by Dan |
Last Updated: January 11, 2021 Smoothies are good for you and they can also be lots of fun to make. The thick, ice cream-type smoothies are the best!
They keep you feeling full for much longer and since they are so satisfying, you don’t crave sweets or junk foods.
If you haven’t started drinking green smoothies- or if you have and you just want to make them thicker, check out these 15 ingredients that can help you thicken up your smoothies.
Frozen Fruit
A thick smoothie should begin with fruit. Most people choose bananas as their go-to when making smoothies to thicken/sweeten them- but nearly any frozen fruit would work, especially those with pectin and soluble fiber.
Avocado
Plain avocado can make your smoothie dreamy and creamy. Plus, the flavor is easy to hide. Simply scoop half of an avocado into your blender with some fruits and greens.
Veggie Purees
If you want to make your smoothie soft and dense, you can use veggie purees such as carrots, butternut squash, sweet potato, and pumpkin. These will make your smoothie taste like ice cream.
Milk Ice Cubes
You can boost the creaminess of your smoothie by using ice cubes made from milk instead of regular ice cubes. Plus, it doesn’t water it down.
Simply put your milk into ice cube trays and then place them in sealed bags once they are frozen. Then, when you have a smoothie recipe that uses ice cubes, you can use those instead.
Yogurt
For many people, yogurt is a go-to option. You can use full-fat plain Greek yogurt if you are able to eat dairy. If you prefer, you can use almond or coconut yogurt. However, make sure that you avoid processed, flavored, sugary yogurt.
Cottage Cheese
If you can eat dairy and you like cottage cheese, you can add ½ cup. This will thicken your smoothie and give you the protein that you need.
Coconut Meat
You can use coconut flesh to thicken your smoothie because it’s gelatinous and soft. You can scoop it yourself from green coconuts or you can find it frozen at your local grocery store. Of course, coconut has a strong flavor, so only use it if you want your smoothie to taste like coconut.
Silken Tofu
If you want a plant-based smoothie instead of a dairy based one, silken tofu is a great option. Tofu is rich, dense, and soft. Plus, the flavor can be hidden quite well if you don’t care for tofu. You can start with ½ cup and increase it until you reach the thickness you desire.
Chia Seeds
You can add chia seeds to your smoothie by tossing them in, making some chia pudding, or making some chia gel. You can make chia gel by soaking 1/3 cup of chia seeds in 2 cups of water overnight.
You can make chia pudding by adding 3 tablespoons of chia seeds in 1 cup of milk. Then, add sweeteners or any flavors you’d like and allow to set overnight.
To use it in your smoothie, you can add 3 tablespoons of chia pudding or chia gel- or you can add 2 tablespoons of raw chia seeds before blending.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a great way to thicken liquids- plus, they are an excellent source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. To achieve best results, you’ll want to add 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal to 2.5 tablespoons of water and allow to set for about 5 minutes.
Soaked Nuts
Since they contain healthy fats and once soaked, become softer, nuts work well for thickening a smoothie.
Plus, once soaked, they’re more nutritious because soaking rids them of the enzymes that keep the nutrients from being absorbed in the gut.
Simply place macadamias, cashews, pecans, almonds, and/or walnuts in a bowl. Then fill the bowl with water and allow the nuts to soak overnight. Then, the next day, rinse them off and toss them into your smoothie.
Seed/Nut Butters
Seed and nut butters, such as hemp, hazelnut, sunflower, almond, macadamia, and cashew are a great way to get some plant-based protein while thickening your smoothie at the same time.
However, these butters can get expensive, so you might want to try to make them at home. Just a tablespoon or two is sufficient for making your smoothie creamy and delicious.
Gluten Free Flour
Another great way to add plant-based protein and creaminess to your smoothie is by using gluten-free flour.
This includes things like almond, tapioca, amaranth, chickpea, rice, or coconut flours. One tablespoon will be all you need for a creamy, thick smoothie.
Rolled Oats
Due to their soluble fiber content, rolled oats are a great way to thicken your smoothie- especially a breakfast smoothie.
Quinoa
This is one of the best ingredients to use when you’re making a meal replacement smoothie. The texture is perfect for thickening up your smoothie without using bananas or dairy- plus, it’s full of protein. Simply add ¾ cup of cooked quinoa with your fruits and veggies and blend.
When you’re on a green smoothie detox diet, it’s best if you can make your own, but you can’t always get them thick and creamy. Try these ingredients to see how they work for you.
