Growing up as a kid I LOVED Orange Julius. I decided to make “special smoothies” one night for the kids as their after-dinner-treat. I threw what ingredients I had on hand into the Vitamix and can I just say–yum! To my surprise it tasted very similar to the Orange Julius drinks I had loved and had often as a kid. And even better, the kids absolutely loved the smoothie and I now get requests for it often.

Curiosity got the best of me and after researching the recipe and ingredients online for the original drink, I found out ALL Julius Original drinks are made with eggs–eek! Plus they are filled with sugar and dairy and just aren’t healthy whatsoever. I have substituted almost every ingredient for a healthier choice. Here is my take on Orange Julius and (quoting one of the kiddos) it is “DEEEE-LICIOUS!”

Healthy Orange Julius

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 large orange, peeled
• 1 banana
• 1 1/2 c unsweetened, vanilla hemp milk (or whatever milk you prefer)
• 2 tsp raw honey
• 1 tsp organic pure vanilla extract
• 12-15 ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into a Vitamix or blender and blend until smooth.
2. Enjoy!