Which smoothie base do you need if you want to serve a delicious smoothie every day? Fruit forms the basis for many smoothies. However, one piece of fruit is more suitable than the other. In this article you can read which types of fruit this concerns, which other basic ingredients are indispensable and how to make lactose-free smoothies. This way you never have to sprint to the supermarket at once again. From now on, put these ingredients on your shopping list as standard. That makes a big difference.
Not entirely unimportant: vegetables and fruit are by definition gluten-free. These smoothies therefore fit perfectly into a gluten-free diet.
Banana as a basis for smoothies
In many smoothie recipes you see banana as a base. And that is not for nothing. Add banana to your smoothie to create a creamy base that is always full of flavor. You can choose frozen banana, fresh banana or bananas that have actually been lying around for too long. Even if the bananas have already turned brown, you can still use them in your smoothie recipe.
Bananas are extremely healthy and contain a lot of fiber and potassium. While other fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, bananas do not. They do contain a lot of vitamin B6. B6 promotes metabolism and ensures a good immune system. Enough reasons to use banana as a smoothie base.
Don't like banana in your smoothies? Then make these smoothie recipes without bananas and with lots of vegetables.
Milk or yogurt as basic ingredient
In addition to water, which is of course often used in smoothies to make your smoothie nice and drinkable, you can also add milk or yogurt and use it as a base. You can make your smoothie even softer and tastier with milk or yogurt. Are you vegan or are you sensitive to lactose? Then you can of course opt for plant-based products such as almond, oat, soy or coconut milk. This way you make a lactose-free smoothie.
These additions add extra flavor to your smoothie and keep you full for longer. Of course, water does not provide energy in the sense of calories.
Tip: Do you like coconut flavor, but do you find coconut milk a bit too greasy? Then you can also alternate with coconut water.
Extra proteins
Do you want to add extra proteins to your smoothie? Then mix a few spoons of protein powder into your smoothie recipe. This way, a smoothie is a perfect addition to your diet after exercise. Supplementing your proteins after exercise ensures less muscle pain the next day.
It is always good to ensure that you consume enough proteins per day and that this is in balance compared to carbohydrates and fats. We tend to eat too little protein. Protein powder (now also in vegetable form) is a good addition in that case.
Use vegetables
Adding vegetables to your smoothies is a smart way to get your RDA (recommended daily allowance) of vegetables every day. Ideal vegetables as a base are spinach, kale, celery, broccoli, endive or avocado. If you make a smoothie with these vegetables for the first time, you may be surprised, because the smoothies turn bright green. We promise you: the smoothie is much tastier than it looks.
Do you also want to mix cooked vegetables into your smoothie? Of course that is possible. It just takes a little more time and not all cooked vegetables are equally tasty in a smoothie. Try, experiment and see what works for you. Try cooking a pumpkin, or use boiled beetroot .
Avoid these ingredients as a base for your smoothie
In principle you can put (almost) anything you like in a smoothie, but some vegetables or fruit are less suitable as a basis for a smoothie. For example, consider fruit that contains a lot of water: watermelon, grapes or oranges. Your smoothie will be too watery. Again: wonderful as an addition, but slightly less useful as a standard base.
Best base for smoothies
Buy bananas, provide cow's milk or lactose-free ingredients, add your desired vegetables of choice and voila: your gluten-free smoothie is on the table. In addition to these basic ingredients, you can vary endlessly with additional additions, so that you have a new smoothie every day.
Homemade smoothies are a perfect way to start your day full of energy, to stay fit in between and are also a good addition to your lunch.
Enjoy your drink!
Don't have to think about your base? Then order quick and healthy smoothies from Sjakes. View our different smoothies here .