Pineapple Mint Smoothie Recipe + Sugar Free!

When the temps start to rise, the drinks need to be cool and refreshing. Nothing says tropical like pineapple and nothing is more cooling than mint. You combine the two and you have an amazing Pineapple Mint Smoothie recipe to die for!

Sugar-Free but we’ll never tell!

Tropical and refreshing, our Pineapple Mint Smoothie is a perfect drink for sipping by the pool or a backyard BBQ. The best part? There’s no added sugar! 

Traditional fruit smoothies may look healthy but they have a LOT of added sugar. A typical commercial smoothie can contain 11-15 teaspoons of sugar per drink! Using a ripe pineapple in this recipe will reduce the need to add any sweetener. 

How To Pick A Ripe Pineapple For The Best-Tasting Smoothie!

When I was younger we used to travel to Hawaii in the fall, the sweet smell of pineapple as you traveled the coast was amazing.

We would visit the Dole plantation and purchase ripe pineapple to snack on from the street vendors, there’s nothing like it. Contrary, pick a green pineapple? It will leave your mouth tasteless and chalky- yuck!

From my experience running a produce business for a couple of years, I’ve picked up a thing or two about choosing ripe fruit and veggies. Here are some tips to make sure you get a ripe pineapple every time. 

Tips To Pick a Ripe Pineapple

1. Look with your eyes first. Is it more green than yellow? Then it’s probably not ripe. 
2. Is the top all brown? If the top looks more dead than alive, it’s probably overripe. 
3. Next, feel it. A ripe pineapple will feel firm but you can indent your fingers, it will have a little give but not squishy. 
4. Lastly is the smell test. A ripe pineapple will ALWAYS smell good. You want to smell the bottom of the pineapple where the stem used to be. It should smell sweet and fruity. 

What Fruits Can Be Mixed With Pineapple?

You can have fun with this recipe and make it your own or try different combinations by adding different fruits or herbs.

Some good fruit smoothie add-ins you can try are 

• Mango for a tropical flavor.
• Oranges are perfect for breakfast smoothies. 
• Strawberries for a Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie. 
• Watermelon, mint, and pineapple for a unique combination. 
• Coconut for a Pina Colada Smoothie
• Bananas for a Pineapple Banana Smoothie

To add additional fruit to your Pineapple Mint Smoothie Recipe, add 1/2 cup of the alternative fruit and reduce the pineapple by 1/2 cup. Make sure to freeze the fruit before making the smoothie. 

Can You Mix Pineapple and Milk?

Why yes, yes you can mix pineapple and milk. Provided you’re not allergic to either one. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute milk for a non-dairy ingredient. 

Does pineapple and milk make you sick?

Pineapple and milk will not make you sick. The combination is often used in smoothies, ice cream, and desserts. Pineapple is used to treat upset stomachs and to aid in digestion.

However, milk is alkaline and pineapple is acidic so there is a possibility it may affect those with digestive issues. If you experience stomach issues after consuming pineapple, it’s possible you may have a pineapple allergy and should consider consulting your physician about your symptoms.

What Do You Add To Smoothies to Make Them Thicker?

Is your smoothie a little on the thin side? Don’t fret, we have some great tips to thicken that smoothie in no time. 

Smoothie Thickener Add-Ins

1. Re-freeze your smoothie and blend once your smoothie is semi-frozen. 
2. Use frozen fruit instead of fresh.  
3. Add 1 tsp of chia seeds. The seeds will absorb the extra liquid and thicken your smoothie. 
4. Add a scoop of protein, you can use any vanilla or fruit-flavored protein powder mix. 
5. Add 3 Tablespoons of Greek Yogurt. 
6. 1/2 Frozen Banana. Banana is another tropical fruit that is fun to use. 

Mint

Mint is one herb I don’t want to be without. You can plant it once and have it for years and years. It makes the perfect ground cover or you can keep it in a planter.

Mint comes in a variety of flavors such as chocolate mint, lemon mint, spearmint, and even pineapple mint.

We have a article about growing mint or the health benefits of mint.

Does Mint Have A Cooling Effect? 

Mint is the perfect twist to include our pineapple smoothie because it adds a cooling effect that is a perfect remedy for a warm day. 

Mint contains a little compound menthol. Menthol produces a cooling effect by tricking the sensors in your brain that mint is cold.

So while mint doesn’t actually cool you down, it does give you the cooling sensation. That is why mint is so refreshing during the warmer season. 

How Do You Use Mint In A Drink? 

Although mint is the star of the show in drink recipes like Mint Juleps and Mojitos, I simply add it to my water every day that it’s growing in my garden. 

Ways to Use Mint in Drinks

1. Muddle. In many recipes with alcohol, you would muddle or crush the mint to release the flavor.
2. Infusing Mint. When I add it to my water, I just toss a whole sprig in my glass before I add the ice. You can drink right away or place a pitcher in the refrigerator to infuse the mint for a stronger flavor. 
3. Blending Mint. In our Pineapple Mint Smoothie recipe below we blend the mint with the pineapple so the flavor is dispersed throughout the drink. 

Pineapple Mint Smoothie that’s Sugar-Free but Ohhhhhh Soooo Good!

You can drink this pineapple smoothie recipe for breakfast, in the afternoon to cool off by the pool or add a  shot of rum for an evening cocktail smoothie. 

Ingredients

• 1 can pineapple of chunks (20 oz) or two cups of fresh pineapple.  
• 1/4 cup milk. You can replace milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. 
  * for a tropical twist or to use as a smoothie for breakfast you can replace the milk with orange juice. 
• 1/4 cup ice cubes
• Several sprigs fresh Mint or Pineapple Mint
• A slice of pineapple and mint for garnish

Directions

1. Drain the pineapple juice if using canned pineapple.
2. Freeze fruit overnight. 
3. Add your frozen pineapple, milk or dairy-free substitute, and mint into a blender and pulse until completely blended.
4. Pour in a glass 
5. Garnish with fresh mint and pineapple.
6. Serve immediately…. Enjoy!

What Is Your Favorite Smoothie Recipe? 

I’m always looking for new recipes to try, especially if they are made with herbs! Send us a shout-out and tell me how you enjoyed this pineapple mint smoothie recipe. 

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