9 Surprising Smoothie Add-Ins

green smoothies Beyond the usual fruits and juice or milk, a variety of ingredients can be blended into a smoothie. At breakfast, I try and surprise my kids with new smoothie flavors and play the "guess what’s in it" game. We end up having a fun each time.
green smoothies

Melissa d'Arabian's Green Morning Smoothie

Photo by: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Tara Donne, FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Beyond the usual fruits, juices or milk, a variety of ingredients can be blended into a smoothie. At breakfast, I try and surprise my kids with new smoothie flavors and play the "guess what’s in it" game. We end up having fun each time.

Here are nine additions worth giving a try.

#1: Oats

Made without using a blender, this smoothie combines cooked old-fashioned oats with milk, sugar and vanilla extract. It's one technique you can use when adding oatmeal to your smoothie.

#2: Spinach

In Melissa D'Arabian's Green Morning Smoothie, uncooked oats are blended with vanilla almond milk to rehydrate them. The peaches and bananas add sweetness, while nutrient-packed spinach adds the gorgeous green hue.

Recipe: Green Morning Smoothie (above)
#3: Flaxseed

With fiber, protein and omega-3 fat, what more can you ask from a smoothie add-in? Guy combines these tiny seeds with bananas, pineapple, kefir, yogurt, and kale for a smoothie that'll definitely rock your morning!

#4: Cottage Cheese

This underappreciated dairy food is a delicious way to add body and well-balanced nutrients into a smoothie. Cottage cheese provides satisfying protein and helps meet the recommended three servings of dairy. Forgo nonfat varieties and choose low-fat instead, which will add creaminess without going overboard.

#5: Avocado

This fruit (yes, fruit!) adds a smooth and creamy texture to smoothies. It's also a delicious way to add healthy unsaturated fat and the antioxidant lutein, shown to help keep eyes healthy.

Recipe: Go Green Shake
#6: Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger adds a distinct peppery flavor to smoothies and balances out the sweet flavor of fresh fruit.

#7: Green Tea

Smoothies are another way to take in the powerful antioxidants found in green tea. Be sure to seep the tea bag for the recommended amount of time (and not longer) or you'll end up with an overly bitter flavor--a tip I picked up on a visit to Palais des Thes, in New York City.

#8: Cucumbers

If you love those refreshing spa cucumber drinks, then this smoothie is for you. Cucumbers mesh well with lemons or limes. Remember to remove the cucumber seeds or choose a seedless variety (like hothouse or Persian).

#9: Peanut Butter

Not just for PB&J sandwiches, peanut butter adds creaminess, protein and healthy fat to smoothies. Forgo the reduced-fat peanut butter, which tends to be loaded with sugar and additives. Instead, choose natural peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt.

TELL US: What's your favorite surprising ingredient to add to smoothies?

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

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