Introduction
Love smoothies but the problem are when they turn out too watery. Find the best ways to thicken a smoothie.
We’ve got 13 tips that will help you to thicken a smoothie – so you can enjoy every sip.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll never have a watered-down smoothie again. Plus, you might even find new ways to make your favorite drink even better.
Let’s dive right in
13 Tips To Thicken A Smoothie
1. Chia seeds
Chia seeds can take up to twenty minutes for their gelatinizing properties to kick in, thus providing a lusciously thickened smoothie. These tiny powerhouses will also work as an effective gelling agent when added to your smoothie. It will also boost your weight loss.
To obtain the full benefits of chia seeds in your smoothie, pre-soak them for about 20 minutes before blending. When you’re in a rush and need to whip up a smoothie quickly, make it easier on yourself by prepping batches of chia gel ahead of time – store them in the refrigerator for effortlessly adding 1 or 2 tablespoons into your shake.
2. Oats and Nuts
Make your smoothies irresistibly creamy and nourishing by incorporating some fiber-rich oats or nuts. A few tablespoons of either will do the trick! For added flavor, why not try adding a dollop of nut butter? Not only does it give your strawberry, blueberry, and other flavored smoothies an extra boost of taste but also adds thickness that no one could resist.
3. Frozen Fruit & Vegetables
Transform the texture of your next smoothie by adding half to one full cup of frozen fruits or vegetables. With this simple step, you can take your beverage from thin and watery to creamy and delicious! Give it a go with some frozen berries or tropical fruit – you won’t be disappointed. You can even through in some ice cubes, it works wonders.
Incorporating frozen vegetables such as cauliflower or beets into your blends featuring bolder flavors like chocolate and vanilla can mesh together to form a dessert-like texture that will certainly surprise you. Smoothies and smoothie bowls made with these ingredients are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
4. Protein Powder
Protein powder is an ideal ingredient for thickening smoothies, as its flour-like consistency also adds a protein boost. When adding this beneficial supplement to your drink, start with one scoop and gradually increase depending on how thick you would like and the size of your serving. Be mindful not to go overboard though or else you’ll end up with something too chalky!
With the addition of thickeners to some protein powders, such as xanthan gum, you can quite literally see liquid come alive with body and thickness. Not all protein powders are created equal in terms of their thickening abilities – but those that do use added thickeners really pack a punch!
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, yams, and winter squashes such as pumpkin can quickly boost your smoothie without the added sugar or calories. Nonetheless, keep in mind that these ingredients may make for a grainier texture so use only up to half a cup at most and augment it with something creamy like peanut butter to achieve an even smoother blend.
6. Avocados
Avocados are the perfect way to obtain a creamy, velvety texture and can also provide a healthy punch of essential fatty acids. Due to their high-fat content, avocados should be used with caution as they can easily overpower other flavors if too much is added. We suggest starting off small – no more than half an avocado per serving.
7. Gelatin
Adding a teaspoon of gelatin will thicken your smoothie. The nice part is that gelatin does not have flavor so it won’t change the taste of your smoothie. Moreover, it is loaded with health benefits that include improved digestion, good sleep, healthy nails, and enhanced bone health.
8. Bananas
Bananas are a classic smoothie ingredient, as they are incredibly versatile and provide a subtle sweetness that many of us enjoy. They also have the advantage of being able to thicken up your shakes into something amazingly creamy – especially if you opt for frozen bananas!
9. Beans & Legumes
Legumes such as black beans, kidney beans, and even chickpeas can make for a thicker smoothie that packs an added nutritious punch. While one cup may seem like a lot to add in, the trick is to blend them until the texture of your smoothie is near-perfect!
10. Yogurt & Cottage Cheese
These two dairy-based ingredients are a great way to make your smoothie thick and luxurious. Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is incredibly high in protein and can give your shake a creamy texture once blended. As an alternative, cottage cheese will lend it some creaminess without the sourness of traditional yogurt.
11. Mangoes
Mangoes have a unique texture that can make for an incredibly smooth and creamy blend. Not only are they amazingly versatile, but the added sweetness makes them a great addition to any smoothie! The trick is to let the mango ripen until it’s soft – this will ensure that you end up with an ultra-thick and delicious drink.
12. Spices & Herbs
The use of spices and herbs can often be overlooked when it comes to smoothies, but they should not be underestimated! Consider adding in a dash of ground ginger or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor – not only will it take your smoothie’s taste to the next level but also offer a unique thickness that you won’t find elsewhere.
13. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a fantastic way to increase the thickness of your smoothie without all the added sugars and calories that come with it. Alongside its awesomely creamy texture, coconut cream also brings a subtle hint of sweetness – perfect for those who don’t particularly like adding sweeteners to their drinks! Blending the cream with some bananas or dates can make for a tropical-tasting smoothie that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Conclusion
Making a smoothie should never be complicated, and with these tips, you can easily make something delicious and creamy! If you want a thicker and creamier smoothie, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients until you find a combination that you love. And remember, if all else fails, you can always add ice cream!
Do you have any favorite ingredients that make your smoothies extra thick and creamy? Let us know in the comments below!
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