The top 6 ways to eat bananas according to our expert sales team

Having grown them for well over a century at Dole, we know a thing or two about bananas.  In honor of April’s National Banana Day, we’re bringing you the inside scoop from our expert sales team.  We asked these experts how they like to eat bananas at every meal of the day from breakfast to dinner and everything in between.  Read on to see what they had to say are the best ways to enjoy bananas all day long.

Of course, the most common way to enjoy is to right out of the peel, all day, everyday.  John Gonzales, District Sales Manager dubbed this the “classic peel and eat” – and we couldn’t agree more!  It’s so popular that we feel including it in the list would cheat you out of these expert tips.

1.     In a smoothie.

Who doesn’t love a smoothie?  And what is a smoothie without a banana?  Whether you like them sweet and fruity or on the savory side, we have options for you!  Check out our assortment of recipes in our digital library!  
One of our district sales managers swears by bananas in a morning protein smoothie, blending half a frozen banana with oat milk, protein powder, peanut butter, cinnamon, and a touch of flavoring. Another prefers adding ripe bananas to green smoothies, where their natural sweetness helps balance the bitterness of leafy greens. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

2.     On the grill

The entire team agrees - There is no wrong way to eat a banana!  There was even one suggestion to try them grilled with melted chocolate and marshmallows - yum.  Sales Support Specialist Ren McFadden gives banana bread a whole new life by grilling it until warmed through for dinner.  She combines it with a salty meat for that sweet and savory mashup that you just can’t resist!

3.     In a sandwich

For breakfast or lunch, mashed banana with peanut butter (or without) between two slices of bread is the clear winner.  It’s simple, can be made in advance or put together quickly at the office for a satisfying lunch – every time!

4.     On top of cereal

Our sales team really likes to have bananas with cereal.  From warm oatmeal with honey and overnight oats to unsweetened cereal and frosted flakes at least one banana a day is going down at breakfast.

5.     As dessert.

Katye Savage Regional Sales Manager on the Walmart account advises caramelizing them and drizzling with cinnamon and honey for a quick anytime dessert.

If you’re a smores fan, try this version from Ren.  “Cut a banana long-ways, not all the way through. Add in mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cereal. Freeze dried strawberries too, if you're feeling zesty. Wrap it in tin foil, and bake at 400F, or campfire grill it until it's all soft and melted. Eat with a spoon. Repeat until you're 90% banana.”

And remember, there is no wrong way to eat a banana!

Published April 1, 2026