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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’m experimenting with superfood additions and have bought chia, flax and hemp seeds to add to smoothies. I just made a smoothie using all three, am I going overboard? Do I need all in together or should i just use one or two at a time?
Hey Elaine,
Thanks for the comment, if you are new to superfoods, I would suggest trying one at a time, then you can figure out what you enjoy most. After that, you can combine and find the best combination for you. 🙂
I have been trying green smoothies for breakfast for the last few days, and have noticed that I do not feel hungry during lunch.
Is there any risk if I skip lunch or do the smoothies have the required protein, etc in it to allow me to skip lunch as well as breakfast?
Hey Adzam!
Thanks for the comment. How much are you consuming for breakfast? Our smoothie recipes make about 4-5 cups (32oz – 40oz). Jadah drinks at least 2 cups (16 oz) everyday in the morning as a breakfast meal replacement. Jen drinks hers for lunch or sometimes as a mid morning snack Since green smoothies are full of fiber, they keep us both full for a while. If either of us needs afternoon pick-me-ups, we have been known to make another green smoothie later in the day instead of drinking a caffeinated beverage.
ok, ignore my last comment…..just reread about the individual ingredients and saw the suggested amounts. Sorry, and thanks again!
🙂
I need measurement suggestions. I did see it fort the goji berries, but how much for chia seed or some of the others. I have a recipe for a chia seed pudding and it calls for 3-4 tbsp. depending on the consistency you want, but that seems like a lot for a smoothie. Please help me, I am a recipe follower until I am comfortable using an ingredient new to me ;-). Thank-you!!!
Wonderful, glad you got your answer. 🙂
Enjoy!
I am just building my life into a situation where the Smoothies will be second nature to me. Yet I have type2 diabetic. Do I need to know different ingredients for my smoothies? I’m really excited to get started!
Thank you both.
Hey Emma!
Thanks so much for you questions. We are glad you are joining us! 🙂 Unfortunately we are not doctors or nutritionist, but here is a link to our favorite low sugar fruits. Please ask you healthcare provider what fruits and veggies would be good to consume for diabetes and we can go from there to help guide you to the best smoothies. Hope that helps. 🙂 https://simplegreensmoothies.com/low-sugar-fruits
I thought to really get the benefit of flax you had to use the grounds. As I understood it, the seeds don’t break down in the body. I’m sure it would be easy enough to add the grounds to a smoothie but I was wondering if you’ve heard this too. Thoughts?
Hey Jess!
Thanks for the question. We enjoy flax as the ground form. When taking flaxseed as a SuperFood, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises using it in its ground form, and then taking between 1 and 2 tbsp. per day. Hope that helps.
Do you have any recipes that include spirulina? I have a hard time finding any!
Hey Maria!
You can added 1 serving to any smoothie that you are already consuming, we do not have a specific recipe for spirulina at this time. 🙂
I am diabetic and have high cholesterol. What smoothie would you recommend for me.
Hey La Juan.
Unfortunately we are not doctors or nutritionist, but here is a link to our favorite low sugar fruits. Please ask you healthcare provider what fruits and veggies would be good to consume for diabetes and high cholesterol and we can go from there. Hope that helps. 🙂 https://simplegreensmoothies.com/low-sugar-fruits
Unfortunately I have a summer cold. Is there a receipt for a green smoothie that will help it to run it’s course ?
Thanks,
Hey Sharon.
Have you checked out our Lemon, Ginger, and Honey?
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/ginger-lemon-honey-tea
Feel Better Soon! 🙂
Hi there- do you have a list of tried and true suggested smoothie recipes to help incorporate these super foods? Things like coconut oil and chia seeds are easy for me but when it comes to Acai and spirulina, I lack much creativity. Help? Thanks!!
Hey Amy.
I would suggest trying one at a time if you are new to SuperFoods. 🙂 Use the suggested amount on the package for 1 serving. Then you can test the taste and texture of each one. 🙂 I love Chia Seeds. Sprinkle them on top of your smoothie, then consume them as you drink. 🙂 Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Here is a recipe with coconut oil: https://simplegreensmoothies.com/coconut-oil-smoothie
Hi Ladies,
Thanks for an terrific article! It was easy to read and very informative. I just tried out chia seed for the first time. I made chia pudding. Can’t wait to incorporate it into my smoothies and now I’m excited to try some of the other Superfoods. Thanks for being so rawkin awesome! Your smoothies have changed my life :0)
AWE! Thanks so much Tamara! 🙂 We are happy you are apart of Simple Green Smoothie Community. 🙂
Hi guys!
Love your website! Just wondering if there is a limit to the number of superfoods to each smoothie. For example, is having avocado, chia seeds, goji berries and flax seeds in one smoothie considered too much? Or should I only have a maximum eg.2 super foods in each smoothie?
Thanks!
Good morning Adzam!
Thanks for the question. I personally only put, 1 to 2 superfoods in each of my smoothies. Bringing superfoods into your green smoothies is really all about knowing how to use them and knowing what you need in your diet. It is important to find superfoods that enhance the flavor and consistency of your smoothies, and work with your mix, but just as important to incorporate the superfoods that give you the nutrients you are looking for. Nothing beats finding that perfect combination of taste and nutrition to help you eat healthy and help our world. Hope that helps.
Yesss!
My 2 personal favorites on this list are coconut oil & spirulina. Super green foods are what we are designed to have.
If you cut my veins; I would bleed green 0_0
Glad you enjoy superfoods, SuperfoodGuy! 🙂
Hello Ladies!
Just writing to say I’m obsessed with your website! I have always been a green smoothie lover and maker, but your recipes streamline everything and so far, every one I have tried is better than the last. Thank you soo much! At the moment, after a summer of not so careful eating, I am using green smoothies to jump start weight loss. Can any of you comment on the caffeine habit situation? I have a strong cup in the morning and am not so willing to give it up. Do any of you have coffee? Do you think it is a necessary thing to give up?
Happy Smoothie Making!
Emily
Hey Emily!
So glad you are enjoying Simple Green Smoothies. Our smoothie recipes make about 4-5 cups (32oz – 40oz). Jadah drinks at least 2 cups (16 oz) everyday in the morning as a breakfast meal replacement. Jen drinks hers for lunch or sometimes as a mid morning snack Since green smoothies are full of fiber, they keep us both full for a while. If either of us needs afternoon pick-me-ups, we have been known to make another green smoothie later in the day instead of drinking a caffeinated beverage. Jen loves a cup of coffee every once in a while. The only time we ask to give up coffee is if you participate in the Fresh Start Cleanse. 🙂 Hope that helps.
Hello to all you!
I stumble on your website very early this morning because yesterday I started my green smoothies to help lose weight. I was going to take a quick look but I was on for almost 2 hours. I want to tell this is awesome and great recipes. I just had to tell you that how you did the super foods list is excellent. I love chai seed but I was looking to learn more about the others. This is great and one of thing I was wondering about coconut oil, but not now I am going to buy some to use in my smoothies.
Thank you for doing such a great job and looking out for all of us who are trying to go green…
You all Rock Big Time!!
Andrea S.
AWWW! Thanks so much Andrea!!!
Do you have any recommendations for new post we could do? Anything you are interested in us answering?
Thanks for checking our site.
Hey Linda! We prefer to avoid soy and animal products, but that’s just our personal preference; if you enjoy these foods, feel free to use them in your green smoothie creations. We recommend staying away from highly-processed soy products which can interfere with nutrient absorption and leach nutrients from your body. Small amounts of organic, non-GMO soy are fine. Hope that helps. 🙂