Smoothies are delicious, nutritious…and expensive if you buy them pre-blended. If your homemade smoothies never seem to taste quite as good as store-bought, read on to discover new tips and tricks that’ll take your morning routine to the next level.
If you’ve been dumping ice or frozen fruit into your blender first, then you’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to start with liquids instead. Depending on the size of the smoothie, use 1 to 2 cups of liquid. Milk is fine if that’s what you prefer, but there are so many more options out there.
Coconut water makes a refreshingly light smoothie, while coconut milk is incredibly rich. Kombucha (a kind of fermented tea) adds a funky, earthy twist—plus probiotics. If kombucha is too out-there, try yogurt or its close relative kefir. Can’t do dairy? Then look into almond milk. While you can use fruit juice as the base of your smoothie, choosing something creamy or tangy adds depth to the finished product.
Now is the time to add a dash of flavoring or sweeteners. For example, you might add some unsweetened cocoa powder to an almond milk and banana shake. Turmeric is all the rage right now in health-conscious circles, so try adding a pinch of the spice to a citrus-based smoothie. You could add vanilla extract (or any other flavoring) at this stage. Warm spices like cinnamon and ginger pair really well with pumpkin, orange, or apple.
This is also the best time to add any sweeteners. While many people prefer to let the sweetness of the natural fruits do the heavy lifting, you can try adding a dash of honey, stevia, or agave nectar for extra sweetness.
If you want an extra power-up in your smoothie, there are a lot of options. Whey powder can help if you struggle to get enough protein in your diet. You can add cold-pressed oils for beneficial fats—try a teaspoon of macadamia, flaxseed, or avocado oil. Get an omega-3 boost from chia, hemp, or flax seeds. Once you blend it all up, you won’t notice the seeds, but don’t go overboard.
Now it’s time for the magic. Use 2 to 3 cups of fruits and vegetables in your homemade smoothies. You can use raw or cooked, fresh or frozen. It depends on the time of year and the taste you prefer. Avocado is a great stealth addition to smoothies, since it disappears beneath other flavors. Bananas and berries are classic for a reason, as are melons like honeydew.
You can even add nut butters (hello, almond butter and banana!) or silken tofu! Finally, try some greens and herbs in a smoothie at least once. You might be surprised at how much you like it. Spinach is a good place to start, along with fresh mint or basil. Strawberry and basil is a surprisingly tasty combination!
You’re at the home stretch now. Add about a cup of ice to your smoothie (less if you used frozen produce). Now blend, blend, blend. You want all of your ingredients to be thoroughly combined. If you need to stir things up, pause the blender and use a wooden spoon to nudge the contents.
For the best flavor and most nutrients, enjoy your homemade smoothies right away. While you can technically keep premade smoothies in glass containers in your fridge overnight, they’re best when fresh.
