A-Z smoothie recipes Articles

Smoothies are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to support your health, providing a convenient source of nutrients, hydration, and energy. With the right ingredients, they can become even more potent tools for supporting digestion, immunity, recovery, and overall wellness. Adding targeted supplements to your smoothie is a simple way to boost nutritional value and customize your smoothie to match your specific health goals. 

Let's explore the 7 best supplements to elevate your smoothies and help you get the most out of every blend.

What Supplements Can Enhance My Smoothie?

1. Protein

If you are already doing a whey protein, switch it up. Try a combined vegan protein, using rice, pea, hemp, cranberry, potato, alfalfa, or a combination of all of the above. Combined, these vegan proteins have a similar amino acid profile to whey, but are often easier on the digestive system, especially for those sensitive to dairy products. Protein is necessary for recovery after workouts, supports a healthy metabolism, and helps to regulate blood sugar, among many other benefits.

2. Greens

If you can’t seem to bring yourself to throw a variety of leafy green vegetables into your smoothie everyday (it’s actually not that bad!), then the next best thing is adding a scoop of greens powder. Wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, spinach, beet greens, barley grass, alfalfa, kale, and broccoli are just a few ingredients you may see in a combination greens supplement. In one simple scoop, you are not only increasing your fruit and vegetable intake substantially, but you are supporting your body in its effort to detoxify. The addition of a greens powder to your smoothie routine can lead to increased energy, improved alkalinity, enhanced digestion, and clearer thinking… sounds worth it to me! Many greens supplements come in both liquid and powder formats.

3. Raw Cacao Nibs

This delicious, intensely chocolaty super food has a bit of a bitter taste (we’re used to sweetened chocolate), but packs a punch of antioxidants, not to mention being high in trace minerals such as magnesium and iron. Choco-Coco Monkey Smoothie: Coconut milk, raw cacao nibs, a banana and a chocolate flavoured vegan protein. Yum, yum, yum!

4. Goji Berries

Did you know that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Goji berry or Wolfberry plant has been used for centuries as a means of supporting greater health, vitality, longevity, energy, and stamina? Goji berries add a nice sweet taste to your smoothie, along with a high dose of antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, protein, healthy fat, and soluble fiber. Soak them in a little water to soften them, then throw them (along with the water) right in, and blend!

5. Chia

High in omega-3 fatty acid ALA, chia is a healthy addition to any smoothie. These nutrient-dense seeds are also high in fibre and protein. If you are using chia seeds, its best to consume the smoothie immediately, as it will eventually turn your smoothie into more of a gelatin-like substance, rather than a liquid. This isn’t always a bad thing: did you know you could use ground chia as an egg substitute? 1 Tbsp. ground chia seed mixed with 3 Tbsp. water. Let sit 10 - 15 minutes until it gels. You have the equivalent of one egg for baking.

6. Maca

Maca, or Peruvian ginseng, is not a member of the ginseng family, but is often called such because of its similar action: increasing stamina, energy, and sexual function, as well as balancing hormone levels and supporting healthy blood glucose levels. This superfood is available in powder form, making it an easy and energizing addition to any super smoothie!

7. Fish Oil

In some cases, getting your nutrients through diet is just as easy and can be more beneficial. Throwing sardines into your smoothie is probably not an option, so this is not really one of those cases. Fish oil has changed. If you haven’t tried some of the new fish oils on the market, you are missing out. They are great tasting and very smooth, with no repeating. DHA and EPA, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are virtually impossible to get from any other source and are so immensely important for cognitive development, cardiovascular health, the immune system, mood and more. Try it. You’ll like it. Always add fish oil as the last ingredient in your smoothie, after you have finished blending.

Whether you're training for strength, endurance, or simply trying to recover faster after exercise, the right smoothie recipe can be an easy way to fuel your body with protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrients in one convenient meal. Research shows that combining protein with carbs around workouts may support muscle recovery and glycogen replenishment, while nutrient-dense ingredients like fruit, vegetables, yogurt, seeds, and plant proteins can help fill common nutritional gaps. In fact, health data shows that only about 1 in 10 adults consume enough fruits and vegetables daily, making workout smoothies a practical way to boost nutrient intake while supporting performance goals. From post-workout recovery blends to protein-packed breakfast options, these smoothie recipes are designed to help you recover, refuel, and stay consistent with your fitness routine.

6 Preworkout Smoothie Recipes

1. Banana Walnut Smoothie

Did you know that bananas are often referred to as nature's PowerBar? Meaning, you can't go wrong if you toss one in your pre-workout smoothie! Loaded with digestible carbohydrates and potassium, it helps you get the most out of your muscle function and gives you the energy to stay motivated during your whole workout. Incorporating the walnuts adds a nice, rich flavour to your smoothie, and gives you a much needed boost of Omega-3s and antioxidants – ones that help boost heart health, hello cardio!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups skim milk
• 1 large banana
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Handful walnut pieces

2. Peanut Butter Oat Smoothie

Feeling sluggish? This smoothie (that could double as a thick shake for your after-dinner snack) will wake up your insides! Oats are jam-packed full of fibre, which may seem like it could make you more sluggish, but the steady release of carbohydrates into your bloodstream means you'll maintain a consistent energy level throughout your workout. Oats also contain vitamin B, making their conversion to energy that much easier – bonus!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (skim, almond, coconut/ rice)
• 1 medium banana (frozen or ripe)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (or any nut butter)
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats

3. Spinach Class Smoothie

Assuming you all remember the spinach-eating, iron-seeking Popeye, we shouldn't have to tell you how good it is for making you big and strong. But for fun, we will remind you that spinach is also a great source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. But wait, there's more. /articles/supplements/chia/Take this smoothie to a whole new level. With its high-kick punch of protein, fibre and overall superfood goodness, you'll be through your workout before you even know what hit you!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup frozen mango
• 1 banana
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 tsp chia seeds

4. Blueberry Smoothie

This blue-dream is a perfect pre-workout start. The honey offers a natural punch of sugar, giving you the energy to carry on through your routine, while the blueberries offer a high source of antioxidants. Now this is the best part - the added algae greens of spirulina are going to give you a wide range of proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins and the list goes on and on. To put it short and sweet, this smoothie encompasses a great natural boost in energy needed before you workout.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)
• 3/4 cup yogurt (plain/vanilla)
• 2 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp spirulina
• Crushed ice

5. Kale and Kiwi Smoothie

Adding greens to your smoothie is a fool-proof way to guarantee you get enough vegetables, and the best part: they taste delicious! Kale has recently gained in popularity due in part to its famous nutritional benefits. Your muscles will be happy to know that they're getting a high dose of iron, and you'll be happy to hear that you aren't adding any extra calories to your smoothie by tossing some in [one cup of kale has 36 calories, 5 grams of fibre and 0 grams of fat]. The bitterness of the kale is broken up by the sweetness of the kiwi, and the nut butter gives you some much-needed protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups skim milk
• 2 cups kale stems and leaves
• 1 kiwi fruit, peeled
• 1 Tbsp smooth unsalted peanut butter
• 1 tsp agave nectar, honey or maple syrup

6. Tropical Mango Madness Smoothie

Can't live without your morning glass of orange juice – then you'll love this citrus burst smoothie. The oranges give the obvious dose of vitamin C and carbs, which keep you going through a workout, while the grapefruit brings levels of iron, calcium and manganese to the table. The greek yogurt gives your stomach a break from the citrus and packs in the probiotics, while still adding a nice smoothie-like texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 2 cups frozen mango chunks
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 20 seedless grapes
• 6 ice cubes

Post-Workout Pineapple Smoothie

Recovering after a workout will never be an issue as long as you suck this baby back. The vitamin and mineral count in the pineapples will help your muscles, while the pinch of maca will give you that extra boost so you don't feel like hitting the couch the minute you get home. By using coconut water, you're getting 15x more potassium than a sports drink, which helps hydrate your body quicker, and the natural electrolytes help keep you hydrated longer. It also helps reduce muscle cramps and adds a nice flavour to your smoothie. Coconut water will soon become your new best friend.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple
• 1 banana
• 1 tbsp maca
• 2 tbsp brown rice protein
• 1 cup coconut water
• Crushed ice
• Adding Protein to your smoothie is another way to boost your efforts at the gym.