Are you ready to take your smoothie game to the next level? Smoothies are a great way to get the right nutrients into your body – and they taste great, too.
Whether you’re new to the world of smoothies or you’re a seasoned smoothie lover, here’s my guide to the best smoothie essentials to keep in your kitchen at home.
My Top Smoothie Essentials
- Frozen Fruit
- Spinach
- Nut Butters
- Yogurt
- Dairy-Free Milk
- Chia Seeds
- Blender
These are my personal top smoothie essentials that I use on a daily basis, as someone who develops and consumes smoothies regularly!
Let me break down my list:
#1. Frozen Fruit:
Frozen fruit is a game changer in smoothies. While fresh fruit is great, frozen fruit lasts much longer in the freezer and provides a thicker, icy smoothie.
There are no rules as to which fruit to buy; just head to your local store and stock up on a variety of different fruits such as berries, mango, pineapple, or strawberries.
If you don’t want to buy frozen fruit or your favorite fruits aren’t commonly frozen, you can freeze them yourself at home.
Simply cut the fruit up into small portions before placing it on a tray or plate. Make sure the fruit pieces aren’t touching to prevent them from sticking together.
Once they’re frozen, remove them from a tray and place them in a Ziplock bag in the freezer.
#2. Spinach:
Greens are a great way to include additional nutrients in your smoothie.
Unlike other greens, spinach has a very mild flavor, meaning it won’t alter the taste of your smoothie; it’s easy to blend and you can buy frozen spinach – as well as fresh – meaning you don’t have to worry about it going off.
#3. Nut Butters:
Looking for a nutty flavor in your smoothie but don’t want the “bits”? Nut butter is the way to go.
Whether you prefer almond, peanut, cashew, or pistachio, a couple of spoonfuls in your drink will add a rich, nutty flavor at the same time as thickening your drink.
Nut butters are also a great source of plant-based protein and a wealth of healthy fats.
#4. Yogurt:
Another great way to thicken up my smoothies is by using yogurt instead of milk, juice, or water.
Yogurt is a great probiotic and doesn’t have a strong flavor that will alter the overall taste of your smoothie.
You can choose plain yogurt or flavored – but the Greek style is the best for smoothies, in my opinion from personal experience.
#5. Dairy-Free Milk:
Looking for the perfect plant-based smoothie base? Dairy-free milk is a great ingredient to have in your fridge.
My personal favorites are almond, coconut, macadamia, or oat milk because they don’t alter the taste of my smoothies.
#6. Chia Seeds:
Packed with omega-3, fiber, and antioxidants, chia seeds are a must-have in all of my smoothies.
They last forever in my pantry, thicken my smoothies, and add a boost of nutrition with only one spoonful!
To avoid the crunch in your smoothies, – simply soak your chia seeds before using them, and they’ll help thicken the drink instead.
Read more about using chia seeds in smoothies in my guide here.
#7. Blender:
You can’t make a smoothie without a blender, and if you’re making them daily, you’ll need to invest in a good one – especially if, like me, you plan to use frozen fruits, nuts, or seeds.
Cheap blenders work in a pinch but won’t last long with daily use.
Which is why I have personally invested in a Vitamix blender. After testing hundreds of blenders, the Vitamix always came at the top!
Fruit and Vegetable Essentials for Smoothies
The main ingredient in your smoothies will be fruit or vegetables, and these are my “always in the kitchen” essentials.
- Berries
- Banana
- Kale
- Avocado
- Citrus Fruits
- Carrots
- Cucumber
#1. Berries:
Packed with antioxidants, berries are one of my favorite ways to add sweetness to my smoothie.
Both fresh and frozen work well – I tend to rotate between strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, but sometimes just grab a mixed bag for the freezer.
#2. Banana:
Bananas are a great source of potassium, as well as providing a unique creaminess to your drink and tons of natural sweetness – and bananas are perhaps the OG smoothie ingredient.
You can even cut them up and freeze them beforehand to keep them fresher for longer.
Read my guide: How to freeze bananas for smoothies – for more information.
#3. Kale:
Looking for a superfood to add to your breakfast smoothie? Kale is one of the best smoothie ingredients if you’re looking to start your day with a ton of nutrients.
Containing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as being a great source of fiber, even a small handful of kale can make a huge impact on your health.
#4. Avocado:
I love a creamy smoothie, but I don’t always want milk or yogurt inside.
One of my favorite ways to thicken up a smoothie is by adding avocado to the mix.
The flavor is subtle and blends well with other ingredients – and it’s a great source of healthy fats to give me the right boost in the morning.
#5. Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits are often overlooked when it comes to smoothies – but not in my house.
I love to add oranges, lemons, and limes to my smoothies – filled with vitamin C; they’re the zesty kick that transforms my smoothies.
#6. Carrots:
Carrots might not be your first choice when it comes to smoothie ingredients – however, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be.
The natural source of sugar will sweeten up any smoothie, and you’ll reap the benefits of a daily dose of beta-carotene.
#7. Cucumber:
Cucumber might be my all-time favorite green smoothie ingredient. It has a unique, fresh flavor, is packed with liquids, and is super refreshing – no matter what I mix it with.
Cucumbers work as a natural smoothie liquid, without the need to add much else. They are very watery, and are particularly great for green smoothies.
Essential Smoothie Add-Ins
Adding something extra to your smoothies not only makes them more interesting, but also increases the nutritional value of your drink.
While not essential, the following ingredients will transform your smoothies.
- Protein Powder
- Seeds (Chia, Flax, Hemp)
- Matcha Powder
- Detox Powders (Spirulina, Wheatgrass)
- Oats
- Honey or Maple Syrup (for sweetness)
- Fresh Herbs (Mint, Basil)
#1. Protein Powder:
If you work out, protein powder in your smoothies is your best friend.
If I am going for a run or hitting the gym, protein powder is my go-to for a post-workout smoothie. Choose your favorite – whey, plant-based, or collagen and add a scoop to your next smoothie.
#2. Seeds (Chia, Flax, Hemp):
Seeds are a great source of fiber and healthy fats – and they can completely change the flavor and texture of your smoothie.
To learn more – read my guide about the best seeds for smoothies.
#3. Matcha Powder:
If you want caffeine in your morning smoothie, matcha is a great way to add it. Simply add a spoonful of powdred matcha to your smoothie and start your day with an energy boost.
Matcha also contains antioxidants and so many other benefits too!
#4. Detox Powders (Spirulina, Wheatgrass):
When I am on a health kick, detox powders are in every smoothie I make. My favorites are spirulina and wheatgrass, thanks to their high nutrient levels.
Try my wheatgrass smoothie recipe!
#5. Oats:
Oats are another great smoothie ingredient. Boasting a source of complex carbs and fiber, the oats will also provide a nutty flavor and thicken up your drink.
#6. Honey or Maple Syrup (for sweetness):
Sometimes, my smoothies just aren’t sweet enough – especially if I am going for a green smoothie. To add just the right amount of sweetness, honey, and maple syrup are my best choice.
#7. Fresh Herbs (Mint, Basil):
Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor to your smoothie – and a little goes a long way. While cilantro and dill might not work in most smoothies, fresh herbs like basil and mint can entirely transform your drink.
All Other Smoothie Essentials
If you’re a smoothie connoisseur, there is no reason why you shouldn’t go all out on your smoothie essentials.
- High-Quality Blender
- Smoothie Cups
- Reusable Straws
- Smoothie Bottles
- Ice Cube Trays
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
#1. High-Quality Blender:
As I mentioned earlier, cheap quality blenders don’t do the job right, and they don’t last with heavy use. If you’re a daily smoothie drinker, it’s much better to invest in a high-quality blender that will last you a lifetime.
#2. Smoothie Cups:
If you drink your smoothies on the go, why not invest in your very own smoothie cup with a lid? They’re perfect for taking to the gym, to work, or on your morning commute.
#3. Reusable Straws:
I drink my smoothies with a straw, and to save money and the environment, I grabbed my own reusable set that can go in the dishwasher.
#4. Smoothie Glasses:
I like a huge smoothie, and none of the glasses in my house are big enough, so I invested in a set of large smoothie glasses for myself and my guests.
If you like big servings of smoothies, it’s worth getting yourself a set!
#5. Ice Cube Trays:
Ever make “too much” smoothie? Ice cube trays are a great way to store leftovers to chuck into a future smoothie.
#6. Measuring Cups and Spoons:
If you’re using a ton of different ingredients in your smoothie, grab some measuring spoons and cups – they’re a great kitchen essential for more than just smoothies!
They are especially important if you follow smoothie recipes regularly; you will often need to measure ingredients carefully.
My Weekly Smoothie Shopping List
Now, I am going to share with you my weekly shopping list that I personally use every time I go grocerry shopping!
Do bear in mind that I create and consume smoothies daily, which is why my list is a bit more elaborate:
- Greek Yogurt
- Leafy Greens
- Fresh Fruit
- Frozen Fruit (variety)
- Dairy-Free Milk
- Coconut Water
- Kefir
- Cucumber
- Nut Butter (to replenish)
- Protein Powder (as needed)
- Chia Seeds (to replenish)