How to Make Smoothies with Milk (plus Recipe!)

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Making a smoothie is a great way to enjoy a quick and healthy snack or meal. There are endless variations you can make, but all smoothies start with the same basic ingredients: liquid, fruits or vegetables and other add ins.

For most people, the liquid of choice will be milk. Dairy milk is a common ingredient in smoothies because it’s high in protein and calcium, but there are many other types of milk that can be used as well. In this article we will mostly be looking at dairy milk, but we will also talk about the best nondairy milks to use. So whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, allergic or just trying to reduce your dairy intake, there are plenty of options for you!

variety of smoothies made with milk in glass jars on white background with ingredients surrounding

Can Milk Be Used in Smoothies?

The debate on whether milk is necessary for smoothies has been going on for years. Some people say that milk makes smoothies too thick, while others believe that it’s an essential ingredient for a creamy and satisfying drink. So what’s the verdict?

Well, it really depends on your personal preferences. If you like your smoothies to be on the thinner side, then you can definitely get away with using water or juice instead of milk. However, if you want a thicker smoothie that’s more like a milkshake, then milk is definitely the way to go.

There are also some health benefits to using milk in your smoothies. Dairy milk is a good source of protein and calcium, both of which are important for maintaining strong bones and muscles. Milk can also help you stay fuller for longer thanks to the fat and protein content.

So if you’re looking for a nutritious and filling smoothie, then milk is a great option. But if you’re trying to avoid dairy or just want a lighter drink, then feel free to use water, coconut water, nut milk or juice instead.

bottles of nondairy milk on gray fabric

What’s the Best Milk for Smoothies?

Now that we’ve settled the debate on whether or not milk is necessary for smoothies, it’s time to talk about which type of milk is best. As we mentioned before, dairy milk is a popular choice because it’s rich in protein and calcium. But it’s not the only option! There are plenty of plant based milks that can be used in smoothies, and some of them may even be better for you than dairy milk.

One of the most popular plant based milks for smoothies is almond milk. Almond milk is made from blending almonds with water, and it’s a good source of vitamin E and magnesium. It’s also low in calories and fat, which makes it a great choice if you’re watching your weight.

Another popular milk for smoothies is coconut milk. Coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconuts and it’s a good source of healthy fats and vitamins. It’s also dairy free, making it a good choice for a coconut milk smoothie for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

There are also other plant based milks that can be used in smoothies, such as soy milk, cashew milk and hemp milk among others. We love oat milk for our dairy free son. These all have different nutritional profiles, so make sure to check the nutrition label if you are watching your weight, carbs, calories, etc.

Check out our guide to the best nondairy milk for smoothies here

chocolate smoothie with bottle of milk on wooden background

Benefits of Dairy Milk for Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to get all the nutrients your body needs in one delicious and easy-to-drink beverage. And when you use milk as the base, you’re getting an extra boost of protein and calcium. So if you’re looking for a nutritious snack or meal replacement, consider making a smoothie with milk.

There are many different types of milk you can use in your smoothie, but dairy milk is the most popular choice. This is because dairy milk is a good source of protein and calcium, both of which are important for maintaining strong bones and muscles. Milk can also help you stay fuller for longer thanks to the fat and protein content.

And now, here is one of my favorite milk smoothie recipes with no added sugar.

Cherry Blueberry Smoothie with Milk

Enjoy this delicious fruit smoothie made with milk!
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Smoothies
Cuisine Smoothies
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 medium banana (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 1 cup milk of choice

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Enjoy as is or with cream and berries on top!
Keyword how to make smoothies with milk
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This smoothie is packed with nutrients and antioxidants from the cherries and blueberries, and it’s a great way to start your day or refuel after a workout. The banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess, while the spinach gives this smoothie a nutrient boost. And of course, the milk makes it nice and creamy.

If you’re looking for a lighter smoothie, feel free to use water or plant based milk instead of dairy milk. And if you want a sweeter smoothie, add a little honey or agave nectar to taste.

How to Customize Our Milk Smoothie Recipe

Add protein: If you’re looking to add more protein to your smoothie, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or some Greek yogurt. This will help keep you fuller for longer and help repair muscles after a workout.

Make it greener: If you want to make this smoothie even healthier, add an extra handful of spinach or swap out the banana for avocado. This will make your smoothie more nutrient-dense and filling.

Make it sweeter: If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to add more fruit or a little honey, maple syrup or agave nectar to taste. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Add superfoods: If you want to give your smoothie a health boost, consider adding a scoop of supergreens powder, flax seed or chia seed. These superfoods are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and they’ll make your smoothie even more nutritious.

Add healthy fat: If you want to make your smoothie more filling, add a tablespoon of nut butter such as almond butter or peanut butter or some flaxseed oil. This will help keep you fuller for longer and give your body a boost of healthy fats.

Make it a smoothie bowl: This smoothie is already thick, so it makes a wonderful smoothie bowl topped with cereal such as granola, coconut flakes, ripe banana slices, fresh strawberry, pineapple chunks or other fresh fruit.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing our milk smoothie recipe, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Common Questions about Smoothies Made with Milk

Are smoothies better with milk or water?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a nutritious smoothie with protein and calcium, then milk is a great choice. But if you’re looking for a lighter smoothie, then water or plant based milk might be a better option. Any type of milk, whether dairy of plant based, will give you a creamier smoothie than water.

Can I use any type of milk in my smoothie?

Yes, you can use any type of milk in your smoothie. The most popular choices are dairy milk, soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. But there are many other plant based milks to choose from, so make sure to check the nutrition label to find one that fits your diet and lifestyle.

Is a milk smoothie healthy?

It depends on the ingredients you use. If you’re using healthy ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and yogurt, then a milk smoothie can be a nutritious snack or meal replacement. But if you’re using unhealthy ingredients like ice cream, cookies, and candy, then a milk smoothie is not so healthy. It’s always best to check the nutrition label to make sure you’re using healthy ingredients.

How much milk should you put in a smoothie?

It depends on how thick or thin you like your smoothie. I usually add between 1/2 to 1 cup of milk to my smoothies depending upon the other ingredients, but you can always add more or less milk to get the consistency that you like.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Smoothies with Milk

So there you have it – everything you need to know about how to make smoothies with milk, including an easy recipe!

Milk is a great choice for smoothies because it’s a good source of protein and calcium, and it can help you stay fuller for longer. But if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, there are plenty of plant based milks that you can use in your smoothies. Just make sure to check the nutrition label to find one that fits you diet and lifestyle.

Happy Blending!
Amanda

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