There is no bigger disappointment than venturing into the smoothie world and finding yourself making glorified water. Watery smoothies, to put it simply, are just the worst. With so many foods that can amp up the thickness of a smoothie, there’s no need to rely on boring frozen bananas. The next time you find yourself reaching for that browned banana, try one of these foods instead. They’ll surely perform their thickening duties!
Avocado
Photo by Katherine Baker
Avocado is a great smoothie ingredient because its flavor is easily be masked by other ingredients. Avocado is commonly used in green smoothies featuring ingredients like kale and apples, but can be used as the base for chocolate smoothies as well. Really, the options are endless. Using avocado in a smoothie can also amp up your healthy fat and fiber intake. If you want a smoothie with full avocado flavor, try this Creamy Avocado Smoothie.
Nut Butter
Photo by Kimberly Buesser
Nut butter not only thickens your smoothie, but it also adds a significant amount of protein. Almond butter, peanut butter and cashew butter all work well in smoothies, and provide endless flavor combinations that are sure to satisfy your nutty cravings. If you’re into the classics, try this Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake.
Greek Yogurt
Photo by Hoards of Dairymen
Rather than using milk or coconut water as the liquid component to your smoothie, try Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is richer in protein and thicker in texture compared to its regular alternative, so definitely try this variety first. If you’re one of the people who find the flavor too off-putting, regular yogurt will work too.
Oats
Photo by Becky Hughes
Oats are a great way to add texture to your creamy smoothie. High in soluble fiber, oats are also a healthy addition to your daily smoothie because they keep you full long after your meal. Oat smoothies provide an endless amount of flavor combinations, but this Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie should definitely be considered the next time you are hankering for anything oat-related.
Frozen Mango
Photo by Sammy Case
Nothing feels more like summer than an ice-cold mango smoothie. Freezing your fruit is an easy way to make a thicker smoothie, but compared to other fruits, mango just seems to be the one that works the best, probably due to its small fat content. Imagine yourself sitting poolside, taking in Vitamin C while simultaneously drinking it with this Raspberry Mango Smoothie.
Chia Seeds
Photo by Jaime Wilson
Chia seeds are a unique smoothie thickener because they thicken when mixed with fluid. These seeds can be bought at nearly any grocery store, and all you have to do is let them sit in liquid for 10-20 minutes before they create a gel-like consistency. Chia seeds are also a nutritional powerhouse, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. This Blueberry and Chia Seed Smoothie is a great introduction to using chia seeds in any smoothie.
Pumpkin Puree
Photo by Leanne Vogul
Pumpkin in smoothies isn’t as weird as it sounds. In fact, it’s actually delicious. Adding pumpkin puree to your smoothie will immediately up the thickness, and will give the additional benefit of surrounding your taste buds with some Fall comfort. If you’re one of the skeptics who thinks a pumpkin smoothie can’t possibly be good, try this Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie.