Making a liquid smoothie base
Liquid bases make smoothies drinkable. Water is fine, but coconut water adds an instant tropical splash.
Full of electrolytes necessary for cell function, coconut water is an easy way to replenish your body. The light flavour won’t overpower and can be frozen for slushie smoothies.
Plant milks, like coconut, almond, or oat, add creaminess and subtle flavour. They also up the protein content. Chocolate oat milk is also a great option for sumptuous dessert-like refreshment.
Using yoghurt to create creamy smoothies will introduce good bacteria to the digestive tract. You can also use flavoured yoghurts to switch up old recipes.
Smoothie fruits
Fruit provides a great base for any smoothie, but don’t forget to vary different colours and types of fruits for different benefits.
Bananas are high in potassium and make thick, filling smoothies. A banana, 250ml of your chosen non-dairy milk, and a dash of cinnamon, make a simple, warming smoothie to fuel your day.
Flavourful pineapples and other tropical fruits improve health-focused smoothies. In addition to vitamin C, pineapples contain bromelain, which may reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
Pomegranates are full of antioxidants, vitamins C, K, and B, folic acid, iron, and potassium . Blueberries and other berries can also be added fresh or frozen to thicken texture.
Fruity vegan smoothie recipe
For a tropical smoothie bursting with vitamin C, pop these ingredients into the blender and blitz until smooth.
- 125g pineapple
- 100g oranges
- 100g mango
- 125ml coconut water
- 1/2cm of grated fresh ginger
Vegetables for smoothies
Vegetables in your smoothie may not be exciting, but they add vital minerals and balance sugar content. As smoothies use whole fruits and vegetables, they retain more fibre than juice alone, making it easier to consume your five-a-day.
Leafy greens high in vitamin A, like spinach and kale, are popular smoothie inclusions. Spinach is a good source of iron, while kale has anti-inflammatory properties. Swiss chard is one of the best sources of vitamin K, necessary for healthy bones, teeth, and cognitive function.
The addition of avocado creates a luxurious, creamy texture. Each pear contributes potassium , magnesium, vitamin E, fibre, and healthy fats to a smoothie mix. Pair with cocoa to make decadent chocolate drinks that prove healthy smoothies can taste good.
Beetroot doesn’t just colour smoothies a beautiful deep purple. It contains nitrates, iron and vitamins A and C.
To balance the earthy flavour and accentuate sweetness, combine beetroot with orange, cinnamon and acai or blueberries, added to a simple coconut water base.
Vegan chocolate smoothie
- 1 or 2 avocados
- 30g spinach
- 500ml non-dairy milk
- 3 tablespoons vegan cocoa
- 3 tablespoons vegan maple syrup or to taste
Optional extras
Adding a tablespoon of nut butter makes for a thick, indulgent, protein-packed meal. For real texture, add a handful of pecans, cashews, or oats to the blender. Oats help to lower cholesterol, while nuts are a source of healthy fats.
Chia, hemp, and flax seeds also add fibre and texture. Chia seeds contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids.
Powders like matcha, made from green tea leaves, or maca – a Peruvian root related to broccoli – are also high in antioxidants.
Both have an earthy taste. Maca adds a nutty hint, helping to deepen flavour. The powders also contain many vitamins and minerals.
Vegan and planet friendly
Once you’ve whipped up your delectable smoothie, garnish it with a straw that considers the environment as much as you .
For thinner smoothies on the go, there are compostable disposable wheat straws . Waterproof and naturally gluten free, they’re made from stalks left over from grain harvest.
Alternatively, our reusable straws are made from bamboo . These are simply cut stalks. They use no binding agents, so are 100% compostable.
As bamboo regenerates from its roots and is naturally anti-microbial, there’s no need for deforestation or chemicals in the growing process.
At FOOGO Green, all our products are carefully made to the highest standards. Our products are food safe, recyclable and compostable, while still being elegant and robust. Browse our complete range today .