8 Smoothie Add-Ins to Keep You Going
Comfort food may help us maintain our sanity over the winter but now we’re ready for a boost of fresh nutritional ideas we can really drink up. Stay smooth with these smoothie add-ins to keep you going; this round-up is of superfoods that are easily added to any smoothie recipe already in your arsenal.
8 Smoothie Add-Ins to Keep You Going
Chia Seeds
Known as the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, these little seeds pack a nutritional punch. Pick up pre-ground packaged seeds and pour some into any smoothie. You won’t actually taste the benefits, but your body (and brain matter) will benefit from them. Soaking the seeds in advance removes any texture. These smoothie recipes all benefit from the addition of chia seeds.
Flax
A good source of fibre, antioxidants, protein, B vitamins and Omega-3s, flax also supplies you with a bit of potassium, iron, and zinc, plus trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Fabulous, just like this maple spinach recipe available here.
Kale
The kale craze isn’t going anywhere and for good reason. Blending a cup of chopped raw kale into a daily smoothie means you are flooding your body with 5% of its daily recommended intake of fibre, 6% of its recommended iron, 9% of its recommended calcium, 134% of vitamin C, and a whopping 206% of vitamin A. Kale does have a distinct taste, so add bananas or pineapple to help offset the strong flavour.
Best with our simple green smoothie recipe.
Goji Berries
Bursting with vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron, immune-boosting goji berries are also said to be a potent source of antioxidants. They require a bit of prep before being blended into your smoothie (it’s best to soak them in water for 10 minutes) but once plump, pop them in and they are ready to power up your morning or midday nutritional fix. Mild in taste, they also won’t impact the consistency of your smoothie.
Try this exotic citrus smoothie with pineapple and goji berries.
Spirulina
It may be algae, but… it’s awesome! Spirulina provides protein, iron, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Make it easy to incorporate into your breakfast routine by buying it in powdered form to add to nearly any smoothie recipe.
Try this delicious spirulina smoothie recipe from Canada’s Agriculture and Food Museum!
Hemp Powder
Very rich in proteins, omega-fatty acids, fibre, antioxidants, and minerals, adding hemp protein powder to smoothies has been a popular choice for years. Hemp powder is available at most health and natural food stores.
Good to know: some brands have a stronger aftertaste than others. Experiment to find your favourite. Best with our everyday green smoothie recipe.
Cacao Powder
We like anything that’s part of the basis for chocolate. We like it even more that cacao powder is high in natural antioxidant compounds, energizing iron, and heart-healthy magnesium. Adding a spoonful of this tasty stuff is a great way to get the kids to drink down a healthy smoothie. Just tell ’em it’s chocolate.
Good to know: buy milled cacoa powder for a slight taste of chocolatey goodness in your smoothie. Best with our avocado banana smoothie recipe.
Kid-Friendly Smoothie Add-Ins
For simpler smoothies for the younger set, try blending in fresh squeezed juices, tropical fruits, baby spinach, avocado, and seed butters. Picky eaters might more quickly consume anything bright and berry coloured, which is where beets can be your best friend. These toddler-approved smoothie recipes are great ideas for all ages!
