What are the Best Smoothie Add ins?
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Making smoothies for health or weight loss and wondering about the best smoothie add ins? Learn what you need to know in our guide.
Smoothies are a great way to get in a quick and healthy meal, but they can be even more beneficial if you add the right ingredients.
Some of the best add ins for smoothies include oats, chia seed, greens powders, protein powder, nut butter, flax seed, hemp seed, Greek yogurt, cacao powder or nibs, maca powder.
When you add these to a smoothie that includes fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables and a liquid you get an amazingly healthy smoothie that can help you lose weight and replace a meal.
What are Good Add-Ins for Smoothies?
Oats
Oats are a great source of fiber and protein, both of which are essential for weight loss. They will also help to keep you full longer. You can use any kind of oats you want, but the most common oats are rolled oats. If you prefer steel cut, check out our guide to using steel cut oats in smoothies here.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are also a good source of fiber and protein. They also contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids. I like to keep a bag of black chia seed in the pantry at all times. They are great for thickening a smoothie, too!
Greens Powders
Greens powders are a great way to add more greens into your smoothie without changing the flavor too much. I like using a scoop of Greens powders in my morning smoothies. Some of my favorites are Bloom, Organifi, and Amazing Grass. You can even get chocolate flavored greens! Yum!
Protein Powder
If you are looking to add more protein to your diet, then protein powder is a great way to do it. Protein powder will also help to keep you full longer. When choosing a protein powder, make sure to pick one that is high quality and without any fillers or artificial ingredients. I like using Premier Protein for whey and Orgain for vegan.
Nut Butter
Nut butter is a great way to add healthy fats and protein to your smoothie. I like using almond butter or peanut butter, but there are so many different kinds of nut butter out there. You can even make your own!
Flax Seed
Flaxseed is a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a good thickener for smoothies. I like to buy whole flaxseeds and grind them in a spice grinder before using. I feel this keeps all the healthy fat in the seeds and then in my smoothies.
Hemp Seed
Hemp seed is another great source of protein and healthy fats. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seed is a bit more expensive than other add-ins, but a little goes a long way.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium. It will also help to make your smoothie thicker and creamier. I like using plain Greek yogurt, but you can use flavored if you prefer. Just be aware of the added sugar in some of the flavored options.
Cacao Powder or Nibs
Cacao powder or nibs are a great way to add some antioxidants and flavor to your smoothie. I like using cacao powder because it dissolves more easily, but you can use either. Cacao nibs will give your smoothie a little bit of crunch, too, and are great for a smoothie bowl topping.
Maca Powder
Maca powder is a great way to add some nutrients and flavor to your smoothie. Maca is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body to adapt to stress. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. I like using maca powder in my morning smoothies for an extra boost of energy.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. It will also help to make your smoothie thicker and creamier. I like using full fat cottage cheese, but you can use any fat percentage you like. The curd size doesn’t matter as it will be blended in your smoothie anyway.
How to Use Add Ins with a Smoothie Recipe
The best way to make a smoothie with some of the best add ins is to start by adding the liquid to your blender. I like using almond milk or coconut water, but you can use any kind of liquid you like.
Then, add in the fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables. I like to use a mix of berries, mango and almost always a frozen banana, but you can use any kind of fruit you like. We try a lot of smoothies at our house and you can find our favorite recipes here.
Next, add in the add ins. I like to add in a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of chia seeds, and a tablespoon of flaxseed. If I’m making a meal replacement smoothie I often will add oats, too.
Blend everything together on high speed and enjoy!
Smoothie Recipes with Add-Ins
Green smoothie with Add Ins
1 cup almond milk or coconut water
1 banana
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup frozen berries
1 tsp honey (or more to taste)
1 scoop supergreens powder (optional)
1 tsp Chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp Hemp seed (optional)
Directions: Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie with Add Ins
1 cup almond milk or coconut water
1 banana
2 tbsp cacao powder (or more to taste)
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 scoopchocolate protein powder (optional)
1 tsp Chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp Flaxseed (optional)
Directions: Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie with Add Ins
1 cup almond milk or coconut water
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey (or more to taste)
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder (optional)
1 tsp Chia seeds (optional)
2 Tbsp Cottage Cheese (optional)
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Maca Breakfast Smoothie with Add Ins
1 cup almond milk or coconut water
1 banana
1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1 tsp maca powder (or more to taste)
1 scoop Protein powder (optional)
1 tsp Chia seeds (optional)
1 Tbsp oats (optional)
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Banana Chocolate Hemp Smoothie with Add Ins
1 cup almond milk or coconut water
1 banana
2 tbsp cacao powder (or more to taste)
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
1 tsp Chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp Flaxseed (optional)
Directions: Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Common Questions about Smoothie Add Ins
Some of the best add ins for smoothies include oats, chia seed, greens powders, protein powder, nut butter, flax seed, hemp seed, Greek yogurt, cacao powder or nibs, maca powder, and cottage cheese.
When you add these to a smoothie that includes fresh or frozen fruit, vegetables and liquid such as almond milk or coconut water you get an amazingly healthy smoothie that can help you lose weight and replace a meal.
Yes, you can add oats to a smoothie! Oats are a great source of fiber and they will help to make your smoothie thicker. I like to add a 1/4 cup of oats to my smoothies when I’m making 2 servings, but you can add more or less depending on your preference.
No, you don’t have to add protein powder to your smoothie. However, protein powder is a great way to get an extra boost of protein, especially if you are using your smoothie as a meal replacement. It can also add flavor and sweetness depending upon what powder you choose.
Yes, you can still make a smoothie without any of the add ins listed. However, your smoothie will be less nutritious and may not be as filling. I would recommend adding at least one or two of the add ins listed to get the most benefit from your smoothie.
There are a few things that you shouldn’t mix in a smoothie, such as alcohol, coffee, and energy drinks. These can all interfere with the absorption of nutrients from your smoothie and make it less effective. You should also avoid adding too much sugar, whether it’s from fruit or other sources, as this can offset the health benefits of your smoothie.
Final Thoughts on Smoothie Add Ins
Adding smoothie add ins is important because they can help you to get the nutrients your body needs. They can also help to make your smoothie thicker and creamier, and give it a great flavor.
I hope you’ll give some of these add ins a try in your next smoothie!
Happy Blending!
Amanda
