How to Get Kids To Eat Beans? Try A Banana White Bean Oat Smoothie!

A bean smoothie is one of the stranger-sounding things I give my kids in the name of health; however, they love this smoothie! So if you’re looking for a bean recipe for kids who normally turn their noses up at the legume, give this a try.

The bean flavor is extremely mild to non-existent in this simple smoothie recipe, and the beans create a nice creamy consistency.

I also think the white beans help mellow out the sweetness of smoothies. I have never been able to drink overly sweet smoothies, but I can drink this mild smoothie with a big handful of beans! So this bean recipe is great for adults and kids alike.

As long as you use the bean-to-banana-to-oat milk ratio I suggest, I promise, this smoothie doesn’t taste like pureed beans.

Your toddler or picky eater will have no idea they are guzzling down a handful of beans with this yummy dairy-free bean-filled smoothie!

Banana White Bean Oat Smoothie Recipe

This smoothie is incredibly easy to make. Throw in some beans, oat milk, and a banana, and it’s a perfect quick snack or easy breakfast addition for hungry little goblins.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need;

• 1/3 cup white beans (I usually use canned and rinsed Great Northern Beans)
• 1 cup oat milk
• 1 banana

Instructions

Does a smoothie recipe need instructions? Not really. Just throw all the ingredients into the blender and blend until you get a smooth and creamy consistency.

Then pour and serve the whole family a tasty banana bean smoothie!

Canned Beans or Homemade Beans?

While I’m sure homemade beans are all around better, I have just not been in a place where I want to spend the time or effort preparing beans. I have a two-year-old and a five-year-old, need I say more?

I am, however, reconsidering. While I have been buying canned beans with no salt added and with non-BPA lining, I recently read an article that inspired me to prepare my own beans.

Center for Environmental Health explains that while many canned foods no longer contain BPA in their cans’ linings, they may contain other toxic or questionable materials. They list potential materials like acrylic, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride. Yikes! While I do not know a ton about these materials, I do not think I want polyester potentially leaching into my food.

So going forward, I’ll be starting to prepare my own beans bought from the bulk food section. It could not be that hard right? UNL Food shares simple directions for cooking dry beans. Plus, preparing your own beans means saving some money and creating less waste.

Bean Benefits

We have never been big on beans in our house. I’m turning that around with this smoothie recipe though, because beans have so many health benefits.

Plus, as I age, I want to do my best to stay in good health so that I’m around for my kids long-term. I also want my kids to grow up with a robust diet full of healthy and energizing foods.

Related Posts: 35 Iron-Rich Foods for Growing Babies and Toddlers, Spinch With Fruit Smoothie

MedicalNewsToday lists beans as good sources of;

• Protein
• Folate
• Antioxidants

They explain that additionally, beans support;

• Heart health
• Decreased cancer risk
• Stable blood glucose
• Liver health
• Appetite control
• Gut health

All good things!

Other articles on the health benefits of beans;

• UCLA Health
• Lompoc Valley Medical Center
• Eating Well

Cheers to more beans, more health, and more joy!

How did you like this bean recipe for kids? Say hi and let me know in the comments below!