Top 10 Superfoods List: Supercharge Your Smoothies

Table of Contents

1. What is a Superfood?
2. Top 10 Superfoods List for Smoothies
3. 1. Protein-Packed Seeds
4. 2. Green Tea and Matcha
5. 3. Fermented Veggies
6. 4. Power-Bursting Berries
7. 5. Nutrient-Rich Ocean Algae
8. 6. Raw Unsweetened Cacao
9. 7. Anti-Inflammatory Roots
10. 8. Flavor-Packed Fresh Herbs
11. 9. Stress-Busting Adaptogens
12. 10. Immune-Boosting Superfoods
13. Common Questions

Smoothies are a fantastic way to pack a nutritional punch into a delicious and convenient drink. But why settle for just fruits and veggies when you can elevate your smoothies with powerful superfoods? My Top 10 Superfoods List includes nutrient-dense ingredients with a range of health benefits, from boosting your energy to supporting your immune system.

Top 10 Superfoods List for Smoothies

Superfood is a buzzword that you’ve most likely heard, but 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?

These 10 superfoods for smoothies are definitely worth the hype. The can give you powerful boost when it comes to extra protein, healthy fat, energy, minerals and more. The following superfoods list focus on boosters for smoothies that are nutritious ingredients you can toss in smoothies to supercharge it.

1. 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.

How to use: Add a tablespoon or two directly to your smoothie. Flax and chia seeds can also be soaked in water for a few minutes to create a gel-like consistency, adding extra thickness.

2. Green Tea and Matcha

These affordable green teas are packed with antioxidants, particularly EGCG, which has been linked to improved metabolism, focus, and protection against chronic diseases. Matcha offers a more concentrated dose of nutrients as you consume the entire leaf.

• 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.

How to use them: Start with ½ to 1 teaspoon of matcha or brewed and cooled green tea. Be mindful of the caffeine content, especially if you’re sensitive.

3. Fermented Veggies

Incorporating a small amount of fermented vegetables like sauerkraut or kimchi juice into your smoothie might sound unusual, but it’s a fantastic way to boost your gut health. They are rich in probiotics, which support a healthy microbiome, improve digestion, and even influence your mood. 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.

How to use them: Start with a tablespoon or two of the liquid from your fermented veggies. The tangy flavor can be surprisingly complementary to fruity smoothies.

4. Power-Bursting Berries

Berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and goji berries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They help protect your cells from damage, support brain health, and contribute to a healthy immune system.

• Wild blueberries (think tiny!) are higher in antioxidants.
• 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.
• Cranberries are a UTI-fighting, immune-boosting berry. Since they are really only found in winter, binge on them during this season!

How to use them: Fresh or frozen berries work perfectly in smoothies. Experiment with different combinations for flavor variety.

You can also make antioxidant smoothie cubes and toss them into your next smoothie for some extra antioxidant love.

5. Nutrient-Rich Ocean Algae

Spirulina and chlorella are types of blue-green algae packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are known for their detoxifying properties, immune-boosting effects, and ability to support energy levels.

• 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.
• 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.

How to use them: Start with ½ to 1 teaspoon of powdered algae. The flavor can be strong, so pair it with other flavorful ingredients like berries or cacao.

6. Raw Unsweetened Cacao

Raw cacao powder is a rich source of antioxidants, magnesium, and iron. It offers a delicious chocolatey flavor without the added sugars and processed ingredients found in conventional chocolate. It can also boost your mood and energy levels.

• 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.

How to use them: Look for cacao or cocoa that is unsweetened. Add a tablespoon or two to your smoothie for a decadent and healthy treat.

7. Anti-Inflammatory Roots

Turmeric and ginger are potent anti-inflammatory roots that can add a warm and spicy kick to your smoothies. They can help reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and support digestion. Chronic inflammatory diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide—let’s change that!

• 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.

How to use them: Add a small piece of fresh turmeric or ginger, or use a ½ teaspoon of powdered versions. Pair them with fruits like mango or pineapple for a balanced flavor.

8. Flavor-Packed Fresh Herbs

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs in your smoothies! Mint, parsley, cilantro, and basil can add a refreshing and unique flavor profile while providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• 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.

How to use them: Add a small handful of fresh herbs to your blend. Start with milder herbs like mint and gradually experiment with others.

9. Stress-Busting 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. I only have one recipe that incorportates them currently, which is my Adrenal Fatigue Smoothie.

• 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.

How to use them: Start with ½ to 1 teaspoon of powdered adaptogens. Research the specific benefits of each adaptogen to choose the best one for your needs.

10. Immune-Boosting Superfoods

Adding ingredients packed with vitamin C and other immune-supporting nutrients to your smoothie can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Here’s my favorite superfoods to add to smoothies:

• 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.

Ultimately, the “best” superfood list for you depends on your individual dietary needs and health goals. A diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, including a variety of so-called “superfoods,” is the most effective way to optimize your health.