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.
- Açaà 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 have been feeling very tired and with low energy these past few months. Thanks to a co-worker I learned about the green smoothie challenge. looking for a good way to change my diet and trying a few of the super foods in my smoothies.
Now for my question: As for the flax seeds, I have read that flax seeds are more effective in powder form. should I buy the seeds and grind the seeds, or buy in powder form and store in the refrigerator?
thanks,
Regina
Hi Regina,
So glad you found us!
As far as the flax seeds, it is always best to buy whole and grind your own as they spoil faster when they’re already ground. But, if you must buy ground, keep in fridge or freezer to extend their shelf life. 🙂
I have a question regarding the fiber content. Maca powder is said to be a good source of fiber, among other things. When I go to to the Nativa website, for example, the nutritional info the serving size says 1g of fiber. Is there something wrong?
Hi Carla!
Where did you hear that maca is filled with fiber? To our understanding, that isn’t one of it’s top nutrients.
Hi! I bought coconut butter, instead of oil. Are the benefits the same? What are the proportions?
Hi!
That’s a good question that we’ll have to look into, Lor. I don’t believe they are the same, but not sure of all the differences.
I am a NEWBIE at smoothies green or otherwise, my question is, do you grind the chia seeds first or are they small enough to just blend with the other items?
Thanks,
Looking forward to making my first smoothie soon.
Hi Teshawn!
You can blend them up, sprinkle them on top, or even soak them for 15 minutes in water to help them gelatinize before blending!
hi I am from india. ome of the powders r not available in india. can u suggest me some ideas
Can you mix them all in your smoothies every time you drink them? Is there a required amount per day?
Hi Jennifer!
We definitely wouldn’t recommend mixing all of them in at once—usually two at the most.
You don’t have to use any of them at all, but if you feel you need a boost of a certain nutrient, then go ahead and add some as often as you see fit.
The top two reviews on the maca powder are one star and they say it shouldn’t be eaten raw. Do you have thoughts on this?
I decided to be safe and go with the gelatinized powder.
Hi Megan,
We don’t use maca very often… We try to follow what Navita’s Naturals says about it:
We have just started using coconut oil in our house. Mostly we just drop a big spoonful on top of roasted vegetables when they come out of the oven and let it melt. Should we melt coconut oil before adding to our smoothies? Or just put a big blob in?
Many thanks.
Hi Julie!
If you melt it, it will most likely harden pretty quickly while blending (if any of your contents are cold). So melting, to us, seems a bit unproductive. It may help with blending it a bit quicker, but not by much.
Since I’m new to all of this, I want to order nearly all of the superfoods you list here… but I keep making the mistake of actually reading the Amazon reviews for each. It sounds like Navitas has poor quality control, a lot of the products have reviews about either finding worms/bugs in the bag, or even several pellets of rat poop.
Do you actually consume Navitas products daily, of your own decision, or are these sponsored/affiliated recommendations? If you use them, have you ever had any issues with the products?
Hi Nick!
This is a great question, so thanks for asking 🙂 We don’t have any kind of affiliation with Navitas or any of the other brand names that we recommend on this list (though I think Navitas is the main recommendation). We suggest Navitas because we love using their products! I haven’t seen those reviews before, nor have either of us ever encountered worms, bugs, rat poop, etc. (at least, not to our knowledge). Thanks for bringing it up, though! We’ll keep our eyes open, for sure.
Thanks! Just ordered six of these (hemp powder, acai, maca, camu, goji, coconut oil). Went with a different brand for the Goji Berries, just to be safe.
Healthworks brand Goji berries:
I think I might try what another commenter suggested and blend these all up (minus the oil), put them in a jar, and add a scoop to my smoothie mix. Sounds easier than measuring each of them individually and possibly overusing. Hopefully they all keep well being together.
Hi Nick,
I’ve been using Nativas Naturals products for many years now. I’ve used many of their different superfoods and have never had a problem. I too love their products.
Wich products do you normally use??
I have been reading up on the Chia seeds and I’ve read to soak them overnight. Is this something that you do for your smoothies?? Is it beneficial to put in blender with other ingredients? Could I eat them without soaking them?
Thank You, for always replying and giving advice 🙂
Vivian
You can do it either way, Vivian! Soaking makes them more gel-like, but doesn’t really affect the nutritional content.
I have 8 super foods I mix in a small container. Then when I fix my smoothies I put a scoup or 2 in. The 8 that I mix are Chlorella, Moringa, Maca, Spirulina, Cacao, Wheatgrass, Camu-Camu, and Acai.
Very interesting!
Hi Megan,
Great questions! You can incorporate any of these into your green smoothies but we always suggest just starting out with a tiny amount first, then add more as needed. Sometimes the super foods over power the green smoothies and a little goes a long way.
I would use the cacao nibs for very sweet smoothies and the others in pretty much anything else. Hope that helps! 🙂
Megan,
What do u mix the chia,coconut oil and flax seed in every shake u drink? Im also wondering what type of Chia seeds do you buy? I wentonline to order but was a bit confused since there was white,milled and black chia seeds. Can you help??
Thanks,
VIVIAN
You can buy any chia seeds white or black is fine. 🙂
I’m currently using maca powder, flax meal, chia seeds and acai in my green smoothies and they taste so good. I’m also adding turmeric. I’ve been suffering from low energy and fibromyalgia and I am so thankful for these superfoods because I feel so much better and the pain is gone. they will be staple food in my pantry for me and my family
That’s awesome, Maricris! 🙂
Thanks for the informative article. I purchased and used some hemp seed in my green smoothie. Found it left very bad breath, is this normal? Should it not be mixed with certain things? Is there anything else I can use it in/for where that won’t be a problem? If I don’t find a solution, I will be returning the hemp and keep trying other superfoods. I have been using chia seed for a while with no problems.
Sharon, if you find that you don’t like the hemp seed, then go with something else 🙂
Hi, I am new to smoothies, and this is what I am adding. Can u tell me if this is too many superfoords? Thanks, Spinich/kale mix, bananna, small amt of frozen fruits,Tab of flax, teas of Goji Berries, Tab of Maca powder, and some coconut water.
Sounds like a great combination, Phyllis!