If you have tried many smoothie recipes, you’ve likely used water or milk as a liquid base. However, it’s worth expanding your horizons and trying some lesser-known options. In this article, we will talk about the best liquid bases to enhance your smoothie experience.
Switching up the liquids you use in your smoothies can be helpful! It lets you get a range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Just keep in mind that some bases might not work for everyone – like if you’re vegan or have trouble with lactose, there are certain options you’ll want to avoid.
But without further ado, here are the best options to use as a liquid base for your smoothies:
See the overview here
Filtered Water
Filtered water is a popular choice for smoothie bases because it’s hydrating, helps flush out toxins, and aids in nutrient absorption. It works great with fruits and veggies and always yields fantastic results. Adding a splash to your smoothies can help achieve your desired texture and boost nutrient intake. Give it a try!
Coconut Water
Another liquid you can add to your smoothies is coconut water. Its natural isotonic properties, electrolyte content, and superior hydration abilities have gained popularity. Using coconut water as a base will help you rehydrate quickly and naturally. Don’t hesitate to incorporate this fantastic ingredient for a healthy, organic, and energizing smoothie.
Coconut water has a delightful and refreshing taste with a hint of nuttiness. It’s usually sweet, but the flavor can vary depending on factors like where the palm tree grows, the soil’s saltiness, climate, and distance from the ocean.
When purchasing coconut water from the supermarket, remember that high-quality coconut water should only contain one ingredient: coconut water. It’s important to keep an eye out for preservatives such as citric acid or sodium benzoate, which are often added to extend shelf life and reduce corporate costs.
Fresh Juices
Alternatively, you can use fresh juices to enhance your smoothies’ taste while boosting your vitamin intake. They make for a perfect liquid base that blends well with various fruits and vegetables, making it easy to create delicious and nutritious drinks.
If you want the tastiest fresh juice for your smoothie, go straight to the source and juice the fruit yourself. You can either squeeze it by hand or use a juicer. But if you’re purchasing bottled juice from the supermarket, remember to check for additional details aside from the ingredients. Keep an eye out for labels that state “100% real fruit juice” or “not from concentrate,” as well as certifications such as USDA Organic.
Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is definitely one of the top choices as it adds a creamy texture that’s hard to resist and pairs well with a variety of non-citrus or acidic fruits. Plus, drinking milk has numerous benefits – it’s rich in calcium, which helps keep bones strong, and contains essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Cow’s Milk is available in a variety of forms, including skim milk, low-fat milk, and whole milk.
Almond Milk
In recent years, almond milk has become a go-to liquid for blending smoothies. It’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant and adds a creamy texture to your drink. Not only is it highly nutritious with vitamins and minerals, but it’s also low in calories. Plus, if enriched, it can provide calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong bones. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy addition to your smoothie, almond milk is definitely worth considering!
Soy Milk
Soy milk is a lactose-free smoothie base option that’s definitely worth a try. Not only it offers a unique flavor, but it’s also packed with benefits like calcium, protein, potassium, and iron. Plus, it’s perfect for adding creaminess to your smoothies as a liquid base. If you’re a vegetarian, soy milk is one of the best options you can try.
Here are a few notes to keep in mind:
- Flavored Soy milk can have a high sugar level, so choose unsweetened and unflavored when possible.
- It’s better if you can get an organic option, as regular soybeans are often genetically modified.
Give it a shot and see what you think!
Coconut Milk
If you want to make a deliciously creamy smoothie packed with flavor, then coconut milk could be a good liquid base. It contains protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, and it’s also loaded with other important nutrients. However, one thing to keep in mind is that coconut milk is very rich in calories. One (1) cup (240 g) of coconut milk contains about 552 calories! So although delicious, if you want to lose weight, it would be best to use coconut milk as an occasional treat.
Rice Milk
This refreshing liquid base for smoothies comes straight from rice and boasts a unique, delicious flavor. Rice milk provides a punch of Vitamins A, B-12, and D, and it’s also a great source of calcium. Perfect for people that are lactose intolerant, have gluten allergies, and anyone who suffers from heavy digestion, rice milk is easy to digest and a great addition to any diet.
Oat Milk
Like whole grain oats, oat milk contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower LDL cholesterol and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, fortified oat milk also provides essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium to support strong bones.
Oat milk has a similar taste to dairy milk but with a sweeter touch. Its texture is also richer and creamier. Some people notice a subtle oat flavor in the aftertaste, which adds to its pleasant taste.
Green Tea
Looking for a liquid base that packs a caffeine punch for your smoothies? Look no further than green tea! Not only will it give you an energy boost, but it’s also loaded with antioxidants that are great for your health. While it might not be the creamiest option out there, it can definitely help you achieve the texture you’re after. And the best part? It’s totally cholesterol, fat, and calorie-free, making it an excellent choice for your smoothie.
Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is been all the rage lately, and for good reason. Not only does it contain the same health benefits as green tea, but it also packs a higher dose of caffeine to help boost your energy. If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to detox and rev up your metabolism, Matcha tea should be your go-to ingredient. Plus, it’s a great source of fiber and vitamins, and can even improve your concentration. So, let’s raise a glass (or blender) to Matcha tea and all its amazing benefits!
Black Coffee
For an energizing smoothie, Black Coffee can be a great choice! It contains caffeine, which is known to boost brain function and improve concentration. Plus, it can even help lift your mood, fight mild depression and be beneficial for those who suffer from asthma. Additionally, coffee is full of antioxidants and that could contribute to cancer prevention. So next time you make a smoothie, consider using coffee as your base!
In conclusion, there are a variety of great liquid options to choose from when making smoothies. Whether you’re looking for an energy boost from matcha tea or green tea, hydration from coconut water, or a protein punch from cow’s milk, there’s a liquid out there to suit your needs.
Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you! Ultimately, the best liquid for your smoothie comes down to personal preference and dietary restrictions. So grab your blender and start mixing up some delicious and nutritious smoothies today!
