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Plush Purple Grape Smoothie

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While looking through my nearly barren refrigerator for a snack I discovered that it was more barren than I suspected. I opened the fruit storage bin and found some dark purple (black) grapes and then turned to eye my blender. I wasn’t sure that I had any smoothie recipes for purple or black grapes so I went online and found this recipe.

I don’t mind grape skin and to be honest my Vitamix blender liquefies most everything, but if your blender doesn’t, you may want to peel the grapes first. I don’t recommend it, it adds to the texture.

Plush Purple Grape Smoothie: My Go-To Grape Goodness! 🍇

There's something magical about the deep purple hue of a grape smoothie that makes me smile every time I blend one up. Yesterday morning, I found myself staring at a big bag of juicy black grapes in my fridge and knew exactly what I needed to kickstart my day. The result? This gorgeous Plush Purple Grape Smoothie that's both refreshing and satisfying!

I'll be honest – grape smoothies aren't always the first flavor people think of (it's usually berry or tropical), but that's what makes this purple beauty so special. The natural sweetness of grapes paired with creamy yogurt creates this incredible balance that I can't get enough of.

The Nutritional Breakdown: Why I Feel Amazing After This Smoothie

After tracking my energy levels and overall wellbeing for months, I've noticed this grape smoothie gives me sustained energy without the crash I used to get from my morning coffee alone. Here's the approximate nutritional breakdown of my standard recipe (per serving):

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueMy Notes
Calories220Perfect for a filling breakfast
Protein8g16%More with Greek yogurt!
Carbohydrates42g15%Mostly natural fruit sugars
Fiber1.5g5%Add chia seeds for more fiber
Calcium300mg23%Great for bone health
Potassium450mg10%Helps with post-workout recovery
Vitamin C15mg17%Immune support!
Iron0.5mg3%Small but helpful amount

Whenever I share this smoothie with friends, they're always surprised by how much they love it. “I never would have thought to make a grape smoothie!” is something I hear all the time. But once they try it, they're hooked!

Plush Purple Grape Smoothie Recipes

Recipe by BYron hArrisDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

1

minute
Calories

220

kcal

This has become a Friday night tradition in our home! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups seedless black grapes

  • 1 cup yogurt (I use Greek for extra protein)

  • 1 cup milk (or almond milk, which is my preference)

  • 4 tbsp sugar or sweetener to taste (I prefer Stevia)

  • Ice-cubes or crushed ice (optional)

  • Optional: 1/4 cup blueberries to round out the flavor

Directions

  • Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove any stems
  • Add grapes, yogurt, milk, and sweetener to your blender
  • Blend until smooth (about 30-45 seconds)
  • Taste and adjust sweetness if needed
  • Add ice if desired and pulse a few more times
  • Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!

Why I'm Obsessed with Grape Smoothies 💜

Dark purple grapes aren't just delicious – they're nutritional powerhouses! These little gems contain resveratrol, a compound that has been associated with heart health benefits in numerous studies.

In my nutrition studies, I've learned that the deep purple skin of black grapes contains anthocyanins – powerful antioxidants that give the fruit its rich color. Research suggests these compounds may help reduce inflammation and support immune function. One study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming purple grape juice improved markers of cardiovascular health in participants.

Here's a quick breakdown of what makes grapes so special:

NutrientAmount per cup (151g)% Daily Value
Calories104
Vitamin C4.8mg5%
Vitamin K22mcg18%
Potassium288mg6%
Manganese0.11mg5%
AntioxidantsHigh (especially in dark varieties)

The recipe I originally found called for regular milk and just grapes, but you know me – I can never leave well enough alone! I personally prefer using almond milk for a lighter taste, and I've found that adding a handful of blueberries rounds out the flavor profile beautifully. However, when I made this batch, I stuck with the ingredients I had on hand and was still blown away by how delicious it turned out!

The Milk Dilemma: My Personal Findings 🥛

Through much trial and error (and many purple mustaches!), I've tested this recipe with various milk options. Here's what I've discovered:

Table

Milk TypeCalories/CupProteinFatTaste Impact on Smoothie
Whole Dairy1508g8gCreamiest, richest flavor
Almond30-401g2.5gLighter, slightly nutty note
Oat1203g5gSubtle sweetness, works well with grapes
Coconut450g4gTropical twist that's surprisingly good
Soy807g4gNeutral taste, good protein boost

While I personally love almond milk in this recipe, each option brings something unique to the table. When I'm looking for more protein, I'll use dairy or soy. When I want the grape flavor to really shine through, almond milk is my go-to!

The Science Behind The Purple Power 🔬

My nutrition background has taught me that the color of your food matters! The purple pigments in grapes and blueberries contain specific compounds called polyphenols that may offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

In my research, I've found that these compounds:

  • Help neutralize free radicals in the body
  • Support healthy blood vessel function
  • May promote cognitive health

One fascinating study published in the British Journal of Nutrition tracked participants who consumed purple grape juice daily for 12 weeks and found improvements in cognitive function compared to the control group. While I wouldn't claim this smoothie will make you smarter, I definitely feel more mentally alert on my smoothie days!

When I add blueberries to this recipe, I'm essentially doubling down on these purple plant compounds. The combination creates what I like to call a “purple synergy” where you get the benefits of both fruits working together.

This purple delight has become part of my regular smoothie rotation because it's so easy to make, the ingredients are usually in my kitchen, and it gives me steady energy throughout the morning. On busy days when I need to rush out the door, I can throw this together in under 5 minutes and take it with me.

Starting your day with a nutrient-rich smoothie like this grape goodness is such a simple way to give your body what it needs. Give this grape smoothie a try and let me know what you think! It might just become your new favorite way to start the day too!

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