Want thicker smoothies?
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If you’re like us, you enjoy thicker, creamier smoothies that you can sip slow on your morning commute to work. Thats why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite smoothie thickeners - additions that will add as much nutrition as they will depth and will leave you with a perfect-tasting, oh-so-creamy smoothie.
1. Bananas
It’s no secret that bananas are a staple in the smoothie game. They add the perfect amount of sweetness and work well with a range of other ingredients, whether you prefer greens, berries, punchy tropical fruits, or protein shakes. We prefer them frozen so we usually slice them and freeze them ahead of time, this way they’re easier to add into our blender. Fresh bananas work well too so experiment to figure out what you like best.
2. Chia Seeds
Whether whole or ground, chia seeds make for an amazing addition to any smoothie. With every tablespoon, you get 6 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of polyunsaturated fats (those good fats everyone is always talking about). This simple seed scores you mighty points in the nutrition department.
If you opt for pre-ground chia, you can add it into your BEVVO along with all your other ingredients and blend together. If instead you're using whole seeds, add a scoop after your other ingredients have been blended and stir in - they’ll expand and become gelatinous within a couple minutes, which makes for a different texture that'll leave you wanting another sip.
3. Avocado
Who doesn’t like a little avo in their smoothie? Packed with a variety of nutrients, avocados are also rich in those good fats we were talking about and fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer. Who knew that avocados also contain more potassium than bananas, helping keep your blood pressure under control when life throws you a stressful day?
We recommend adding half an avocado instead of a whole one to your smoothies, just so that it doesn't overpower the other flavours. If you're like us and worry that the other half will oxidize and go to waste if you don't use it right away, just store it with plastic wrap (preferably reusable!) in an airtight seal.
4. Nut Butters
Skip the bread in your PB&J sandwich and add your favorite nut butter to your smoothies instead. Peanut butter is a classic, but if you're up to it, venture into foreign territory by experimenting with other nut butters like almond or cashew. Considering the high calorie content, less is more; know that just one tablespoon will still get you 4 grams of protein, 6.5 grams of healthy fats and 1.5 grams of fiber.
We recommend blending all your other ingredients first, then adding your nut butter and blending again to avoid that sticky accumulation along the sides of your blender.
5. Oats
If you're Canadian like us, you can relate to this comfy option for the transition to colder months. Brrr! Oats add that smooth comfort to your smoothie recipes, all while packing fiber into your diet and helping you feel fuller for longer on those busier mornings. If you have the option, try using rolled oats because they blend better than whole or steel-cut oats, and the bonus is that there’s no need to precook them. A tablespoon or two along with the rest of your ingredients makes for a perfect, filling breakfast.
We wish you silky, creamy, smoothie bliss today and everyday.