Smoothie add-ins can take your diet to the next level!
In this article, we’ll explore several nutrient-dense additions to transform your ordinary smoothie into a nutritional powerhouse!
Smoothie Add-Ins Explained
Add-ins are supplemental ingredients that enhance the nutritional value, flavor, and texture of your smoothie.
These healthy additions to smoothies are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, protein, and other beneficial compounds.
You can incorporate a variety of healthy smoothie add-ins to suit your specific dietary needs and preferences.
Read on to learn more about the best things to put in smoothies!
Categories of Healthy Smoothie Add-Ins
Below are nine categories of add-ins for nutrient-dense smoothies:
- Fruit
- Greens
- Nuts & nut butter
- Seeds
- Dairy & dairy alternatives
- Liquids
- Grains
- Powders
- Natural sweeteners
1. Best Fruits for Smoothies
The best fruits for your smoothies depend on your taste preferences and the flavor combinations you enjoy!
Frozen fruits are an excellent option for smoothies. You can purchase frozen fruit or freeze your fresh fruit for smoothies when it gets too ripe.
Below are fruits that will produce a tasty, high fiber smoothie:
- Berries
- Bananas
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Watermelon
Don’t be afraid to mix different fruits together like this “Easy Cranberry Mango Smoothie” from Dietitian Melissa Altman-Traub at Plant-Based Nutrition.
2. Healthy Greens for Smoothies
Add greens to your smoothie to boost its vitamins, minerals, and fiber content!
Below are some greens that work well as a smoothie add-in:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Collard greens
- Beet greens
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, which plays a crucial role in oxygen transport and energy production.
This “Tropical Mango Iron-Rich Smoothie” from Nourished by Nic is packed with smoothie add-ins, including iron-rich spinach!
3. Nuts & Nut Butter as Smoothie Add-Ins
Nuts and nut butter are excellent additions to smoothies! They bring a delightful flavor, healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying texture.
Using whole nuts will require a heavy-duty blender to ensure a smooth texture.
Nut butter is easier to incorporate and blend into a smoothie mixture.
Below are some nuts and nut butter to consider:
Nuts
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Pistachios
Cashews help to thicken and smooth out the texture of a smoothie.
Check out this cashew-packed smoothie from The Healthy Epicurean – Strawberry Banana Cashew Smoothie.
Nut Butter
- Almond butter
- Peanut butter
- Cashew butter
- Sunflower seed butter
- Hazelnut butter
If you like peanut butter, you’ll love this Age-Defying Dietitian smoothie – Anti-Aging Drink with Peanut Butter & Bananas.
4. Healthy Seeds for Smoothies
Incorporate seeds into your smoothies for a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and protein!
Grind them or choose varieties that are easily digested like chia and hemp seeds.
Below are some healthy seed options:
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health.
This “Berry High Fiber Smoothie” from Nourished by Nic packs in 16g of fiber with no added sugar!
5. Dairy & Dairy Alternatives as Smoothie Add-Ins
There are various dairy, and dairy alternatives, you can add to smoothies for creaminess, flavor, and added nutrients.
Here are some dairy and dairy alternatives that make for great additions to smoothies:
- Greek yogurt
- Regular yogurt
- Coconut yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Kefir
- Silken tofu
- Avocados
Avocados add a velvety texture without added dairy.
This “Avocado Peanut Butter Smoothie” from Kiran Campbell Nutrition is an excellent example of how to use avocado in a smoothie.
6. Liquids for Smoothies
Liquids are an essential component of smoothies. They help to blend the ingredients smoothly to create your desired consistency.
They also may provide additional vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Below are some liquids to add to your smoothies:
- Water
- Cow’s milk
- Plant-based milk (almond, cashew, soy, coconut)
- Fruit juice
- Green tea
Coconut milk is a plant-based dairy alternative for smoothies.
This smoothie from Dietitian Moushumi uses coconut milk for a liquid base – “Aloe Vera Smoothie”.
7. Healthy Grains as Smoothie Add-Ins
Add healthy grains to your smoothies for extra fiber, complex carbohydrates, and a unique texture.
Some grains, like brown rice, are better if they are pre-cooked.
Grains will alter the texture of your smoothie, therefore, you may need to adjust your liquid.
Below are some grain suggestions for your next smoothie:
- Oats
- Granola
- Quinoa flakes
- Cooked brown rice
- Millet
Smoothie bowls are also a delicious and nutritious option. Check out this Age-Defying Dietitian blog post on smoothie bowls – “The Ultimate Guide to Smoothie Bowl Toppings”.
Granola adds texture, crunch, and nutrients to smoothies.
If you enjoy granola, you’ll love this “Smoothie with Granola and Frozen Berries” from Nourished Nutrition.
8. Smoothie Powders
Add powders to your smoothie for a concentrated source of nutrients, flavor, and texture!
Moreover, adding fiber to smoothies is quick and easy with certain powders. This is true for added protein too!
Below are some smoothie powder options:
- Protein powders
- Collagen peptides
- Greens powders
- Bee pollen
- Spirulina powder
- Matcha powder
- Peanut butter powder
Are you interested in reeping the benefits of collagen peptides?
Check out this Age-Defying Dietitian Tropical Microgreens Smoothie with Collagen Peptides featuring Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.
9. Sweeteners for Smoothies
Incorporate a touch of sweetness into your smoothies with natural sweeteners.
Start with a small amount and adjust as needed to achieve your desired sweetness.
Keep in mind that fruits already contain natural sugars that contribute to the sweetness of your smoothie.
Here are some natural sweeteners to consider:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
- Medjool dates
- Applesauce
Dates are a nutritious natural sweetener packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Check out this “Smoothie for Gut Health” featuring the goodness of dates from Menopause Better.
Takeaways
Healthy add-ins can transform your smoothie into a nutrient-packed powerhouse!
From fruits and vegetables to almond milk and bee pollen, the options for add-ins are virtually limitless.
Get creative and explore new foods and flavors to make smoothies a delightful addition to your wellness routine!
Hungry for More?
Check out the Age-Defying Dietitian’s Blog for the latest content on all things healthy aging!
Sign up for our Nutrition for Healthy Aging Newsletter to get our latest content delivered directly to your inbox!
*Please note this blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also Certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management. She has 20+ years of nutrition experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. Her passion is to provide evidence-based nutrition information that supports vitality and longevity!