This Healthy Orange Julius Recipe is a flashback to childhood! They were my favorite treat when visiting malls. This fresh orange smoothie is a much healthier version, as shown in the nutritional stats comparison below! Orange smoothies are great in the winter months when they are in season.
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A Healthier Orange Smoothie Recipe
As a kid, we didn’t go to malls or eat out often. When we did, my mom was pretty lax about the choices we made.
A stop at Orange Julius at the mall food court was mandatory! Creamy, delicious, and — made of oranges? A pretty good “treat”, right?
Once I realized what was actually in the orange smoothie recipe, I quickly learned to make my own at home. This is one of my favorite smoothie recipes now – you’ll see why!
Orange Julius was originally an orange juice stand created by Julius Freed in Los Angeles. Sales on his cups of orange juice were slow, so a friend suggested adding a few secret ingredients to make it creamy and frothy. Unfortunately, through the years, the recipe was altered and made more and more processed until it became the chemical stew it is today.
Here’s the ingredient list of the original Orange Julius recipe: (now served at Dairy Queen)
I’m not quite sure what sodium carboxymethylcellulose or Maltodextrin is, but I am pretty sure I will NOT be feeding it to my son. I do see dextrose, sugar, and corn syrup solids — 3 different forms of sugar. (Lots of these ingredients are on my Food Additive Nix List (free printable available)- a great resource for navigating nutrition labels!).
I was surprised to see actual concentrated orange juice on the list, especially considering the nutritional stats.
Nutritional Stats of a classic Orange Julius vs. a Homemade Orange Smoothie:
The mall drink is packed with more sugar than a can of soda, and besides having vitamin C from the orange juice it contains, it’s devoid of nutrients.
It’s a sugar bomb with no protein and no fiber.
Does this healthier homemade version taste like the real thing? Not exactly – but I have had many people tell me it’s even better! Give this frothy Orange Julius a whirl in your blender and see for yourself!
What You’ll Need
My Copycat Orange Julius recipe is made with real fruit, and contains no added sugar. The 20 grams of sugar it contains come straight from the oranges and banana. Because it’s made with whole ingredients, it also has a nice dose of fiber, Vitamin A, calcium and iron.
Instead of many recipes that use orange juice concentrate (highly processed!) for the orange flavor, this uses fresh whole oranges. This healthy Orange Julius Recipe gets it’s creamy texture from banana and coconut milk, and has a boost of protein that gives it the light and airy texture. Adding protein also helps balance the impact this fruity drink has on your blood sugar (no spike and crash!).
- Whole Oranges (no juice!)
- Frozen Banana (peel, quarter and freeze ahead of time for a cold, thick smoothie!)
- Vanilla Extract
- Protein Powder (I use whey isolate, but use any good tasting protein powder you enjoy)
- Coconut Milk (lends a creamy sweet taste, but can use almond milk as a sub)
- Ice Cubes
Just 5 healthy, simple ingredients in this healthy orange banana smoothie!
*Note: Many homemade Orange Julius recipe call for egg whites to give it a frothy texture. The whey protein does the same without using raw eggs, but feel free to swap the protein powder for 1-2 egg whites or egg white powder if desired!
Adore healthy smoothie recipes? Also try my Strawberry Banana Orange Julius or this super popular Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie.
Are Oranges Good in Smoothies?
I didn’t start using whole oranges in smoothies until I got a Vitamix. A high speed blender will pulverize anything into a smooth texture. Since I use the oranges fresh and not frozen in this smoothie, it will also work in a regular blender.
Fresh oranges add a ton of sweetness and a tart flavor that I love in smoothies. Although oranges are often overlooked at smoothie bars, they shouldn’t be!
With a touch of vanilla, you can create an orange creamsicle flavor that’s irresistible!
Also try this delicious Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie, made with mandarin oranges and spinach for more added nutrition!
How to Make Orange Julius at Home?
An Orange Julius is a frothy vanilla-orange smoothie. When I was a kid, my mom would make them for us at home using concentrated orange juice blended with ice and vanilla. Her version of the sweet treat is where I came up with the idea for this creamy orange drink.
The one from the mall is light and creamy smoothie, so I like to add either almond milk or coconut milk. I also find that using whey protein isolate, in addition to giving it a protein kick to make it more satiating, gives it that frothy and light texture.
How to Make this Healthy Orange Smoothie Recipe
Step 1: Add peeled oranges, frozen bananas, almond or coconut milk, ice cubes, and vanilla to a blender. Add whey protein if using (I highly recommend this!).
Step 2: Process the smoothie until it’s a light and frothy drink.
Step 3: Serve the smoothie right away so that it stays icy cold!
Step 4: If desired, garnish the smoothie is orange zest, an orange slice, and whipped cream. You can keep this orange smoothie vegan by using a vegan protein powder and coconut whipped cream.
The Perfect Orange Smoothie Recipe
Simple tweaks can make this easy Orange Julius recipe a perfect creamy treat for you!
Make it Vegan: Sub your favorite vegan protein, or omit the protein power.
Make it Your Own: Turn this healthy Orange Julius Smoothie into a healthy Strawberry Orange Julius by adding a couple of strawberries. Add spinach for an extra nutrient boost. I also like making this with grapefruits for an extra tart but still creamy and delicious smoothie. Be creative with other Orange Julius drinks like the pineapple Orange smoothie!
Add Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds probiotics and some additional protein! Add 1/4 cup and blend until smooth with the rest of the ingredients. Avoid vanilla yogurt as it is sweetened with white sugar.
Other Healthy Orange Smoothie Recipes:
- Orange Dreamcicle Green Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Golden Turmeric Smoothie, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- Strawberry Banana Orange Julius, by Sunkissed Kitchen
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Healthy Orange Julius Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 oranges peeled
- 1 banana large, peeled, quartered & frozen
- 1/4-1/2 cup almond milk or sub coconut milk
- 15 large ice cubes
- 20 grams whey protein isolate optional*
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- For a thick smoothie, be sure your banana is completely frozen prior to making a smoothie. I also only use 1/4 cup of liquid to keep things on the thicker side.
- Add peeled oranges, frozen banana, ice cubes, your choice of milk (can sub orange juice for a sweeter smoothie), optional protein powder, and vanilla to a blender. This works best in a high speed blender, but can be made in a good quality standard blender.
- Blend until the oranges are completely smoothie and the smoothie is thick and creamy. Top with a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream, if desired.
Congrats!!
Thank you!
So happy for you, Michelle! And so glad things have settled down a little. This creation is exactly what I needed right now because I’m so ready for a change up. I’ve skipped my protein shake for almost a week now because I couldn’t bear to drink the same old thing, lol.
So much excitement and fun in your future and how wonderful that you’ll be off just before your delivery date!
Thanks Robyn. We are getting really excited– I can’t believe how close it is now.
WOW! Congrats Michelle- This is so exciting!!!
Yes, very exciting! Thank you.
Congratulations my dear! I’m so excited for you! XOXOXO
Thanks Rebecca!
Congratulations Michelle! I am so excited for you! I remember how difficult it was during pregnancy and there is no way that I could have a food blog…I am glad things are starting to stay down and great for you and the vitmaix. Orange Julius are so retro and perfectly refreshing for this humid and warm weather. Take care of yourself little mama! Virtual hug coming your way. Sharing everywhere, of course!
Congratulations Michelle – very exciting news enjoy pregency days and focus on health, fitness and exercise and avoids common exercise mistakes
I cant have bananas, what could I swap out for it, this sounds delish
Hi Michelle! Funny you are asking about this recipe– I was going to test it and rephotograph it today (I’ve been doing this with all my most popular recipes). The bananas add sweetness and creaminess– so I am thinking if you used coconut milk and maybe even a little extra sweetener, like a date or some honey, it might work. I will try a banana free version and get back to you! 🙂
banana orange smoothie is refreshingly delicious. I love making my own smoothie… very healthy and economical.. 🙂
Delicious, easy, healthy. Can’t get better than that. Definitely keeping. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.
thank you
Awesome post. Mahy thanks for giving such an informative post.
How many cutie size oranges would you use in this recipe?
Good question! I would imagine 3 would replace 1 whole orange.
This is a fantastic recipe for this smoothie I love it with almond milk and I add chia seeds to it with kale. Super delicious! Thank you!
Both sound like delicious and nutritious additions! Thanks for letting me now you love it.
This is the best orange smoothie recipe ever. Wonderful
I’m allergic to both coconut milk and almond milk. What can I use instead to keep it still healthy?
I would use water and about 2-3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. If you buy grass-fed heavy whipping cream, it has a lot of good nurients like omega 3s and CLAs!
Orange Julius did not have bananas in it. Hate bananas would never make this
It didn’t – but it had a lot of processed sugars and chemicals that are also not included here! The banana adds creaminess and sweetness in place of those things.
That’s a little rude.
It looks very appetizing. Thanks for the recipe.
These “Healthy Orange Julius Recipe” looks so delicious and unique at same, will surely gonna try this one, thanks for sharing this one.
Never tried this one, seems so delicious and will love to try this one, thanks for sharing this recipe and instructions
Thanks for sharing this Healthy Orange Julius Recipe, will love to try this , this seems actually so delicious .
Love this Healthy Orange Julius Recipe, super excited to excited to try this new recipe . Will definitely gonna try this unique one . Thnks for sharing this with us .
This is the best smothie ever! 100% recommended!
As as smoothie lover who follows a high protein diet, I can only recommend this one. Made this recipe with almond milk yesterday and and again today with coconut milk for a change. The flavor of the fruits combined with the flavor of some plant milk is just delicious!
Awesome! Thank you for letting me know. I love this one too – so fresh. I recommend you also try my Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie (don’t skip the coconut milk!) and my Metabolism Booster! https://sunkissedkitchen.com/dreamy-chocolate-chip-mint-smoothie/ and https://sunkissedkitchen.com/metabolism-booster-smoothie/ (great for citrus lovers!)
Amazing!!
Disgusting with the starchy banana! He whole thing tastes BANANA and overpowers the delicate vanilla- orange flavor. GROSS The original NEVER had banana in it.
Things the original DID have that I imagine you don’t want in this smoothie: Sugar, Dextrose, Citric Acid, Salt, and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Water, Orange Juice: Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice, Contains less than 2% of Orange Julius Flavor Enhancer Modified Whey Solids, Maltodextrin, Egg White Solids, Sugar, Karaya Gum, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Corn Syrup Solids, Guar Gum, Modified Food Starch, Dipotassium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Standardized With Dextrose.. Now that’s gross!
Can this be made in a food processor if I don’t have a blender?
You can — but it won’t get the orange pith as smooth! Honestly I would probably freeze the oranges first if I used a food processor (peel, break into segments, freeze, then add to a food processor with the other ingredients). I think if it’s thicker it will break down better 🙂
This Healthy Orange Julius Recipe seems delicious and unique. Super excited to try this one, thanks for sharing this one with us, I was actually looking for same.
Did you ever figure out how to make it without Bannana Im allergic to it and Avocado. But would love to try this Recipe
Avocado would be a great addition! I actually make them without the banana and just add a little coconut oil or MCT oil and they are great. Let me know what you try!
So refreshing! And such clean ingredients.
This looks great, I just made a similar recipe, but even with my immersion blender, there were still chunks left in it from the whole oranges. Is this just the reality of this recipe? Thanks
I wouldn’t use an immersion blender for a smoothie with frozen fruit! This recipe does not have chunks in it when made with a real blender.
One f my friendly suggested me this Orange Julius Recipe, this one seems truly delicious and unique Thanks for sharing about this with us.
Looks delicious and healthy! Will try it today.
Have made many variations of this smoothie and my taste buds and microbiome always do a happy dance. What I find interesting in the comments is the number of complaints about the banana, but nothing about the unhealthy dairy products such as whey powder which are also hard on the environment and contribute so much to wildlife destruction. Funny, not funny world.
This is incredible! Perfection as written.
Its been my favorite smoothie