Boost Nutrition with the Top 25 Superfoods to Add to Your Smoothies
Smoothies make for a quick, delicious way to pack in extra vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into your day. By adding superfoods to your smoothie, you can transform an ordinary blend into a nutritious powerhouse drink.
Superfoods are foods that are extra high in beneficial nutrients and compounds that provide health benefits. Adding just a few superfood ingredients to your smoothie can give you an extra boost of fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This can help to improve your overall health, energy levels, immunity, skin health, heart health and more.
In this article, we’ll cover the 25 top superfoods to incorporate into smoothies. We’ll explain the unique health benefits of each superfood, along with tips for how to add them to smoothie recipes.
Read on to learn how to boost your smoothie nutrition with the best superfood mix-ins.
25 Best Superfoods to Add to Your Smoothie: At a Glance
Blueberries
Spinach
Greek Yogurt
Chia Seeds
Almonds
Avocado
Kale
Strawberries
Flaxseeds
Cinnamon
Bananas
Coconut Oil
Goji Berries
Cocoa Powder
Walnuts
Hemp Seeds
Green Tea
Bee Pollen
Maca Powder
Acai Berries
Turmeric
Camu Camu Powder
Spirulina
Bee Pollen
Collagen Peptides
What Makes a Food a Superfood
So what exactly qualifies a food as a “superfood”?
There’s no official definition, but according to Healthline most superfoods contain high amounts of:
Antioxidants - Substances that protect your cells from damage. They help reduce inflammation and lower disease risk.
Phytonutrients - Natural plant compounds like lycopene, anthocyanins, resveratrol, quercetin and carotenoids. They provide protective health benefits.
Fiber - Helps lower cholesterol, improves gut health and promotes weight loss.
Healthy fats - Essential fatty acids that reduce inflammation and risk of chronic disease.
Protein - Important for building and repairing muscles and tissues.
Vitamins and minerals - Micronutrients needed for proper body function, metabolism and cell activity.
The top 25 superfoods for smoothies provide a significant amount of one or more of these beneficial nutrients. Adding these nutritious ingredients to your smoothies can help take your health to the next level.
Now let’s get into the list of the top superfoods to blend into smoothies!
25 Best Superfoods to Add to Your Smoothie
1. Blueberries
Blueberries provide vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and fiber. But where blueberries really shine is their antioxidant content.
They contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give blueberries their blue-purple color. Anthocyanins help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from free radical damage.
Adding fresh or frozen blueberries to smoothies boosts the antioxidant value and provides a nutrient boost.
Try adding a cup of blueberries into a green smoothie along with spinach, almond milk, banana and chia seeds.
2. Spinach
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens. It provides vitamins A, C and K, magnesium, iron, calcium and antioxidants. Adding spinach to your smoothies is an easy way to pack a punch of nutrients into your diet.
Use about 1-2 cups of fresh spinach or a large handful of frozen spinach leaves per smoothie.
Combine spinach with plant milk, banana, peanut butter and cocoa powder for a nutrient-packed green smoothie.
3. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt contains more protein than regular yogurt, with around 17-20 grams per 6 ounce serving. It provides a creamy, rich texture to smoothies while adding probiotics for gut health.
Use plain nonfat Greek yogurt and add around 1/2 cup per smoothie.
For a high protein breakfast smoothie, blend Greek yogurt with banana, peanut butter and ice.
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4. Chia Seeds
These small seeds pack a nutritional punch. Just two tablespoons provides 10 grams of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are also high in antioxidants.
Their gelling action helps thicken smoothies for a creamy, pudding-like texture.
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds into any fruit or green smoothie. Let sit 5-10 minutes to thicken before drinking.
5. Almonds
Almonds add valuable vitamin E, magnesium and fiber to smoothies. They also contain plant protein. Add a handful of raw almonds, or use 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter per smoothie.
Combine almond butter, banana, cocoa powder, plant milk and ice for a nutrient-dense treat.
6. Avocado
The creamy texture and mild flavor of avocados make them perfect for smoothies. Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, folate, vitamins C and K, and potassium. Use 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 an avocado per smoothie.
For a tropical treat, blend avocado with pineapple, banana, spinach and coconut water.
7. Kale
Like spinach, kale contains impressive amounts of vitamins A, C and K. It also provides glucosinolates, anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect against chronic disease. Add about 1-2 cups of chopped, raw kale or a handful of frozen kale to smoothies.
Combine kale with mango, banana, plant milk and ginger for an antioxidant-rich smoothie.
8. Strawberries
Strawberries add vibrant color, sweetness and antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagic acid. The fiber and vitamin C support heart health and immunity. Use about 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries per smoothie.
Blend strawberries with banana, Greek yogurt and plant milk for a filling breakfast smoothie.
9. Flaxseeds
These small brown seeds provide fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids called ALA. They also contain lignans, an antioxidant that helps balance hormones. Use 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed per smoothie.
Add flaxseed to a berry smoothie along with yogurt, spinach and ice for extra nutrition.
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10. Cinnamon
Cinnamon provides antioxidants called polyphenols that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. This warming spice also helps regulate blood sugar. Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to smoothies.
Sprinkle into an apple smoothie made with Greek yogurt, spinach, ice and maple syrup.
11. Bananas
Bananas add nutrients like vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, fiber and antioxidants. Their creamy texture makes smoothies thick and satisfying. Use 1 whole, ripe banana per smoothie.
Blend banana with peanut butter, cocoa powder, plant milk and ice for a filling snack.
12. Coconut Oil
Although high in calories, coconut oil contains unique saturated fats called medium chain triglycerides that provide energy and may help promote weight loss. Use 1-2 teaspoons per smoothie.
Add to a tropical smoothie with pineapple, mango, banana and ice.
13. Goji Berries
These tiny red berries contain high levels of vitamins and minerals. They are especially high in immune-boosting vitamin C and antioxidants like zeaxanthin. Add a tablespoon of dried goji berries to smoothies.
Combine with blueberries, banana, Greek yogurt and almond milk for an antioxidant powerhouse.
14. Cocoa Powder
Cocoa provides flavonoids like epicatechin, potent antioxidants that reduce inflammation and lower heart disease risk. Look for raw cacao powder which is higher in antioxidants than processed cocoa powder. Use 1-2 tablespoons per smoothie.
Add dark cocoa powder to a banana smoothie along with peanut butter and milk for chocolatey flavor.
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15. Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids called ALA. They also contain manganese, copper, biotin and antioxidants. Add a small handful of walnuts or 1-2 tablespoons walnut butter to smoothies.
Blend walnuts with cinnamon, banana, Greek yogurt, plant milk and honey.
16. Hemp Seeds
Nutrient-dense hemp seeds provide protein, magnesium, iron, zinc, fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They add valuable nutrients as well as a creamy texture to smoothies. Add 2-3 tablespoons hemp seeds per smoothie.
Sprinkle into a berry smoothie along with spinach, chia seeds and nondairy milk.
17. Green Tea
The antioxidants in green tea called EGCG have been shown to boost metabolism, improve brain function and lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Use strongly brewed chilled green tea in place of water or ice in smoothies. Add about 1/2 to 1 cup per smoothie.
Combine chilled green tea with mango, pineapple, banana and spinach.
18. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen contains over 250 nutrients including protein, vitamins A and C, B-complex vitamins and minerals like magnesium and calcium. It has impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well. Use about 1-2 teaspoons powdered bee pollen per smoothie.
Add to a berry smoothie along with Greek yogurt, milk and cinnamon.
19. Maca Powder
Maca is a Peruvian root that is dried and ground into powder. It provides protein, fiber, vitamins C and B6, iron, copper, magnesium and manganese.
Mix 1-2 teaspoons into a green smoothie with spinach, banana, pineapple juice and Greek yogurt for an energizing meal replacement. The nutty, malt-like flavor of maca pairs well with sweeter ingredients.
20. Acai Berries
These small dark purple berries are packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanins, ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid. Acai also provides fiber, amino acids, vitamin A, calcium and iron. Use 1-2 tablespoons of acai powder or pulp per smoothie.
Blend acai into a tropical smoothie with mango, pineapple, banana and coconut milk.
21. Turmeric
The active compound in turmeric called curcumin provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It may help reduce risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric powder per smoothie.
Combine with pineapple, banana, ginger and coconut milk for an anti-inflammatory boost.
22. Camu Camu Powder
Camu camu is a South American fruit that contains very high levels of immune-boosting vitamin C. Just 1 teaspoon of camu camu powder provides over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It adds a tangy, citrus flavor to smoothies.
Mix 1 teaspoon camu camu into an orange smoothie with carrots, ginger and yogurt.
23. Spirulina
This blue-green algae is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like phycocyanin and beta-carotene. Add 1 teaspoon powdered spirulina to smoothies.
Blend into a green smoothie with kale, mango, banana and orange juice.
24. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen contains over 250 nutrients including protein, vitamins A and C, B-complex vitamins and minerals like magnesium and calcium. It has impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well. Use about 1-2 teaspoons powdered bee pollen per smoothie.
Add to a berry smoothie along with Greek yogurt, milk and cinnamon.
25. Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are a protein powder made from the breakdown of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and provides the building blocks for skin, bones, muscles and tendons.
Collagen peptides contain a unique amino acid profile along with anti-inflammatory amino acids like glycine and proline. Consuming collagen peptides may help increase skin elasticity, joint health, muscle mass and bone density.
Combine 1-2 scoops of unflavored collagen peptides with blueberries, banana, Greek yogurt, cinnamon and ice for a nutritious collagen boost.
Power up Your Smoothies with Superfoods
Adding any combination of these incredible superfoods can help take your smoothies from nutritious to super-nutritious. By incorporating a variety of these foods, you’ll get a wide range of health-boosting nutrients into your diet each day.
Some great superfood combos for smoothies include:
Spinach, blueberries, Greek yogurt, chia seeds
Kale, mango, avocado, coconut water
Strawberries, flaxseed, cinnamon, almond milk
Banana, peanut butter, cocoa powder, almond milk
The options are endless! Get creative and try out new superfood smoothie bowl recipes to find your perfect blend. Just add in a few of your favorite superfood ingredients for a deliciously nutritious way to drink your fruits and veggies.
About Author:
Gavin is the owner of Tru Foo Juice Bar. He has over 6 years of experience running a juice bar and creating juice and smoothie recipes for the consumer market.
His passion for juicing began in his early 20s as he explored natural ways to boost nutrition and energy. Over the years, Gavin has experimented with countless ingredient combinations to create the perfect juice and smoothie blends and bring them to the masses.
