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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.
Table of Contents
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!
Hi there lovely people!!!
First of all I want to share that you guys are doing an amazing job!
The 30 days green smoothie project is very healthy, educational, challenging, a very inspiring distraction for me from the 9am to 6am challenge I face from Monday to Friday ;-), interesting,… and all that FOR FREE, brilliant…
I can`t wait for the challenge to start :-). I had a few questions;
I was thinking about substituting a daily meal with a simple green smoothie and wanted to ask you what you could recommend to add (and in which quantities) to the already existing ingredients to transform it into a healthy delicious meal.
Or do the ingredients of the simple green smoothie already consist of a good meal?
A healthy cheers to the green smoothie project and thank you for this fascinating site and challenge!
Hey Lotte.
Thanks for reaching out to us + blending with us!! 🙂 This is not a fast or a restrictive diet, so you can eat regular meals during this challenge. We are making healthy lifestyle changes that will last a lifetime! Our goal for you is to drink at least one 2-cup serving green smoothie a day in addition to your regular diet. If you would like, you can replace 1 or 2 meals with green smoothies. If you drink green smoothies as meal replacements, make sure to add a protein boost (plant-based protein powder, nut milk, nut butter), or snack on some nuts or a hard-boiled egg 30-60 minutes after you drink your green smoothie. Here is a link to our favorite plant based proteins. https://simplegreensmoothies.com/plant-based-protein-powder
Hello,
I’m going to the store to buy things you guys suggested for the green smoothies. I’m totally scared of the taste but I’m a new diabetic so I’m glad to make healthy changes.
Hi Shadeema.
Thank for reaching out to us. Since we are not doctors or nutritionists, we suggest that any member of community with health concerns to speak to their healthcare provider to confirm that green smoothies and the natural sugars are okay for their eating plan. Here is a link to our favorite low sugar fruits.
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/low-sugar-fruits
In regards to Super Foods, I have some ground LSA (Linseed, Sunflower & Almonds) is this ok to use in my Green Smoothies, if so how much should I use for a single serve Smoothie? Thanks
Hi Helen. I would suggesting using the recommended serving size in 16oz as a meal replacement. 🙂
am I supposed to soak the chia seeds before adding? I saw you talk somewhere about it making the smoothie creamy, or using it in place of bananas? Please clarify 🙂
Yes, you can soak chia seeds before. 🙂 It will become a gel like consistency.
I have purchasing different super foods one at a time to add to my smoothies because they can be expensive if you buy them all at once. Was very excited to buy some goji berries and use them in my daily smoothie. But they taste awful. They are bitter, not sweet at all. Do you think I got a bad batch? Hate that I wasted my money. Almost bought cacoa nibs and now I wish I had.
Hey Sally.
Thanks for the comment. Goji berries should be semi sweet, but not sweet like a dried blueberry. If you have a Whole Foods near you, ask if you can sample in their bulk section to compare what you bought.
If in doubt call the number on the back on your bag and speak with them. Healthy food isn’t always the cheapest on the wallet. Best wishes.
I would love to try one of the superfoods like, coconut oil, flax seed or spirulina. Do I add these before or after blending?
Hi LeTreay!
You can add them to your blender or top your green smoothie with them. Things like flax, chia taste great on top of your smoothie but also great blended. 🙂
You are more that welcome to use whatever you would like. 🙂 Our ideas are suggestions. 🙂
Jen and Jadah!! I love your website, it is so helpful and I am obsessed with green smoothies and all your guidance, tips, and recipes! I cannot wait to incorporate some of these awesome super foods into my morning smoothies.
Just one thing….
“And because they are all natural that means they are coming from hard working farmers who take care of their crops and the earth in sustainable ways.”
HOLD UP. That is not what that means.
When food companies market food as “all natural” that only means they are created from natural ingredients. However, these ingredients may still be extremely processed and unhealthy (i.e. all natural potato chips). “All natural” foods are not necessarily organic or GMO free and it definitely does NOT mean that they are sustainably farmed or that the farmers are being paid a fair wage.
Just want to make sure everyone has got their terminology down so we can all make educated and healthy choices, green smoothies and beyond!
Hey Melissa.
Thanks for clarifying that. 🙂 Cheers.
Quick question…I purchased some coconut oil, chia and flax seeds. If I want to add one to a smoothie recipe, how much should I add?
Thanks!
Hi Sally,
A couple tablespoons is great! I would switch things up a bit to see if you like the taste of all of them together. I personally use 2 tbl coconut oil and then swap in chia seeds one day and hemp hearts another. But just see what you like and try to rotate if it starts to taste a little funky. 🙂
Looking forward to starting the challenge in January, I have read all your info pages and a lot of comments but still have two questions.
1. Do the smoothies in the challenge include recipes that have each of the superfoods, herbs, liquid bases and greens you have mentioned? So newbies know what the best combinations?
2. I would like to know if you use aloe vera gel from the plant as an ingredient at all? I’ve seen a few other sites & videos use it and recommend it as a superfood but its not here in your list here. Why not?
Thanks!
Hi Vanessa.
Our recipes for the January Challenge will look like this:
Pineapple Upside Down Cake | serves two
Ingredients
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups almond milk, unsweetened
1 cup pineapple
1 cup cherries, pitted*
1 banana
*Other fruit can be used, such as berries.
directions
1. Blend spinach and almond milk until smooth.
2. Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
*Use at least one frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
If you are drinking green smoothies as a meal replacement we suggest adding a protein to your smoothie.
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/plant-based-protein-powder
Feel free to mix and match the superfoods and proteins as you wish.
You are more than welcome to use aloe vera. We only promote items we personally use, so that is why you don’t see if on here, but if that is something you would enjoy, go for it. 🙂
Thanks for your reply Jessie. What I would like to know is do you guide us as to which of these superfood could be added to which smoothie as a suggestion. I imagine not everything combines well for ideal taste or texture with every smoothie. Also to start with a couple that combine well whichwould you rrecommend?
Very interesting reading here. It’s given me some hope. My son has never really learned to chew lumps and hates the feeling in his mouth. He has been on powdered milk formulas, such as Endure, since birth. He has acute rheumatoid arthritis and is mentally challenged. He is 17 and 152cm tall and weighs 38kg. I want to take him off powdered milk products. He will drink almost anything. What can you suggest? I want him to have a good liquid diet of protein and carbs. Thanks in advance. 🙂
Hi Sue.
Thanks for reaching out to us. Since we are not doctors or nutritionists, we suggest that any member of community with health concerns to speak to their healthcare provider to confirm that green smoothies are best for your son. Here are three links about liquids, healthy fats and proteins we personally enjoy that could possible help on your switch from powdered milk formulas.
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/dairy-free-smoothies
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/healthy-fats
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/plant-based-protein-powder
Great job you hit all points and combined it into an amazing program. I am presently traveling but Am tempted to buy your program.
I am presently having some intestinal challenges. I need more fiber in my diet. Any suggestions?
Hey Sue.
Thanks for the comment. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard are all great sources of fiber. 🙂
Which ones would you recommend to help with tiredness and energy?
Great article btw!
Hi Neil.
Try adding Cacao Powder and Nibs, it always gives my husband a boost of energy. 🙂
Thanks for all the great recipes. I can’t wait to try them. I am about to receive a Ninja with Auto IQ and am so excited to start making green smoothies. I have a few of the superfoods already in my home. I have some frozen fruit as well. I was also happy to see the pre-prep how to page on here. I really wanted to comment about how many people are taking your super healthy recipes and ideas and wanting to go way over board with them. I have doing some research regarding smoothies and their benefits as well as looking at the best blenders. Mine will be a Christmas present from my son. He is super awesome. Anyway, the article was dead on when it mentioned how people tend to take something good and immediately start finding ways to make it bad. Replacing all meals with smoothies is not a good idea and could turn toxic. We are designed to chew our food and should. There are many sources of information regarding the value of eating vegetarian as well as the danger of going completely raw. So many of your commentors fall in the “lets take this way too far” category. I’m sad for them. I am looking for a healthier lifestyle, maybe because I’m older. I have liked veggies for most, not all, of my adult life. (junk food junkie) I am overweight, tired, can’t focus, depressed, etc.etc… I am looking forward to making healthy smoothies and I will be visiting here often for tips and recipes. I need to know how to store the extra serving, and for how long, different flavor ideas, pre-prep ideas and so on. I will also try to take the 30 day challenge. Thank you for creating such an informative site! BTW, I have made a few smoothies but my current blender is of the cheap, low wattage kind and you more or less have to chew them. LOL.
Hi Sheila.
Thanks for reaching out to us. We love hearing from our community. We are super excited that you are receiving a new blender for Christmas! That’s awesome, what a great son! 🙂 Answers for your questions: Some people say you have to drink it “right away” to get the optimal nutrients from each blend. But if left in the fridge over-night for one to three days, the taste and satisfaction is still there. You also may add a small amount of lemon juice to preserve and keep the smoothie blend as fresh as possible. Your body is still reaping the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables even if it is not consumed right away. Also if you would like to prep ahead, here are our tips. 🙂 https://simplegreensmoothies.com/frozen-smoothie-packs
Cheers + Happy Blendin’!
10 points for the pronunciation of Acai!! Very funny
Super helpful post. Now I know how much to add and what they are good for. Thanks!!
🙂 Cheer, Vivi. Enjoy your Acai! 🙂
Hey!
How many of these super foods is ok to use in one smoothie? If I want to use all of these, what would be the best way to do it? The chia is already a staple in my smoothies, now I’m going to start adding the coconut oil, is adding a third one every once in a while too much?
Hey Alex.
We would suggest listening to you body, if two is going great, then try three if you would like. It is up to you! 🙂 Cheers!