Try this Copycat Apples and Greens Jamba Juice Recipe – It’s Just Like the Real Thing! with apple juice, kale, mango, peach, and banana. Easy, refreshing, and packed with nutrients!
Okay, I’ll admit it—I went through a full-blown Jamba Juice phase. Like, “I should probably start budgeting for smoothies” kind of phase. Every time I was out running errands, I’d magically end up at Jamba Juice, ordering my usual Apples and Greens smoothie, feeling all proud of my ‘healthy’ choice—even though, let’s be real, I mostly just wanted something cold and fruity.
But, after realizing I was dropping way too much money on what was essentially blended fruit, I had one of those lightbulb moments: Why not just make this at home?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
And let me tell you, once I cracked the code on this copycat Apples and Greens Jamba Juice Recipe, my wallet and my blender became best friends. It’s so easy, uses just a few ingredients, and honestly? It might even be better than the original, because you can tweak it exactly how you like it.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the smoothie shop prices and start making your own delicious, nutrient-packed drinks, let’s get blending.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Apples And Greens Jamba Juice?
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Tastes like the real thing – Fruity, smooth, and zero mystery ingredients.
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Nutrient-packed – Kale + fruit = win.
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Naturally sweet – All fruit, no added sugar.
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Quick & refreshing – Done in 5 minutes, feels like a spa day.
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Ridiculously easy – Toss, blend, sip. That’s it.
Ingredient Notes:
Apple Juice: This is what gives the smoothie that classic Jamba Juice taste. It’s naturally sweet and blends well with the greens. If you want to cut back on sugar, use unsweetened apple juice or mix it with water.
Kale: I know, I know—kale in a smoothie can sound intimidating. But it’s surprisingly mild when blended with fruit, and bonus: kale is jam-packed with vitamins and antioxidants. In fact, kale ranks among the top leafy greens for nutrients. Healthline shares how it may support heart and eye health, help reduce inflammation, and even help lower cholesterol. Worth it, right? Here’s the full breakdown of kale’s proven health benefits.
Mango: This is the MVP of the smoothie. Mango adds a natural creaminess and tropical sweetness that helps balance out the greens. It’s also loaded with vitamins and gives that just-back-from-vacation vibe in every sip.
Peach: Peaches bring a juicy, slightly tangy note that keeps things interesting. They also help make the texture extra smooth. If you have fresh peaches, freeze them beforehand for that perfect frosty finish.
Banana: Bananas are key for that thick, creamy consistency, and they bring just the right amount of natural sweetness. If you’re not a banana fan, don’t worry—I’ll give you some swaps below!
Pro Tip: Always use frozen fruit. It makes the smoothie way thicker and colder without needing ice, which can water down the flavor.
You can easily swap in your favorite fruits or juice—think pineapple for more tropical flair, or orange juice if you want an extra citrus kick. Make it your own healthy blend!
How To Make Apples And Greens Jamba Juice?
This recipe is so simple, I almost feel bad for writing it out step-by-step. But hey, we’re here for the details, right?
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first—make sure your fruit is frozen. This is what gives the smoothie that thick, ice-cold texture. If you only have fresh fruit, no problem—just throw in a handful of ice cubes before blending.
Step 2: Blend It Up
Pour 1 ½ cups of apple juice into your blender first (this helps everything blend smoothly). Then, add your 2 cups of frozen kale, 1 cup of frozen mango, 1 cup of frozen peach, and 1 cup of frozen banana.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Start your blender on low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend for about 30-60 seconds, or until it’s completely smooth.
If it’s too thick, add a splash more apple juice. If it’s too thin, throw in a bit more frozen fruit.
Step 4: Pour & Enjoy!
Pour the smoothie into a tall glass, pop in a straw, and enjoy immediately. Or, if you’re making it ahead, keep reading for storage tips!
Bonus: Make It Your Own
Want To Save This Recipe?
Feel free to mix and match fruits and juices based on what you have or what you love. This green smoothie is forgiving—toss in pineapple, swap in orange juice, or add a squeeze of ginger for a zingy twist. The possibilities are endless, and you’re just a blend away from your new morning favorite.
Storage Options:
Short answer: Yes! Long answer: It’s always best fresh, but if you need to store it, here’s how:
- Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before drinking.
- Freezer: Pour the smoothie into an ice cube tray and freeze. When ready to drink, just re-blend the cubes with a little extra apple juice.
Pro Tip: A little lemon juice before storing helps keep the color bright.
Variations and Substitutions:
Not into one of the ingredients? No problem. Here are some easy swaps:
- Not a Kale Fan? Use spinach instead—it has a milder flavor but still packs the nutrients.
- Lower the Sugar: Go for unsweetened apple juice or mix half juice, half water.
- Make it Creamier: Add a splash of coconut milk or Greek yogurt.
- No Banana? Swap it for avocado or extra mango to keep the creamy texture.
- Boost the Protein: Throw in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a spoonful of almond butter.
More Smoothie Inspiration
Craving a twist? Here are some delicious ideas to experiment with, inspired by flavors you’ll find at your favorite smoothie spots:
- Tropical Greens: Add a handful of pineapple or swap the mango for papaya for a sunny, vacation-in-a-glass vibe.
- Berry Blast: Toss in strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a berry-forward version that’s tangy and vibrant.
- Carrot Kick: Grate in a small carrot or add a splash of carrot juice for a veggie boost that’s naturally sweet.
- Ginger Zing: Add a ½-inch piece of fresh ginger before blending for a gentle spicy kick.
- Citrus Punch: Squeeze in some fresh orange or lemon juice for bright, zippy notes.
Nutrition Notes
Depending on your ingredient choices, this smoothie is naturally low in fat and cholesterol, packed with fiber, and delivers a solid dose of vitamins A and C. For a lighter option, use water or coconut water in place of juice. If you’re aiming for more protein, Greek yogurt or protein powder is your friend.
Smoothies are endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to mix things up to suit your taste buds—or whatever’s hanging out in your freezer.
Making Diabetic-Friendly Smoothies
Looking for smoothies that fit into a diabetic-friendly lifestyle? Don’t worry—you don’t have to skip your favorite sips! With a few smart tweaks, you can enjoy a creamy glass without spiking your blood sugar.
Tips for Diabetic-Smart Smoothies
- Choose Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries, peaches, and apples (in moderation) are great choices. They’ve got natural sweetness but won’t send your glucose for a loop.
- Go Green: Toss in spinach or kale for vitamins and fiber, with almost no impact on the sugar front.
- Pick Unsweetened Liquids: Swap out regular juice for unsweetened almond milk, coconut water, or just filtered water. If you want a little tang, try a splash of unsweetened kefir or plain yogurt.
- Add Creaminess (Without Extra Sugar): Avocado, Greek yogurt, or a spoonful of almond butter can give your smoothie that dreamy texture.
- Protein Power: Balance out the carbs by blending in a scoop of low-carb, no-sugar-added protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Skip Added Sugars: It sounds obvious, but ditch the honey, agave, or sweetened yogurts. Let the natural flavors shine!
- Fiber Boost: Chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or even a scoop of psyllium husk help slow sugar absorption and keep you feeling full.
If you’re looking to enjoy smoothies while keeping blood sugar in check, the American Diabetes Association’s Superfood Smoothie recipe offers a great example. It’s designed by ADA dietitians and includes nutrient-packed ingredients like spinach, berries, and unsweetened almond milk. That makes it a fantastic inspiration for modifying your Apples and Greens smoothie into a diabetes-friendly version.
Easy Diabetic-Friendly Smoothie Formula
Here’s a simple base to get you started:
- Fruit: ½ cup frozen berries or sliced peaches
- Greens: 1 cup fresh spinach or kale
- Creaminess: ¼ avocado or ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Liquid: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water
- Extras: 1 tablespoon chia or flaxseed, a handful of ice
Just pop everything in the blender and whiz until smooth. It’s that simple!
Mix and match your favorite flavors, and you’ll have smoothies that are delicious, satisfying, and perfectly suited for diabetic-friendly diets.
What to Serve with Apples And Greens Jamba Juice?
If you’re drinking this as a meal, here are some great pairings:
- Granola & Yogurt – Crunchy, creamy, and so good together.
- Whole Grain Toast with Almond Butter – A little protein, a little crunch.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – For a protein boost that actually keeps you full.
- Oatmeal – A warm, hearty contrast to your cold smoothie.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this without a high-powered blender?
Yep! If your blender isn’t super strong, blend the apple juice and kale first, then add the frozen fruit. This helps prevent chunks.
Will this smoothie taste “green”?
Not at all! The fruit totally masks the kale, so it just tastes sweet and refreshing.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?
Yes! Just add a handful of ice to keep it thick and cold.
And that’s it—your own homemade Apples And Greens Jamba Juice Recipe, made fresh, exactly how you like it, and without spending a small fortune at the smoothie shop. Whether you’re drinking it for breakfast, as a snack, or just because you’re craving something cold and fruity, this smoothie delivers.
So tell me—what’s your go-to smoothie flavor? Drop a comment, and let’s swap recipes!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Apples And Greens Jamba Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups apple juice preferably unsweetened
- 2 cups frozen kale
- 1 cup frozen mango chopped
- 1 cup frozen peach chopped
- 1 cup frozen banana chopped
Instructions
- Tip: Always start with the liquid—it helps frozen ingredients blend better.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure all fruit and kale are frozen prior to blending. This allows for a thick, smooth consistency without the need for ice. If fresh fruit is used, adding a handful of ice cubes can help achieve the desired texture.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: In a high-speed blender, pour in the apple juice first. Then, add the frozen kale, mango, peach, and banana. Placing the liquid at the bottom helps facilitate a smoother blend.
- Blend Until Smooth: Begin blending at a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend for 30-60 seconds, or until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add a small amount of additional apple juice to adjust the texture. If it appears too thin, add more frozen fruit for a thicker consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
- Optional: Garnish with a few apple slices or a sprinkle of chia seeds for a boost.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
