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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!
I love just about every superfood add in. Currently hemp seeds, MCT oil & chia. Also, plain kefir. Extra probiotics!
I’m also a huge fan of superfoods in my smoothies, Kimberlee! I use a lot of chia seeds, MCT oil, acai powder, and cacao powder. 🙂
EXCELLENT INFORMATION THANK YOU SO MUCH! ADDING HEMP SEEDS TO MY SMOOTHIES HAS REALLY HELPED ME WITH A LOT OF HEALTH ISSUES!
That’s so great to hear, Sheila!
I just learned that the chia seeds I have been using in the simple green smoothie 10 day challenge is considered a super food. Therefore they are my favorite – there really is no taste, they are inexpensive and super good for you!
the smoothie world #simple green thank you #Simple Green Smoothies AMANDA
You are welcome!!!
Cheers!
what a great site!! thank you #john
Hey thank you for that awesome feedback! We are so excited to have you a part of our rawkstar community!
Hi Jen! I tried this but it was way too thick I had to eat it with a spoon. And even then it tasted very bad and I felt sick after. If this happens, should I add more coconut oil and avocado? Those seemed to be the only “wet” ingredients in this recipe. Thanks! -Geraldine
It sounds like you blended a smoothie out of all the ingredients listed in the article. You should actually add only one or two of these extras typically to a regular smoothie that’s based on whole fruit, greens, water or nut milk for liquid, etc. At the bottom of the blurb about the ingredient is a link to a suggested recipe to add the ingredient to. A note about chia seeds- they do thicken liquids a lot so start with a tablespoon to see how you feel about the consistency. Also whole flax seeds are only good for fiber- the seed coat is not digestible to humans so to get the omega 3 benefits, they must be ground. I hope your next smoothie is yummy so that good nutrition is enjoyable for you!
Hey Geraldine,
Thank you Melanie! You were exactly correct with helping Geraldine. The list here are suggestions to add to your smoothie you already drink so that you can get even more benefits out of it!
Let us know how your next smoothie turns out 🙂
I find the taste is very bad not at all pleasent.. is there a way to make it taste better.
Hey Iris,
I am sorry that you had a bad experience! Have you tried switching up your greens and the super foods to make the best tasty option?! Trying a variety is really great to find what fits your specific needs and your taste buds 🙂
Hi Jen, Currently, my superfoods are whatever your recipes call for! I’m not one who will experiment, but I am one that will follow a recipe to the inth degree. Right now my superfoods are Hempseeds, Avocados, and Coconut Oil. I have to ask, is there such a thing as too many superfoods in one smoothie? How does one decide which superfood to use? Do too many superfoods, too often have any negative affects? Keep up the good work! Since starting and completing the 7-Day challenge and on my 3rd day of Thrive-Summer Cleanse, I am on a mission to get rid of my high cholesterol and acid reflux meds.
Hi Donna,
I love using a variety of superfoods in my green smoothies. Concerned about using too many? Usually – I try to stick with 1-3 superfoods per smoothie and I take a look at each one’s benefits, as I don’t want to repeat them. So if I’m looking for a healthy fat + protein boost, I’ll reach for chia seeds + hemp hearts. Hope that helps!
I grow my own greens indoors which is fun and convenient 🙂 I use the raw cacao every day. The problem I have with some of the other suggestions (like goji) is that it adds a significant number of calories. You can power up your smoothie to the point that it has 600 calories!
hello! I have just recently started making green smoothies.
I have bought a protein (vega one) and have been putting different veggies and fruits together.
is okay to use protein in the shake with chia and maca root? or is this too much of one thing?
Hi Chasity,
I love using a variety of superfoods in my green smoothie. Variety is the spice of life after all. I just try to take a peek at each benefit to ensure I’m not repeating a benefit too much.
Can you use flaxseed, chia seed, ginger powder, moingaleaf powder, Ceylon cinnamon powder and almond milk . With fresh fruits together in a smoothie
Hi Sue,
Everyone can benefit from different superfoods. Just take a peek at the benefits + see what your body needs. I usually try to fuel my body with a variety of superfoods.
My wife was concerned about rotating greens. We understand that part. But what about the other ingredients like spirulina, chlorella, mocha, maca powder, moringa, chia, flax, caoco nibs, etc. I saw you mentioned. Maybe not add Chia seeds with spirulina. What about other ingredients. Sometimes I don’t follow a certain recipe, I just dump these in a mixer and chug it. But is there guidelines to follow for the non-veggie non-fruit ingredients?
Hi Mark,
There’s no exact guideline, but I always follow the thought “variety is the spice of life”. You body loves receiving a variety of ingredients + nutrients – so change it up! 🙂
I add sesame seeds! They’re very healthy. Can’t taste them. Also I recently heard this top but haven’t tried it yet: mashed, cooked sweet potato. Also add peanut butter if you need more calories.
Also, aloe if you can find it in the health food store.
Thanks for sharing, Natalie! We always love hearing about how our community fuels their bodies!
I have many plants. Can I scrape a teaspoonful fresh and use it ?
Hi Deborah,
What plants do you have on hand? We love changing up our leafy greens! You can learn more about our favorites here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens
I mix chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseed, açaí and goji berry powder along with spirulina- all together in my plain Green yogurt and then add to my smoothie. Too much?
HI Pam,
That all sounds good! It’s all about finding the right mix for you + your body!
To what extent do you recommend mixing these? I currently have chia seeds, maca root , goji berries, and camu camu powder in the pantry but scared to mix them.
I have had issues with the camu camu before too…. mouth sores? Have you heard of this?
Hi Alex,
How you mix and match superfoods is really up to you. Chia seeds, maca root, goji berries, + camu camu all offer your body different health benefits, so it’s totally ok to blend them together. I usually try not to repeat superfoods that give the same benefit. For example blending chia seeds, and spirulina all together as they all offer your body protein. Variety is the spice of life after all!
Unfortunately I haven’t heard of mouth sores from camu camu, it’s actually suppose to help heal them. I’d suggest avoiding the superfood until reaching out to your local physical or nutritionist.
We live in the Philippines and are fortunate to have found a great area to live abounding in natures fruits many of which I had never seen before and we are able to get some greens from a neighbouring organic farm but everything is different and we are still trying to understand the tropical greens. is there a good book on the subject?
Hi John,
Interested in learning more about leafy greens? Make sure + check out our post here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens
We go over our favorites + they’re all great additions to your green smoothie!