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If you’re feeding a child with a low appetite, a child taking medications that suppress their hunger, or a child who needs extra calories for growth, smoothies can be a helpful and realistic tool. They’re easy to consume, familiar, and often less overwhelming than a full meal.

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie for kids is a go-to option in my home for my daughter (and myself) who is on a stimulant for ADHD and has a low appetite.

It uses basic, affordable ingredients, tastes like a classic PB&J, and provides meaningful calories and protein without relying solely on expensive supplements that don’t always taste great or fit into a family’s budget long term.

When eating feels hard, familiar flavors and drinkable nutrition can make a real difference.

Ingredients for High Calorie Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie for Kids

Banana

Bananas add natural sweetness, creaminess, and carbohydrates that help increase the overall calorie content of the smoothie. They also provide potassium and are usually well accepted by kids.

Alternatives:

• Frozen banana for a thicker texture
• Mango or peaches for a similar sweetness and texture

Strawberries (Fresh or Frozen)

Strawberries give this smoothie its “jelly” flavor while adding vitamin C and natural sweetness. Frozen strawberries help create a thicker, milkshake-like texture.

Alternatives:

• Raspberries or mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• Strawberry purée for kids sensitive to seeds

Whole Milk (Ultra-Filtered or Regular)

Milk provides calories, protein, fat, and important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Ultra-filtered milk increases the protein content, but regular milk works just fine if that’s what you have access to.

Alternatives:

• Whole milk for higher calories
• Lactose-free milk
• Fortified soy milk (closest nutrition profile to dairy)

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter adds healthy fats, protein, and calories while creating the familiar peanut butter flavor kids recognize from a classic PB&J.

Alternatives:

• Almond butter or cashew butter
• Sunflower seed butter for nut-free households
• Smooth nut or seed butters for easier blending
• Peanut butter powder, but you won’t get quite as many calories

Ground or Milled Flaxseed

Flaxseed adds calories, healthy fats, and fiber while blending easily into smoothies. Using ground or milled flaxseed helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Alternatives:

• Chia seeds (use sparingly, as they thicken quickly)
• Hemp seeds for a smoother texture and added protein

Optional Calorie Boosters

These ingredients can be added individually if your child needs more calories on top of the ingredients listed above without increasing volume too much. For even more ways to increase calories, check out my post on Calorie Boosters for Kids.

Avocado

Adds fats and calories with very little change in flavor or sweetness.

• Amount: ¼ medium avocado
• Adds: ~60 calories
• New Total: ~560–580 calories
• Try frozen avocado – find it by the frozen fruit

Full-Fat Greek Yogurt

Adds calories, protein, and creaminess while helping the smoothie feel more filling.

• Amount: ¼ cup
• Adds: ~70 calories
• New Total: ~570–590 calories
• Try plain for less added sugar

Milk Powder

Adds concentrated calories, protein, and fat without changing the texture significantly. Especially helpful for kids who struggle to finish larger portions.

• Amount: 2 tablespoons whole milk powder
• Adds: ~80 calories
• New Total: ~600 calories
• Find it in the baking, international food, or coffee aisle at the grocery store or online here

Estimated Nutrition (Base Recipe)

Nutrition estimates will vary slightly depending on brand and portion size.

• Calories: ~500–520 calories
• Protein: ~20–22 grams (using ultra-filtered milk)

This smoothie works well as:

• A breakfast replacement
• A bedtime or after-school snack
• A pre-medication option
• A high-calorie addition on low-intake days

Why This Smoothie Works for Kids with Low Appetites

• Familiar peanut butter and jelly flavor
• Easy to drink when chewing feels like too much
• Uses accessible, everyday ingredients
• More sustainable than relying on supplements alone
  

Supplements can have a role, but they are not always necessary. Building high-calorie options at home allows families to support nutrition without adding pressure or significant cost.

Here’s more information on nutrient-dense calorie boosters, as well as a resource from Boston Children’s Hospital.

Peanut Butter And Jelly Smoothie for Kids

This peanut butter and jelly smoothie for kids is a high-calorie, protein-rich option designed for low appetites, medication-related appetite suppression, and extra growth needs. It uses familiar flavors and simple ingredients to support nutrition without pressure.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Equipment

• Blender
• Measuring cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 Banana frozen or fresh
• 1/2 cup Strawberries frozen and sliced
• 2 Tbsp Peanut butter
• 1 cup Ultra filtered milk
• 1 Tbsp Flaxseed ground or milled

Optional calorie boosters (add one)

• 1/4 Avocado
• 1/4 cup Whole milk Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp Milk powder

Instructions

 

• Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.