Does Smoothie need yogurt?
Many people have the notion that no smoothie is complete without a scoop of yogurt. They think this way because of the value yogurt can add to a smoothie.
Adding yogurt to your favorite smoothie recipes will not only improve its texture and make it creamy. It will also boost its nutritional level (protein and healthy fat) and give it a rich and sweet taste many people love.
That said, yogurt isn’t an essential ingredient you should add to your smoothie recipes. Many dairy-free alternatives can make your smoothie delicious, thicker, and healthy. Below are some of them.
Milk and Yogurt Alternatives
There are a handful of dairy-free ingredients you can add to your smoothie recipe to make it delicious and thicker. Here are some of them.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk or cream is an excellent alternative to yogurt, as it is delicious and creamy. Adding a small amount of it to your smoothies and a few ice cubes will not only improve its texture but also make it sweet.
Ensure that you add a small amount of coconut milk to your recipe, as they are high in calories.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a superfood that offers a lot of healthy benefits. Adding even atiny amount of it to your dairy-free smoothie will make it super thick. Even more, it will boost its nutritional content.
Chia seeds are rich in essential nutrients that our body needs (omega-3 fatty acids and fiber). So, adding them to your diet will make your smoothie healthy.
Protein powder
Protein powder is yet another great addition to a dairy-free smoothie. As you likely know, protein powder is rich in protein and a few other ingredients that can make you feel fuller and encourage muscle growth.
Don’t opt for whey powders, as they may contain some dairy products. Plant-based protein powder is a better alternative, as they are rich in dairy-free and healthy ingredients.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of the best ingredients you can add to your smoothie to improve its texture and make it sweet. Flaxseed is loaded with fiber, protein, antioxidants, saturated fat, and many more, good for the body.
You can get the most out of Flax seeds by cracking or grinding them before using them to make a smoothie.
You are surely going to love the sweet, nutty flavor flax seed adds to a smoothie.
How to make your smoothies thicker?
Below are some things that can make your favorite smoothie tasty, creamy, and thick.
Avocado
Avocado is chock-full with essential nutrients like protein, healthy fat, and fiber that can improve your health. Even more, it can make a smoothie tasty, thick, and creamy.
You can add strawberries, nuts, a little bit of mint, and raw cacao to give it a unique flavor.
Nut butter
If you are into avocados, chances are, you also love nut butter. Nut butter like almond butter, sunflower seed butter, hazelnut butter, and peanut butter can elevate the taste of a smoothie and make it thick and creamy.
Banana
Banana is a delicious fruit that is rich in potassium. Since it is easy to blend and mash, it will be easy for you to add them to your smoothie.
Keep in mind that you can freeze them ice-cold before using them to make your smoothie chilled.
If you don’t enjoy bananas, you can opt for fruits like strawberries and blueberries. You are going to love their flavor.
Keep in mind that adding too many bananas to your drinks can spike your blood sugar level.
Sweet potato
If you are serious about making a smoothie without yogurt, then you should step out of your comfort zone and try out new things.
Sweet potato is an excellent ingredient you can add to your smoothie to make it thicker.
Be sure to microwave, peel, and blend it before adding it to your smoothie. You can blend it with cinnamon, vegetables, and your favorite fruit to give it a unique taste.
Adding a small amount of sweet potato to a smoothie without yogurt will take its taste to a whole new level.
Additional nutrients boost
Regardless of the type of smoothie you want to make, you should try to make it as nutritious as possible. Below are some ingredients that can give your smoothie a nutrient boost.
Fruits
Fruits like mango, banana, strawberry, back berries, and blueberries should be the foundation of your smoothie, as they are rich in antioxidants, potassium, and a few other nutrients our body needs.
Be sure to use them moderately, as they are rich in sugar.
Seed
As previously mentioned, flax seeds and Chia seeds are loaded with nutrients like protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Even more, they have thickening properties.
So, using only a tiny amount of them to make your smoothie will make it thicker and delicious.
Non-dairy milk
Non-dairy milk are excellent alternatives for people who are lactose intolerant or don’t like yogurt. Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk, free from dairy products, are rich in protein, vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium. What’s more, they are low in calories.
