This Spinach Kiwi Vitamin C Juice is a crisp, refreshing drink that wakes you up without caffeine. It’s light, not too sweet, and packed with real nutrients you can feel good about. Think vibrant green color, gentle tang from kiwi, and a clean finish from lime and mint.
It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and perfect for mornings, post-workout, or a mid-afternoon boost.
What Makes This Special
This juice combines the mellow, earthy flavor of spinach with the zesty brightness of kiwi and lemon or lime. That balance keeps it refreshing, not grassy or bitter. With kiwi and citrus, you’re getting a big hit of vitamin C, which can support immune health and help your body absorb iron from the spinach.
There’s no added sugar here—just whole fruits and greens.
If you prefer a little sweetness, a half apple or a splash of orange juice blends in smoothly without overpowering the flavor. It’s also quick: you can go from produce drawer to glass in under 10 minutes.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed, washed and dried)
- 2 ripe kiwis (peeled)
- 1/2 green apple (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 cucumber (peeled if waxed)
- 1/2 to 1 lime or lemon (freshly squeezed, to taste)
- 6–10 fresh mint leaves (optional, but great for freshness)
- 3/4 to 1 cup cold water (or coconut water for a hint of natural sweetness)
- Ice (for serving)
- Small pinch of sea salt (optional, to brighten flavors)
- Honey or maple syrup, to taste (optional, if you like it sweeter)
Instructions
- Prep your produce: Rinse the spinach well and pat it dry. Peel the kiwis.
Core the apple if using. Slice the cucumber into chunks for easier blending.
- Layer the blender: Add water to the blender first, then spinach, cucumber, kiwi, apple (if using), mint, and a squeeze of lime. This order helps everything blend smoothly.
- Blend until silky: Start on low, then increase to high for 30–60 seconds until the juice looks smooth and bright green.
Add more water if it’s too thick.
- Taste and adjust: Add more lime for brightness, a pinch of salt to lift the flavors, or a little honey if you want it sweeter. Blend again for a few seconds.
- Strain (optional): If you prefer a smoother, pulp-free juice, pour it through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag. Press gently with a spoon to extract more liquid.
- Serve cold: Pour over ice and enjoy right away for the freshest flavor and maximum vitamin C.
Keeping It Fresh
Fresh juice is best enjoyed right after blending, especially for vitamin C.
If you need to store it, transfer the juice to an airtight glass bottle, fill to the top to limit air, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before drinking.
For meal prep, you can also freeze juice in ice cube trays. Pop cubes into a glass and top with cold water or coconut water for a quick refresh.
Avoid leaving juice at room temperature for long—oxidation and flavor loss happen fast.
Health Benefits
- High in vitamin C: Kiwi and citrus are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps your body absorb non-heme iron from spinach.
- Iron support: Spinach provides a plant-based iron boost. Pairing it with vitamin C can improve absorption, making the combo more effective.
- Hydration and electrolytes: Cucumber and coconut water (if used) add electrolytes and hydration without heaviness.
- Antioxidants: Kiwi, spinach, and mint bring antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress from daily life and exercise.
- Light on calories, big on nutrients: It’s a refreshing way to get greens and fruit without feeling weighed down.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too little liquid: Without enough water or coconut water, the blend can turn slushy and hard to drink. Start with 3/4 cup and adjust.
- Over-sweetening: It’s easy to add too much honey or fruit.
Taste before sweetening; a little acidity from lime often does the trick.
- Skipping acidity: The lime or lemon makes the flavors pop and helps keep the color bright. Don’t skip it unless you truly dislike citrus.
- Letting it sit too long: Freshness and vitamin C fade with time. Drink promptly or store tightly sealed.
- Using wilted greens: Tired spinach can taste flat or bitter.
Fresh, crisp leaves make a huge difference.
Alternatives
- Swap the greens: Use baby kale or romaine if you’re out of spinach. Baby kale blends smoother than curly kale.
- Change the citrus: Lemon, lime, or even a splash of orange juice all work. Orange will make it sweeter and slightly less tart.
- Add protein: For a post-workout option, blend in a scoop of unflavored collagen or a small piece of soft tofu.
Keep flavors simple to avoid chalkiness.
- Boost the fiber: Add half a pear instead of apple for a softer sweetness and extra fiber. Keeping the pulp (no straining) also increases fiber.
- Herb twist: Basil or cilantro can replace mint for a different vibe. Start with a small handful and adjust to taste.
- Ginger kick: Add a 1/2-inch knob of fresh ginger for warmth and extra zing.
FAQ
Can I make this without a high-speed blender?
Yes.
A regular blender works; just blend a little longer and consider straining. If using a juicer, run the spinach, cucumber, and fruit through and finish with a squeeze of lime.
Is this safe for kids?
Generally yes, though you may want to reduce the lime and skip the mint for a milder flavor. If your child is sensitive to sour tastes, add a bit of apple or orange.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Absolutely.
Frozen kiwi or apple works well and makes the drink extra cold. If using frozen ingredients, reduce the ice or add a touch more water.
How can I make it sweeter without sugar?
Use a sweeter apple (like Fuji or Gala), add a few grapes, or swap water for coconut water. A splash of orange juice also helps without feeling heavy.
Does spinach make the juice taste bitter?
Baby spinach is mild and usually not bitter.
If you notice bitterness, add a bit more citrus and a small pinch of salt, or include the optional apple.
What if I don’t like mint?
Leave it out or use basil for a softer herbal note. The juice still tastes bright and clean without herbs.
Can I add ice directly to the blender?
Yes, especially if your blender can handle ice. Add a small handful and blend until smooth for a chilled, slightly thicker drink.
Is this a meal replacement?
It’s more of a light, nutrient-rich drink than a full meal.
To make it more filling, pair it with yogurt, eggs, or add protein as noted in the Alternatives section.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Kiwi Vitamin C Juice is a quick, bright, and balanced way to get more greens and antioxidants into your day. It’s simple enough for busy mornings and flexible enough to match your taste. Keep the core trio—spinach, kiwi, and citrus—and tweak the rest.
Pour it over ice, take a sip, and let the fresh, green energy do its thing.
