How to make perfect smoothies
Smoothies are having a moment—and, for good reason. Along with being packed with good food ingredients, they’re quick to make, easy to take on-the-go, and can be made with a variety of ingredients to keep breakfast interesting and delicious. Follow these tips to become a smoothie making machine and turn out the perfect blend every time!
The freezer is your friend
Using fresh fruit, when it’s in-season, is a great option, but frozen fruit works well too. Stock up on a variety of berries, pineapple, mango, cherries, and avocado from the grocery store—just ensure they have no added sugar. Greens like spinach and kale can be frozen in portions—simply rinse and dry them and then store them in baggies or containers in the freezer.
Liquid variety is key
The beauty of smoothies is the variety they offer—switch up your liquid to suit your mood! Use cold water, milk/milk alternatives, coconut water, or herbal tea. Tip: if you have leftover coffee, blend it up with chocolate protein powder or Cocoa Acai, and throw in a banana, ice, and nut butter for breakfast fuel.
Meal prep is for smoothies too
Use #MealPrepSunday to get your smoothies ready for the week—this saves time in the morning and ensures you actually have them! There are two options here—make them in bulk and store them in Mason jars. Then when you’re ready for breakfast either re-blend it for a few seconds or shake the jar to stir it all back up. Or, pre-portion your smoothie ingredients into a baggie or container, then simply add the contents to your blender with protein powder and liquid, and blend away.
Protein keeps you going
While you don’t have to add protein every time, protein powder takes your smoothie to the next level by turning it into a full meal to keep you satiated and full longer. Switch between chocolate and vanilla depending on the flavour you’re after. The same goes for good fats—smoothies are a great way to get them in, so consider blending up avocado, coconut oil, nut butter or other healthy fats, to complete your smoothie.
Throw it in a bowl
If you tire of drinking your breakfast every morning, pour your smoothie into a bowl (use a little less liquid for a thicker consistency) and top it with hemp hearts, mixed nuts, chopped fruit, Tutti Fruity or Cocoa Crunch Sprinkles—the possibilities are endless! Tip: try our Get Up & Glow Smoothie Bowl.
Ready to get started? Our Superfood Green Smoothie is a refreshing and tasty place to get going—or browse other smoothie recipes on epicure.com. As always, be sure to tag your creations on social media using #Epicure for a chance to be featured.
Superfood Green Smoothie
4 C (1 L) baby spinach
2 C (500 ml) frozen mango chunks
1/2 frozen banana, sliced thickly
1 C (250 ml) 2% plain Greek yogurt or kefir
1 C (250 ml) cold water
1 scoop Super Greens Smoothie Booster
In a blender, combine spinach, mango, banana, yogurt, water, protein blend, and smoothie booster until smooth, about 30 sec. Pour into chilled glasses and enjoy!