Dairy-Free Orange Creamsicle Smoothie for First Trimester Cravings

The Dairy-Free Orange Creamsicle Smoothie came from a phase of pregnancy where my cravings were loud, specific, and honestly relentless.

This smoothie is part of my little creamsicle series, from when I wanted dessert first thing in the morning and could not be talked out of it.

On days when orange was not what I wanted, I leaned into my Dairy-Free Peach Creamsicle Smoothie instead, but the orange version was where it all started.

Why This Pregnancy Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Recipe for First Trimester Works

Craving-friendly. Delivers dessert-for-breakfast flavor without excess heaviness.
Gentle citrus. Orange and mandarin add brightness without overwhelming nausea.
Dairy-free comfort. Easier to digest during sensitive first trimester weeks.
Quick and no-cook. Ideal when fatigue makes cooking feel impossible.

How These Ingredients Support You & The Baby

Cold, creamy, and lightly sweet, this smoothie tastes like your favorite popsicle in a glass.

The orange flavor feels bright without being sharp, wrapped in vanilla and banana so it stays gentle on a sensitive stomach.

For days when I needed a heartier (but still no-cook) version of this smoothie and its flavors, my Orange Creamsicle Overnight Oats were always waiting for me in the fridge :)

Prep Time: 5 minutes / Total Time: 5 minutes / Yields: 1-2 servings

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) 2-Ingredient Cashew Milk (or store-bought)
½ cup (120 ml) freshly-squeezed orange juice (from 2–3 oranges)
1 large frozen banana, sliced
¾ cup (about 150 g) canned mandarin orange wedges (drained) or fresh mandarin segments (seeds removed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
½–2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup or maple syrup

Preparation Instructions for Pregnancy-Friendly Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

Pour the cashew milk and orange juice into a blender.
Add the frozen banana, mandarin orange wedges, vanilla extract, ground turmeric, and honey.
Blend on high speed until thick, creamy, and completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes. Scrape down the sides if needed and blend again.
Pour into two glasses and enjoy!

Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

Skip the banana: Leave it out and increase the mandarin orange wedges to 1 cup for an all-orange creamsicle smoothie.
Swap the milk: Feel free to use 10-Minute Almond Milk, coconut milk, 5-Minute Oat Milk, rice milk, or your favorite plant-based milk. I even have a Sweetened Almond Milk (3-Ways!) recipe.
Make it heartier: Add 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or 1 tablespoon chia seeds for a more filling drink.
Add zest: If you have the patience to zest an orange, add 1/2 teaspoon for extra citrusy goodness.
Use leftovers: If I have Banana Nice Cream, I'll add 1/4-1/2 cup of it to the blender instead of using a frozen banana for the recipe.
Add ice: Throwing 1-3 ice cubes in the blender with the rest of the ingredients can make the smoothie extra cold, which often helps when nausea is at an all-time high.
All frozen fruit: Frozen orange or mandarin orange wedges work too, but the smoothie will be thicker.
Adjust the consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon extra cashew milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add 1-2 ice cubes and blend again.
Add protein: Add 1-2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Almond Butter for a creamier, slightly nutty flavor. I don't recommend peanut butter since it changes the flavor too much.

What to Serve With This Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

On its own.
With my Peanut Butter Banana Toast or Pistachio Butter Toast.
When I'm craving something savory but no-cook, with my High-Fiber Avocado Toast, Hummus Toast, or Roasted Beet Hummus Toast.
Digging into a slice of my Lemon-Yogurt Loaf or Banana Date Walnut Bread for an afternoon snack.
Nibbling on my Peanut Butter Banana Rice Cakes.
Snacking on my Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Cookies.

How to Store This Smoothie

Fridge: Transfer to an airtight container or jar (fill to the top to minimize air exposure) and store for up to 2 days. Shake/stir well before drinking, as natural separation occurs.
Freezer (smoothie packs): Except for the cashew milk, orange juice, and honey, add all the ingredients to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Add to the blender along with the remaining ingredients for a quick breakfast.

FAQs

Is an orange smoothie safe during pregnancy?

Yes. An orange smoothie made with freshly squeezed juice, whole citrus segments, plant-based milk, and ripe fruit is generally safe during pregnancy and can be a refreshing option when cravings are strong.

Can citrus smoothies help with pregnancy cravings?

Many pregnant moms find citrus smoothies helpful for cravings because the bright flavor feels refreshing and satisfying without feeling heavy or overly sweet.

Is orange juice okay in the first trimester?

In moderate amounts, freshly squeezed orange juice is commonly tolerated during the first trimester, especially when blended with banana or plant-based milk to soften acidity.

Can I have a creamsicle-style smoothie without dairy while pregnant?

Yes. Dairy-free creamsicle smoothies use plant-based milk and fruit to recreate the classic flavor without the heaviness that dairy can cause during early pregnancy.

Why does a banana help make citrus smoothies easier to tolerate?

Banana adds natural creaminess and mild sweetness, which can balance citrus acidity and make smoothies feel gentler on a sensitive stomach.

Are cold smoothies better for nausea in early pregnancy?

Many moms find cold smoothies easier to sip during nausea because the temperature can feel soothing and the texture requires minimal effort to consume.

A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen

This was one of those recipes that reminded me I was allowed to listen to my cravings without guilt.

Sometimes doing enough looked like standing at the counter, holding a cold glass, taking slow sips, and letting my body settle before the day even began.