Copycat Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie — Sweet, Creamy & Irresistible

By Rafel on June 30, 2025 | Updated July 16, 2025

God, there’s something so beautifully innocent about being eight years old, standing on your tiptoes in that massive Costco, clutching a plastic cup filled with the most incredible Costco strawberry banana smoothie you’ve ever tasted. I remember how the cold cup would make my little hands freeze, but I’d refuse to let go because every single sip was like drinking liquid happiness. My grandmother used to say I’d get this dreamy look on my face – like I’d discovered the secret to eternal joy, and honestly? Maybe I had.

Why You’ll Love Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Listen, I’ve tried recreating this Costco strawberry banana smoothie about a million times, and let me tell you why this particular version hits different. It’s got that perfect balance where the strawberries don’t overpower the banana, but the banana doesn’t make everything taste like baby food either. You know what I mean?

What gets me every single time is how incredibly simple it is. Like, embarrassingly simple. My cousin tried to convince me there had to be some secret ingredient – maybe vanilla extract or some fancy strawberry syrup. Nope! Just fruit, milk, and ice, but somehow when you blend them together with the right proportions, magic happens. This Costco strawberry banana smoothie tastes like summer afternoons and Saturday morning cartoons all rolled into one perfect pink drink.

Plus, and this is huge for me, you can make it without having to navigate those insane Costco crowds. Don’t get me wrong – I love Costco, but sometimes you just want your smoothie without the adventure of dodging shopping carts the size of small cars.

Ingredients of Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Here’s everything you need to make this dreamy Costco strawberry banana smoothie at home:

Ingredient	Amount	My Notes
Frozen strawberries	1½ cups	Frozen is KEY! Don’t even think about using fresh ones here
Very ripe banana	1 large	Those brown spotted “ugly” ones are PERFECT
Ice cubes	¾ cup	Start with less, add more if needed
Cold milk	¾ cup	Dairy, oat, or almond – whatever makes you happy
Honey	1-2 teaspoons	Only if needed – taste first!

That’s literally it! Five ingredients that you probably already have sitting in your kitchen right now. No weird preservatives, no artificial colors, just pure fruit happiness. The simplicity is what makes this Costco strawberry banana smoothie so perfect – sometimes the best things really are the most uncomplicated.

How to Make Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Okay, so here’s the thing about making this Costco strawberry banana smoothie – it’s almost too easy to mess up, but there are definitely some tricks I’ve learned the hard way. Trust me, I’ve made some questionable smoothies in my time.

Step 1: Grab your frozen strawberries and dump them straight into the blender. And please, please use frozen ones! I know fresh strawberries seem fancier, but frozen is what gives you that thick, almost ice-cream-like texture without turning your smoothie into flavored water.

Step 2: Now for the banana – this is where people usually mess up. You want a banana that looks a little sad, with brown spots all over it. I know it looks gross, but those brown spots mean maximum sweetness and creaminess. Peel it and toss it in with the strawberries.

Step 3: Pour in your milk. I’m a dairy milk girl through and through, but my lactose-intolerant friends swear by oat milk for this recipe. Whatever you use, make sure it’s cold! Room temperature milk is the enemy of a good smoothie.

Step 4: Add your ice cubes. Start with less than you think you need – you can always add more, but you can’t take them back once they’re blended in.

Step 5: Here comes the magic moment – blend everything on high for about a minute. You’ll hear the ice getting pulverized, and the color will go from chunky mess to this gorgeous pink perfection.

Step 6: Stop and taste it! This is non-negotiable. Every batch is slightly different depending on how ripe your banana was or how sweet your strawberries are. Need more sweetness? Add a drizzle of honey. Too thick? Splash in more milk.

Step 7: Pour it into your favorite glass and drink it immediately. Seriously, this Costco strawberry banana smoothie is best when it’s fresh and icy cold. Let it sit too long, and it starts separating like a broken relationship.

Tips for Better Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

After making approximately 847 of these smoothies (okay, maybe not exactly that many, but close), I’ve figured out some game-changing tricks for the perfect Costco strawberry banana smoothie every single time.

First up – and I cannot stress this enough – use bananas that look like they’ve seen better days. I’m talking brown spots everywhere, maybe even a little soft to the touch. My mom always taught me to use the “ugly” bananas for baking, and the same rule applies here. Those brown spots are pure sugar gold, and they blend into this incredible creamy sweetness that you just can’t get from those perfect yellow bananas.

Here’s something nobody tells you: freeze your glass ahead of time. I know it sounds extra, but stick your glass in the freezer for like 10 minutes before making your smoothie. It keeps everything colder longer and makes you feel fancy as hell.

Want to make this Costco strawberry banana smoothie even more special? Add a tiny splash – and I mean tiny – of vanilla extract. Maybe ¼ teaspoon max. It adds this subtle warmth that makes the whole thing taste more expensive than it actually is.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip from someone who’s made way too many watery smoothies: if your smoothie turns out too thin, don’t add more ice. Instead, throw in a few more frozen strawberries. They’ll thicken it up without diluting the flavor.

Variations for Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Look, the original Costco strawberry banana smoothie is basically perfect, but sometimes you want to switch things up without completely abandoning what works, you know?

My personal favorite twist is swapping half the strawberries for frozen raspberries. It gives you this gorgeous deep pink color and adds just a hint of tartness that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance. The flavor becomes more complex but still maintains that nostalgic comfort we’re after.

For my fitness-obsessed sister, I started adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Honestly, I was skeptical at first because protein powder can be… chalky? But the banana completely masks any weird aftertaste, and suddenly you’ve got a post-workout treat that actually tastes good. Win-win!

Here’s one that sounds absolutely insane but trust me on this – add a handful of fresh spinach. I KNOW. I know it sounds gross, but you literally cannot taste it, and the strawberries keep the color this beautiful pink. It’s like sneaking vegetables into your life without actually having to acknowledge you’re eating vegetables. If you love creative fruit combinations, you should definitely try our strawberry and pineapple smoothie – it’s got that same playful vibe but with a tropical twist.

For special occasions (or when I’m feeling particularly indulgent), I’ll substitute half the milk with vanilla Greek yogurt. It turns this simple Costco strawberry banana smoothie into something that’s almost dessert-like – thick, creamy, and ridiculously satisfying.

Benefits of Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

There’s more to this Costco strawberry banana smoothie than just its sweet, cheerful flavor. It’s one of those simple treats that’s surprisingly kind to your body and spirit, too.

• Packed with fruit goodness: Between the strawberries and banana, you get a beautiful dose of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants — all wrapped up in a deliciously frosty sip.
• Hydrating and refreshing: Especially on warm days, this smoothie is a tasty way to keep hydrated while feeling like you’re spoiling yourself a little.
• Easy on the tummy: It’s light, gentle, and doesn’t weigh you down — perfect for a snack or light breakfast.
• Quick to make: No complicated prep. Just blend, pour, and enjoy a moment of bright, fruity joy.
• Lifts the mood: Honestly, sometimes the best benefit is simply how it makes you feel — cool, happy, and a tiny bit like a kid again.

This Costco strawberry banana smoothie is a sweet reminder that taking care of yourself can be delicious, comforting, and beautifully simple.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Even with something as delightfully simple as a Costco strawberry banana smoothie, there are a few small missteps that can sneak in. Here’s how to keep yours creamy, frosty, and bursting with fruit flavor:

• Using under-ripe bananas:
  A green or firm banana won’t bring enough sweetness. Make sure your banana is spotty and ripe — it makes a world of difference in taste.
• Not using enough frozen fruit:
  Frozen strawberries are what give this Costco strawberry banana smoothie that thick, icy texture without loading up on ice (which can water down the flavor).
• Adding too much liquid at once:
  It’s tempting to pour in lots of milk right away, but start slow. You can always add more if needed to thin it out.
• Skipping the taste test:
  Always give your smoothie a little taste before pouring. Maybe it needs a splash more honey or an extra cube of ice to get it just how you like.
• Letting it sit too long:
  This smoothie is at its best right after blending. Waiting too long can make it separate or lose that chilly, refreshing magic.

Little details like these keep your Costco strawberry banana smoothie tasting just as joyful and satisfying as the one you’d treat yourself to after a long Costco run.

Serving Ideas for Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This Costco strawberry banana smoothie is basically the chameleon of drinks – it fits into any situation and makes everything better. Let me paint you some pictures of how amazing this can be.

Weekend mornings? Pour it into a mason jar, grab a thick paper straw, and pretend you’re at some cute café instead of standing in your pajamas in your own kitchen. I like to pair it with avocado toast or those everything bagels that make you feel like you have your life together.

If you’re doing the whole “hosting brunch” thing (and want everyone to think you’re incredibly thoughtful), make a big batch and serve them in fancy glasses with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry on top. Suddenly you look like Martha Stewart, but really you just blended some fruit.

Here’s something I discovered by accident – pour any leftover smoothie into popsicle molds. My nephew thinks he’s getting dessert, but it’s basically just fruit in frozen form. I’m basically the coolest aunt ever now. For more creative breakfast ideas that feel special, check out our banana berry protein smoothie – it’s perfect for those days when you want something a little more substantial.

Late afternoon slump? This Costco strawberry banana smoothie is like a natural energy boost that doesn’t involve questionable energy drinks. I’ll make one around 3 PM when my brain starts feeling like mush, and suddenly I remember why fruit exists.

Sometimes I even get fancy and serve it alongside our strawberry yogurt smoothie for a little “smoothie flight” situation. It sounds pretentious, but it’s actually just fun to compare flavors.

A Tiny Reflection

You know what I love most about this Costco strawberry banana smoothie? It’s proof that the best things in life really can be simple. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment, no ingredients you need to special order from three different stores. Just fruit, milk, and a willingness to blend them together with a little bit of love.

Every time I make this, I’m transported back to being that little kid with sticky fingers and a huge smile, discovering that happiness could come in a plastic cup. Now I get to create that same magic in my own kitchen, whenever I want, without having to brave the Costco crowds (though honestly, sometimes I miss the adventure).

This copycat recipe isn’t just about recreating a drink – it’s about capturing a feeling, preserving a memory, and proving that sometimes the most meaningful recipes are the ones that remind us of simpler times. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or just because you’re craving that particular brand of fruity nostalgia, this Costco strawberry banana smoothie delivers every single time. And honestly? That first sip will remind you why some things never go out of style.

FAQs About Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie

For more heartwarming recipes and little behind-the-scenes kitchen moments, join me on Facebook and Pinterest. Let’s keep sharing good food and beautiful memories together. 💛