Making shakes and smoothies at home is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. It’s also a great way to customize your drink to fit your own taste preferences. If you’re looking for some new ideas for shake and smoothie add-ins, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we will discuss 5 creative add-ins that will take your drinks to the next level.
- Seeds
Seeds are a nutrient-dense food, meaning they pack a lot of nutrients into a small package. Just a handful of seeds can provide you with a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost the nutrition of your milkshake or smoothie, consider adding some of our favorite types:
Chia seeds: These little seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and cognitive function. They also provide fiber, protein, and calcium.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain lignans (PHytoestrogens), which have been shown to have cancer-protective properties.
Hemp seeds: Hemp seeds are a good source of plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain magnesium, potassium, and iron. Speaking of hemp —if you like to use cannabis, and find yourself with an abundance of the other type of “shake,” make sure to visit Veriheal to learn some creative ways to use it!
- Nut butters
Shakes and smoothies are a great way to get a quick dose of nutrients, but with all the fruits and vegetables, they can sometimes be lacking in the protein department.
One easy way to fix this is to add a spoonful of your favorite nut butter to your next shake or smoothie. Not only does nut butter add a boost of protein and healthy fats, but it also helps to create a creamy, satisfying texture.
Whether you like almond, peanut, or cashew butter, adding a spoonful to your shake or smoothie is a great way to up the nutrition. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even add a dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Greens
If we’re all being totally honest, it’s hard to find any enjoyment in eating greens like spinach, kale, and arugula in salads. And adding them to your sandwich or wrap is great, but it usually doesn’t give you enough to really benefit from their nutrients.
So, instead of forcing them into your diet in ways you don’t want to, try adding them to your shakes and smoothies! Adding a full serving of greens to your shake is an easy way to increase the nutrient density without changing the flavor too much.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend adding spinach or kale. They have a mild flavor, as opposed to spicy arugula, and they’re packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K.
- Fruit
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning because there are endless possibilities when it comes to adding fruit to your shakes and smoothies. And we’re not just talking about the typical banana and strawberry combo—get creative!
Mix and match different fruits to find flavor combinations that you love, and try adding some fruit you’ve never tried before. Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding frozen fruit, either. Frozen fruit can help to create a thicker, creamier consistency and can even make your shake or smoothie feel more like a dessert.
- Oats
If you’re looking for a way to make your shake or smoothie more filling, oats are a great option. They’re packed with fiber and have a slow-digesting carbohydrate, which means they’ll help to keep you full and satisfied for longer. Combine that with some fresh fruit, and you have a recipe for sustained energy.
Oats are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants —and are great for reducing inflammation and improving muscle recovery (for those athletes out there). Oats are underrated when it comes to protein content as well, with approximately 11 grams of protein per 100 grams!
Conclusion
There you have it —five ideas for creative shake and smoothie add-ins that will help to boost the nutrition and flavor of your favorite recipes. So, next time you’re feeling stuck in a smoothie rut, give one (or more) of these add-ins a try. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
