It’s a question every smoothie enthusiast asks themself at some point – how do I make my smoothies thicker? You’re not alone if you’re unsure how to get a richer texture to your favorite blended drinks.
I get this question a lot, and the good news is it’s easy and there are so many different ways to achieve a thicker texture with your smoothie recipes.
Here are some delicious ideas for adding texture to your smoothies – and no strange additives are required.
The very first step to thicker, more frosty smoothies is to be sure to use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit. For that extra creamy, ice cream-like smoothie texture, use frozen avocado or bananas, or both!
Gelatin or xanthan gum can also be used to thicken your smoothie, but they will not add creaminess. If you’re of fan of a more gel-like texture, try adding chia seeds. Flax seeds will also produce a gel like consistency if you use enough of them.
The top 12 ways to make smoothies thicker
It’s not always necessary to make your smoothie taste like a milkshake, but it’s definitely how I prefer mine! Thick, rich, and creamy smoothies often include more protein, fiber, and fat, and this is why they’re so filling and satisfying. If made thoughtfully, smoothies are an excellent meal replacement and post-workout beverage.
- Thickening Smoothies with Fruits and Veggies
- Using Grains and Nuts
- Adding Other Thickeners
- Changing up Your Liquids
1. Use fruits high in soluble fiber
Soluble fiber helps to increase the sensation of fullness in the stomach. It attracts water and forms a gel-like texture, which aids in the slowing and regulating of the digestive process, making you less hungry. Fruits blended with soluble fiber attract extra moisture and create a creamier, gel-like consistency.
Fruits high in soluble fiber can help to thicken a smoothie quickly, including:
- Banana
- Mango
- Avocado
- Peach
- Pear
2. Use frozen fruit
Frozen fruit is key to a great smoothie consistency. I always have at least a few different kinds of frozen fruit on hand at all times because they add thickness and chill smoothies without the added dilution of adding ice.
Frozen fruit is also great to use because it lasts for ages in the freezer, unlike fresh fruit that’s moldy in a matter of days.
If you’re making a smoothie that isn’t fruit-based, try using a neutral-tasting frozen fruit such as avocado or banana for thickness and creaminess without interfering with the other flavors of the drink.
3. Prepare a creamy liquid base:
The liquid component of a green smoothie can have a big impact on consistency. Green tea and coconut water, for example, tend to create smoother smoothies (which isn’t a bad thing). Learn more about green smoothie liquid bases. A plant-based milk alternative may be used to make a thicker smoothie without the unwanted effects of dairy.
Try one of these liquids as a natural smoothie thickener:
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Coconut milk
- Oat milk
4. How to make smoothies thicker with chia seeds?
Chia seeds, like other greens in green smoothies, have a creamy texture and taste. Chia seeds are high in nutrients but also improve the creaminess of green smoothies (as well as protein)! Soaking chia seeds for 10 minutes before blending makes them into a gel.
5. Protein Powder Can Be A Good Option:
Protein powder may be used to turn any smoothie into a meal by adding protein. A high-quality plant-based protein powder might also be used as a thickener in a smoothie.
Protein powders aid in the thickening of smoothies by absorbing some of the liquid. They’re also often made with thickeners like guar gum. Add frozen fruits and ice to your drink to avoid any gumminess or off textures.
6. Don’t add too much liquid
Add a tablespoon or two of juice, milk, or juicy fruits like orange or dragon fruit to the bottom. For non-fruit smoothies like peanut butter or coffee, I start with 1/4 cup almond milk. You may add more as desired, but you can’t remove anything once you’ve blended it all up.
7. How to make smoothies thicker with ice
To make a smoothie thicker, use ice cubes or frozen milk, or even frozen coffee ice cubes. I usually add at least 1/2 cup of ice cubes to my smoothies since I like them extremely cold and thick. Because frozen ingredients freeze more effectively, they have a greater influence on the formation of thick smoothie bowls.
8. Use yogurt instead of milk
Replace a portion, or the entire liquid components, such as milk or coconut milk, in a smoothie with Greek yogurt to give it more texture and thickness. Greek yogurt tastes fantastic when combined with strawberries and bananas. If you don’t have any Greek yogurt on hand, you can use regular yogurt instead.
9. Try powdered gelatin
You can use gelatin to thicken smoothies, which is fantastic for your hair, nails, and joints. It may be added to kale, celery, apple, and almond milk drinks. Gelatin has no flavor of its own. You don’t have to worry about it overpowering the taste of your favorite dishes.
10. Xanthan gum for thicker smoothies without affecting flavor
The nicest thing about xanthan gum is that it won’t taint the taste of your smoothie in any way. It’s a tasteless, plant-based fiber that thickens and emulsifies liquids naturally. For natural thickness, use a quarter teaspoon of xanthan gum per smoothie.
11. Use your blender’s tamper!
Making a thick smoothie might take longer than you think, and certainly longer than making a thin one. Prepare to blend a super thick smoothie for at least 1-3 minutes. To assist stir ingredients while preparing the mix, use the tamper (the stick that came with your blender).
When the blender isn’t turning over, stop it, unplug it, and stir the smoothie with a spoon. If you want more liquid, add it gradually.
12. Upgrade youe blender
A high-powered blender has a stronger motor that works at higher speeds and can mix with less liquid. If you don’t have a blender, use a food processor to prepare thick smoothie bowls.