This is the superfoods list for the best superfoods for smoothies. They can give you whatever boost you need whether it be extra protein, healthy fat, energy, minerals and more. Superfoods for smoothies are nutritious ingredients you can toss in any smoothie recipe to supercharge it. Checkout this superfood smoothie for a great example of how to add them.
A superfood is defined as a food rich in nutrients and minerals commonly viewed as beneficial for one’s health. I don’t know about you but I’m all for eating foods that work extra hard to give my body what it needs to thrive.
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Top 10 Superfoods for Smoothies
Superfood is a buzz word that you’ve most likely heard, but may not full understand. It’s flashy, trendy and makes me feel healthier just buying them… if I’m being honest. Yet are these foods really that super?
Yes! These 10 superfoods for smoothies that are definitely worth the hype. This superfoods list gives you ten smoothie boosting ideas, along with recipes to help you use them.
Smoothies are wonderful with just greens, fruit and water… yet if I need more energy, a quick full meal, immune boost, or better skin/nails/hair, then I add superfoods to help me out.
Protein Seeds
Seeds top my superfoods list for many reasons. These small but mighty warriors contain healthy fats, quality protein and fiber. Find superfood seeds at almost any American grocery store (Trader Joe’s, Target, even Marshalls!) as well as multiple places online. I pick up all 3 ingredients at my local Costco in bulk.
This brain food smoothie has everything you need to get you going in the morning— protein, healthy fats, and replenishing electrolytes. Adding avocado to smoothies gives you a lovely dose of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are vital for brain development and nerve function. Not only that, but the avocado also assists the body in absorbing nutrients from the greens.
Blend up this strawberry banana smoothie as a fun family treat, or a bright + refreshing morning breakfast. One sip of this smoothie will put a smile on anyone’s face; it’s truly a smoothie for all ages.
This is a protein-packed, filling smoothie recipe that’s perfect for a quick lunch or post workout pick-me-up. Easily omit the date if you wanna cut back on the natural sugar. Flaxseed is a superfood with fat, protein and fiber; basically a great way to start your day.
Fun fact: I love hemp, chia and flax so much I used them exclusively in my own plant based protein powder, Protein Smoothie Boost.
Superfoods Green Powder: Green Tea
I am def #teamcoffee all day every day, yet I also appreciate a good cup of green tea. It makes an excellent liquid base for smoothies. Naturally caffeinated green tea gives an energy boost without the coffee jitters.
- Green tea boosts the metabolism to help burn fat, contains polyphenols and antioxidants to fight cancer and inflammation as well as cell damage and helps the brain function more efficiently.
- Matcha is an earthy tasting green tea powder that can lower your chances of chronic illness and boost your antioxidant levels.
Green tea is fairly mild in flavor, so feel free to use it as a base on any smoothie you next create. Or bonus recipe—swap out your next coffee for a matcha tea latte.
Make fat cry by adding this fat burning smoothie to your day. The natural ingredients are paired together to help boost your metabolism and burn fat in one delicious weight loss smoothie.
The mellow taste of matcha with sweet vanilla, blended into a delicious, creamy smoothie. Enjoy any time of the day, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, pre- and post-workout and midnight snacks, too!
Fermented Superfoods for Gut Health
I have a deep and lasting love for fermented food. I love pickling things, making + eating sauerkraut and brewing my own kombucha. Gut health is super important and is linked to mood + mental health, your immune system, skin and more. If you’re gut’s not healthy, ain’t nobody healthy.
- Kombucha is a tea-based beverage. When tea is fermented the polyphenols are multiplied which helps them fight even more inflammation. My fav brand is Health-Ade!
- Yogurt that contain live bacteria, or probiotics, can give your immune system a boost. You can even make vegan yogurt with probiotics in it if dairy is something you try to avoid.
- Sauerkraut is basically fermented cabbage. It’s great for digestion and the reason it makes this superfoods list is the probiotics found inside.
Fueling your body and gut with pre and probiotic foods can help keep your digestive system balanced. I actually have a whole challenge inside Rawk the Year (my meal planner) that teaches you how to make and use these 3 foods for the happiest gut around.
Make your gut do a happy dance with this great probiotic smoothie. Ginger kombucha + sauerkraut juice provide some healthy bacteria and add a little zing to the pineapple and peach smoothie combo.
The tastiest blend of frozen peaches, spinach, and kombucha with a coconut sugar rim for a refreshing summery drink to help heal your gut. This Peach Probiotic Smoothie is deceptively good for you!
Whip up this super simple, super delicious vanilla bean yogurt smoothie made with just four ingredients. Switch up the type of fruit according to what’s in season for endless possibilities!
95% of the body’s serotonin production happens in the intestine… so your body will thank you for keeping your gut happy.
Power Berries
Next up on my superfoods list is power berries. Do you realize just how incredible berries are?! They aren’t just here to be a sweet treat. These gorgeous fruits are great superfoods for smoothies since they act as fruit AND a power boost.
Obviously there are dozens of berries not on this list that are also deliciously beneficial. Berries are an easy superfood win in a smoothie!
Bright açaí and summer cherries blend together into a naturally sweetened, bright red drink brimming with the power of super fruits. This cherry acai smoothie screams summer and makes a great breakfast meal replacement.
This deliciously thick blueberry smoothie is infused with nutritious superfood blueberries, nutty cashew milk and creamy cashew yogurt. It’s a vegan smoothie using just four ingredients and no added sugar. This smoothie is simple, easy to make and full of delicious blueberry flavor.
This is a very wintery cranberry smoothie—and one of my favorites. I love cranberries and oranges! Feel free to add 1 tsp MCT oil to get an energy boost and increase your metabolism.
Sweet beets and tangy cherries are a power-packed superfood combo in this tasty, bright red cherry beet smoothie.
You can also make antioxidant smoothie cubes and toss them into your next smoothie for some extra antioxidant love.
Algae
Yeah, I’m talking about the stuff from the ocean… yet hear me out! I didn’t add this category to my superfoods list for the shock factor, these ingredients pack some serious power and you should try them.
With bright, vibrant colors straight from nature, this banana nice cream recipe nourishes and satisfies. The gorgeous color comes from the superfood spirulina, which provides vital cell support. Perfect for breakfast or as a mid-day pick me up, banana nice cream is a delicious treat (while still getting in healthy nutrients).
This strawberry blueberry layered smoothie recipe will wow guests at your next party. Use clear serving glasses for maximum wow factor!
Algae is a unique ingredient and an acquired taste for many. Start with a small amount and work your way up to more; depending on your taste preferences.
Cacao Powder and Cacao Nibs
Cacao powder and cacao nibs are seriously healthy… and delicious. Unprocessed, unheated contains the most nutrients. Turn your next smoothie into a chocolatey drink by adding either of these ingredients to it and enjoy the flavor + the benefits.
Toss 2-4 tablespoons of cacao powder or nibs in your next smoothie and enjoy warm + rich chocolate shake! This superfoods list can be equally tasty and beneficial, right?
Better than a milkshake! This plant-based peanut butter chocolate smoothie is so creamy and decadent, you’ll think it’s ice cream. Your body will thank you for enjoying this all-natural, no-sugar-added sweet treat.
This antioxidant-packed Chocolate Cherry Smoothie is a healthy indulgence that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Blend it as an energy-boosting snack or a fun and sippable dessert that will leave you smiling.
Sip on this cool and creamy coffee smoothie for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Pro tip: Look for a cacao or cocoa that is unsweetened; there’s no need for extra ingredients in the powder as you are adding them to a smoothie that is naturally sweetened.
Anti-Inflammatory Root
If you struggle with inflammation then this section is for you! Chronic inflammatory diseases is the leading cause of death worldwide. Many Americans struggle with chronic inflammation, so chances are your body could benefit from greater consumption of natural inflammation fighting food like fresh ginger and turmeric.
Treat yourself to a nutrition-packed Honey Turmeric Smoothie with mango, carrots, orange, ginger, turmeric and honey. It all comes together to create a creamy, flavorful drink.
Help calm your body and fight inflammation by blending up this vibrant anti-inflammatory smoothie that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and taste!
Fertility and food come together in this creamy smoothie creation. Loaded with foods that can fuel your body, this PCOS smoothie is a great way to start the day.
This celery smoothie recipe has a different flare to it. I’m kinda known for making “hardcore” smoothies, yet I promise this has a refreshing flavor! If you like black licorice (which I do), then this recipe will be an even bigger win for you.
Adding 1/2 to 1 inch of fresh ginger or turmeric is a great smoothie booster. Just make sure you peel + cut your turmeric on a cutting board because it stains easily!
Fresh Herbs
Herbs are my jam. They’re easy to add to smoothies and meals and make this superfoods list due to their nutrient dense nutritional profiles.
If you ever get the urge to start your own garden then I recommend starting with herbs! They are beautiful, easy to grow, can be grown in or outside and make it easy to grab and use in a variety of recipes. These superfoods boost smoothies quickly as well as add great flavor!
Stop heartburn in its tracks with this soothing acid reflux smoothie. Calm flavors + ingredients that actively fight acid reflux combined for a pleasant beverage.
A refreshing mct oil smoothie made with fresh veggies and fruit, with a hint of ginger + cilantro to jump start your morning and activate your digestive system.
The combination of cacao powder and fresh mint leaves will give you that chocolate mint flavor you’ve been craving, but instead of packing in the fat and calories, you’ll be packing in nutrients from spinach and avocados! It’s really a win-win. When the Girl Scout cravings hit, reach for this smoothie instead.
Feel free to experiment with the herbs in your garden or at your local farm stand. Surprise yourself with some fun combinations!
Adaptogens
Adaptogens have long been studied for their superfood powers. They make this superfoods list because you can easily add them to smoothies or other beverages to enjoy better focus, less stress and less fatigue.
- Ashwagandha is found in India, Africa and the Middle East. It is a medicinal herb with potent anti-stress properties (who couldn’t use a little more zen in their lives?!)
- Ginseng root is an ancient root used in Chinese medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cordyceps are a fungus that can help with oxygen efficiency while exercising as well as properties that are anti-aging and anti-tumor growth.
Blend up a creamy, cold chocolate protein shake smoothie made with plant-based superfood protein powder for a delicious meal or snack, or before/after a workout. Includes adaptogens to help ease inflammation.
This smoothie contains specially chosen ingredients to help the adrenal glands recover and support health and wellness. If you’re looking for an adrenal fatigue diet smoothie that taste amazing, this is it!
My friends at Four Sigmatic use the power of mushrooms in many of their delicious mixes to create coffee without crash as well as beverages that heighten focus or help relax the body.
Immune Boosting Superfoods
There are many supplements on the market today that promote an immunity boost. Yet I love getting the ultimate boost from natural ingredients, so here are my fav ways to help my body stay healthy:
- Elderberry has been used for centuries by people throughout North America, Europe, northern Africa and parts of Asia to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling; this isn’t a new remedy. Raw elderberries are poisonous, so make sure they‘re properly cooked before consuming.
- Goji berries are a superfood used in ancient medicine all over Tibet, India, Mongolia, and regions of China. They contain polyphenols which stimulate detoxification of blood, and also the elimination of carcinogens in the body.
- Oranges are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, thiamine, folate and antioxidants.
Give your immune system a boost by blending up this vibrant purple powerhouse smoothie that combines Sambucol black elderberry syrup with antioxidant-rich blackberries and pitaya (dragon fruit). Bottoms up!
This refreshing citrus superfood smoothie is paired with the natural sweetness of banana and soluble rice bran powder.
Try this pomegranate smoothie recipe to give your body an immunity boost and some great energy for the busy day ahead.
These Vitamin C Smoothie Cubes incorporate the foods that are high in immune-boosting vitamins. This will help your immune system function properly as well as having other benefits to the integumentary system (or skin) which also helps fight germs and disease.
Use any of these superfoods for smoothies to give your body the best nutrition this cold and flu season.
Superfood FAQs
Honestly, different superfoods have different super powers. Don’t just try one! My list includes seeds, green tea, fermented food, power berries, algae, cacao, anti-inflammatory roots, fresh herbs, adaptogens and immune boosting foods.
A little goes a long way… I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of chia, flax, or hemp to 1 serving of smoothie. Most other superfood ingredients will recommend a serving size, so read the label! And you can always start out small then work your way up to a full serving.
Non-Smoothie Uses for Superfood
Superfoods make excellent smoothie ingredients plus, easily add them to a variety of dishes! Here are a few non-smoothie recipes using the ingredients listed above:
What are your go-to superfoods to use in cooking, baking and smoothies? I’d love you to leave a comment and tell me what you love and how you use it!
