A smoothie is a great way to start the day, or it can serve as the perfect afternoon drink! Smoothies are surprisingly easy to make on your own on your own and extremely customizable. Here are some tips on making smoothies that match your preference.

Add liquids.

Start your smoothie by picking a liquid base. This can be plain milk or a dairy-free alternative such as soy or almond milk. If you want your smoothie to be more fruit-based, opt for yogurt or coconut milk. Remember to add the liquid to the blender before the fruit, as this will prevent the blade from getting damaged. Freshman Wilson Chen said he liked adding juice blends into his smoothies. “It gives my drink a more fruity taste, which I like,” he stated.

Choose the fruit.

Obviously, picking the fruit is an essential part of making your smoothie. Feel free to mix different flavors or just stick to one favorite. Bananas are a great base flavor and will give your drink a nice, creamy texture. Other fruits that work well include berries, mango, peaches, and pears. If you want to make smoothies regularly, it’s a great idea to freeze your fruit. Not only will they retain the same nutritional value and flavor, but it’ll also instantly chill your smoothie so that there’ll be no need to add ice.

Add extras.

If you choose to, try adding extra ingredients to your smoothie. If you want texture, add whole oats, nuts, or flax seeds. For more flavor, add some cocoa powder, cinnamon, or vanilla essence before blending. Not only will it taste better, but it is also more filling. If you’re having a smoothie for breakfast or lunch, make it a well-rounded meal by adding protein. A spoonful of protein powder, peanut or some other nut butter, or some tofu will blend well with your drink and will give you an essential protein boost.

Add ice and blend.

You can add ice to your smoothie based on how thick you want it to be. Start with about one cup of crushed ice for a fairly thick smoothie that’s still drinkable with a straw. Omit the ice if you want your drink to be thinner and less cold. Cover and blend your smoothie until it’s nearly smooth. 

Smoothies are simple to make and are a quick way to add a serving of produce to your daily diet. Hopefully, with the help of these tips, you’ll be able to make your drink in no time!