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When I need an easy energy boost, I turn to this flaxseed smoothie. It is protein-powered and healthy fat packed to fill me up and keep me full. It also helps kick my digestion in to gear, which is what I want first thing in the morning.
While this smoothie is a little higher in natural sugar (thank you, date!) it’s also got a lot of fiber which helps break down that sugar. Blend a little longer to breakdown the flaxseed and enjoy this delicious recipe!
Table of Contents
How to Make a Flaxseed Smoothie
My flaxseed smoothie is easy to make, yet don’t skimp on the blend time! If you want a non-gritty smoothie, then you’ll have to blend extra long for this one.
- Add all ingredients to the blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour over ice to serve, if you want a refreshingly cool smoothie.
You can use frozen bananas in this smoothie to help cool it down. If you need to watch the natural sugar content, then omit the date as well as make sure your almond butter is unsweetened (and the almond milk!).
Swap the almond butter with any other nut or seed butter you wish to use. You can replace the almond milk with a plant milk of your choice.
Tips on Using Flaxseeds
Start small! I know this recipe only has 1 tablespoon of flaxseed, yet if you don’t normally use them as a smoothie booster, then your body may have an adjustment period. Fiber is great (and necessary!) yet loading your body up with fiber can cause some digestive discomfort.
Try 1 teaspoon and work your way up to using a whole tablespoon.
Flaxseed is also naturally gritty. Even with a high powered blender, it might be hard to completely blend in the flaxseed. One reason I recommend using Homemade Protein Powder is that it is powdered.
The flaxseed is completely ground down along with the hemp and chia to a fine powder. That way it easily mixes into your smoothie with no grit.
What is Flax?
Flaxseed is a crop that is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats via omega-3 fatty acids. 1 tablespoon of flaxseed contains 1.3 grams of protein and 1.9 grams of fiber along with 1,597 mg of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s help control cholesterol and lower inflammation in the arteries which lowers your risk for a heart attack. This lovely little seed may reduce the risk of cancer and help regulate blood sugar. You can find this in most grocery stores, either in the same isle as chia seeds or in the baking section.
Whole vs Ground
While you can use whole or ground flaxseed in smoothies, I use ground flaxseed… no reason to make my blender work harder than it has to! Different brands have different types of ground flaxseed, so choose the one that works best for you.
Flaxseed Smoothie FAQs
I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of flaxseed into a 16oz smoothie. Flaxseed may be a superfood, yet you can have too much of a good thing. If you’re new to adding flaxseed to your smoothie, then start with less. You can gradually add more as you get used to it.
Yes, though ground flaxseed is easier to blend than whole. I recommend using ground flaxseed in smoothie recipes.
Many people shy away from ingredients called ‘healthy fats’ yet the body needs healthy fats to break down nutrients in the body. Eating healthy fat will actually be a more natural weight; no need to run from it!
More Fiber-filled Smoothies
If you’re ready to get serious about getting enough fiber each day, then add these smoothies to the menu:
- Acid reflux smoothie
- Almond butter smoothie
- Island green smoothie
- Raspberry smoothie
- Soothing pumpkin smoothie
- Fiber smoothie cubes
- Chocolate protein shake
- Avocado smoothie
Don’t forget to let me know how you liked this flaxseed smoothie! Leave a rating + review below; ask any questions you need to make this smoothie a winner.
Easy Flaxseed Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ banana
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp flaxseed
- 1-2 medjool date pitted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until perfectly smooth. If it’s thicker than you like, splash in more almond milk and blend again.
- Pour into glass and enjoy. Garnish with extra ground cinnamon, if desired.
Helpful Tools
Notes
- Flaxseed options: You can use whole flaxseeds or ground flaxseed (also called linseed meal).
- Texture fix: If your smoothie feels too thick, add a splash more almond milk. For a creamier texture, toss in a few ice cubes or an extra half banana.
- Sweetness level: Adjust the number of Medjool dates based on your taste, one for lightly sweet, two for dessert-level delicious.
- Prep tip: Freeze peeled bananas in advance for a thicker, milkshake-like consistency.
- Storage: This smoothie tastes best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 24 hours in a sealed jar. Just give it a shake before drinking.
Hi, I think the cauliflower has been omitted from the grocery list
Hey Leru— can you explain more? I can see the 1/2 cup cauliflower displayed above in the recipe card. Yet I think you’re talking about something else and I want to make sure I can help.
i put all of my flaxseeds in a ceramic salt grainder (without the salt). It’s easy to grind exactly what i need each time.
That’s such a smart hack! I love how you’re keeping it simple and fresh—freshly ground flaxseed really makes a difference in flavor and nutrients, yet for my sanity I usually get ground and keep in the fridge. Yet I agree— fresh is always best!
This smoothie has amazing taste!! This seriously tastes like banana bread batter. I think it may be the protein powder that elevated the sweetness so I only used half a serving.
Definitely a keeper!
Yesss! Love hearing that you’re getting banana bread vibes Kimberly. Smart call on adjusting the protein powder too… I’m all about making recipes work for you. I’m curious which powder you’re using— some really are super sweet.
Great base recipe to riff off of. I subbed mango for banana and added some cocoa. Great way to get your daily flax seed.
Ooooh, mango + cocoa sounds like such a fun twist—love how you made it your own! And yes, flax is such an easy daily boost. Thanks for sharing Craig!
Pre ground flaxseed loses some of its nutrient value. It is better to grind a little at a time than buy it already ground. Whole is best if your blender can manage it. In kindness.
I completely agree Janice. The original recipe I created used whole flaxseed yet not everyone had a high-speed blender or a grinder. So I updated the recipe with ground flaxseed so it’s approachable for everyone—whether or not they’ve got a high-speed blender. But you’re totally right: if you’ve got the right tools, whole flaxseed is awesome.
Taste really good. I did not add the date. But I did add spinach and collagen Peptides(Vital Proteins) to the smoothie.
We’re fans of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides too, Antavia. Great add-in!
I have an old blade coffee grinder that I use first to grind flax when I use it. I haven’t tried this recipe yet, since I just sat down to work on another one I just made, banana, kale, blueberry, and flax. I will add it to my list, though. 🙂
A coffee grinder is the perfect solution for flaxseed. Glad you’re planning to give this one a blend, Deborah!
I Have never been a fan of bananas and smoothies but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I had to make a couple of alterations due to not having items. I did not have flax seed so I utilized a hemp seed protein. I also omitted the date and used oatmilk instead. This turned out really good and was very quick which is a plus. This will go on my list of go to smoothies new smoothies..
Great seed swap, Tanya! Hooray for a new banana fan!
Your article does not discuss the need to grind up flaxseed to be able to extract its nutrients. Whole flaxseed may just pass through the gut without being digested properly.
We’ve found that our high speed blenders do a great job of grinding these seeds during the blending process, yet if it works better to grind them before for better digestion – we say go for it! 🙂