The Best Liquids for Smoothies

Transform your beverage by utilizing different liquids for smoothies! By using these different liquids you can practically have a new smoothie every day.

What Makes a Smoothie

A smoothie tends to be made up of a liquid, fruit, and ice. Some smoothies will also utilize nut butters, seeds, oats, protein powder, and veggies. Honestly, there’s probably a TON of other potential ingredients people add to their smoothies.

The basics are that smoothies are a nutrient-packed drink that is usually enjoyed cold.

1. Water: The Basic Option

Of course I had to put water at the top of the list! This is the most basic of liquids for smoothies. It alters the consistency but doesn’t add (or detract!) to the flavor of the smoothie.

2. Milk: The Creamy Option

Milk makes the second option of my list! Real dairy milk is top tier with its great nutrition density (8g of protein in a cup!) and delicious creamy flavor but, there are other ‘milk’ options now available on the market.

In addition to dairy milk there is also:

• Lactose-free dairy milk- This gets you the same nutrition and consistency as classic milk but without the lactose.
• Coconut milk– A great choice if you know you’re in need of some coconut flavor! Maybe you’re going for a piña colada flavored smoothie but don’t have actual coconut!?
• Soy milk– A top tier alternative to dairy milk! This still has great nutrition benefits!
• Almond milk– If you are looking for a low-calorie option that isn’t water, almond milk is for you!
• Pea milk– This is a bit newer option available on the market. Most versions I’ve seen have just about the same amount of protein as milk and soy. The thing is, it can be a bit more difficult to find and is usually pretty expensive.
• Oat milk-Lately, oat milk has had some great love. It is a plant-based option that adds a touch of creamy-ness to the drink.

3. Juices: The Flavorful Option

This is where you can get creative! Of course there’s the classic smoothie with orange juice, yogurt, and ice to make an orange creamsicle-esque flavor but there’s also other ways to utilize juice!

• Orange juice- I LOVE adding orange juice to smoothies because I have it on hand and it dramatically changes the flavor of the smoothie.
• Apple juice- This would be a great addition to an apple and banana smoothie!
• Cranberry juice- By using cranberry juice you can greatly alter the smoothie flavor. Be sure you enjoy cranberry juice before adding it to your smoothie!
• Grape juice- Just like cranberry juice, grape juice is extremely flavorful. Add this to a smoothie when you want the grape flavor to shine through.

4. Iced Coffee: The Caffeinated Option

Adding iced coffee may seem strange but let me entice you. Consider skipping your morning coffee in exchange for a caffeinated smoothie!

You can add iced coffee, banana, chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), and a touch of yogurt to make a scrumptious smoothie that includes the beloved iced coffee.

5. Kefir: The Gut-Health Option

If you’ve never tried Kefir you NEED to! Kefir is a fermented drink made of milk. I like to think of it as a drinkable yogurt but a bit more tangy.

It may sound a bit strange but it’s becoming more and more normal. You can find it right near the yogurt in your local grocery store!

6. Coconut Water: The Hydration Option

If it’s a hot day, coconut water would be an awesome liquid choice for your smoothie. Beyond having a coconut flavor, it is also packed with electrolytes! This means, it can be more hydrating than regular old water.

7. Lemonade and Flavored Waters: The Sweet Option

Have you ever considered using lemonade or flavored water in a smoothie before?

Now, you don’t want to add too much lemonade because the sugar can add up quickly but having a stash will really amplify the citrus flavor!

You can also utilize flavored waters. By this I mean creating a flavored water by combining a non-nutritive powdered or liquid flavoring to water then adding it to the blender!

You can make a fruit punch smoothie by using a fruit punch flavored water and all the fruit you want!

8. Iced Tea: The Unexpected Option

Have you ever considered putting iced tea in your smoothie!? When using iced tea, I tend to lean towards green smoothies. I personally believe it compliments the taste of green smoothies the best.

You can blend together spinach, ice, yogurt, banana, and iced green tea for a light and refreshing option.

How to Choose the Proper Blender

If you are just starting out on your smoothie making journey, you’ll need to start with a blender! Depending on what you plan to make, at what volume, and how often will affect which blender you should grab.

If you plan to only make single servings of smoothies at a time you can purchase a small, single cup one!

If you want to blend frozen fruit, you may need a more high powered blender. Check out this article where I compare a few different blenders: The Best Blender for Frozen Fruit Smoothies.

If you plan to use it everyday, you’ll want a higher quality one to ensure it lasts!

A Word From a Registered Dietitian

Smoothies are a great way to get a ton of nutrition in an easily drinkable beverage! You can even add in some foods you may not typically consume because the powerful flavors in your smoothie can cover their taste. Think: spinach.

In addition to being a nutritious drink, it can also be pumped up to become suitable for a breakfast substitute. If you are someone who can’t brig themselves to eat early in the morning a smoothie may be a great option for you. Having some fuel in your body is better than none!

Try These Smoothie Recipes

Now that you’ve got a TON of liquids for smoothies ideas, it’s time to make your own smoothie. Play around with your own or check out one of my recipes-

• Basic Berry Protein Smoothie: A Protein-packed smoothie using berries!
• Creamy Lemonade Protein Smoothie: A smoothie that tastes like a frosted lemonade!
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Smoothie: A thick, decadent fall-inspired smoothie.
• Apple and Banana Smoothie: A basic smoothie using fruit you’re likely to have on-hand.

Tag me on Instagram when you make your smoothie.

The Best Liquids for Smoothies Key Takeaways

• Try using water, milk, juices, iced coffee, Kefir, coconut water, lemonade (and flavored waters), and iced tea as liquids for smoothies!
• You should select your blender based on what you plan on blending, how much, and how often.
• Consider a smoothie if you aren’t wanting to eat, but know you probably should.
• Try your hand at making a smoothie with a unique liquid!

If there are any other liquids you enjoy in your smoothies, let me know in the comments down below!

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