This smoothie is a simple, delicious way to show your heart a little love. Made with 100% tart cherry juice, oats, almond butter, and banana, it delivers fiber, unsaturated fats, and naturally occurring plant compounds that support overall heart health. The oats provide beta-glucan fiber to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, while almond butter contributes heart-healthy unsaturated fats for staying power and balance.
What’s the Difference Between Tart and Sweet Cherries?
Sweet cherries are the ones you typically see fresh in the summer — darker in color and naturally sweet. Tart cherries are brighter red and have a tangy-sweet flavor that adds depth to smoothies and recipes like this one.
Fresh tart cherries are highly seasonal, so they’re more commonly available year-round in frozen, dried, canned, or 100% juice forms. Using tart cherry juice makes it easy to enjoy their flavor and nutrition any time of year.
Why Tart Cherries?
Tart cherries — particularly the Montmorency variety grown in the U.S. — have been widely studied for their unique nutrient profile. Their deep ruby color comes from anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol with antioxidant properties.
Research has explored tart cherry consumption in areas such as heart health, including support for healthy cholesterol levels, as well as exercise recovery, sleep quality, and overall wellness. While no single food is a cure-all, incorporating a variety of polyphenol-rich plant foods, like tart cherries, is one smart strategy for supporting long-term health and well-being.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 100% tart cherry juice (Montmorency)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 cup frozen tart cherries
- 2 medium frozen bananas
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 6 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- handful of frozen spinach
- vanilla protein powder, as desired
Directions
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In a high-powered blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Nutrition
