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This is the superfoods list for the best superfoods for smoothies. They can give you whatever boost you need whether it be extra protein, healthy fat, energy, minerals and more. Superfoods for smoothies are nutritious ingredients you can toss in any smoothie recipe to supercharge it. Checkout this superfood smoothie for a great example of how to add them.
A superfood is defined as a food rich in nutrients and minerals commonly viewed as beneficial for one’s health. I don’t know about you but I’m all for eating foods that work extra hard to give my body what it needs to thrive.
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Top 10 Superfoods for Smoothies
Superfood is a buzzword that you’ve most likely heard, but may not fully understand. It’s flashy, trendy and makes me feel healthier just buying them if I’m being honest. Yet are these foods really that super?
Yes! These 10 superfoods for smoothies are definitely worth the hype. This superfoods list gives you ten smoothie-boosting ideas, along with recipes to help you use them.
Smoothies are wonderful with just greens, fruit and water. If I need more energy, a quick full meal, an immune boost or better skin/nails/hair, I add superfoods to help me out.
Protein-Packed Seeds
Seeds top my superfoods list for many reasons. These small but mighty warriors contain healthy fats, quality protein and fiber. Find superfood seeds at almost any American grocery store (Trader Joe’s, Target, even Marshalls!) as well as multiple places online. I pick up all three ingredients at my local Costco in bulk.
- Hemp hearts have no psychoactive properties yet do have gamma-linolenic acid, a great and necessary fatty acid.
- Chia seeds contain healthy fatty acids, which make them a powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial boost in any smoothie.
- Flaxseed provides the body with necessary fiber and healthy fats and makes my chocolate chip cookies freakin’ delicious with a crispy and chewy shell.
Fun fact: I love hemp, chia and flax so much that I used them exclusively in my own plant-based protein powder, homemade protein powder.
Superfoods Green Powder: Green Tea
I am def #teamcoffee all day every day, yet I also appreciate a good cup of green tea. It makes an excellent liquid base for smoothies. Naturally caffeinated green tea gives an energy boost without the coffee jitters.
- Green tea boosts the metabolism to help burn fat, contains polyphenols and antioxidants to fight cancer and inflammation as well as cell damage and helps the brain function more efficiently.
- Matcha is an earthy-tasting green tea powder that can lower your chances of chronic illness and boost your antioxidant levels.
Green tea is fairly mild in flavor, so feel free to use it as a base on any smoothie you next create. Or bonus recipe, swap out your next coffee for a matcha tea latte.
Fermented Superfoods for Gut Health
I have a deep and lasting love for fermented food. I love pickling things, making and eating sauerkraut and brewing my own kombucha. Gut health is super important and is linked to mood and mental health, your immune system, skin and more. If your gut’s not healthy, ain’t nobody healthy.
- Kombucha is a tea-based beverage. When tea is fermented the polyphenols are multiplied which helps them fight even more inflammation. My favorite brand is Health-Ade!
- Yogurt that contains live bacteria, or probiotics, can give your immune system a boost. You can even make vegan yogurt with probiotics in it if dairy is something you try to avoid.
- Sauerkraut is basically fermented cabbage. It’s great for digestion and the reason it makes this superfood list is the probiotics found inside.
Fueling your body and gut with pre and probiotic foods can help keep your digestive system balanced. I actually have a whole challenge inside Rawk the Year (my meal planner) that teaches you how to make and use these three foods for the happiest gut around.
95% of the body’s serotonin production happens in the intestine. Your body will thank you for keeping your gut happy.
Power Berries
Next up on my superfoods list is power berries. Do you realize just how incredible berries are? They aren’t just here to be a sweet treat. These gorgeous fruits are great superfoods for smoothies since they act as fruit and a power boost.
- Wild blueberries (think tiny!) are higher in antioxidants. I love Wyman’s brand.
- Cranberries are a UTI-fighting, immune-boosting berry. Since they are really only found in winter, binge on them during this season!
- Pomegranate contains punicalagin that have triple the antioxidant power of red wine and green tea. If this fruit is a bit daunting to you then check out this video on the easiest way to remove pomegranate seeds.
- Açaí powder contains anthocyanin which can lower oxidative stress, inflammation and the risk of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Obviously, there are dozens of berries not on this list that are also deliciously beneficial. Berries are an easy superfood win in a smoothie!
You can also make antioxidant smoothie cubes and toss them into your next smoothie for some extra antioxidant love.
Algae
Yeah, I’m talking about the stuff from the ocean. Hear me out! I didn’t add this category to my superfoods list for the shock factor. These ingredients pack some serious power and you should try them.
- Sea moss is a type of seaweed that can help the thyroid, heart, gut and fertility. Be sure to buy this ingredient from a reputable source since the nutritional profile can vary greatly from brand to brand. I get mine from Herbal Vineyards.
- Spirulina is rich in both protein and antioxidants. It seems most food is super if it can fight inflammation, and spirulina is a part of that category. If you’re new to this unique ingredient then try some from Spirakind.
Algae is a unique ingredient and an acquired taste for many. Start with a small amount and work your way up to more depending on your taste preferences.
Cacao Powder and Cacao Nibs
Cacao powder and cacao nibs are seriously healthy and delicious. Unprocessed and unheated contain the most nutrients. Turn your next smoothie into a chocolatey drink by adding either of these ingredients to it and enjoy the flavor and the benefits.
- Cacao powder has large amounts of flavonols which are both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Cacao nibs = crushed cacao beans. They’ve got healthy fat, manganese and fiber and the same healthy properties as cacao powder.
Toss 2-4 tablespoons of cacao powder or nibs in your next smoothie and enjoy a warm and rich chocolate shake! This superfood list can be equally tasty and beneficial, right?
Pro tip: Look for cacao or cocoa that is unsweetened. There’s no need for extra ingredients in the powder as you are adding them to a smoothie that is naturally sweetened.
Anti-Inflammatory Roots
If you struggle with inflammation then this section is for you! Chronic inflammatory diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Many Americans struggle with chronic inflammation, so chances are your body could benefit from greater consumption of natural inflammation-fighting food like fresh ginger and turmeric.
- Ginger has been used in medicine for centuries. It feels a bit like a cure-all ingredient since it can help with nausea, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, blood sugar and more.
- Turmeric’s superpower comes from curcumin. This active ingredient in turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties. This is a fat-soluble compound, so make sure to pair it with healthy fats when consuming.
Adding 1/2 to 1 inch of fresh ginger or turmeric is a great smoothie booster. Just make sure you peel and cut your turmeric on a cutting board because it stains easily!
Fresh Herbs
Herbs are my jam. They’re easy to add to smoothies and meals and make this superfoods list due to their nutrient-dense nutritional profiles.
- Cilantro contains antioxidants that can help ease arthritis.
- Parsley has 383% of the recommended daily value of vitamin K which promotes bone health.
- Mint is a good source of vitamin A and can help your body rid itself of oxidative stress.
- Basil helps ease nausea, stress, cholesterol and dental decay.
If you ever get the urge to start your own garden then I recommend starting with herbs! They are beautiful, easy to grow, can be grown in or outside and make it easy to grab and use in a variety of recipes. These superfoods boost smoothies quickly as well as add great flavor!
Feel free to experiment with the herbs in your garden or at your local farm stand. Surprise yourself with some fun combinations!
Adaptogens
Adaptogens have long been studied for their superfood powers. They make this superfoods list because you can easily add them to smoothies or other beverages to enjoy better focus, less stress and less fatigue.
- Ashwagandha is found in India, Africa and the Middle East. It is a medicinal herb with potent anti-stress properties (who couldn’t use a little more zen in their lives?)
- Ginseng root is an ancient root used in Chinese medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cordyceps is a fungus that can help with oxygen efficiency while exercising as well as properties that are anti-aging and anti-tumor growth.
My friends at Four Sigmatic use the power of mushrooms in many of their delicious mixes to create coffee without crashing as well as beverages that heighten focus or help relax the body.
Immune-Boosting Superfoods
There are many supplements on the market today that promote an immunity boost. Yet I love getting the ultimate boost from natural ingredients, so here are my favorite ways to help my body stay healthy:
- Elderberry has been used for centuries by people throughout North America, Europe, northern Africa and parts of Asia to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling. This isn’t a new remedy. Raw elderberries are poisonous, so make sure they‘re properly cooked before consuming.
- Goji berries are a superfood used in ancient medicine all over Tibet, India, Mongolia, and regions of China. They contain polyphenols which stimulate the detoxification of blood, and also the elimination of carcinogens in the body.
- Oranges are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, thiamine, folate and antioxidants.
Use any of these superfoods for smoothies to give your body the best nutrition this cold and flu season.
Superfood FAQs
Honestly, different superfoods have different super powers. Don’t just try one! My list includes seeds, green tea, fermented food, power berries, algae, cacao, anti-inflammatory roots, fresh herbs, adaptogens and immune boosting foods.
You can add many superfoods to almost any smoothie, no need for a special shake! Yet start with these recipes: honey turmeric smoothie, yogurt smoothie, probiotic smoothie, sauerkraut juice smoothie, cilantro smoothie, chocolate protein shake, orange superfood smoothie.
A little goes a long way… I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of chia, flax, or hemp to 1 serving of smoothie. Most other superfood ingredients will recommend a serving size, so read the label! And you can always start out small then work your way up to a full serving.
Non-Smoothie Uses for Superfood
Superfoods make excellent smoothie ingredients plus, easily add them to a variety of dishes! Here are a few non-smoothie recipes using the ingredients listed above:
- Elderberry popsicles
- Herb pestos
- Ginger switchel
- Hemp heart sauce
- Pumpkin chia pudding
- Chia fresca
- Fudgy brownies
- Carrot ginger soup
What are your go-to superfoods to use in cooking, baking and smoothies? I’d love you to leave a comment and tell me what you love and how you use it!
My son and I love to add mushroom powder to our smoothies!!
thanks for sharing. my tin of chia seeds that has been seating in my kitchen shelf has found new use.
Hi Emmah,
YAY!! We love putting chia seeds to good use + they’re great for your body!
My morning favorites are Chia Seeds in the mornings and Flax Seed with Coconut Water in the afternoons. Getting ready to branch out soon into Goji Berries and Spirulina. I usually make my smoothies as meal replacements, so they tend to have a few more super and dense foods in them.
Hi Jeremy,
I love adding spirulina and goji berries! Not only are goji berries packed with nutrients, but they taste delicious! And spirulina is an amazing source of plant-based protein!
Make sure and reach back out + let me know how you enjoy adding these two to your green smoothies!
We love drinking our fruit/veggie smoothies. That is usually our lunch of choice. Even my grandchildren are on the bandwagon with us. We do add alot of the superfoods to our shakes as well. Especially coconut oil, flaxseeds and gogi berries. Enjoy receiving your recipes for new ideas to keep the interest in staying healthy.
Hi Wanda,
Thanks for blending with us! And love that it’s a family affair!
As far as the cost goes- I do know that spirulina is expensive because of the process it takes to break down the thick cell wall. It’s a single cell protist that packs an amazing punch for our health. In fact, spirulina was going to be used in the 70s to “cure” the world hunger problem (not enough farmland/produce for the growing population) but GMOs were introduced and pond scum just went back to being pond scumb!
Sorry for the overload- I just learned about this with my kids (we Homeschool) in microbiology and we are so excited to see it everywhere now as a superfood!
Thanks for sharing, Mandi!
Hi Mandi,
We homeschool too and learn all sort of interesting and amazing facts as the one you just shared !! My 11 year old is now interested in superfood and kids protein shakes. Lol
As I don’t eat any Veg or Salad and hardly any fruit and I skip breakfast every morning, I am curious could I
Make for e.g. Fruit with some kale and then throw loads of superfood powders and seeds in!?
Like is there a limit to how many powders, seeds u can put into a smoothie/juice!?
This may be a dumb question, but is it ok to mix a few of these superfoods together in your smoothie or should you only use one at a time?
Hi Tosha,
Of course! We love mixing and matching superfoods to meet our personal health needs!
Muy buen articulo, en españa hacemos Apio, zanahoria y naranja con un poco de curcuma, esta delicioso
Yes! Superfoods are a quick and easy way to get some serious nutrients into our body
We love that “superfoods” are multi-taskers—foods brimming with various disease-fighting nutrients, usually without providing too many calories
These super food tend to be more expensive. When you think logically it should be cheaper because less labour and processing involved. Isn’t it so?
Hi Odnoo,
Quality has a lot to do with the price. Also, while there is limited processing, they still need to be harvested, often ground, and packaged.
Hope that helps!
Price is also driven by demand as every class in economics 101 will tell you.
Look out for articles on regional alternatives like black currant instead of Goji berries or blueberries instead of Acai. The nutrional profil is fairly similar and the CO2 footprint makes those much more sustainable. Also, there are a lot of articles on unhealthy residues in those superfoods because everybody jumps on the “health train” and tries to profit from the frenzy.
I am looking for a superfood powder that contains the top ten superfoods and protein. I would take it without the protein if it had only the top ten. Please help.
Thank you
Hi Teresa,
Looking for a great superfood powder? Check out Mega Nutrition Organic Superfoods. We were introduced to it by Simple Green Smoothies’ grandmother, who first introduced her to green smoothies! We love it because it’s packed with superfoods without any yucky additives or added sugar.
Learn more about it here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/
PLEASE CANCEL MY SHAKES. I ASKED YOU TO DO THIS A MONTH AGO. I JUST REFUSED A BOX THAT ARRIVED, NO ROOM IN FREEZER.
THANK YOU
Hi Suzanne,
Oh no! We think you may have reached out to the wrong site. We don’t ship shakes, but we do provide yummy green smoothie recipes!
For me Goji Berries, Avocado and Acai Berrys are the best. I recommend everyone to try them.
Three great choices, Madalina!
This list can be the endless…
By the way you forgot to write that using of flax seeds is very useful for stomach. I often used it for that reason…
Hi Jay,
You’re right. We could go on and on about superfoods. These are just a few of our favorites!
Cheers!
One of the best antioxidants is the Mangosteen Fruit. Nutrients called Xanthones are most prevalent in the mangosteen These Xanthones strengthen the cell walls, help fight against loose radicals and prevent infections from taking place. This process in turn enhances the immune system of the body and aids the metabolic activity. Xanthones may also help people maintain flexible joints and keep lungs healthy. The same anti-inflammatory benefits also contribute to reducing the problems associated with allergies. With Mangosteen Fruit Powder you get a concentrated amount without all the work of processing fresh fruit yourself and it’s great in smoothies. See royaltropics.com.
Hi Peterroy,
Thank you so much for sharing. We love learning more about our community’s favorite superfoods!
These are all awesome superfoods, but how about Maca? I just recently started adding this into my smoothies and it gives a nice little added taste. Plus, it gives a good amount of natural energy. I love it!
Hi Ry,
We love Maca Powder! In addition to the flavor, we love that it’s a natural energy and mood booster. We suggest adding 1/2 tsp to your green smoothie.
Cheers!