taste.
Cranberry Nutrition and Health Benefits
Cranberries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain small amounts of magnesium, vitamin K, manganese, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus. This berry is a great ingredient in low calorie, low fat smoothies to drink with meals or between meals.
Cranberries are known for their powerful, disease-fighting antioxidant properties. Eating cranberries on a regular basis may promote cardiovascular health, boost the immune system and protect against certain cancers. New research suggests that cranberries may play a role in the prevention of kidney stones and help prevent tooth decay. They may also help lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. Cranberries have antiviral properties and are famous for their ability to protect against urinary tract infections.
Smoothie Recipes
Cranberry Apple (Cran-Apple)
1/2 cup cranberries
1 apple, cored
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 to 1 cup of water
Calories: 126 | Fat: 0.2g (grams) | Protein: 2.6g | Carbs: 28.1g | Calcium: 9.5% | Vitamin A: 81.5% | Vitamin C: 61.5%
Cranberry Grape (Cran-Grape)
1/2 cup cranberries
1 cup red grapes
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 to 1 cup water
Calories: 164 | Fat: 0.3g (grams) | Protein: 3.4g | Carbs: 38g | Calcium: 10.5% | Vitamin A: 82.5% | Vitamin C: 79.5%
Cranberry Banana (Cranbanana)
1/2 cup cranberries
1 banana
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 stalk of celery
1/2 to 1 cup water
Calories: 181 | Fat: 0.5g (grams) | Protein: 4g | Carbs: 41.3g | Calcium: 11.5% | Vitamin A: 86.5% | Vitamin C: 72.5%
Browse even more cranberry smoothie recipes!
How To Select Cranberries
Cranberries are in season in North America from October through December and are a popular ingredient in many holiday dishes. For making smoothies, choose fresh, whole cranberries that are deep red in color and firm. Fresh berries can be frozen and used later on throughout the year when they are out of season.
Cranberries rank a 33 out of 100 for potential pesticide residue according to research conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Organic cranberries might be hard to find, so I wouldn’t sweat it if you use conventional berries in a smoothie recipe that uses mostly organic ingredients.
Thanks for the great seasonal smoothies. I will buy some cranberries tonight!